Why is it that the life lessons seem to be the hardest and more hurtful lessons to learn? To bad they aren't like a lesson in math or science.........you learn it, you study it, memorize it and then get tested on it..............and then move on! Maybe that's the way we should look at life lessons?!?
So this weeks life lesson.............just because you consider someone your friend doesn't mean they consider you a friend. This is important because when it comes to the things you cherish and the things you trust your friends with, they need to feel the same way, be respectful and above all, be a good friend. Friends have differences and its okay that you don't always agree. And this isn't about a disagreement. Its about trust and trusting your friends with the things you hold most dear to you. After all would you trust one of your most cherished things, like a child with someone that didn't consider you a friend?
So food for thought........if the saying is true, "Keep your friends close and keep your enemies closer"..........are you the friend or the enemy?
Be aware of the difference between a friend, an acquaintance and your enemy!
Thursday, 28 July 2011
Monday, 25 July 2011
Hardest Jobs
I have confirmed over the past several weeks that one of the hardest jobs in the world has to be a parents job! Kudos to all you parents out there! I have been blessed with wonderful nieces and nephews in my life. Over the past few weeks I have had the nieces for a week at my house and then spent a long weekend on vacation with them and their momma in Galveston. I have learned that maybe what people say about girls being harder to raise than boys might be true! I have also realized that in a very short time my "pre-teen" niece will no longer be as interested in spending time with her relatives unless they are cousins of her own age. I have also realized that as little girls become young women they go through mood changes, get attitudes about some things without even realizing is and can be emotional at times beyond their reasonable control! And yet some how I have forgot that I was once their age and can relate.
So though I will never be a parent, I can honestly say that I love having nieces and nephews around me that I can spend time with. And to add, its nice to send them home too when I don't know how to handle them. :)
So though I will never be a parent, I can honestly say that I love having nieces and nephews around me that I can spend time with. And to add, its nice to send them home too when I don't know how to handle them. :)
Monday, 18 July 2011
To Walk A Mile in Anothers Shoes!
I have always admired that saying............."never judge a person until you have walked a mile in their shoes". I try and remember that often, try not to pass judgement and mostly I try to just look at things from others point of view. We never know what a person has been through, what kind of decisions they might face, nor how difficult it is to make those decisions. Its easy for us to pass judgment on others. I am not perfect and some times I forget that we should not pass judgment and some times I forget that what works for one person doesn't always work for another. But for the most part that is how I try and look at things and I hope others do the same. Its when people don't do that and pass judgment upon me (especially those that don't know me) that I can get very frustrated with those people. Having said that, it is what has happen to me as of late. I try to just let things slip off my back most days. I think the only reason this particular persons judgment of me is bothering me is simply because its made me step back and wonder if others view me the same way this person does. I surely hope others don't, however if they do, I really hope I can learn from this and become a better person from it. A wise woman once told me that we don't make mistakes in life, we make decisions, its when we don't learn from those decisions that it becomes a mistake.
For the most part, I am a fairly private person when it comes to things that are very personal to me. If you follow my facebook, or even reading this blog, you know a lot of things I do talk about. Those things are mostly things I feel are light hearted, or not so serious moments in life. Those are the things that make life enjoyable to me. I have had moments that I have spoke of my brother, his passing and a few others things that were very personal and private to me, but that's only because some times its easy to put those things down on paper for all to read so that you don't have to keep playing the story over and over again and reliving the tragedy in front of others. After all we all know what it feels like to have a tragedy and replay it over and over again in your head, much less in front of others who are just concerned and want to lend an ear.
I have a lot of great friends and those friends are very dear to me. There are friends that have been near by while I have went through some of the hardest things in life I never thought would be thrown my way. Other friends have just been in my life for a short time but have been a source of great friendship. The point is, friendships and relationships come and go. Some are around a lifetime, some around for a short period of time. And some of those are not even friendships, they are simple acquaintances. Some times in life you meet some one and while you try and build a friendship you soon realize that you can be nothing more than mere acquaintances. Its better than having an unhealthy friendship in my opinion!
So I leave you all with this............try and remember that we never know someone truly until we have walked a mile in their shoes. And that is a rare chance to have. Remember that some friendships are real and some are just acquaintances that were not meant to be there forever. And remember than when you do pass judgment on someone you should be mindful of how you would feel if they did it to you. Lastly, if a friendship or acquaintance has dissolved and its left you wondering why.......know that there is a time and place for all things and that it has served its purpose. If that still leaves you wondering......go to the source instead of making it an issue or bad mouthing that person.
