This ones for the girls..

"Does this outfit make me look fat?"

"Is this too short?"

"Is this too tight?"

"Does my butt look big in this?"

"Which shoes should I wear?"

How many women have ever been guilty of asking any of these questions? I'd venture to say most of us. I'm very careful to ask these questions of my husband not for fear of what he might say, but because he has absolutely no fashion sense whatsoever! This is the reason my sister-in-law and mom are called when Christmas approaches!

Here very soon Halle is going to be left with Jake all by herself. I have a shopping trip planned with the girls and I have a conference at the lake next week. So I was wondering, "What is she going to look like while I'm gone?" I have to admit I'm a little nervous. After all, I am the one that picks out clothes each day and fixes hair. So, the thought of Halle and Daddy all alone reminded me of the times I was left alone with my dad. It was always a great time because we never heard,"Empty the stairs! or Empty the dishwasher!" We just had fun!! I'm sure the house was a disaster much like mine will be when I return. But, I especially remember when dad fixed my hair. My ponytail was low and loose! Ugh! I hated low-loose ponytails!! Lol

As I grew up, I always depended on mom to tell me what looked good before I went out. I would ask these questions that we all have asked. I trusted her opinion! But, when mom wasn't there I had to settle for dad's opinion.

This was his answer every time..."Well, if you have to ask, it probably is." What great advice! So, now if I'm feeling fat in an outfit or if I wonder if something is too tight, I always remember what dad said and....I change!! Thanks, Dad!! ;)

My dad may kill me for this but it's crazy how much Halle looks like me!!;)

I'll Never Understand

There are things that happen in this disgusting world that I will never understand. Here are a few things on my mind today...

Here it goes...

We all heard the horror story unravel with baby Tyler Dasher. I was sickened to hear that this poor baby was missing from his crib that day. AND even more sickened to hear that his own mother took his life and dumped him like garbage in a nearby park. It was a very tough thing to swallow for us all. But, it struck a nerve with me. There are SOOOO many people that are unable to have children. People that would be excellent parents. People who can financially take care of their children...people who don't depend on others to raise their children. People who would nurture and love their child unconditionally. It breaks my heart and I just don't understand how we can have that kind of evil living in this world.

I am faced each day with children who live in horrible situations. Poor kids who go to bed hungry. They don't get attention at home. They don't have clothes or shoes that fit. They are abused and neglected. Why? I just don't understand.

There are pregnant women who don't take care of their bodies. They abuse drugs and alcohol. Why? I just don't understand.

All of these situations are horrific. They break my heart...more so now, than ever before!

Jake and I have been trying to conceive for 6 months now. I finally feel like I am ready to talk about how I'm feeling. Up until this point, just my close family and friends are really the only ones that know what is going on. I feel like they get tired of hearing about my troubles so I need a place that I can just "vent."

The past few months have been an emotional roller coaster. Each month, it is hard to bare the disappointment. I am so thankful for my little blessing of Halle. I'm so glad that God trusted me and picked me to be her mommy. So many things go through my mind with each disappointment. I think to myself..."Do I not deserve another baby?" I've begged God...I've had heart to heart talks with Him...and each time I feel a peace come over me. I know that HE is in control. Everyone says, "His timing is perfect." God is faithful...I know all of these things. I have complete faith that we will have another child. That God will bless us again with the perfect baby at the perfect time. It's just funny how we think we have everything planned out. I knew exactly how many years I wanted between children. We tried to be the responsible adults and put enough space between so that we were able to afford daycare. But, God's plans don't always coincide with ours. I once made the statement, "People plan and God laughs." Oh how true this is.

I'm amazed at how many people I talk to that have gone through similar situations or are currently going through it with me. I can't stress enough how thankful I am for the 3 year old miracle that brings joy to my life each and everyday. I just pray that God will choose to bless us again. Until then, I will keep my faith and trust in our LORD!!

Vegas

A few years ago, Jake and I had just sold our house and we were living in the upstairs of my parents house with our 18 month old baby. It wasn't an ideal situation but we were at a crossroads in our life and we weren't exactly sure which way to go. Our anniversary came and went and we were disappointed that we weren't able to do anything special. I remember driving home from Farmington through St. Joe State Park when we made the decision from that point on we were going to go to a new city each year to celebrate our anniversary. Last year, we chose Chicago. Neither of us had been and it was a blast. I have to say, I always get a little nervous going to new places because of the fear of the "unknown."

