December 3rd

Wow! What a long time to leave you hanging with nothing fun to read! Change is still very dominant in our lives. Stephen & I have come to the conclusion that fast change is going to be the theme. We are more the type to stop, think about the options, think about which is the best, start thinking about moving, stop and think some more...at least when it comes to big things.

God has this plan, a very intricate plan, that is very different. For example, Stephen moved to FL again in June of 2010. I moved to FL for the first time in July of 2010. I met him in September - what a shy, quiet guy he was! I couldn't get him to do anything more than chuckle or say, "Goodmorning ma'am."

What the beans?

Whatever, I loved Connie and we were friends and that was all I cared about.

Two months later Stephen & I go on our first date and became pretty much inseparable. (November 20, 2010) He proposes on March 19, 2011. We get married June 25, 2011. Early November we discover the landlords put the house we're in on the market. We apply for a position in Natchez, MS November 17, 2011.

November 21, 2011 - "MK1 Langenmayr, orders just came through that you will be transferring to Natchez, MS. You will report as the EPO by January/February."

What do you say? Yes sir? That's what we did! Uncle Sam called, we followed.

Good thing the house is on the market! Good thing I have a FABULOUS work family that is helping me get everything together to leave, get my students taken care of, and helping me laugh off the dumb little things of life!

Kyle & Abby are excited/sad/scared about the move. Excited because it is a chance for new friends. Excited because they found out I'll actually be able to be around more since I won't be working 75 hours a week. Excited because their natural mother will be 5 hours instead of 16 hours away. Sad to be leaving the friends and family here. Scare at the idea of changing schools and not knowing what life will be like.

Stephen is excited! He will be working for a WONDERFUL Master Chief! The job he will be doing is exactly what Stephen hoped for. At Natchez, he will be under way every other week.

Kaden? Oh I'm sure if he knew what was happening he'd be happy/sad. Happy because there will be plenty of new places to sniff out. Sad because he won't be going to work with Stephen anymore at the new base. This dog is SPOILED!

Me? Excited/sad/nervous/outside of my mind happy! Excited - a new place! I love going to new places, meeting new people, and exploring! Sad - My RCE family is here. They took me in when I was nobody to them. They offered to let me spend Thanksgiving and Christmas with them last year when I was alone. Stephen's family is here - they are wonderful and I (we) will miss them A LOT! Outside of my mind happy - I won't be a full time teacher so I'll actually get to be home with my kids on the weekends!!!!!!!

There are pictures GALORE on facebook. Sorry but 90ish pictures is just too much to post on here. Besides, you upload pics on here ONE AT A TIME! YIKES! Facebook you upload all 90ish and you are done! =) Go check out the fall pictures, Abby's birthday, etc.

Thanksgiving pictures should come soon! As in hopefully a couple hours if I get my lesson  plans all done. I'm typing this for a 10 minute break...ok so it's been 5 minutes, but whatever. We teachers round time and maximize what time we have!

Love to you all!

Because we need it...

It's because we need it. Do we want it? Well, honestly, no we don't. What we would really like is the result. You have to admit, if you could have the end result without going through it, you'd take that result in a heartbeat!

Growth - it hurts. It's a pain. It's frustrating, why can't it just happen instantenously (sp?) and be done with it?! Patience - a virtue I was born without. ...ask my husband, children, and parents....they will agree with me.

I knew this year would be difficult. However, can it please be over now? Please?

Am I rambling about marriage? HECK NO! I've never enjoyed life more EVER! Am I rambling about being a mother? NOPE! Are these frustrating? haha! Only momentarily...more with myself than my family.

We are getting lessons in faith. That is what I am rambling about. God is bound and determined to awaken the hearts of His people and teach them faith through thick and through thin. The kind of faith that says, "It might be pitch black out with wolves snarling at my heels and spiders crawling all over everything (yes - I loathe spiders) but still, I will have faith that Christ's blood covers me and I am redeemed! I have the strength of the Father inside of me and nothing can knock me down!"

The tears have been flowing much more frequently. My vision is terribly near sighted. The "mole hills" surrounding me appear as though they are Mt. Everest. I haven't the strength on my own to carry on. These are too near and dear to my heart - the pain is more than I can bear. But Christ stretched His arms out and told me "I love you this much. How much do you love me?" Trembling I stretch out my arms, "I love you this much, my LORD." The devil sees me and tries his hardest to hit my heart.

I can't delve into what is going on. Mostly because it changes every moment of every day. Partially because it is painful and being that vulnerable is not something I can do right now. But the devil is trying to attack my family, my job, my heart....he can't win. The war is over - the battle is won.

Let me share some verses that have been holding me...