For the most part, I am a fairly private person when it comes to things that are very personal to me. If you follow my facebook, or even reading this blog, you know a lot of things I do talk about. Those things are mostly things I feel are light hearted, or not so serious moments in life. Those are the things that make life enjoyable to me. I have had moments that I have spoke of my brother, his passing and a few others things that were very personal and private to me, but that's only because some times its easy to put those things down on paper for all to read so that you don't have to keep playing the story over and over again and reliving the tragedy in front of others. After all we all know what it feels like to have a tragedy and replay it over and over again in your head, much less in front of others who are just concerned and want to lend an ear.
I have a lot of great friends and those friends are very dear to me. There are friends that have been near by while I have went through some of the hardest things in life I never thought would be thrown my way. Other friends have just been in my life for a short time but have been a source of great friendship. The point is, friendships and relationships come and go. Some are around a lifetime, some around for a short period of time. And some of those are not even friendships, they are simple acquaintances. Some times in life you meet some one and while you try and build a friendship you soon realize that you can be nothing more than mere acquaintances. Its better than having an unhealthy friendship in my opinion!
So I leave you all with this............try and remember that we never know someone truly until we have walked a mile in their shoes. And that is a rare chance to have. Remember that some friendships are real and some are just acquaintances that were not meant to be there forever. And remember than when you do pass judgment on someone you should be mindful of how you would feel if they did it to you. Lastly, if a friendship or acquaintance has dissolved and its left you wondering why.......know that there is a time and place for all things and that it has served its purpose. If that still leaves you wondering......go to the source instead of making it an issue or bad mouthing that person.
Saturday, 11 June 2011
When I miss Scotland weather....
Its June here in sunny Louisiana and its HOT! This time of year I love but its also the time of year when I am out in it, sweating and feeling just miserable that I say I miss the rainy, chilly days in Scotland! Don't get me wrong, I am glad to be back, but it would be nice to have some cooler temperatures than between hot as hell and hotter than hell! lol
I miss several things about Scotland, several things about Texas but I also am enjoying living in Louisiana. I never thought I would be it feels like home right now. And thankfully we've been blessed with an opportunity to keep it a home for a little while.
For those that aren't in my immediate circle, my husband has changes companies after eight long years. It was a decision that weighed on him for a couple of months and for the last several weeks of making the decision I watched him go through turmoil and the ups and downs of going or staying. It was a very tough decision for him, not made lightly. But now that the switch has been made I see a much more relaxed, less stressed person. He's not traveling as much and he's actually back to enjoying the job and looking forward to it. I know it was hard for him to make that change but I think he's quite pleased with his decision.
I miss several things about Scotland, several things about Texas but I also am enjoying living in Louisiana. I never thought I would be it feels like home right now. And thankfully we've been blessed with an opportunity to keep it a home for a little while.
For those that aren't in my immediate circle, my husband has changes companies after eight long years. It was a decision that weighed on him for a couple of months and for the last several weeks of making the decision I watched him go through turmoil and the ups and downs of going or staying. It was a very tough decision for him, not made lightly. But now that the switch has been made I see a much more relaxed, less stressed person. He's not traveling as much and he's actually back to enjoying the job and looking forward to it. I know it was hard for him to make that change but I think he's quite pleased with his decision.
Tuesday, 10 May 2011
A Vacation from our vacation?
Am I the only one that always comes home from vacation feeling like I need another vacation to relax after my vacation?
It was fab though! We had a great time and honestly I think it was truly just the right amount of time. By the last day before coming home I was ready to come home and see the fur kids and just get back to normal. Now I didn't realize that it would be a crazy busy week of normal, but hey, it's all good! We are blessed to have been able to go on a nice vacation, relax and have fun.
So we seen a lot, ate a lot, drank a lot and well......tried to relax a lot! Atlantis if fabulous! Hands down the highlight of vacation was swimming with the dolphins at Atlantis! The whole place is amazing and if you ask me..........well worth the opportunity to go see it and spend some time there!
I also learned that before Jeff and I kayak together again in the same kayak, we MUST learn to synchronize better! I had no idea it could be so difficult for the two of us to be in sync. That said my first clue should have been when we had to take dance lessons for our wedding dance and we still didn't do to well after six lessons. Lets just say that white boy has NO rhythm!
And Key West is a fab little town! I would love to go back one day, spend a little more time and drink a whole lot less! We did a pub crawl while we were there. It was really quite fun.....only my head didn't seem to agree later that day. Thankfully naps are helpful on vacation! ;)
We snorkeled too and that was great. Some of the people snorkeling with us seen a stingray and a turtle. I was really quite sad about not seeing them for myself. But we did get to see an eel and it kind of freaked me out......but I kept my cool. Lots of cool fish and thankfully no sharks!