We decided on Vegas this year. I'm not really sure why. Afterall, neither of us gamble or drink. But it was a place that was definitely on our "Bucket List." Everyone asked me, "What are you guys going to do there?" I didn't know but I was sure that we could find something to do and I knew just being away--alone--together would be enough to make me happy.

I was a little stressed about the airport security. We got through without a problem at all. It was quick and painless. We flew Southwest airlines because the "Bags Fly Free" but we decided next time we will pay more to fly more comfortable. The flight there was extremely cramped and the way they do seating is not my style. I felt like I had to fight for a seat and I was nervous we wouldn't get to sit together.

Once we reached Vegas we hopped in a taxi and made it to our hotel. I have to say The Venetian was absolutely gorgeous! They had very nice rooms. We went out and walked along the strip they first evening. It was so pretty. All the lights from the hotels and casinos were gorgeous. We definitely saw a lot of things and quickly understood why Vegas has coined the phrase, "Sin City." It probably didn't help that we were there on Halloween weekend. We found a little concession stand on the strip and got food and sat along the sidewalk and watched all the craziness. At times I laughed and other times I cringed. My heart broke a few times especially when I would see the children alongside doing random things for money. I can't imagine living that life, let alone my child.

The highlight of our trip was definitely renting a car and exploring a little part of Nevada. I never realized just how beautiful it was there. We got to see the Hoover Dam and we went to Red Rock Canyon, which was gorgeous!!

Overall, it was a great trip. We got to celebrate the big Cardinal win with a bunch of Texas fans...it was GREAT!! :)

Be still...

I have so much on my mind these days!

First quarter is nearing an end! I can't believe it! In some ways it seems like it has taken forever but on the other hand I am 1/4 of the way finished with the year!

It has been quite the stressful year so far! My class is wonderful! I've been blessed yet again with a great group of kids! It has been quite challenging though. In 8 years, I've never felt this overwhelmed! We have a lot on our plate and our teachers are doing an amazing job keeping up with the tasks! I am so blessed to have such great coworkers! We all get along so well and help eachother! It's awesome! I think a lot of my stress level is the fact that I am taking 3 Master's classes this fall. I don't know what I was thinking when I signed up for this! I keep telling myself it will all pay off. But there are days that I'm doubtful!! :)

There are times in our lives when I think we get so caught up in this thing we call LIFE! What is going on around us seems to affect our moods. We have a hard time seeing past the here and now. God has really been dealing with me over the past few months. I'm not quite sure what He is trying to teach me other than PATIENCE! I've never been a patient person. My mom told me from the time I was born I was impatient. If I was hungry, I wanted a bottle NOW! Apparently, I let her know just how unhappy I was until she got it in my mouth. As a kid, if there was something that I really wanted I couldn't just settle with, "maybe later" or "we will see." Oh, that drove me crazy! When I was at the "dating" stage in life I used to have very little patience with the guys I dated! I had expectations and if they didn't meet them then we had problems! How silly is that? I see that now!

I'm trying hard to understand God's way. I know He always knows what is best. He has proved that to me over and over again in my life! When things didn't work out the way I "thought" they should I got frustrated! Then, God would prove that he had my best interest always. I have faith and trust in Him! So, why is it so hard to be patient and wait? I remember praying for my husband-to-be. I had no idea who God intended me to marry. But, I had complete trust that there would come a time when he would reveal it to me. I was not very patient as I waited. I dated people that I had no business dating. All it did was create heartache on both ends! If only I could have just been patient! :)

Anyway, I said all that to say this...Once again, I find myself waiting! I find myself asking God, "Why?" Who are WE to question God? He is all-knowing! He has my best interest at heart! I remind myself of this verse--Jer 29:11-For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and hope. I know my future is in His hands! No matter what my plans are---HIS are better! The other day I posted a quote, "People plan and God laughs!" His plans are greater than I can imagine!! Isaiah 55:8-9"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts."

I can not imagine living this life without faith in Jesus! What a disappointing life it would be! Thank you, God for giving me hope when I feel hopeless!

Blessed Beyond Measure!!

I know I haven't written a blog in quite sometime. I'm not even sure if anybody really reads it but every once in awhile I like to sit down and put my thoughts out there. It helps me deal with things going on in my head.

Today, is such a beautiful Labor Day. I don't remember the last Labor Day that was quite this perfect! It is so nice to walk outside and feel a nice cool breeze. It was nice to put on my hoodie this morning and play with Halle while Daddy mowed the lawn. It is days like today that make me sit back and thank God for all of the blessings he has given us. I have done absolutely nothing to deserve any of it. But, that is the awesome thing about our God. He blesses us even when we are so unworthy!

