Summer

Summer...oh summer....wherefore art thou?!

Is it just me or did summer end way too soon!? I mean! Come on! Summer was the full gamut of everything. Seriously!

Happy! Excited! Laughter! Frustration! Shock! Yuck! Change of Plans (aka STRESS!) Lost! Home! Parents! My Babies! In-Laws! School Prep! Job Search! Missing Friends!

Uh, yeah, I need a vacation from my summer vacation. Fo rizzle! If you follow me on Facebook you know what my summer theme is. If you don't, well heavens to betsy why don't you!? Lol. Just kidding. It is passed my bedtime, can you tell?

Contentment. That is my theme. God has been trying to gently persuade me to find it. He has knocked me off my feet. Forced me to sit and listen as He cupped my face in His hands and whispered. Once again, true to my ridiculous self, He had to take a 2 x 4 to my head. I wish I was kidding.

I'M NOT!

Ok, so, I had to learn how to be content with giving up two very, very precious babies for 8 weeks. I felt so lost. God helped me learn how to be ok with it. Obviously, I can't be selfish. I had to learn how to be content with not knowing a plan. (Uhm, if that were a college course or HS class or elementary lesson - I would have earned a D-...not even kidding.) My poor Hubby literally asked me to take a walk. Bless his heart! He is so good to me and puts up with SO much! Most of you know the chaos with the moving company. Those of you that don't? Well, don't use ARPIN. My hair is so much more gray than it ever was before June. I did a TERRIBLE job of letting God handle a situation and keep me in the dark. When will I learn to trust?

We finally left Vidalia and was I content? Only until I found out a friend had her baby, that I patiently waited NINE MONTHS to see, the Monday after we left. We left Friday. ARG! He is SOOOOOOOOO adorable too! Anyways, I am ok with it now. Why? Because I have MY babies back!

I am learning contentment though. Thank God (haha! get it!?) Thank God that He (God) didn't give up on me! And I am SO thankful for my parents. Seriously. My Mom gave me advice the other day. So profound. So simple! It has made such a difference though in my point of view. I would share it with you, but it is embarrassing that I didn't get it sooner. Anyhoot, LOTS of learning!

God has allowed me to connect with friends I haven't spoken to in...I am embarrassed to say this...years. I need to call another friend too. Years (shocker!) ago, she sent me a Bible study. Psh! What did I need that for? I got this! I am good!

What the what?! Life threw curves. Did I mention my reflexes aren't always fast? So, now, I have skinned knees and elbows (figuratively) and am pulling out the Bible study. (Thanks DM!)  Ok, for reals, I need to hit the sack. I will try to get on tomorrow and actually WRITE about how AMAZING the North Country is. North Country! I FINALLY LIVE IN THE NORTH AGAIN!!!!!!!

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK!

 

Sweet dreams, loves.

I am praying for you even when I am absent from here for 3 months ;-)

May 27

This is it. Part of me says, "It is about time!" The other part of me says, "Wait! I need more time!" I need more time to tell those sweet ones that I love them. I need more time to write individual letters to my babies and tell them how much I love them. How much their humor, sweet smiles, little hugs, adorable pictures and musical laughter has melted my heart. How do you write all of that inside of a simple card?
 

 

There simply isn't a card large enough.

 

How do you thank people and tell them goodbye when they have no idea how they have impacted your life?

 

Am I ready?

Yes.

No.

Yes.

No.

Maybe?

 

Am I ready to leave the heat of the south? YES!

Am I ready to leave the little ones who have been such a huge part of my life? No.

Am I ready for the next big adventure? YES!

Am I ready to leave the friends that I have? No.

 

I won't mention my littles by name, but...hopefully if you are reading this, you are a parent and can ask them which one of the below is theirs.

