20 Random Facts

I guess I'll start with #1~ which is 20 random facts about me. Enjoy!

1. I've only lived in 2 different cities- but have lived in 11 different houses.
2. I met my husband in college, while we were both working at Pizza Hut.
3. I love music! Good music makes my heart happy.
4. I read all the Twilight books and loved them all. I also love reading Jodi Picoult and Amish books (long before the silly shows on TLC).
5. I'm on the laptop or ipad way too much. Don't know why I think it's necessary to check Facebook or play Candy Crush as often as I do.
6. When I was 12, I was diagnosed with scoliosis. I had an 85 degree curve and 45 degree curve in my spine. Had a big ol' long surgery and got to be on the news when my doctor decided to try a "new innovative approach." Was out of school for a month, which was great for a 6th grader!
7. I dye my hair because I have had gray hairs since my early 20's. 
8. I've been friends with my BFF since I was 5 years old....25 years of friendship is pretty special.
9. I really, really, enjoyed my years at community college. They were both spent differently (with different friends and in different houses) but I wouldn't change either year for anything!
10. I wish I would have played sports in school. I always loved playing at home, but never thought I was good enough (or skinny enough) to try out.
11. I've had 4 serious relationships- 2 in high school and 2 after high school. Again, I was not very confident in myself, and I guess I liked the idea of hanging on to someone when they liked me. The 4th one never got to get away though, he's kinda stuck with me!
12. I wish I had long hair- I've never had it grow much longer than shoulders. Maybe I should work on that.
13. I like for things to be organized and easy to find. Less stuff around my house makes me very happy.
14. I've always been jealous of people with big families- they seem like they have so much fun and are always together.
15. My parents had a small band when I was younger. They called themselves "Many Others" so they were always listed on flyers for concerts. Clever, aren't they? 
16. I get carsick pretty easy. I can't read while riding in a car (what a big waste of time!) and if I have to sit in the backseat, I'll get sick. 
17. I don't really like to watch a movie more than once- there are very few that I will. Titanic, The Notebook, Elf (but only at Christmas time), Taken, Pitch Perfect, and Tangled. Most others I think it's silly. You know what's going to happen.
18. I know I said I spend too much time on the computer, but I am so grateful for Facebook- I love watching my friends' kids grow up, keeping my family up to date, and staying connected with friends/family that are not close to me. I feel like I am closer to them just by "seeing" them every day.
19. I have a passion for teaching. Even when I have a bad day, I love the fact that I get to spend it in a classroom. I could never imagine having to sit in a cubicle all day and only talk to adults1
20. I love my family. The 3 people that live with me, the people that raised me and grew up with me, the people I gained when I got married, and all the other relatives in between. I absolutely, totally, completely love them.                  


Maybe that was all too much information?? Hopefully it was just enough. Try it sometime though- it takes time, and thought, and looking closer at yourself. I tried to write things that were about ME, not my kids, or husband. That is no easy task, as they are such a connected part of me. But it's nice to remember that I am more than just the mom and wife.

Digging a Little Deeper

Totally stole this idea from a sweet friend! Hope she doesn't mind!!!

Things I want to share/talk about in the next year:
1. List 20 random facts about yourself. Done: Read all about it here!!
2. Describe 3 legitmate fears you have and explain how they became fears.
3. Describe your relationship with your spouse. 
4. List 10 things you would tell your 16 year old self if you could.
5. What are the 5 things that make you most happy right now?
6. What is your dream job and why?
7. If you had 3 wishes what would you wish for?
8. What are 5 passions you have?
9. List 10 people who have influenced you and describe how.
10. Describe your most embarrassing moment.
11. Describe 10 pet peeves you have.
12. Describe a typical day in your current life.
13. What's the hardest part of growing up?
14. Describe 5 strengths and weaknesses you have.
15. Describe when you knew your spouse was the one.
16. What are your 5 greatest accomplishments?
17. What is the thing you most wish you were great at?
18. What do you think your spouse loves the most about you?
19. How did you feel the moment you became a parent?
20. Describe 3 significant memories from your childhood.
21. Describe your relationship with your parents.
22. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? 15 years?
23. What's your favorite holiday and why?
24. What's your favorite and least favorite thing about parenthood?
25. If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would it be and what would you eat?
26. What popular notion do you think the world has most wrong?
27. What is your favorite part of your body and why?
28. What's your favorite quality in your spouse?
29. What are your hopes and dreams for your prosperity?
30. List 10 things you would hope to be remembered for.