I have a beautiful, healthy daughter! My husband is way more than I could have ever dreamed of. And we are both blessed with good paying jobs. I just don't know how it could get any better than that. There is no reason I should have any of those blessings other than MY GOD!!

As I was reading status updates on Facebook, I was kind of disappointed. Disappointed with all the negativity. I was always taught if you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all. Why do we get so wrapped up in drama? We get wrapped up in issues (political, educational, economical). People just LOVE to post about their views because it starts debate. D-R-A-M-A! It's disgusting! Why can't we just love one another just as Christ loves us? I will never understand why people like to debate things...TO me DEBATE=DRAMA! Why do we have to worry about what all of our so called friends think? And God forbid if someone defriends us! Big whoopie deal!! Is it really that important to have 600+ friends? Do you really have that many friends? No--what you have are that many people that you allow to Facebook stalk you! I'm as guilty as the next guy! I just wish that we could stop for a moment before we press that SHARE button. Think to yourself...is this worthy of SHARING with the Facebook world. Is this meant to be funny, make people laugh, or thought provoking? Or do I want all of my "Facebook Friends" to share in my misery?

There are so many issues that people are dealing with...heartbreaking issues. Instead of causing drama on Facebook, why don't we take time out and pray for one another. I like what Nikki Fincher wrote today about challenging everyone on her friends list to-- when you leave a comment on someone's post or wall--say a little prayer for them. You have no idea what they are going through.

I'll stop now. I am just having one of those "Positive Pearl" days that my friend, Annie hates!! HAHA!! I think it's this weather!! BEAUTIFUL!!

Happy Labor Day!!

Disciplining other Childern

While I was cleaning the basement this morning I started thinking about the issue of disciplining other children. I guess because my basement was a complete disgusting disaster and partly because we just let ALL the kids go down and have a free for all. Anytime you do that you are going to have a DISASTER!! It's not a huge deal because we don't spend a lot of time down there. There isn't a lot to destroy.

This has been a recent discussion of the family. Everyone seems to have a different opinion on the matter. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and I respect that. I guess the reason I differ in opinions is partly because my job is to "discipline" each and everyday. I feel there is a right and wrong way to approach it and if you get rules established from the moment they walk in the door it makes it a whole lot easier. I've never had any problems in my classroom with discipline. My students know exactly what I expect and generally they don't cross the boundry. However, if they do they know there are going to be consequences.

I believe this needs to be the case in our parenting. Halle is not a perfect child. I'm sure there are times when people have thought, "Why doesn't she do something with that kid?" It's a constant battle but one that I ALWAYS win!! LOL!! The parent should ALWAYS win the battle!

Back to my thoughts...I feel like if other kids are in my house and I see something that I disapprove of (ex: jumping on the couch, running in the house, throwing balls, etc.) I should be able to ask them to stop. I would expect anybody to do the same with my child. This is a matter of respect in my opinion.

Just curious what everyone else thinks on the matter. I know everyone probably differs in opinion and that is totally o.k. I respect everyone's opinion. Just know that when you are in my house...and I see something that makes my skin crawl...I'm probably going to say something! That's just me! We are getting ready to go on vacation with three of my nieces/nephews. I just want opinions before I attack (maybe not such a good word in this case) the task!! LOL!!

Such Bravery...and it scares me to death

I've always known that Halle is fearless when it comes to the water. It started last summer, she had just turned 2. She was very brave and would get in the water with just her arm floaties. I always stayed nearby because I was a nervous wreck.

Now, this summer she does great with just the arm floaties on. I feel comfortable enough to just sit outside the pool and watch. But, yesterday she decided she wanted to take them off and "try" swimming. She really wanted to go to the bottom and get the dive sticks because that is what the big kids were doing. We told her that she had to learn to swim before she could go to the bottom. So, I took her floaties off and Amber and I would stand about 3 feet away and she would go back and forth between us. It wasn't pretty but she held her breath and would kick and move her arms. I was pretty impressed.

Anyway, so I stood her on the steps and was just talking. Three adults were in the pool and two were right outside. All of a sudden I look down and it is Halle grabbing me from under the water. I about had a heart attack. She just took off on her own and didn't tell anybody that she was swimming to us. It really scared her too! She wanted to get out and go tell "Nina" that mommy didn't catch her.

Needless to say, I have to watch this child like a hawk. She is NOT scared of anything. If you all are on my facebook you probably saw her holding the cicadas. I don't know where she gets her bravery but is scares me to death. I just pray that God protects her and watches over her when I'm not!!