Did I mention swimming with the dolphins? It really was fab! I'll try and post some pictures soon. It's been quit a busy week and I've not even got to fully download all the pictures.
It was fab though! We had a great time and honestly I think it was truly just the right amount of time. By the last day before coming home I was ready to come home and see the fur kids and just get back to normal. Now I didn't realize that it would be a crazy busy week of normal, but hey, it's all good! We are blessed to have been able to go on a nice vacation, relax and have fun.
So we seen a lot, ate a lot, drank a lot and well......tried to relax a lot! Atlantis if fabulous! Hands down the highlight of vacation was swimming with the dolphins at Atlantis! The whole place is amazing and if you ask me..........well worth the opportunity to go see it and spend some time there!
I also learned that before Jeff and I kayak together again in the same kayak, we MUST learn to synchronize better! I had no idea it could be so difficult for the two of us to be in sync. That said my first clue should have been when we had to take dance lessons for our wedding dance and we still didn't do to well after six lessons. Lets just say that white boy has NO rhythm!
And Key West is a fab little town! I would love to go back one day, spend a little more time and drink a whole lot less! We did a pub crawl while we were there. It was really quite fun.....only my head didn't seem to agree later that day. Thankfully naps are helpful on vacation! ;)
We snorkeled too and that was great. Some of the people snorkeling with us seen a stingray and a turtle. I was really quite sad about not seeing them for myself. But we did get to see an eel and it kind of freaked me out......but I kept my cool. Lots of cool fish and thankfully no sharks!
Did I mention swimming with the dolphins? It really was fab! I'll try and post some pictures soon. It's been quit a busy week and I've not even got to fully download all the pictures.
Monday, 25 April 2011
Easter has arrived!
Easter is finally here! It has been a relatively quiet day. Jeff got called out early this morning and aside from attending church I stayed in today and watched some stuff on the DVR that I had recorded from the past two or three weeks while I was away working. I must admit that this was the first year we observed a full Lent and I did quite good at not having any meat on Friday's and I didn't give in and have the one thing I gave up for Lent. I did indulge in that one thing today though and as did Jeff, first thing this morning! Jeff gave up chocolate and so he had a chocolate covered peep before breakfast. Me, I gave up Diet Dr Pepper, my all time fav and finally caved and had one when I got home from church with a Reese's peanut butter egg. Yum! And yes, Diet Dr Pepper was just as lovely as I remembered it. :-)
So to add, today was a day of another "first". To clarify, our first Easter without my brother. We've had a few "first" since he's been gone but we have many more to come. I suppose the next couple of months will be some of the hardest. Mother's Day is around the corner and I can't even begin to imagine how my mom is feeling. I know her heart is still very full of sorrow. No words can describe how I even feel, so I can only imagine. Then we have his birthday. Again............no words can describe it. And then to follow in June we have Father's Day for those precious babies of his and then the anniversary to his long time love. May and June will be some of the toughest months. Please say a prayer for my family as we endure some of the hardest months ahead. I still find it hard to believe at times. I wouldn't say I am in denial but I would say that there are days it just doesn't seem real. I think of him every day and though I still can't talk about him much to other people without crying, it doesn't mean I have forgotten.
So to add, today was a day of another "first". To clarify, our first Easter without my brother. We've had a few "first" since he's been gone but we have many more to come. I suppose the next couple of months will be some of the hardest. Mother's Day is around the corner and I can't even begin to imagine how my mom is feeling. I know her heart is still very full of sorrow. No words can describe how I even feel, so I can only imagine. Then we have his birthday. Again............no words can describe it. And then to follow in June we have Father's Day for those precious babies of his and then the anniversary to his long time love. May and June will be some of the toughest months. Please say a prayer for my family as we endure some of the hardest months ahead. I still find it hard to believe at times. I wouldn't say I am in denial but I would say that there are days it just doesn't seem real. I think of him every day and though I still can't talk about him much to other people without crying, it doesn't mean I have forgotten.
Monday, 11 April 2011
I dub April, "the dragging month"!
Is it just me or is April dragging by? Could it be because I am ready for vacation and so the days and weeks will drag until we leave?!? Trust me when I say.....this has been a very long month so far and we aren't even to the middle of it yet!
April showers bring May flowers! I remember that saying from when I was a kid. But I was thinking this morning that is seems that it no longer applies like that. Flowers are coming out in February and March as it warms up and showers are just sporadic this time of year in Texas and Louisiana. And while I got my fill of rainy days when I was living in Scotland, I could sure use some rain for the yard right now! I hate dragging out the hose and having to turn the sprinkler on to get some much needed rain. We are forecast for showers today, but if we don't get them I will be dragging the hose out this afternoon for some much needed water for the yard.