Before I write to them, I must write to you parents. This year was quite possibly one of the best years in the classroom. Please understand, every year is very special and I in no way want to leave the impression that I did not appreciate and cherish each little one in my room from years past. However, God smiled on me this year more than I ever could have imagined. In His infinite wisdom and as only God can do with His sense of humor, He saw fit to put my personality in the room. It took 4 little ones to make my personality. (Momma, I am so sorry! To haev all of these personalities in ONE body blows my mind! You truly are a "modern day Mother Theresa!")Those of you that I have spoken with, I am sure you are smiling and maybe laughing a touch. My personality is exceptionally strong - to a fault, loves to tease and push things to the edge - just to see how far I can push sometimes, looks for the good in all things - to the extent I've been accused of living in the land of fairies and unicorns, and loves to mother everyone and tell them how things should best be done. If you have a little one who fits that, know that God will eventually allow them to experience their gift through others. There were many many times this past year that my own mother would giggle, smile and tell me she completely understood what I was going through. "I promise you, Elizabeth, when you were growing up I knew I had to be looking at the backside of a gift." Now, I am not perfect. But please know your little ones take all the lessons to heart that you are trying to teach them. It showed in the classroom everyday. Every class I have ever been in has had a wonderful heart. They have always tried to make sure that every buddy was taken care of. This is the first time that I have been able to experience a classroom where classmates would purposefully share test answers and more simply so that a buddy would not do poorly on a test. You have a very sweet bunch of littles here and I hope you truly understand just how blessed you are to have them. I certainly can tell you this end of the year is a first. At the end of every year, I have felt sad to see my babies grow up. However, this is the first time I have truly felt almost sick to my stomach at the thought of letting them go. They have been the joy in my week. They have been the rock that held me up through some tough times. I knew without a doubt that these babies would make me smile, hug me tight and do it all with a selflessness that puts us adults to shame. Thank you for entrusting their education to me. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of their lives. There is not another class of students in the world that can hold a candle to how precious these little ones are.

And now, for you dear students. Find your number. I couldn't write actual cards to you. I tried. My tears spilled over on them.

 

1. Never lose your zeal for life! You are precious and perfect the way that you are. Never let anyone tell you to chill out. Your heart is a very precious heart and you need to keep sharing it with everyone.

 

2. Stay strong, sweetheart! Keep your tenacity. Never be afraid to let your light shine! You are going to do great things one day! Part 1 of 4 parts of my personality!
 

3. Remember your heart! You have the gift of seeing the good in people. Always remember to keep focusing on the good. =) You are stronger than you realize and I am so excited to see where life takes you!

 

4. You have a keen ability to sense how others are doing. That sensitivity will serve you well if you remember to always focus on the good things in life. I have truly enjoyed seeing you learn and grow this year!

5. Oh dear, your sparkle and zest will brighten any place that life takes you! Never, never, never let anyone or anything take that from you! Your infectious laugh and precious smile will win the hearts of all who come near you! Part 2 of the 4 parts of my personality =)

6. My dear, remember that throughout life's storms, God's love never fails. He sees you when you are helping classmates who are hurting. He sees you when you give hugs without someone asking. Stay true to His truth, and you will do great things in this life!

7. Dear one, keep bringing life and laughter with you! You are a hard working and incredibly smart young man! I know that God has great plans for your life. Keep striving for excellence!

8. Man, you have a smile and spirit that will win everyone you meet. You have a tender heart that is made of pure gold! I truly enjoyed watching you  as you patiently worked with buddies to help them understand. One of your greatest strengths is your ability to steer others to what is right! God is going to do great things in your life!

9. Little Momma of Room 5. You have a precious, precious smile and heart! Part 3 of the 4 of my personality! Your heart is to take care of everyone and I love that about you! You are such a hard working little lady. I know your momma and daddy are so very proud of you! Stay strong and remember to breathe! You will do fabulously!

10. You, sweet one, are incredible! This year has been so great watching you learn, grow, take on challenges, overcome mountains that I wasn't even sure you could take on! Your family and I are all SO proud of how hard you work, how tender you are to those around you and also how you hold everyone to the standard! Part 4 of 4 of my personality. Don't let anyone dampen your sweet spirit!

