Friday Favorites

Another week has come and gone and now it's Friday.

That  can only mean one thing.

It's time for...

I have a new favorite pair of shoes.  I ordered these plastic shoes from amazon while on vacation and they arrived the day after we got home.  Much to Andrew's dismay I think I've worn them every day since.  They are perfect for summer and going to the pool.  I got them on Amazon for $20 and I'm thinking I might need to order more colors and start a collection.

(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases)

Speaking of the pool.  I am loving having our neighborhood pool.  I have found the sweet little window of time after the mom's take children home to nap and before the teenagers start waking up when I have the pool all to myself.  This little window is my favorite time of day.

After my daily pool time I shower and throw on the comfiest clothes I own.  I throw my hair into a french braid/ponytail.  I'm not great at the french braid, but it is my favorite summer hairstyle right now.

As you can see not only is Andrew my favorite vacation planner but he's also my favorite hair style photographer. 

Let's just go ahead and talk about another reason why my husband is my favorite human.

No one and I mean no one is a bigger dreamer than this guy.  For awhile now I've been dreaming about some new adventures in my career.  I've been slowly letting Andrew in on these dreams since January.  I was scared to say them out loud.  I was afraid he would laugh and tell me I'm crazy.  I was afraid he would grab hold of my dream and push me to pursue it.  

He did the second of the two.  On our last day of vacation as we were traveling home, we discussed my dreams and they very quickly became OUR dreams.  He caught my vision and was more than ready to encourage me to go even bigger.

He is my favorite.

He loves me well.

Some of you have noticed that I'm working on expanding my teacher "brand".  This is a small piece of those drams I was just talking about.  Thank you for sharing my FB page and ideas.  Your love and support is my favorite.

A New Adventure

Hi people!

I seem to have taken a hiatus from the blog.  I'm not sure if anyone even noticed.

But I'm back now.

A new adventure has prompted my return.

Let me back up a few months and fill you in.

At the end of May Andrew resigned from his job.

This afforded us something we'd never had before.

A summer off work together.

I tell my fellow teachers this and we joke about how awful it must be to have your spouse home all day every day during summer break.

And I'll admit it drove me crazy at first. Having Andrew home was a change to my summer schedule.  Thankfully it didn't take him long to settle down into a summer routine of nothingness.

It gave us the opportunity to take a vacation we've only dreamt about before.

In June we packed our car to the gills, dropped the LBs off with family and headed west.

We had no itinerary, no spreadsheet.  

We've never traveled so irresponsibly.  

There were a few nights in hotels but for the most part we camped our away across the west travelling over 5,000 miles through 13 states in 14 days.

Maybe we'll share some of those adventures with you soon.  I've wanted to blog it since we returned but it was such a big trip the thought of putting it all in words was overwhelming.

At the end of June we moved out of our rent house and back to our home in Heber.  By this point our house was on the market and we planned to live there until it sold or until school started again.

August arrived with no offers on the house and it was time for me to go back to work.  Working almost two hours from where you live is not the ideal situation.  

On Monday mornings I get up crazy early and make the long commute to work.  I then stay with Andrew's parents throughout the week.  

Staying with the inlaws. 

 People tend to apologize to me when I tell them that's what I'm doing.  I guess not everyone has inlaws like I do.  I've enjoyed staying with them and hopefully they haven't been too bothered by my presence.  Big Man is always good to make sure I'm comfortable and the air is set to just the right setting.  Belinda has given me a new love for all the cooking competitions on Food Network.  

When Friday mornings rolls around I pack my backs so I can head home for the weekend.

This isn't the first time Andrew and I have been what I call weekend spouses.  But I wouldn't mind if it were the last time.  

As I returned to work, Andrew decided it might be time for him to do the same.

And the job search began.

There was talk of several different options.  Some were short talks.  Some were more serious.

I continued to tell him I'd follow him wherever he wanted to go.  

Seems like a cheesy cop out answer, but it is how I felt.

Life has felt very unsettled and I simply wanted to feel settled again no matter where that meant we lived. 

He mentioned cities I didn't really want to call home, but I just wanted that feeling of being unsettled to disappear.  I was willing to discuss any and all options.

In the midst of the job search we accepted an offer on our house.   God  brought the perfect buyers and we are set to close at the end of October.  

Not sure where we would be living after moving out of our beloved home, things picked up speed as Andrew interviewed with Redneck Trailer Supplies in Springfield, Missouri.

Springfield sounded the most appealing out of all the places he has mentioned.  It's not that far or that different from home.  

I could do life in Springfield.