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."  ~ James 1:2-4

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; APART FROM ME YOU CAN DO NOTHING." ~ John 15:5

"Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give men in exchange for you, and people in exchange for your life. Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I, even I, am the LORD, and apart from me there is no savior. No one can deliver out of my hand. When I act, who can reverse it?" I am the LORD, your Holy One, Israel's Creator, your King." ~ Isaiah 43 (various verses)

Stephen, Kyle, Abby, and I are doing fabulous. The pictures are true pictures - we are loving being a family. Please understand, God has blessed us beyond measure! However, join with us as we pray for God to continue to bind us together. It is my honest belief that because the devil sees what a powerful witness we are for Christ as a blended family, he is doing his best to hinder us. Isn't it wonderful to know that despite his best efforts, the devil is failing?

My tears? Tears of praise, tears of weariness when my eyes are not solely focused on my Lord, tears of prayer begging God to protect my precious children from pain and to bless my husband.

My cup is full beyond measure and flowing over. I am blessed!

Fork & Spoon Museum

It has been quite a long time since I have written...let me share some pictures that you have missed out on. (Thanks to my disorganized life...it's getting better!)

Stephen and I had date night! Not last week, but the week before. =) He was sweet enough to take us to Red Lobster for endless shrimp night!

Steve LOVES having his picture taken... 

I don't exactly love having my picture taken, but was way too excited to have one on one time with him!

From Red Lobster we went to the mall. Believe it or not, I didn't find anything I wanted.

HOWEVER, Stephen did. =)

After dinner, he treated me to Starbucks!

When we got there, Stephen and I had to wait a loooong time before we ordered our coffee...

See how patient he is? 

Food doesn't always sit well in my stomach.

Little did I know there was vinegar in one of the sauces for the shrimp.

But he loves me and will wait for me...evil eyes and all!

IT was a delicious dopio!

You can't go wrong with those!

In between that date, and the museum, Steve and the kids brightened EVERY one of my mornings.

No matter how frazzled, stressed, psycho, I got - they loved me and brightened up the day!

I accidentally slept in, but Stephen helped me smile!

Abby told me at one point she loves me like a sandwich!

I look like death, but he still kisses me!

Kyle had given me a hug and kiss.

Once he saw the camera, he suddenly became engrossed in his book.

Kaden even offered me his treat!

Yes, that is his treat and not his tongue sticking out.

Now...to the moment you all have been waiting for.

Short version - I need horse fixes.

Stephen decided to surprise me with going to the horse festival with me!

We told the kids we were going to the Fork and Spoon Museum.

We got them spiral notebooks and pencils to take notes.

They had to write a report about the various historical forks and spoons they would see.

There were spoons from before there was metal work discovered.

Others were used by patriarchs, such as George Washington!

See how excited Kyle and Abby were?

Abby is a perfectionist.

By the time we took this picture, she was almost in tears because she couldn't draw a fork or spoon.

To help them feel better, we swung by our favorite local coffee shop.

Stephen & I got coffee.

Kyle and Abby split a coke, it seemed to help their moods as bit.

I tried to take a picture of Stephen and me.

9 times out of 10, he does something similar to this in a picture...

WAIT!!!! WHAT/!??!?! THE HORSE FESTIVAL!?!?!

YYYAAAYYY!!!!!

Here are a few pictures of our day  =)

This is Abby's favorite!

It took 3rd for color.

She got to go visit it in the stall and pet it!

Stephen and my favorite... =)

This horse took first place in mounted marksmen ship...Basically shooting from horse back.

The guy was super nice and let Abby feed the horse cookies then led her around a bit.

  

Kyle found a couple horses he liked... 

GOLDEN CORRAL! ICE CREAM AND PIZZA!

YYYEEEEAAAAAHHHH!!!!!! 

Now, I leave you with this final photo.

It shows Stephen and me as we truly are.

Me the ever happy innocent one...and him, well, I'll let you decide!



Wow...

What a week it was! To put it nicely, all four of us made it to the end of each day exhausted and in bed at latest (adults that is) by 10pm on most nights. Kyle & Abby fought off going to bed as much as possible but would fall asleep in about 2 seconds after their little heads hit the pillows. It's busy season for us! Parent conferences, Kyle & Abby with homework at least 4 nights a week, running around doing normal life things, the list goes on! Terrible grammatics, but frankly I'm ok with it right now.

Kyle & Abby got to spend the night at the grandparents Friday....that left Stephen and I free for a date night! We took full advantage of the unlimited shrimp and ate 5 servings of shrimp, an appetizer, a salad, and 1 biscuit. I paid dearly for eating off diet, and Steve did just fine! We went to get some coffee afterwards then headed home. It was wonderful!