11. I almost am not sure what to write for you. From the moment you walked in Room 5, I knew you were a special little one - well, you aren't really little any more...are you? You have a work ethic that puts many adults to shame. You strive to complete tasks to the best of your ability. Despite all of the chaos of this world, you have met and exceeded my expectations! I am so excited to see what God holds for your future!

12. Your bright smile and sweet laughter brightened Room 5! From the moment you came in, you brought joy and laughter! Remember your heart and don't let anyone deter you from showing your love and responsibility. You worked so hard to rise above, and honey, you did!

13. We didn't have long together. I wish we would have! You are so sweet and precious! Stay focused and I know that you will do great things! Your heart is to take care of those around you, and that is incredibly valuable in this day!

14. We also did not have long together. The greatest memory I have of our time together was a Thursday afternoon. You had no idea what was going on, no clue of the hard news I had received. However, you sensed my need for joy and laughter. It took .2 seconds before you made a bizarre face and some crazy noise that was so shocking it sent us all into fits of laughter! You don't know this, but that laughter is exactly what my heart needed. Thank you. Thank you for bringing laughter in that moment!

To all 14 of you, I am SO proud of you! You have no idea how much I love and how proud I am of ALL of you! It breaks my heart to leave you, but I am SO very excited to follow your journey (via Facebook, etc.) as you grow. Always strive to do your best! Do not let anything dampen your spirits! You are the best bunch of Firsties that Trinity has ever seen! I love you!

I went into work today so sure I would stay strong. Nothing would make me cry. I made it until 11am. Thank you, dear Room 5, for breaking me. Your precious gift is the most amazing gift. Dear Parents, please know that I have treasured your little ones and appreciate all that you have done more than you will ever know. These littles will go far simply because you are all so invested in them! 

 

I love moving. I love going to new places. The biggest thing I am not ready for, will never be ready for, is sending off my Kyle & Abby. It is hands down the most difficult thing in the world for me.

PLEASE understand, I don't fear for their safety at all.

But I only want maybe a day or just a few hours for a break. I don't want 7 weeks. This is the most difficult part of being a bonus parent, step parent, whatever you want to call it. However, they are technically not my jurisdiction and they do need to spend time with the other part of their family. I can't be selfish. Definitely want to be, though!

All of this to say, summer is here.
Enjoy your carefree days!
And if you don't get a summer break, enjoy your carefree moments!
The journey of a lifetime awaits!
(that sounds like something from a movie)

procrastination

If I close my eyes, it will all go away - right? That's what I believed as a child. Christ says to believe like a child, so I believe that it will all get done if I just close my eyes for a few moments.

ha!

Yeah, I wish. Stressing isn't getting it done. I need to take it all just one step at a time. My problem is, I take a step then remember 15 other steps that must also get done. Delegate? To whom? There's no one to delegate to! Kaden & Frank are ridiculously selfish and absolutely refuse to do anything other than take up space and require a lot of attention. The kids? They leave the day after tomorrow.

So rather than work on that stuff, I will sit here and type to you. They say writing can release the same amount of endorphins as exercising. I exercised this morning, will exercise a bit more tonight AND am writing. I should be higher than a kite on endorphins by tomorrow morning!

Tomorrow....the last full day with my sweet firsties. I can't tell you how much I love and will miss those sweet babies! They have been the highlight and happy thought in what was one of the most difficult school years! Well, maybe not the most difficult. Last school year I had to deal with stents, surgery, a colonoscopy and 27 firsties (all of whom I LOVE and miss!) But this past year, or rather, the year we are finishing now was different. Stephen was gone essentially from July 19 to the night before Thanksgiving. He has been to schools, dry docks and long river runs this semester. It will be SO nice to get up to NY and have him home each night! Will I get on his nerves? Most likely.  Will he more than likely TRY to find a reason to be outside while it is warm? Yes. I don't care though. I am ready to have my Bestie with me full time. We move in just a couple of weeks (YIKES!) and will have until mid-July to put the house in order before the kids arrive. I also need to find a job. YIKES!