As per my previous post.......I feel May is gonna be the month to bring so much needed change in mine and Jeff's life. I hope all changes will be for the better but I am certain those changes are going to come whether we are ready for them or not. And at the same time May will be a month of heart ache and remembrance as we approach my mom and sister in laws first mothers days without my brother and we will also have to endure his first birthday without him here to celebrate. Will be a hard month on us all. We miss him dearly!
April showers bring May flowers! I remember that saying from when I was a kid. But I was thinking this morning that is seems that it no longer applies like that. Flowers are coming out in February and March as it warms up and showers are just sporadic this time of year in Texas and Louisiana. And while I got my fill of rainy days when I was living in Scotland, I could sure use some rain for the yard right now! I hate dragging out the hose and having to turn the sprinkler on to get some much needed rain. We are forecast for showers today, but if we don't get them I will be dragging the hose out this afternoon for some much needed water for the yard.
As per my previous post.......I feel May is gonna be the month to bring so much needed change in mine and Jeff's life. I hope all changes will be for the better but I am certain those changes are going to come whether we are ready for them or not. And at the same time May will be a month of heart ache and remembrance as we approach my mom and sister in laws first mothers days without my brother and we will also have to endure his first birthday without him here to celebrate. Will be a hard month on us all. We miss him dearly!
Monday, 4 April 2011
Time for a change
Not time change........time for a change! Well really both!
We are gearing up for vacation and I am super excited. Ready for a break away from things, soak up some rays and just relax with Jeff with NO phones! It took me a few weeks to find the right vacation for us but I think we will have a grand time. And I have spent the last week or so getting ready by getting odds and ends we need and getting the fur-kids a sitter and all that fun stuff. There is a lot of prep for us to go on vacation!
And I am thinking about some personal changes. Last week I decided its time to change out the quilt for our bedroom and bring in something new, different. I've found a quilt a really like for the bed but Jeff is kind of a "plain and solid color" kind of guy and I like things that are a little more lively, colorful and have a pattern to them. So we are working our way into a new quilt. ;)
I am also pondering a hairstyle change. Not sure exactly what yet. Maybe it will just be color or maybe it will be a cut or maybe both! I know last week standing in the bathroom drying all this hair when it's hot and humid outside sure makes me want to chop it off! But as sure as I do that I will have wished I kept it longer. So for now........its up in a ponytail most days.
Spring is in the air and I feel summer coming on quick! Not looking forward to those hot and humid Louisiana summer days!
We are gearing up for vacation and I am super excited. Ready for a break away from things, soak up some rays and just relax with Jeff with NO phones! It took me a few weeks to find the right vacation for us but I think we will have a grand time. And I have spent the last week or so getting ready by getting odds and ends we need and getting the fur-kids a sitter and all that fun stuff. There is a lot of prep for us to go on vacation!
And I am thinking about some personal changes. Last week I decided its time to change out the quilt for our bedroom and bring in something new, different. I've found a quilt a really like for the bed but Jeff is kind of a "plain and solid color" kind of guy and I like things that are a little more lively, colorful and have a pattern to them. So we are working our way into a new quilt. ;)
I am also pondering a hairstyle change. Not sure exactly what yet. Maybe it will just be color or maybe it will be a cut or maybe both! I know last week standing in the bathroom drying all this hair when it's hot and humid outside sure makes me want to chop it off! But as sure as I do that I will have wished I kept it longer. So for now........its up in a ponytail most days.
Spring is in the air and I feel summer coming on quick! Not looking forward to those hot and humid Louisiana summer days!
Wednesday, 30 March 2011
Its Been A While
I know it's been a while since I blogged. I am trying to find my motivation again and find something inspirational to blog about. So far nothing has come to me that I honestly thought would be something people would want to read.
I've been trying to keep busy. I took on a job a few months ago and it turned out not to be the most ideal job I could have taken. I was looking for something simple yet challenging and something stress free and hopefully some what on the fun side. I didn't succeed and I will just leave it at that. So I am no longer working there. Hopefully something on the horizon will work out the way I had hoped. I have a few ideas floating around in my head too of some things I would like to try and accomplish over the next year or two.
I am trying to find my inspiration again. So don't give up on me. Check back periodically and hopefully I will start blogging more soon!
I've been trying to keep busy. I took on a job a few months ago and it turned out not to be the most ideal job I could have taken. I was looking for something simple yet challenging and something stress free and hopefully some what on the fun side. I didn't succeed and I will just leave it at that. So I am no longer working there. Hopefully something on the horizon will work out the way I had hoped. I have a few ideas floating around in my head too of some things I would like to try and accomplish over the next year or two.
I am trying to find my inspiration again. So don't give up on me. Check back periodically and hopefully I will start blogging more soon!