Kyle & Abby? They visited Mema (great-grandma), went to the toy section of Wal-mart with MeMe (grandma), ate pizza and ice cream, visited Homosassa Springs Wildlife, had more ice cream, and spent most all of Saturday at Meme's. Stephen joined them in the afternoon so he could watch the Gator game. FYI they beat TN, which is my oldest brother's team! =) Me? I drove to a coffee shop and worked for 5 hours on grading and data entry. Yep, that's my life!

BUT on Sunday we all went to Meme & Poppa's! Pretty sure they are going to get sick of us. ;) It's just fun to visit! Plus Meme (aka Connie/mom-in-law) and I have been friends since before Stephen and I met....which was one year ago this past weekend. This blog is about to get random so I"m going to sign off.

Love ya'll! I'll post more later!

Short & Sweet

Kyle's parent conference Monday - he's doing WONDERFUL!!!!! Of course, we knew that. He's our son. Why wouldn't he be wonderful?

Abby's teacher says she is a sweetheart! Again, we knew that! She's our baby girl! What else do you expect?

Midterms came back! Abby had all Ps (aka is progressing very well.) Kyle had ONE B and the rest As!!!!!! =)

Stephen is off fishing today! He needed to go!

Kaden has to be put in the crate today. He doesn't know that yet. He's not going to be happy with me when he finds out =/

Duh! moments

I tend to have a lot of these, believe it or not. My gracious loving family is very patient with me each time too, thank the Lord. This past week was a ... challenging one. One -  my class is more challenging. Two - I'm not as effective as I thought at communicating (shocker.) Three - I'm an overachieving perfectionist (that's the killer.) Four - work is picking up. Five - I don't question if I don't think it's possible.

Kudos to all you full time working mothers! Specifically those of you fellow educator mothers! Granted, none of us have easy jobs, but educators work 8 hour days go home and work usually 4 more hours. OR they stock up those 4 hours each night and disperse them to Saturday and Sunday. I would love to know how you manage to teach, parent, and keep a semi-clean/organized home.

Talking is something I'm good at. Just ask anyone who knows me. Give me 5 minutes in your presence to get a feel for personality, and I'll talk your ear off. ...It's one of the more charming traits Steve married me for! Ok so that's not true, but it's funny! Anyhoot - there have been normal miscommunications or lack of communications here and I've been praying praying praying about how to straighten them out. So, one day I pulled Steve aside, apologized in advance, and spilled all my thoughts, feelings, and whatnot.

By the way, I don't know what marriage did to me. I used to never cry and now I cry at the stinkin drop of a hat. NOT A FAN OF THAT!

Back to what I was saying...as I'm spilling my blah (translates into "girl stuff") God starts talking to my heart. Being a typical woman, or so I'm told, I thought the problem was him. HA! For once, I was wrong. Yuck that tastes nasty coming out of my mouth! But it was wonderful to be able to talk and spill and shed a few tears. He's learning not to laugh at those tears. Enough about that. I feel better, I'm learning myself better, and handing more over to Christ every moment of the day! SO FREEING! Christa Wells has an awesome song on her Frame the Clouds cd. It talks about carrying a hidden burden. I felt like that was my baggage that  I wasn't talking to Stephen about. You should listen to that cd of hers. LOVE IT!

I like to have a clean house. Not just typical clean mind you, but slightly OCD clean. They tested me and I'm not OCD, I just have "tendencies." Mess from children doesn't bother me, honestly. BUT leaving my bed unmade, my clothes slopped into drawers instead of folded neatly, dog hair on the floor, papers strewn across the desk, boxes in my bedroom (because there is no where to unpack them), my work sitting undone on the desk. ARGH!!!! Can't handle it! So to help me out, the alarm goes off at 5am. That's my time. That's my read the Bible/exercise/laundry/cleaning time. Kyle & Abby get up at 6:15am for breakfast, getting dressed, brushing teeth and hair, making beds, and getting into the truck hopefully by 7:30am. Stephen gets up ...well, it varies ;) I don't mind! Let him sleep, he helps me SO MUCH!!!!! Usually we three (me & kids) get to work at 7:30am. I set up for my day. 4pm I go home, help with dinner/homework, clean up dinner, help with baths, read a Bible story as a family, and put Abby down. Stephen and I sit for about 30 minutes then Kyle is off to bed. USUALLY I am pooped so I do bare minimum work and am in bed no later than 10pm. This repeats Mon-Fri. Saturdays I get up at 5am and do everything I missed during the week until the kids get up.