"It will all get done." at least that is what everyone says. Which, it is true. Everything will get done. But I want it done in a semi-orderly manner (see previous and possibly unfinished post.) Prayers appreciated and welcomed. With that...I am signing off. You have helped me to relax and remember God has this. I can preach it to my children and now must take it to heart in my own life. Yay. Lol. Love yas!

chaotic order

God is a god of ORDER.

Right?

So, why does everything always seem chaotic?!

Oh, wait...

That's because I get impatient. I rush. I want my way. I want it now. Not later. Sounds mature, right? In April, I had my last lasix scan while in NOLA.

Did I trust God to put things in order and take care of us?

Nope.

Did He take care of it?

Yes.

We found out we weren't going to be able to go house shopping.

Did I trust God to supply a house?

Not 100%.

Has He taken care of it?

Yes.

That's just the last month! God is taking care of things EVERY DAY!

Can I just tell you??? Good! Thanks =)

For my birthday, all I wanted for us to be together and have fun OUTSIDE. It's May 1, surely that would be a possibility. Life happened. I stressed. I steamed. I stewed.

God provided.

Stephen & I were able to enjoy a FABULOUS time on the lake while the kids were in school.

Saturday we, all 6 of us, went hiking at a beautiful park not too far from the house.

It was fabulous! We were all SO exhausted that even the puppies weren't very active the next day!

House hunting has been in all of our minds. As previously stated, it isn't an option before June. Stephen has been earnestly searching for something that would meet our family's needs. We finally had a few minutes to sit together. I was fearful as this tends to be a stressful subject. He pulled up a site that helps military families find rentals. Stephen pulled up his first pick. I doubted we would get it. The home was gorgeous. Landlords had taken good care of the property, there was a pool, two FULL bathrooms (you never know how much you love that until you don't have it for 3.5 years) three bedrooms with HUGE closets, a fenced in backyard, 2 car garage, fire pit in the backyard and an extra storage room.

We  made contact. Long story short, we mailed the signed lease & deposit today. We are THRILLED! Both kids are excited too.

Hopefully, I will get it together and just Let it go!

Let go____________

the need to pack the kids for summer in AR

the need to pack up my classroom

the need to go through all of my school supplies and purge all but the necessities

the need to go through all of my clothes are purge what I don't wear

the need to pack up the bare necessities to live in a house until our things arrive

the need to organize everything before the packers put it all in boxes

the need to get all of our mail switched over to our new address

the need to get EVERYTHING done before we leave and potentially flying solo

_____________, and let God.

He will handle it. He has handled everything up to this point. All of these little things  are just that - little things. Let it go, Elizabeth! All of these little things will get done and they will get done on time. It always does. I don't need to stress. 

Something super cute that I have noticed lately is this. You see, I love lists and all things organizational. I make lists, post lists, buy lists...create colorful lists, alphabetized lists, prioritized lists, exercise lists, food lists, cleanings lists, lists, lists, lists!

Kyle & Abby are now proudly telling me they have made this list or that list.

LOOOOOOOOVE it!!!!!! =)

March 5 (Originally begun Feb 12)

It's crazy, isn't it? The Devil does absolutely everything he can do to keep us from doing God's Will.

This blog is a release for me. it helps me to count blessing, share interesting stories and epiphanies that I have. Granted, it is primarily designed to share about my kids and husband so that all of you lovely friends and family can keep up on the latest and greatest. 

Writing is something that I truly enjoy.

Not writing books, like my brother. By the way, he has written an ADORABLE picture book about Teeny the Tiny Raindrop. I don't care if you only donate a penny - please just donate to help him get his first book going. That is all I ask.

I like to share the idiosyncrasies of my days. 

Those moments that catch people by surprise and...

melt your heart
(I have tried & tried to make this small enough to fit neatly...it won't!)

 

open your eyes to how precious my children are

 

share joyous news

We are moving to Alexandria Bay, NY 

or make you giggle at the innocence of children

I want to share all of these with you the moment that they happen so that I do not lose a single memory. Stephen has accused me of living in the land of fairies and unicorns.

Unfortunately, that is very true.