Monday, 6 December 2010
Taking a break
It's been a while since I've blogged. So much has happened, so much has been going on that I just hadn't felt like blogging. And even now, as I sit here I am sure you won't hear from me again for a while. I hope to find the inspiration to blog more soon but for now I feel if I blog to much it wouldn't be a whole lot of anything anyone would want to read.
As most of you know, we lost my brother a couple of weeks ago. We sat at the hospital for a week and half before that hoping for a miracle, praying for a miracle!
So to not go into to many details I am sad, mad and angry. Most of the time I am angry and I am trying to keep it at bay and not let it effect the rest of my life. I miss him terribly and yet I can't seem to find a way to cope or to handle it. Most of the days I think I am still in denial and I will see him again the next time I go to visit him at his house. Other days I am totally aware, accepting it and trying to hold it all together for my adorable nieces. Everyone around me is celebrating Christmas and celebrated Thanksgiving and I just can't seem to get excited enough to do either. And while I expect no one to understand........I hope the respect to let me be when I need it will be granted to me.
No words can explain it for me! So maybe soon I can cope a little better and find my inspiration again. I hope when I do I still have some of you around to blog too.
XOXO
As most of you know, we lost my brother a couple of weeks ago. We sat at the hospital for a week and half before that hoping for a miracle, praying for a miracle!
So to not go into to many details I am sad, mad and angry. Most of the time I am angry and I am trying to keep it at bay and not let it effect the rest of my life. I miss him terribly and yet I can't seem to find a way to cope or to handle it. Most of the days I think I am still in denial and I will see him again the next time I go to visit him at his house. Other days I am totally aware, accepting it and trying to hold it all together for my adorable nieces. Everyone around me is celebrating Christmas and celebrated Thanksgiving and I just can't seem to get excited enough to do either. And while I expect no one to understand........I hope the respect to let me be when I need it will be granted to me.
No words can explain it for me! So maybe soon I can cope a little better and find my inspiration again. I hope when I do I still have some of you around to blog too.
XOXO
Monday, 1 November 2010
Christmas stuff already?
Magically over night all the things for Halloween went away or on clearance and all the Christmas stuff came out! Seriously? It's November 1st and I went to Target today get pick up a few things and all the Halloween stuff was on clearance (what was left) and all the Christmas stuff was hung and aisles were being filled with Christmas stuff. One little lonely end cap near the cards had Thanksgiving stuff on it. Just blows my mind!
So Halloween was great! We had several trick or treaters. Not as many as I thought we might have but still quite a few. We had everything from bumble bees and super heroes to fairies, princesses and quite a few Woody's from Toy Story. We even had some that weren't dressed up at all. And we had some teens that honestly didn't need to be out trick or treating. I had one lady walk up with her kid in a wagon (probably about 2 or 3) and beside her was a teen that was probably 16 or 17 and the teen seriously walked up to me and opened up his backpack and said "trick or treat". I gave him candy because I figured if I didn't my house would get egged or the pumpkins would get smashed in my front yard. lol
And the kids that weren't dressed up kind of upset me. Then Jeff made me feel bad because he told me that they might not be able to afford costumes. So I felt bad. But then I thought about it some more and really...........can they not "make" a costume?!?! It doesn't have to be fancy. Just be creative!
And then finally the creepiest costume of all was a kid that was probably about 8 years old and he was wearing a gown that's similar to the ones that surgeons wear and his face was kind of zombie like and on his back was a growth that resembled a little monster! :|
And I put cobwebs all around the front door and even made the kids have to stick their hand through a hole of cobwebs to get to the doorbell. I heard one of the younger teens scream when she first got to the door and she ended up knocking. Serves her right.........she was to old to be trick or treating. But of course at least she did manage to dress up!
Okay so Halloween is behind us and now to push forward and start working on the holidays. Should be busy but fun!
Here is a picture of my pumpkin cake I made for the Trunk or Treat at church last weekend. We had a cake walk and I made this to take for it.
So Halloween was great! We had several trick or treaters. Not as many as I thought we might have but still quite a few. We had everything from bumble bees and super heroes to fairies, princesses and quite a few Woody's from Toy Story. We even had some that weren't dressed up at all. And we had some teens that honestly didn't need to be out trick or treating. I had one lady walk up with her kid in a wagon (probably about 2 or 3) and beside her was a teen that was probably 16 or 17 and the teen seriously walked up to me and opened up his backpack and said "trick or treat". I gave him candy because I figured if I didn't my house would get egged or the pumpkins would get smashed in my front yard. lol
And the kids that weren't dressed up kind of upset me. Then Jeff made me feel bad because he told me that they might not be able to afford costumes. So I felt bad. But then I thought about it some more and really...........can they not "make" a costume?!?! It doesn't have to be fancy. Just be creative!