I know this list is long, and I know most people won't really care, but I would love to spend the time blogging my answers, if anything, just for my own self awareness.

What an accountable, true-to-self testimony I will have to share for my family. And some day they'll probably laugh at the whole techy blog thing too! It will be so ancient I'm sure. =)                

What's Your Perfect?

Yes, I know.
It's been over a month since I blogged.

I guess I've lost some motivation. Some desire. Some courage. 

But this morning, I woke up early (early for Christmas vacation anyway!) to take a shower and get ready for my annual Fun Friend Day Trip. I'm way too excited to spend the day shopping and eating in another town with my BFF!!

But I guess God had a few different ideas for me first. I can feel Him pulling on my heartstrings to get these next few words down. So I'll obey and listen.

I know it's hard not to be jealous of my "perfect" family. My husband and I have 2 kids and of course one is a boy and one is a girl. Perfect right? We only have each other- no ex-husband or ex-wife to fight with over our children. And it's great. And someone (even someone I care about very much) is probably extremely jealous. And I probably take this situation for granted way too many times. 

But it's ok. You can be jealous. Because I'm jealous of all my friends that do not have to fight the demon of weight. It's what I have to struggle with every single day. While others never once think twice about eating that 3rd piece of pizza, I'm fighting with myself for even eating one. I'm jealous of you.

So what's your perfect? What is it about you that makes other people jealous? 

Of course today's lesson is not to rub it in their face and boast about it. Instead, be grateful! Be so overwhelmed with happiness about it, that you share your enthusiasm with everyone around! We are all fighting our own demons daily- some struggle with divorce, or addiction, or money. But there is something that you have that others don't- and they want it! 

It's ok to be jealous- it drives us to want to change something in our own lives.  It can motivate us to become better.

It's ok to be grateful- it humbles us and makes us more aware of the wonderful, special things we have.

Take some time today to find your perfect. Then say a few words of thanks to the man upstairs. Then, think of what you are jealous of- and make a plan to make it better. 

Happy Saturday friends!   

Day 21's Chilly Thanks!

Tonight I am thankful for my home.

We have called it "our home" for the last 7 years. It is the only home the Princess has ever known (poor Prince, he had lived in 2 other homes previously!). It is the first home The King and I bought. We did a lot of things ourselves (not necessarily perfectly, but we did them!). We added a big deck on the back, did some remodeling in the kitchen, and (eventually) refinished the original hardwood floors.  

There's things I love about my house I never knew I would. We have a great long driveway, perfect for safely riding bikes, playing basketball, or covering with chalk! We have the absolute best neighbors you could ever dream of! And the layout is ideal for keeping everyone close but not cramped!
 
And last year, we put it on the market.

We *thought* we wanted to move.

Apparently, we were mistaken. We took it off the market after 16 months! Alright, we can take a hint. We'll stay!

And I'm so glad we did- we could never find a more perfect neighborhood, and have I mentioned our neighbors?! This has been a blessed placed to raise our kids so far, and tonight I'm so thankful it is ours.    

20th Day of Thanks

Every year the Community College in our town puts on a fall play. And every year they invite the local elementary schools to come watch. I love that I teach that "middle grade" where we still get invited to younger things, but also to the older things! This year's play was called "Beeple" and the cast did a fantastic job of keeping a houseful of little people entertained for an hour and a half!  What a nice break from our busy day, and a chance for the kids to see all that goes into a play- we talked about not only the actors, but all the behind-the-scenes you don't see. How cool would it be for that experience to begin an interest in drama for one of my kiddos! 