Dr. Tingley used to ask students if they were "out with the fairies" when they didn't know an answer to a fairly obvious question.  PLUS, I also look to the optimistic side of things to a fault. That is why God gave me my Stephen. He is more realistic and keeps me grounded. 

It is time....

Things I NEVER thought I would say...

or do!

Yep! It is THAT time!

 There are SOOOOOO many things that I NEVER thought I would do, say or experience!

My dad ALWAYS told me, "Don't ever tell God that you won't do something!
He will have you do it!"
I'm fairly certain it is because God gets a kick out of showing how sovereign He is.
Seriously, it's like your child who refuses to take a bite of food.
Why?
Because it has pink stuff on it and therefore must be disgusting.
You press the issue. The bite is taken.
Lusciously moist cake melts in the child's mouth at the same time the discovery that the pink stuff is sweet, smooth icing!
You giggle.

Yep, that is how I picture God.
Mind you, not all things that I have experienced have been as delicious as that cake.
For example, helping my husband process a deer.
No cake.
However! It does save money. It does grant him a sense of pride.
I'm happy!

Fishing...growing up, that was not fun.
Why would I want to stand still with a stick in my hand waiting for the elusive fish to nibble my line?
BORING!
These past few years (since 2011) I have discovered the peace and joy that comes from being on a boat and casting. Sitting with bait is still BORING! Casting? That's fun!
Am I good?
NOPE! But it is fun and has given me some GORGEOUS pictures!
(INSERT PIC FROM FISHING)

I never thought I'd live in the South.
I've met some AMAZING people here!
I'm ready for moving North though!

First grade? Seriously?
Those people don't even really teach much!
Or at least that is what I thought. For the last two years, I have had the privilege of teaching 1st.
I LOVE IT!!!!!
The students come in - some reading, some not - and by the end of the year everyone is reading, has learned more math than you would think possible and, if you can get it in, LOVE science & social studies!

I did ONE, did you hear that? ONE year of cheer when I was younger.
That was enough. Ew.
Who knew I'd have a daughter that eat, sleeps and DRINKS cheerleading?!

Gardening...I hated weeding when I was growing up.
My poor parents had to deal with my stubbornness when it came to that.
They won, but you better believe that I, in all my maturity, graciously let it be known how much I loved it through my facial expressions.
For the past 3 years though, we have had a garden.
Stephen did the grunt work of tilling and planting. He also helped with the weeding when he was home. However, I did the bulk of it (well....whenever the boat was out) and enjoyed it too. There's something satisfying about looking back at what you have accomplished!
Not to mention, the produce was SO much more delicious than anything in a grocery store!


In years past, I have also sworn the smallest dog I would willingly own would be a 50lb pup.
Smaller dogs are adorable! But I'm tall. It's difficult to do what I need to do and constantly be aware of what is on the ground around me. I would surely step on and possible injure a small dog!
Yet, here I am. I own a 102lb Labrador and a 30lb Boston Terrier.
Dear Breeders, you said the Labrador would be 75lbs & the Boston Terrier would be 15lbs.
I just thought you might want to know the puppies were a tad bit larger than expected!
My family and I are thankful for our pups, but for others you might warn them that your puppies end up on the large end of the scale. ;-)
Despite the fact they still think they are 5lb puppies.

Now, along with owning a small dog, I never thought I would NEED to buy a dog clothes.
I figured it would be for kicks and giggles if I did!

When we move, we will need to buy this SMALL dog a winter coat.
Why? Because he doesn't grow one! Boston's aren't designed for extreme temperatures. So, I guess that since it can get down to a -25 BEFORE wind chill, I should probably buy him a coat for when he needs to do his business.

Speaking of moving, I always thought people were a little crazy to travel long distances to get their hair done. Hair is hair, right? It grows back!
I have learned my lesson.
Yes, hair grows back.
Did you also know that the growing back process can be EXTREMELY rough? No one has purposefully done a bad job on my hair. In fact, if I had someone else's hair, it probably would've been adorable! Yet my hair remains determined to do its own thing. Believe it or not, I do my ABSOLUTE best to wait until I go to IN for a haircut.
How far is that?
787 miles.