And then finally the creepiest costume of all was a kid that was probably about 8 years old and he was wearing a gown that's similar to the ones that surgeons wear and his face was kind of zombie like and on his back was a growth that resembled a little monster! :|
And I put cobwebs all around the front door and even made the kids have to stick their hand through a hole of cobwebs to get to the doorbell. I heard one of the younger teens scream when she first got to the door and she ended up knocking. Serves her right.........she was to old to be trick or treating. But of course at least she did manage to dress up!
Okay so Halloween is behind us and now to push forward and start working on the holidays. Should be busy but fun!
Here is a picture of my pumpkin cake I made for the Trunk or Treat at church last weekend. We had a cake walk and I made this to take for it.
Saturday, 23 October 2010
Fall?
Shouldn't fall be here by now? I am amazed at how I can get up in the morning and it's 50 degrees outside and by noon it's 85 to 90 degrees! Seriously? Can some one tell Mother Nature that it's almost November and I am still waiting for my fall to arrive?
But even without the fall temperatures this is still my very favorite time of year. I love this time of year for so many reasons. I do love the cooler temperatures when we have them but I also love the fall colors that come out this time of year. I love the pumpkin patches, the Halloween decorations and I am so looking forward to Thanksgiving and family and friends! My friends always laugh at me because I tell them that Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. And it is! It's my favorite holiday because it's a holiday that everyone sits around the table, enjoys a good meal and is just thankful for so many things. I think we all are thankful on a daily basis but its nice to have a holiday that people really focus on that for one day. No gifts, no pressure of Christmas and all the hustle and bustle that comes with it. Just good food, family and friends and being thankful!
So what have I been up too? Pumpkin Patch! Our church has a pumpkin patch and the money we raise from selling pumpkins goes toward mission trips. But during the week we book out daycares and elementary's to come and bring the kids and we let them walk around the pumpkin patch, take pictures and then we have a little place set up to where the kids can go sit on some hay bales and we tell them stories. I started out this year with just working the pumpkin patch, taking money for pumpkins, etc. Then I got talked into doing the story telling one day. So I did it that one day, then I got ask to do it again the next day, and the next.......and before I knew it I was signed up to be at the pumpkin patch telling the stories for pretty much everyday up until Halloween. But it's big fun and I love seeing all the little kids.
So after Halloween I will start my Christmas shopping. I want to spread it out a little more evenly this year over November and December. I hate the crowds when it comes time to Christmas shop but I am excited to get to do my Christmas shopping this year with my Christmas shopping buddy! ;) I didn't get to do that much last year since I was in Scotland so this year I am really looking forward to it! Yay!
But even without the fall temperatures this is still my very favorite time of year. I love this time of year for so many reasons. I do love the cooler temperatures when we have them but I also love the fall colors that come out this time of year. I love the pumpkin patches, the Halloween decorations and I am so looking forward to Thanksgiving and family and friends! My friends always laugh at me because I tell them that Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. And it is! It's my favorite holiday because it's a holiday that everyone sits around the table, enjoys a good meal and is just thankful for so many things. I think we all are thankful on a daily basis but its nice to have a holiday that people really focus on that for one day. No gifts, no pressure of Christmas and all the hustle and bustle that comes with it. Just good food, family and friends and being thankful!
So what have I been up too? Pumpkin Patch! Our church has a pumpkin patch and the money we raise from selling pumpkins goes toward mission trips. But during the week we book out daycares and elementary's to come and bring the kids and we let them walk around the pumpkin patch, take pictures and then we have a little place set up to where the kids can go sit on some hay bales and we tell them stories. I started out this year with just working the pumpkin patch, taking money for pumpkins, etc. Then I got talked into doing the story telling one day. So I did it that one day, then I got ask to do it again the next day, and the next.......and before I knew it I was signed up to be at the pumpkin patch telling the stories for pretty much everyday up until Halloween. But it's big fun and I love seeing all the little kids.
So after Halloween I will start my Christmas shopping. I want to spread it out a little more evenly this year over November and December. I hate the crowds when it comes time to Christmas shop but I am excited to get to do my Christmas shopping this year with my Christmas shopping buddy! ;) I didn't get to do that much last year since I was in Scotland so this year I am really looking forward to it! Yay!
