Vacation Inspiration

This summer we went to Gulf Shores, Alabama for vacation.  Man, I loved it.  I mean, I really loved it.  I have always been just a little nervous around water.  I think it stems from a near death experience I had when I was in high school and went canoeing.  So, while I knew I would love walking the beach, collecting shells, taking pictures and watching the waves, I wasn't sure how I would feel about actually getting in the water.

I didn't want to look like a coward in front of my daughter, so I put on my big girl panties and waded out into the Gulf of Mexico.  After I got the feel for it, I actually got on a little wave/kick/boogie board thing and took off.  It was actually fun!  I wasn't scared because I knew I could still touch the sand underneath me.  (I CAN swim, by the way...I just don't like to have to.) 

So...all that to say this.  I can't tell you how many times I was browsing around a shop on the beach and picked up some cute little beachy decor item and considered buying it.  Then, after deciding that I didn't really have anyplace to put it when I got home that would look right, I would put it down and walk off.

Then, when I started work last week I was offered a different position (which I jumped on).  It includes a desk and small classroom area which is mine to decorate!  Guess what our school's theme is this year?????  BEACH!!!!!  I could just kick myself!  I am having flashbacks of all the adorable little items that I left on the shelf in Gulf Shores.

However, having spent several days this summer on the beach, I do have some inspiration!  So....here I go!  Maybe there will be some pictures to follow when I get my classroom done!  :)

Waiting To Exhale

You know that moment when you are finally able to exhale, only to realize that you didn't even know you were holding your breath?  That's how I feel today. 

Evan landed back on US soil this morning.  I didn't realize how relieved I would be.  Even though I won't get to see him until Saturday, I just feel better knowing he's in the same country that I am, on the same side of the globe.  Whew!

For those of you who may not know, Evan was accepted this last spring to be an intern to China this summer.  He was able to work with missionaries, locals, and underground churches all summer.  I am so glad he was able to have this exciting and rewarding experience.  He was living his dream, as well as living within his spiritual gifts.  How awesome is that?

However, for me, this was....let's just say...extremely hard!

I will be welcoming him home on Saturday, and I can't wait!

I can breathe again...and I thank God for the learning experience He gave us both.

Same Old Story

I can't tell you how many times I have read a blog that says, "Today I start blogging again". 

So here goes.....Today I start blogging again.  I'm going to give it another go. 

I've never really considered myself a writer, which is probably why I have failed in the past to be consistant with my blogging.  I usually leave the creative writing to my very talented husband.  However, lately, not only have I desired to have some sort of record of my life, but I have also thought maybe this might be some good therapy (we all need some form of that, right?). I don't have dreams of being the most followed blog or even being interesting to other people.  I just want to live my life and keep a record of it.  Who knows what that will look like? 

So here I go...

My Family Rules

I recently jumped on the bandwagon and made my own "Family Rules" canvas for our house.  I was pleased with the way it turned out.  I got to use my new (used) Cricut to help me out with the lettering (thanks, Maria).  It took me longer than I thought it would, but it was worth it. 

I wanted to make our "rules" ones that were things To Do and not a list of no-nos.  Several of them were "borrowed" from other bloggers that have posted their own creations.  However, I came up with a few of my own too.  My favorites are "Be your siblings' biggest fan" and "Remember Whose you are". 

My kids are already referring to "rule # 3" or "mom's rule #8".  That was my goal...just to be aware of what we should already be doing.  I think it was a success, despite a few wrinkles caused by the glue.  :)



Run...Evan!!!

This year, Evan decided to try something new.  Cross country!!!  I have been very impressed with his strength and stamina.  Holy cow, I would keel over after a block to two...not to mention 3.1 miles!  

Nate's Date

Well, Nate is a freshman this year, and I CANNOT believe it.  It's amazing how time flies.  It doesn't seem possible that he is old enough for all the high school activities. 

Following are some pictures from his first high school Homecoming dance.  He invited Kiera to go with him, and they made a very cute couple. 

I Know...It's the Wrong Time of the Year For This

I was looking over some of the blogs I follow, and I was inspired by Karen.  At the beginning of the summer, she made a list of 20 things she wanted to do over her summer break (she is a teacher).  It made me think of a couple of things I would like to do.  I know it's not the right time of the year for resolutions, so I won't call it that.  However, I supposed getting back into the school routine and work routine is as good an excuse as any...right?

So here is my list of things I would like to do before the end of the year.

1.  Hug and kiss my kids EVERY day.  (I'm sure they will appreciate this, since they think I do it too often as it is.  They will just have to deal with it.)

2.  Take more "everyday" pictures.  I am pretty good at taking pictures at events, but I want to remember the everyday things too.

3.  Drink more water.

4.  Call my dad once a week.  I usually talk to him more than that, but it's not usually me that does the dialing (much to my shame).

5. Learn to make no-bake cookies that we don't have to eat with a spoon.

6.  Visit a new thrift store every month.

7.  Play more games.

8.  Make curtains for my living room.

9.  Finish watching the series "Christy" on DVD.

10. Put up more pictures of my kids - they are just too cute not too.