IF you are near Indiana and need a good haircut, I can recommend a great lady to you!
She's probably going to roll her eyes at me for typing this, but I don't lie.

Also....she didn't pay or ask me to do this.
That's how good she is!


I started this post back on the 12th....more things have happened....
But if I told you everything, I would most likely fill this blog up and have to start another.
;-)

Hope you enjoy your Spring Break!!!!

stress

I try to keep the "insightful" posts to a minimum.  Years ago (although not that many because I'm still a newbie to the 30s) a person pointed out that sometimes I share too much. That isn't my desire. I simply like to talk with people and hope they will open up to me too. Anyhoot, here's an insight. Feel free to move on if you aren't up for it. I love ya anyways!

     I have fought stress all of my life. Most of it was in my head, but let's face it - middle children have a lot of stress. The olders try to boss us. The youngers try to blame us. The parents just ignore us. (haha! jus kiddin!...but seriously) Or at least we think we are ignored. It's crazy. I've had a couple health bumps in the road and the #1 cause for health issues is stress. Did you know that? It is true.

Stress = Kidney stones, heart trouble, colon trouble, lack of sleep, cognitive trouble, migraines, etc. Oh... shingles. Stress can also aid the shingles getting you. Thankfully, I still haven't had that and I am PRAYING I don't.

Why are we stressing so much? Life shouldn't be this bad! God didn't create us to be so busy that we literally fall apart! He didn't design our bodies to be so active that it requires medication to get us to calm down. If you need it, take it. If you don't, don't.

But - why? Why don't we just disconnect from the internet, the television, the phones? We need to reconnect with people and books and, most importantly, GOD! Think about it! Check it out! Go to His Word! There are ...dare I say...millions?! (I don't really know how many) of verses talking about casting our cares on him, continuing in hope, taking HIS yoke? For real people!! Let's get a clue! (I'm preaching to myself, let the side of you that took offense go...it ain't worth it!)

You might be thinking, as I have thought, "But my kids need to do _______________. (fill in the blank activity)

Yes

Sometimes activities are important. SOME sports are important. SOME outings with friends are important. SOME shopping trips are important.

Are they vital?

Have you (I) tried just letting the kids be home? Letting them have a friend over and purposefully stating that this will be a relaxed day/afternoon? I'm working on it.

 

Love ya! This is not focused on any one person (save myself)

January 27, 2015

2015

Who would've ever thought that in 2015, I would be one full year post opp! But it is true. So much has happened. The kids and I survived one full semester almost on our own! Stephen came home as often as he could, which was wonderful. Nothing beats having all of us together though! We are full swing into this semester. Kyle has started basketball! He has the aggression and shot down fairly well! We are working on speed. He is built for football more than basketball, but he is determined to do well! Abby is still rocking out at gymnastics! For sanity sake, we backed off to only going once a week. She is upset, but we are all much more rested and therefore, happier! 

Kaden is still just as precious as ever!  ♡♡♡♡♡♡

Frank is still his adorable self. ;-)

We didn't travel for Thanksgiving this past year. I know that was several months ago, but I've been asked. Military life requires flexibility. So, my inflexible areas are being stretched! Stephen is my rock. No joke. I stress out and he helps me by reminding me of the big picture. We are together and that is the main priority! 

We are hoping to be able to visit our FL family before we move this summer. I'll let you know WHERE as soon as I can! Personally, this Northern girl is ready for the North! 

I told Stephen I would entitle a post, "Things I never dreamed I'd see or experience."

That will have to be a later post. Right now.... Right now I need to chill. It was been a crazy few days. We thought I was having kidney trouble for the first time since lay Spring. I'm happy to report, my kidneys are fine!  I also went to the ENT. My ears have been popping since early November.  My GP thought that I'd need tubes. NOPE! I just have allergies. 

Let's revel in the fact there is indeed no surgery currently on my horizon. :-) :-) :-)

I am typing this on my phone, my dear friends.  Therefore, I am signing off. I just needed to say hello. I have missed you!