I also love that The Prince got to see it too, and being in that "middle grade" I was very thankful for him saying the play was "hilarious, and so fun" rather than "stupid and childish" like a very small number of the older kids thought. I love that he is still so innocent and gets to still be a kid! I'm gonna keep him that way as long as I can!
 

 

Day 19

Day 19: I am thankful for the 2 people who brought me into this world. 

They still spoil me rotten, even though I've got a family of my own! They love my husband as if he were their son. And my children- please don't even get me started on how much they spoil them!

They of course, like all parents, taught me everything I know. Most importantly, 80's and 90's acoustic rock music. 

 

I am so lucky to have such attentive, encouraging, and loving (and fun!) parents. 

I love you mom and dad!    

Day 18

Today I am thankful for McDonald's Happy Meal coupons earned by The Prince at school, and gift cards from our grandparents! Sure made dinner easy tonight on a stressful Monday. 

PS- I ate a Grilled Chicken sandwich, so I'm still on track with my calorie count for the day!

Sunday's Thanks:

I'm thankful for a day of rest. A time to get caught up at home, prepared for the week, and spend some time relaxing at home.

I'm thankful for Sunday football, lunch time exercise, and a full cart of groceries (plus the little helpers to put it all away!).

And now I'll be thankful for an early-to-bed Sunday night!

Day 15 and Day 16's Thanks

 
                                   Day 15:
I was so thankful to spend an hour in my bed yesterday evening with my favorite little girl in the world. We talked (boy can she talk!), I played with her beautiful long hair, and we took turns "writing" letters, words, numbers, and shapes on each others backs. It was a very special time with just the two of us. And I'm thankful I was given that.

Day 16: This morning I am thankful for my small town's youth bowling league. Both of my children bowl every Saturday morning, along with about 8 other kids. This is the 2nd year they have been on the team. The confidence in themselves has grown so much. They set goals, and achieve them. Bowling is such an independent sport and a chance to improve your own skill. Plus, the friends they've made are lifelong. So thank you, USBC.

2-Fer

Tonight's special is 2 for the price of one!

Tonight's thanks deserves more than just one day.

Hands down, I have the best husband.

Momma had a late night at school, so he was dad + mom at home tonight! He got dinner done, rooms cleaned, baths/showers, and happy kids, all by the time I was home at 7:00.

He deserves a medal. 





I don't have one to give him.


So he gets a free night of deer hunting after work tomorrow!!

I love you babe!     

11.12.13

Tonight I am thankful I exercised.

So that I could have a bowl of Girl Scout Thin Mint ice cream.

 

Eleven-Eleven

I always love Veteran's Day. And no, I don't get the day off! I'm very thankful that our district does not have students stay home on this day- I believe the children appreciate the significance of the day more if they are in class learning about it.

Every year my school (along with others across the nation) gathers in the gym for a 45 minute recognition of our Veterans. And every year it brings tears to my eyes to hear those sweet angelic voices singing praises and thanks to all those who serve. They nervously approach the podium to speak the words of a grateful poem into the microphone for all the audience to hear. 
The audience is filled not only with staff and students, but Veterans from family members of our students are welcomed as well.

This year we were even blessed to have two Veterans (husband and wife!) come speak to our kids about their time in the military and how they were once just kids too. Then we end traditionally, with the playing of "Taps" by our very own music teacher. 

I am so grateful that I live in the country of the free and the brave. Thank you to every single person who was, is or will be a member of our Armed Forces. You have my utmost respect and blessings forever.   
 

Day 10 already?!

Oh life. You are so funny sometimes.

How is it that I am on Day 10, and already can't think of what I'm thankful for today?
But even when I can't, I know there are things to be grateful for. Especially things I often take for granted.
 

Laundry- I'm thankful for you because that means I have children who need to wear clean clothes. It means I have money to buy them clothes, a washing machine and a dryer to help me. It also means I'm the kind of mommy that will let those 2 rugrats get dirty in the first place.

 So thank you Lord, for 2 dirty children and a washing machine to clean their clothes. That makes my heart very happy (and so does their assistance in putting away their clothes!).