From the beginning RTS has appeared to be very interested in Andrew.  

I can't say I blame them. :)

His interview was over five hours long.  He had five different interviews for one job.

I would have be physically ill.

Actually I was physically ill the day of his interview.  My students could tell I was a bit preoccupied.  I'm pretty sure nothing I said made sense that day and I made one mistake after another.

 On Friday Andrew accepted a job offer from RTS.

We are moving to Missouri.

We are going to be...

Wait, what do you call people from Missouri?

Missourians?

Yes I think so.

We are going to be Missourians.

I have never been anything other than an Arkansan.  

Never thought I'd be anything different either.

We are excited about this new adventure.

But if I'm being honest I must tell you I've also already had a good cry about this new adventure.

I told my principal Friday and my BeMS Math Family (Earhart, just pretend like you are a Math guy).

They were all very supportive.

But they also gave me dirty looks and told me they were not talking to me anymore.

Makes a girl feel wanted.

Makes a girl feel good

Also makes a girl cry.

I love these people and my current school.  It breaks my heart to leave them.

Andrew has been saying he was retired for the past few months.  I was hoping I might get the chance to be retired for a few months but I may not get the opportunity.

Springfield has a 7th grade Math position available.  

I'm applying this weekend.

Looks like one more way God is lining it out all for this new adventure.

Andrew will move and start work in one week.  I'm not sure when I will join him.  It will depend on whether or not I have a job there.

You have prayed us through so much in the past.  We would be honored if you would pray for us as we begin this new adventure.

We love you all!

Throwback Thursday: We're Engaged!

Summer 2003

Andrew was living with his parents and I was living two hours away with my parents.  We knew our relationship was headed for marriage.  We were in it for the long-haul.  I had told Andrew I didn't want to know when the proposal was coming and I didn't want to know what the ring looked like until he was ready to give it to me.  

Living two hours apart meant we didn't see each other throughout the week.  We alternated on the weekends who would be the one to drive the two hours to see the other.  

One weekend he informed me that he was hanging out with his guy friends.  They supposedly had big plans to play basketball and do manly things. So that weekend I was hanging out with my family and was in the truck with my dad on our way to pick up pizza when my phone rang.  It was Andrew.  We had a very quick conversation in which he asked me to remind him of my ring size.  That was an odd question for someone hanging out doing manly things to ask.  

August 29, 2003

The day before my birthday.  I had to work that day.  I was working at Sonic and was scheduled to work 6:30 to 1:30.  Andrew was driving up that evening and we were going out to dinner.  I just knew I was getting engaged that evening.  I was so incredibly excited.  

1:30 could not come fast enough.  I was ready to go home, shower, and get ready for the best date of my life.  

And then our computer system at work shut down.  We were sending people outside to take orders by hand.

Right in the middle of our lunch rush.

I remember it being so crazy busy.  

1:30 came and went and I was still at work.  

I don't remember what time I was finally able to leave work but it was much later than 1:30.  

I'm sure I sped home that day.

I got showered and dressed in my white shirt with green flowers and my denim skirt.  

Oh the fashion!

Andrew took me to the nicest restaurant in our little town that evening.

Colton's.

We ate our dinner all the while I was a nervous wreck waiting on him to propose.

He never did.

August 30, 2003

My birthday.

Andrew slept on our couch the previous night.

I woke up and took my shower and got ready for the day.

Then he got up to shower and I knew...today was the day.

I was very nervous.  

Once we were both ready for the day we were sitting in my room and he hands me a birthday card.

I opened and read the card.

Then he says to me...

"I'm only going to ask this one time so you better not say no."

He hands me a box and says, "Will you marry me?"  

I'm pretty sure I opened the box myself and I put the ring on myself.  

 I already had wedding catalogs.

There was no one knee or grand gesture.

And even though I give him a hard time about it now, it didn't matter.

I knew he loved me.

And I loved him.

Since it was lunch time we headed off to town for a nice lunch at...

McDonalds where my newly engaged 20 year old self ordered a happy meal.

And in case you are wondering how my ring fits Andrew...

The day may not have been his most romantic gesture but it was still one of the best days of my life.  

It was the beginning of a life long commitment to my best friend.

Travel, Toys, & Things

I used to love watching The Newlywed Game.  Andrew would come home from work and I would ask him some of my favorite questions from that day's show.  I'm sure he loved it.  Ha!

I've quit watching the show but I still like to ask him random Question of The Day questions.  

I thought it would be fun to share some questions and answers with you.

QUESTION #1: If you had to live in one of the places we've visited on vacation which one would be your first choice?