Saturday, 25 September 2010
A Job Hunting I will go
Well the time as arrived and it's time for me to start trying to join the working force again. I think back when we first moved to Scotland and me not being able to work there and I thought for sure I was going to go insane not working. The first six months were brutal! I would literally sit there day in and day out and look for something to do. It took about six months of that for me to adjust and decide that it would be okay if I found other things to do and it wasn't earning a paycheck. For me, I have never not worked. I started working when I was 15 (Sonic was the only place in Brenham that would hire anyone under 16 and you had to be 15) and I have worked everyday since then until right before we moved to Scotland. And I loved my job! Not the one at Sonic, but the one I was doing before we left for Scotland. However, like most of America, the economy is bad and there aren't a lot of jobs in my chosen profession right now. So I am a little nervous to get out there and see what I can find and if it will be something I like. I am likely not going to be doing the same thing, but we will see.
And I can say that if I didn't work I think I would be okay too. But working seems to be the most logical thing to do right now. It's not as if I have a good reason to stay at home, like being a mom or having a super busy day of taking care of the house, etc. So wish me luck as I start this journey. It might have taken me six months to start enjoying not working but I definitely got use to it from that point forward. :)
And I can say that if I didn't work I think I would be okay too. But working seems to be the most logical thing to do right now. It's not as if I have a good reason to stay at home, like being a mom or having a super busy day of taking care of the house, etc. So wish me luck as I start this journey. It might have taken me six months to start enjoying not working but I definitely got use to it from that point forward. :)
Sunday, 19 September 2010
New Church Home too!
Jeff and I are very excited to have found a new church in our new home town. It's a very personal choice to me and I don't believe in pushing my beliefs off on anyone. I think to each their own but Jeff and I are very excited to have found a church that we feel very comfortable in and look forward to going.
Personally we feel we both have a lot to be grateful for and we've wanted to find a church together for a long time. It was extremely difficult in Scotland because we just never felt a place was the right place. It was just important to us to try and establish that once we got back to the U.S. And thankfully we found a great place. We look forward to growing with this church!
Personally we feel we both have a lot to be grateful for and we've wanted to find a church together for a long time. It was extremely difficult in Scotland because we just never felt a place was the right place. It was just important to us to try and establish that once we got back to the U.S. And thankfully we found a great place. We look forward to growing with this church!
Friday, 17 September 2010
A typical day?
The pictures are hung, we finally have blinds and all the furniture and our belongings are in place. So this week I actually had a "typical" week, or what I envision will be a typical week for me until I go back to work. You know the usual, clean house, do the grocery shopping, do the household balancing of bills and just everyday things that fill your day up when you do have time off and are at home.
The first couple of days were kind of odd. I felt as if I was suppose to be unpacking a box or maybe putting something away or organizing something! I did get a chance to do those things I've been meaning to do since we moved and haven't. But mostly I found myself actually having to think about what I needed to do for the day rather than looking at my long list and trying to decide what I could get done in one day.
The house looks great and all is in place. We bought a few new furniture pieces and those were delivered yesterday and so to me, short of hanging curtains, the house is the way we like it. It feels cozy and comfy and I hope that it continues to feel like home.
I did find myself this week thinking back on Scotland and wondering what my friends were up too there and wondering what the weather was like and just reflecting on our time there. As happy as I am to be back home, I do miss the friends we made there. And I do cherish the time we had. With it being the end of September I figure that its starting to get pretty chilly there and that the long hours of darkness are starting to inch toward the longest night of the year. There is all the holiday things to look forward to with the American Women's Association and I am sure that they are all busy planning away for the things to come.
Scotland will always be a part of Jeff and I, the wonderful memories and the great friends we made there. I keep on our table two gifts we received from some friends there. One is a Quaich. It's a pewter cup/dish. We were told by our dear friends that gave it to us that you put Scotch in it (or whiskey as they call Scotch) and you share it with a friend, each friend drinking from a different side.
The other gift is a beautiful piece of slate with a soft bottom that you place on a table as a serving platter. Slate like this is used for so many things there. Mostly you find it on roofs there as that is what they use for shingles. But we have some lovely coasters made of it too and of course this fantastic serving platter that our wonderful friends gave to us. I've seen even chargers made of it that you will find in restaurants and such there.
So everyday there is a piece of Scotland in our home and we will always having the great memories of our friends. Thanks friends! :)
The first couple of days were kind of odd. I felt as if I was suppose to be unpacking a box or maybe putting something away or organizing something! I did get a chance to do those things I've been meaning to do since we moved and haven't. But mostly I found myself actually having to think about what I needed to do for the day rather than looking at my long list and trying to decide what I could get done in one day.
The house looks great and all is in place. We bought a few new furniture pieces and those were delivered yesterday and so to me, short of hanging curtains, the house is the way we like it. It feels cozy and comfy and I hope that it continues to feel like home.