I thought I was doing pretty well....until yesterday. You see, if I miss a meal there are some pretty whacky repercussions. Randomly falling asleep, grumpiness, lethargy, general "can't function-ness." I missed 2 breakfasts (I eat 3), and ate no lunches by 11:30am. Usually by this time I've eaten 2 bags of veggies, a bowl of cereal, 2 boiled eggs, and some carrots/grapes/an orange. You get the picture. We were running errands and on the way I bottomed out into grumpiness. Holiday weekend - 2 kids - a husband who does not like busy crowds, are you getting the picture? We made it through everything. We got home and Steve told me to stay home and nap before meeting the family at my in-laws (aka 2nd family) I teared up because I knew I was tired and grumpy and was trying so hard not to be. He led me to the recliner sat me down, held my face close to his, and told me that my health and happiness was worth more than a clean house. "Rest, then come over. You can't do everything." Do you have any idea how hard it is to hear that and know he is right?

Told you he is awesome!

2 hours later I woke up and joined them!

Work - ugh - it's good but it's work. Enough said!

I ran the budget only to see if we could get a good cable package within our budget. Called the cable company. "Ma'am, you have channels 2 - 99 for free." There was more to the conversation, but YIPPEE! We can watch the Colts and Gators from HOME for FREEEEEEE!!!!!

I should have asked, but I didn't. Yay for us!

Here are some pictures from today! =)

Kaden showing off his GATOR orange collar!

It's reflective - Abby is proud to say she picked it out. ;)

Blurry - but thank my phone for that one.

A late night a HS football game, late night for a Gator game (she zonked at 8:45pm last night on the couch), and she's down for the count!

Kyle showing his "western" version of a Star Wars Storm Trooper!

Getting ready to dispatch the enemy!

Stephen went outside and did a wonderful job trimming!

He thought I'd be upset by how much was done, but seriously folks!

EVERYTHING needed to be trimmed!

Kyle and Kaden are helping get the brush loaded to throw it away!

Me? What do I get to do today?

Want to guess how excited I feel about grading, writing lesson plans, and doing a reflective analysis while my family gets to be outside working in the beautiful afternoon?

Can you guess?

Notice the perfectly smooth and beautiful hair, huge smile, and general joyfulness exuding from my face.

Love to ya'll! Praying for you!

Warm Fuzzies

Do you ever have one of those days? You know, those ones where a poptart just isn’t enough? When a cup of coffee usually brings a happy warm fuzzy feeling to your heart? When a snuggle with your puppy (80+ lb puppy) just doesn’t get your heart strings like it usually does?

 

It’s one of those for me.

 

I froze all night last night despite sleeping next to a human heater. Woke up and had a cuddle moment with Kaden. (loved that!) Went to wake up our children….Abby woke up sweet and cuddly, and so did Kyle. That is he woke up sweet once he realized I had let him sleep to his alarm for 10 minutes. ;)  Mayhem! Breakfast today was “wonderful” the kids also get poptart Thursday. Suddenly the poptarts were no longer yummy to a young man who previously had enjoyed them. The little girl felt she needed to point that out. An argument. Split that up. Check beds – not made. Please go make them when you finish breakfast. An argument, or at least an attempt at one. Dad came out and got breakfast to find me frazzled trying to pack my lunch, finish the kids lunches, make my breakfast (daRn this diet!), make coffee (it’s a must), and running to get ready. Check to see if the dog was fed, nope! Abby please do it. Another attempt at an argument. I finish getting ready on the brink of tears because as we all know, we women have the choice of either crying or getting angry…I chose tears.

 

Have I told you yet that my husband is amazing? He is. J He stopped getting himself ready multiple times to just hold me and give me a kiss. I needed that this morning!

 

Then what? I get to work and well, a coworker summed up my day like this. "Langenmayr, with the class you have, if you don't drink - you should think about starting."

 

Yep

 

So why did I call this "Warm Fuzzies?"

 

Because at lunch someone monkey  climbed me, bear hugged my neck, and gave me a big kiss! Followed by, "Don't worry if they're poops, I love you!" Who couldn't get the warm fuzzies off of a 5 yr old saying that??? OR let's try, "I love you =) Can I have a big hug?"  "You look like you had a hard day, can I hug you?"

 

Like I said...warm fuzzies. What did my amazing husband do? Hugged me, kissed me, and told me he loved me.

 

I am so blessed! It amazes me that I forget to smile sometimes. It amazes me that despite every blessing I have, I still find a way to find the cup half empty. How many 28yr old women find the perfect man, with two fabulous children, own a gorgeous sweetheart puppy, and have such a beautiful home with family 5 miles away? Granted my parents are more like 16 hours away, but they have made themselves readily available by all sorts of ways! AND Stephen's family is so amazing it makes me feel as if they truly were my own family!

 

AS I said - I'm blessed and full of warm fuzzies today! =) Love to you all! I'm prayin for you!