Never Say Never

A few months ago, I had the opportunity to attend "A Night With The Chapmans." I really enjoyed every minute of it, but I especially enjoyed hearing Mary Beth speak. That night she shared with us something she had written in her book. She told us there were three things she told God she would never do:
homeschool,adopt, & speak in public.

God has walked her through all three of those things now. After she finished telling us those three things she looked at her husband, Steven Curtis Chapman and told him she would NEVER spend 6 months on vacation in Hawaii with him. Of course we all laugh.

I wonder how many times God has laughed and will laugh because we've made our own plans. We've said we will definitely do something or we will never do something.

Growing up I always wanted to be a teacher. I don't think there has ever been a time in my life that I didn't want to teach. I have always been very specific in what I would teach. I wanted to teach history and english. I said I would NEVER teach math or science. I hated them. Do you know what I teach this year? Yes. Math & Science. And truth be told, I love it!!! Even more than history and english. God knew that.

I've said time and time again that I could NEVER be married to a truck driver or someone in the army or anyone else who was away from home all the time. I just didn't have it in me to be that wife. Well, I'm not married to a truck driver and I'm not married to someone in the army, but I'm married to the IT guy of a lumber company. Right now that means I'm married to someone who travels a lot. And you know what? God has not only walked me through that, but he has used to strengthen my marriage.

I'm sure there are plenty of other things I said I would never do because I couldn't and God has walked me through it anyways. Math, Science, and a traveling husband, are just the two that are prominent in my mind right now.

I am so thankful that God knows better, that his ways are higher. I'm thankful for the reminder that I'm not in control. He knows what He is doing and doesn't need my help.

What is something you said you would never do that God has walked you through anyway?

My New Toy

Last night, Andrew and I bought me a new phone. I asked around before making a decision on what phone I wanted and everyone told me the iPhone was the best. I just didn't want an iPhone. I don't dislike them. I just wanted something different than everyone else.

I went with a new Windows 7 phone. The Samsung Focus. The phone I had was a Samsung and I really liked it.

Other than a few frustrations, I really like the focus. The moron at the AT&T store deleted all my contacts. GRRRR!! It has been a very frustrating process. I don't even know what numbers are missing because I had so many. I've been trying all day to get some of them back. Between the husband and my Momma, I got a few.

It really is a neat phone though. I'm enjoying playing with it. I was so behind in the world of cell phones. It just amazes me that when someone calls, their facebook picture pops up.

Aww.. the little things!

My only other complaint is that because it is so new (just came out Monday) I can't download any ringtones. At least I can't figure how to. The ones it came with totally stink. I like just a normal ringtone that sounds like a phone is ringing. This phone doesn't come with a single ringtone like that.

I'm sure there is a way to get a ringtone. I just still have lots to learn.

Fighting the Static

After looking at our photos from Saturday, I've decided to keep my hair long. At least for now... I just really like the way it looks in the pictures. I'm going to keep going with the way it is, at least until next month. I might do something different over Christmas break.

But, I have a daily battle with static. Actually it's an hourly battle. I don't know what to do to tame the static. I've been known to carry a sheet of fabric softener in my purse. That works well.

I'm thinking there has to be some hair product out there for this little problem. I haven't even looked. Do you know of anything?

Every morning after I straighten my hair, I look like I've touched that big ball they have in museum. You know...the one that purposefully makes your hair stand on end.

Finishing Strong

So today is the last day of Katie's 30 day challenge. I've enjoyed it, but am ready to post about whatever again. The last challenge is to share a picture. It's perfect timing. I can share with you just a few of the 80 something shots from our photo shoot this past weekend. Uncle Kevin got some great shots. I don't know how I will ever pick just one. Let me know which one is your favorite.

Wishes

I can't believe we are almost finished with this 30 day challenge. What will I blog about when it is over?

We are sharing our wishes today.

My wish today is just that God would use me to share Christ with others and that they would accept Him.

On a selfish note, I wish we were debt free! We are getting there, but sure is a slow process.

Showing My School Spirit

This week is Homecoming Week at School. That means we are dressing up each day.

As Student Council sponsor, I'm responsible for coming up with the dress up days for middle school. Well not really me so much as my kids. I find ideas and then they vote.