Andrew: Probably Charleston

Elaina:  Denver I think.  I really enjoyed our time there and I love the snow.  

QUESTION #2: If you inherited ten million dollars, what would you buy first (after all the bills/debt were paid off)?

Andrew: Tickets for us on a world cruise.

Elaina:  I'd buy an RV and we'd take a long vacation traveling across the US going everywhere we've always wanted to go.

(Great minds think alike.  We like traveling together.)

QUESTION #3: What is your least favorite think about travel?

Andrew: Other Travelers

Elaina:  Definitely flying.  It is slightly scary to me and it makes me sick.

QUESTION #4: What was your favorite toy growing up?

Andrew: Legos

Elaina:  Probably my chalkboard and then whiteboard.  I've always been a teacher. :)

QUESTION #5: If you could medal in an Olympic sport, what sport would you participate in?

Andrew: I think it has to be 100m sprint.  That's the fastest man in the world.

Elaina:  Gymnastics for sure.  I've always wanted to be able to flip across the floor like that.  

Why I Don't Bash My Husband

This is my husband.

Y'all he is absolutely my best friend.

He is the first one I run to when I want to share about the best day ever.

And he is the first one I run to when I want to cry about the worst day ever.

He is smart and funny and has the biggest heart.

He is all kinds of wonderful and he makes me have all the heart eyes.

But he isn't perfect.

He is human.

If you follow me on any form of social media (which now includes snapchat because I'm cool like that) then you've been exposed to a few lovey dovey look at us having the time of our  lives status updates.

We like to have fun.

We like to laugh.

And I share those moments because it is in those moments when my husband is loving me well that I see Jesus in him.  It's in those moments that I see him unselfishly loving me - even though sometimes in those moments I am definitely not unselfishly loving him - that I am reminded of how big and how great the love of Christ is.

I share those moments because I want young women to see a positive example of how a husband should cherish his wife.

But I also don't won't to give young women the impression that marriage is all fun and games.

Because as with all stories there is another side.

Wow.  That makes my husband sound a little like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

It's not that bad.

But marriage does require hard work.

Because even with all the heart eyes I have for him, my husband isn't perfect.

And don't tell him this, but neither am I.

However, you will never see me update my status with the story of our latest breakdown in communication.

(Isn't that a much nicer way of saying FIGHT?)

And oh how there can be breakdowns.

Just give us a construction project.

It's like we suddenly start speaking two very different languages.

There is a tool out there that is commonly referred to as the divorce box in our house.  I have no idea what the tool is really called, nor do I remember it's purpose.  What I do know is that it caused an argument or two or three.  It caused all patience with one another to completely disappear.

I'm talking a Houdini-esque vanish.

Don't worry...we can laugh about it now.

But we still haven't used that tool since then.

But in all seriousness...

We get tired.

We get hangry.

We get selfish.

We're human.

But I made the choice a long time ago not to bash my husband in public.

What purpose does it serve?

Sure I might have a girlfriend or two who would take my side and tell me I deserve to be upset.

But more than likely what I really need is a girlfriend or two who will listen and sincerely pray with me and for me.  Someone who won't judge me or my husband, but will give Godly counsel.

Have you ever been around a dripping faucet or a leaky roof?

Annoying as heck right?

I don't know about you but I don't want to be described as a dripping anything.

Proverbs 27:15 says a quarrelsome wife is as annoying as constant dripping on a rainy day.

Umm....no thank you!

I'd much rather be more precious than jewels (Proverbs 31:10) or I wouldn't mind being a crown either (Proverbs 12:4).

Here is what I know...when Andrew and I quarrel (that word is underused these days.  It's so much nicer sounding than fight.) and we do quarrel because again...we are human, and then I continue to let those quarrelsome thoughts infect my heart by bashing him to anyone who will listen...

That's not the fast track to peace in our relationship.  That tends to make the fight last longer.

And fighting with my husband is pretty much my least favorite thing in the world.

Even more so than broccoli.

And I eat broccoli like Kevin on The Office eats broccoli.

(If you have no idea what I'm talking about, you are seriously missing out)

Back to the seriousness...

God commands us to love on another, to be tender hearted toward one another, and to forgive one another (Eph 4:32).

He commands wives to respect their husbands...and not just in the moments where they are making it easy, but in every moment.

For me, not bashing my husband in public is one way in which I respect him.

And I'm not saying I'm prefect at this.

Remember I'm human.

Sometimes those quarrelsome thoughts infest my heart and I allow Satan to convince me that my anger is justified and it is okay to bash my husband.