I did find myself this week thinking back on Scotland and wondering what my friends were up too there and wondering what the weather was like and just reflecting on our time there. As happy as I am to be back home, I do miss the friends we made there. And I do cherish the time we had. With it being the end of September I figure that its starting to get pretty chilly there and that the long hours of darkness are starting to inch toward the longest night of the year. There is all the holiday things to look forward to with the American Women's Association and I am sure that they are all busy planning away for the things to come.
Scotland will always be a part of Jeff and I, the wonderful memories and the great friends we made there. I keep on our table two gifts we received from some friends there. One is a Quaich. It's a pewter cup/dish. We were told by our dear friends that gave it to us that you put Scotch in it (or whiskey as they call Scotch) and you share it with a friend, each friend drinking from a different side.
The other gift is a beautiful piece of slate with a soft bottom that you place on a table as a serving platter. Slate like this is used for so many things there. Mostly you find it on roofs there as that is what they use for shingles. But we have some lovely coasters made of it too and of course this fantastic serving platter that our wonderful friends gave to us. I've seen even chargers made of it that you will find in restaurants and such there.
So everyday there is a piece of Scotland in our home and we will always having the great memories of our friends. Thanks friends! :)
Monday, 13 September 2010
A Home Complete
Finally! After weeks of moving, unpacking and trying to do the little things that need to be done like hanging pictures, we have finally finished the long list of "to do's" that seem to go on forever. It's been a very busy couple of weeks and each day I work around the house putting things away and each weekend Jeff spends the days putting things up like shower curtain rods and shelves, etc. But you know it feels great to know that all that is behind us. Grant you we still have some blinds to be put up, but the blind company is coming on Wednesday to put those up since our order just now got in. And we want to put up curtains after that, but honestly that is the least of our concerns right now. All in good time.
I love this house! And Jeff keeps telling me how much he loves it too. Which believe me, is quite the relief since I had to pick it out without him around to actually see it before making an offer. I was worried he'd not like the house. There are so many things we'd like to do one day, but it's just that, one day. Like one day in the fall I am going to rack up all the pine needles they used in the flower beds and put down some nice red mulch. And one day when it's cooler outside I think Jeff is going to get that paint that you can put on the garage floor. And one day we will get an irrigation system put in the front yard and do something special with the backyard. One day! lol
So here you go......the long awaited pictures of our new home in Louisiana. I love it!
The entry
Living Room
Dining Room
Kitchen
Bedroom
I love this house! And Jeff keeps telling me how much he loves it too. Which believe me, is quite the relief since I had to pick it out without him around to actually see it before making an offer. I was worried he'd not like the house. There are so many things we'd like to do one day, but it's just that, one day. Like one day in the fall I am going to rack up all the pine needles they used in the flower beds and put down some nice red mulch. And one day when it's cooler outside I think Jeff is going to get that paint that you can put on the garage floor. And one day we will get an irrigation system put in the front yard and do something special with the backyard. One day! lol
So here you go......the long awaited pictures of our new home in Louisiana. I love it!
The entry
Living Room
Dining Room
Kitchen
BedroomThursday, 2 September 2010
Home Sweet Home
Well moving day has finally came and gone and we are settling in. The house is still not quite settled yet but we are making much progress and I think by the end of next week we will be completely settled in. It's really coming together and Jeff and I both really love this house. It's nice and cozy in some places and a bit more open in other places. I am looking forward to having the time to just know it's all together and it's home.
Jeff's been working a lot, which is good but makes it hard to get those things taken care of that involve both of us. He's loving being busy though. I am hoping once we get settled to start looking for work but I'm kind of toying with what to do now and if I want to go back to doing civil engineering or if I want to pursue something different. I guess it will just depend on if the work is there and which direction God leads me.
It's good to be back and we finally got to spend a few days with family in Houston recently. I've missed everyone and it was so good to see everyone and get to visit. I hope we get to make it back down there soon and do some more visiting.
I know I keep saying I'll post pictures of the house soon, and I will......promise! But its still not in order just yet, so we are hoping to get it in order before we start snapping pictures. Soon.......very soon!
Jeff's been working a lot, which is good but makes it hard to get those things taken care of that involve both of us. He's loving being busy though. I am hoping once we get settled to start looking for work but I'm kind of toying with what to do now and if I want to go back to doing civil engineering or if I want to pursue something different. I guess it will just depend on if the work is there and which direction God leads me.
It's good to be back and we finally got to spend a few days with family in Houston recently. I've missed everyone and it was so good to see everyone and get to visit. I hope we get to make it back down there soon and do some more visiting.
I know I keep saying I'll post pictures of the house soon, and I will......promise! But its still not in order just yet, so we are hoping to get it in order before we start snapping pictures. Soon.......very soon!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)