However, they don't get a choice on Monday. It is one of my favorite days of the year. Monday is always Get Up & Go Day. That means I get to wear my pjs and houseshoes to school. I LOVE IT!!

Tuesday is Twinkie Day where you and a friend dress alike. I bought a shirt that says something about Twinkies that I'm going to wear. I think two of my coworkers are going to wear the same thing.

Wednesday is Nerd Day. I will be sporting the same outfit as last year. Nothing new here.

I'm struggling with Thursday. It is Celebrity Day. Dress like someone famous. I have NO IDEA what I should do. I would like to come up with something clever that will make my kids think. But I don't want to be someone or something that they will never figure out. Anyone have any ideas? I'm willing to go buy "supplies" but I would like to find something easy & cheap.

As always, Friday is Cardinal Day. I will be wearing school colors.

And don't worry. I will share pictures!

I really enjoy this week. The students love that I dress up and I love that they love it. :)

It's a crazy week though. This week always challenges my classroom management skills, which is a little scary. This year they are already being challenged enough.

Here's to a week of fun!!

LB Squared & Stress

Catching up! I'm going to do yesterday's challenge and today's challenge here in hopes of getting caught up on something.

Yesterday's challenge was all about the pets. My pets are more than just pets. They are my babies. Yesterday we did our annual photo shoot and it was strange to only do a few pictures with them. They have graced every Christmas Card since they came into our family.

Liberty Belle Weaver is our first "child". Her name has a story behind it that you can read all about here. She has been a wild and crazy adventure from day one. She has destroyed walls, carpet, baby gates, pillows, and many other things. And when I say destroy, I mean truly destroy. We had to get rid our our carpet because she ate through one day, foam pad and all.

But I love her! She's my girl. She is my little brown shadow. She never likes to be too far from her Momma. On the rare occasion that Andrew comes homes before me and lets them in, she immediately starts looking for me.

She absolutely hates to ride in the car. It stresses her out. She wants to be in the driver's lap and she spends the entire time panting and shaking like crazy.

She hates to wear clothes, but loves her blanket. We can say, "Lib get your blanket and go to the night night." and she will grab her blanket and go to our bedroom.

She can jump higher than any little dog I've ever seen. She clears the couch no problem. She has jumped from the floor onto the dining room table and even from the floor onto the kitchen counter. She jumped onto the counter because I was sitting on it crying. She doesn't like it when I cry.

She is my back cuddling puppy. We sleep on the same pillow with our backs against each other.

She is absolutely crazy, but I love her.

Liam Bailey is the total opposite. He is so sweet and cuddly. He loves to just come and lay on your chest and bury his little head into your neck. He will cuddle with just about anyone. He loves to make new friends.

He is a dog's dog. He LOVES the car. If I say I'm going bye bye he gets all excited and runs to the front door. He walks out and jumps straight into the car. I roll his window down and he is as happy as he can be. But I leave without him, he is not a happy camper. Andrew says he will cry the entire time I'm gone.

He is a Momma's boy. He is scared of everything. The slightest little sound and he takes off running to his bed. He is our snoring puppy. He sleeps on his bag, paws out in front of him and just snores away. It is so cute.

Liam loves to wear clothes. He comes running whenever I pull out one of his shirts. It is so funny! I think it is because he is a cold nature little dog. He prefers to be cuddled up next to someone or under a blanket.

I love my furbabies! They drive me crazy at times, but I don't know what I would do with out them.


As far as today's challenge goes....being behind, like I am now, is what gets me stressed out. When I feel like my to do list is far longer than what I could ever get done in the allotted time frame gets me stressed out. Paperwork can get me feeling a little overwhelmed. Most of the time I just look at Drew with my long to do list and let him know I'm feeling overwhelmed and that I need his help. He can always tell when I'm to THAT point and he will help me however he can. He's great like that!!



On a totally different note. We finally did pictures yesterday as I mentioned above. I can't wait to see them. I think Uncle Kevin got some good ones. He always does. But, these pictures have been the reason I haven't cut my hair yet. That excuse is gone. Now I have to decide if I'm brave enough, really ready to cut my hair. We shall see!