And then I'm left feeling worse than I did before.

I end up on my knees seeking forgiveness from both my Heavenly Father and my husband.

Forgiveness not only for my part in the fight in the first place but now for the bashing as well.

So I just want to encourage you, the next time your husband upsets you because he is a guy and they are just wired different than you or maybe loses his temper because its been a long day at work, instead of bashing him to the first girlfriend who answers her phone, take it to the Lord.  Ask him to soften both of your hearts.  Ask him to help you communicate better with one another.

I promise it's easier and better than the bashing you want to do in that moment.

With love my sweet friends,

Memphis in May

Awhile back I woke up to a text message from my husband.

That actually happens more often than you would think.

He is a night owl and is often up much later than me.

So sometimes after I'm long asleep he will send me a text.  Most of the time they are links to something he has found that he wants to buy or do.

Anyway, a couple of months ago I woke up to a text message saying I need to plan to take a personal day because we were going to Memphis in May.

After looking at the line up, I had mixed emotions.

I was super pumped to see a few certain performers, but I do not do well with crowds.

As we got closer to this past weekend it began to look like we were going to have to cancel our plans.

Andrew had to go out of town for work.

He ended up coming home early and we were able to go to Memphis for the weekend.

We left right after work Friday and headed to the Beale Street Musical Festival.

We made it just in time to grab some yummy food truck food and watch the first show of the weekend.

Friday night we saw Gin Blossoms, Grace Potter, and Weezer.

Saturday morning we slept in and were pretty lazy all day.

We were preparing for another late night of concerts..

John Mayall, Better Than Ezra, Barenaked Ladies, and my personal favorite of the weekend...Meghan Trainor.

In between shows we left the park to grab some dinner.

Gus's Fried Chicken....This is a MUST if you are in Memphis!!

Sunday we saw Blackberry Smoke (I was not a fan), Paul Simon, and Beck. 

There was also more good food on Sunday.

Central BBQ...

Andrew was excited to share a slab of ribs with me.  

It was a first for our relationship. :)

When in Memphis...

It was such a fun weekend.  Lots of good music and delicious food.

But the best part of the weekend, the part that I want to always remember...

was the way Andrew loved me and served me.

I want to remember how he thought to bring my duck boots that I didn't pack for myself because he knew we would be walking in a pool of mud all weekend.

I want to remember how he would check to make the sure the porta-potty was clean (or at least as clean as one can be) before I went in.  

I want to remember the way he helped me take my boots off so I could put rain pants on without getting all muddy.

I want to remember the tickle fight that made me laugh until I cried.

I want to remember how he searched for the perfect spot to stand in the crowd - a spot where I would be able to see but wouldn't feel claustrophobic.  

He loves me well.

He is my best friend and I'm loving this season of life where we can just pick up and get away for the weekend.

Our Weekend Getaway

February is not my favorite month.

It's cold for one.  The holidays are over along with the excitement of returning to my classroom after the break.  There is the anticipation of things to come...Andrew's birthday, spring break, Easter.  But those feel so far away.  There is nothing fun in February.  

(Yes I know there is Valentine's Day, but we aren't big celebraters)

February is  just blah.

Some people get the January blues.

I get the February blues.

I lack motivation.

 I don't want to do anything but curl up in my warm bed and veg out.

Veg out.... no relation to vegetables.

I'm talking double stuffed oreos for dinner.

My lack of motivation has left me feeling behind and overwhelmed with everything.

Last Tuesday I felt like I was on the verge of a breakdown.  I sent Andrew a text at lunch and simply said, "I need a vacation."

It was only a few seconds when he responded with, "Me too.  When is Spring Break?"

Spring Break was too far away.  I needed a long weekend.

Thursday my coworker mentioned that her and her family were headed to Branson for the weekend.  

That sounded perfect.

It sounded even better after I checked the weather and realized it was supposed to be a pretty nice weekend.

I sent Andrew a text saying we should go to Branson for the weekend.  We could play golf and shop and just get away.

And that is exactly what we did.

Andrew worked from home Friday so as soon as I got home we headed north.  

We took it easy Friday night, grabbing a quick bite to eat and then just hanging out in our hotel room.

Saturday morning we golfed.

And by we golfed I mean, Andrew golfed while I rode in the cart and manned the flag at each green.

It turned out to be a gorgeous day.  Almost 80 degrees and sunny.  

I was not prepared to get a tiny little sun burn in February.

The course, Buffalo Ridge, was gorgeous.

I used to tag along with Andrew pretty often when he played golf, but it has been a long time.  He has been playing with the nephews lately and I don't tag along when he does that.

I know he loves playing with the guys, but I hope he enjoyed having his wife tag along this past weekend.  I know I loved it.

I never thought I would say that.  But my man loves golf and I love him so I've learned golf isn't so bad.  :)

For the most part it felt like we had the whole course to ourselves. 

Andrew finished that round of golf in record time.

We had originally planned to save the outlet mall for Sunday but since we finished golf so early we decided to shower up and hit the mall a day early.

As we were shopping we just kept saying how unbelievable the weather was.

At one point I asked where we would have to move to have that kind of weather year round.

I was ready to pack up and head out.

Saturday night even though we were both exhausted and would have been totally fine with have a pizza delivered to our hotel room, we went ahead with our dinner plans.

We got dressed up and went out to a nice dinner.

We don't do this very often because quite honestly I eat like a two year old and a nice restaurant just doesn't have all that much appeal to me.

But this was fun.

I enjoyed putting on a dress, special make up, and curling my hair to go out with my man.

Maybe I can learn to eat a steak so we can do this more often. :)

Since we hit the mall a day early that left us with a much needed lazy Sunday morning.  We slept in and then headed to Cracker Barrel for a late breakfast before heading home.

My parents had given us a gift card for Valentine's Day.

Right as we were getting ready to leave we heard a couple sitting a few tables over tell the waitress that it was their anniversary.  

Andrew asked me if I would be okay if we gave them our gift card as a little anniversary gift.

Of course!

I love his heart.  He loves people.  He serves people.

And there is nothing sexier than a man who loves likes Jesus.

It was the perfect way to end our little getaway.

We both came home a little more refreshed and little more ready to face the new week.

But still...

Bring on March!

The Grooming Anniversary

The 25th wedding anniversary is the silver anniversary.

The 50th wedding anniversary is the gold anniversary.

Andrew and I aren't quite there yet.

We are on anniversary number 12 which just happens to be the grooming anniversary.

Or at least that's how we celebrated.

A few weeks ago I told Andrew I wanted to go get mani/pedis together for our anniversary.  I have been prolonging a much needed manicure just waiting for this day.

We decided to celebrate on Saturday, the day before our anniversary.  

We started the day with a quick bite to eat.

I had never eaten here before and I must say it was DELICIOUS!  Unfortunately it really was a QUICK meal because we had to be at a hair appointment for Andrew.

He decided to try a new salon.

It was the cutest salon.  Made me want to get my hair cut and I just got it cut the week of Christmas.  I'm seriously considering bangs.  I want them even though I feel like I won't like them.  Andrew is not a fan of this idea.

After a haircut we went and roamed around the mall for a bit before heading to our appointments for mani/pedis.

This was a first for Andrew.  I think he really enjoyed it.

Maybe I can convince him to go with me again sometime.   

It was getting dark when we finished at the nail salon.  We decided to drive around and look at houses before it got too dark.  We have always loved driving around looking at homes.  

Then we started to get hungry.

We ate at Damgoode Pies.

It is one of my favorite pizza places.

So yummy!

I never have dessert but I could not resist this peanut butter pie.

To Die For!!

We ended our date with a little shopping.  We went to Ulta, Sally's, Target, and Barnes and Noble.

It was the grooming anniversary.  

Lots of new hair products, skin care, and make up was purchased.

I added two new lip sticks to my every growing collection.

Excited about that!

It was a fun day with my sweetheart.  

Twelve years have flown by and I can't wait for the next twelve and the next twelve and the next twelve....

Happy Anniversary

Twelve years ago today before God and our family and friends I vowed to love you for the rest of my life.  For better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness (despite my slight protest) and in health.

I was twenty years old.  

Young and dumb naive.

I thought I understood what I was promising you.

And I guess in my twenty year old way, I did.

I don't remember anyone ever telling me that marriage was hard work.

But I also don't remember anyone telling me that it would be the greatest blessing.

You make me laugh like no one else can.

You hold me close and wipe my tears.

You teach me how to love others with everything I have.

You protect me even when I don't know I need protecting.

You make me feel beautiful.

You are my best friend

You love me as God as called you to love me.

25For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her 26to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word.^b 27He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault. 28In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as they love their own bodies. For a man who loves his wife actually shows love for himself. 29No one hates his own body but feeds and cares for it, just as Christ cares for the church.

(Ephesians 5)

Thank you for choosing me twelve years ago and every day since.

Thank you for giving me grace as I learn to be the wife God has called me to be to you

How sweet it is to be loved by you!