Changes!

Wow! I go 2 and a half months without posting and so many things happen! Let me set a timeline for you.

My grandma with me at my college graduation at Samford University.

On June 17th, my grandma fell and fractured her pelvis. She was placed in rehab, and then transferred to the nursing home after her rehab stint ended. This was a hard transition for my family because my grandma is the Rock of our family and pretty much the only reason we put up with each other. There are things out of our control, so we have put our faith and trust in God because we know that He knows what is best for us and for grandma. So when you pray, just say a little prayer for my grandma. I know in the last few years she has gone down in her health, but next month she will be turning 91. It is probably a selfish reason, but I want her to see me walk down the aisle when I get married and to be at my sister's high school graduation. She is always saying that us younger grandkids got an "old grandma," but I wouldn't trade her for anyone else. Since I was around 7, she is the only one I have had. Just her being here is enough for me.

On the top is the yummy food we ordered at The Cheesecake Factory. Below is a picture of the gorgeous ring right after he placed it on my finger along with the wedding planner we stopped to buy on our way home.

Well, on the very next day (June 18th), James got down on one knee and asked me to spend the rest of my life with him. Of course I said yes!! Getting engaged is worth a whole post in itself, so later this week I will dedicate one just for it. I promise, it is a story that will make you smile, laugh, and possibly cry a little. :) To follow us, you can check out our blog dedicated just for our wedding in how we are saving money and sharing tips and ideas at Bridal Bargain Hunter or visit our wedding website to stay up with wedding information. :)



Fast forward to the end of July. On July 23rd, I had an interview with principals in the Etowah County School System. I had applied for this position before, so many of them remembered me. (Side note: James and I ate at Wendy's prior to my interview. I saw a lady picking up 11 frosty shakes and thought she looked familiar. When I got to the place for the interview, she had just walked out from giving the principals their frosty shakes. We all laughed at how I had "busted" them on their afternoon snack!) After making it through the first round of interviews, I went on to the second round July 29th at Board of Education. The same lady interviewed me with a man who used to be James's principal. We shared the frosty story again. The very next day I received a call telling me I have been offered a position. (I think it was the frosty connection!) So the past week has been jammed pack with me buying school supplies, filling our papers, going to meetings, organizing stuff, and waiting. Yes, that is right. I am waiting. Right now I don't know what school or grade I will be teaching. Today was their first day of school, so they are looking to see where teachers are needed to reduce class sizes. I don't start until next Wednesday, the 13th. If you know me, you know that I like to have a plan and am a bit OCD, so it has been driving me crazy at times not knowing. I am hoping that by the end of this week they will tell me. But until then, I am thankful to have a job! It was definitely an answered prayer, especially with planning and paying for a wedding on top of my regular expenses. As Lamentations 3:25 says, "The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him." (ESV)

This summer has definitely been a whirlwind with a roller coaster of emotions and changed, but I am blessed by God's love and thank Him for all He has done for me!

Inspiration May: Day 27

Children are such an inspiration when we live in a world that seems to only have negative news every corner we turn. Kids are so innocent and honest with their words and actions. It would be nice if we all stayed that way. I believe the world would be a much better place. I'm not sure why we change, but we do. As a teacher, sometimes kids can just make your day with a hug or a homemade present. So today, I choose children as my inspiration.

Inspiration May: Day 26

Lately, I have had a kick on playing board games all the time. My sister, my boyfriend, and I are in a 2 day battle in Monopoly. I already played it once this week and beat my boyfriend. Pretty much at least once a week, and usually more than that, we will play board games. I know it is probably a crazy idea, but board games do inspire me. They bring family and friends together to enjoy time together. With so much technology in the world, everyone is either looking down at their phones and tablets or watching tv. Many times, kids will learn skills that they can use at school and in the real world. I know in the game of Monopoly we are playing (it's a newer version where we used cards instead of cash) you have to do a good bit of Math: counting spaces to move, adding the dice totals together, determining the interest on a mortgage, figuring out how much you can spend on buying property and houses, etc. my advice to everyone, take a night out one week and play a game with your family. You will remember how fun it is being together and doing something together, even when it gets a little competitive.

Inspiration May: Day 24 & 25

With this weekend being Memorial Day weekend, I choose 2 days to honor and represent our fallen soldiers from our armed forces.

I am a big supporter of our military and all the efforts they do to keep us safe and stand up for our freedoms, and also the safety and freedom for people in other countries, as 3 of my uncles have served our country. This day is special to me and my family because one of my uncles passed away when I was in high school after serving our country through the National Guard. Many times people get confused between the differences of Memorial Day and Veteran's Day. Memorial Day honors members of the military who have passed away while Veteran's Day honors members who have retired or are currently serving our country. Either way, I thank all military members and their families for their service for our country. They inspire me because it puts me to awe that someone would risk their life for my freedoms when they don't even know me and that there are many moms, dads, parents, and children who sacrifice time we take for granted when they are away from their loved ones. So from the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU!!!!

Inspiration May: Day 23

For my second post of the day, I choose a special group of people who go day in and day out to help others, many times without a reward or thank you.

Nurses are so special in our society. Recently a young child in the community was diagnosed with leukemia, and it got me to thinking about all the sweet nurses who go out of their way and job description to help others. Anyone can be a nurse - go to college and learn all the medical information - but it takes a very special person to be a great nurse. I hear of wonderful stories about children who go to St.Judes, Children's, or the children's unit in hospitals where the nurses will decorate the rooms, constantly be by their sides through it all, make taking medicine like a game, and make being in the hospital less stressful. They inspire me to be a better person and to go out of my way to help others. To all the nurses in my lives: love you all and appreciate everything you do!

Inspiration May: Day 22

I forgot to post yesterday, so I will make it up today by doubling up on my posts. So, here is my inspiration for Day 22.

Writing has always been something I have enjoyed doing since high school. Writing is my way of expressing myself and my feelings. You can ask my boyfriend. I'm not good at all the lovey-dovey stuff in public, but I can write  one awesome love note. I'm not a frequent blogger nor do I have any followers. You can tell so by looking at my total page views (less than 1000 in about 2 years). But I am glad I decided to create a blog even when I am the only one who reads it. It inspires me to express myself and my thoughts. I have also learned a few HTML and website tips on how to customize my blog's design. So, no matter how many people read my blog I will continue to use it to give me my outlet to express myself.

Inspiration May: Day 21

Today my boyfriend and I went to the movies. There are so many good movies out now at the end of school and start of summer vacation, so we had a hard time decided which one to see. My inspiration for today is the movie that many liberals have commented as anti-feminist and really shot it down.

Just a little background on the movie: It was filmed in Alabama (mostly in the metro-Birmingham area). It's about a stay-at-home mom who plans a night out with 2 of her friends, who are also moms. The dad's are left in charge of taking care of the kids. Well, lots of mishaps occur, but it is a clean, comedy movie for the family that includes Christian values. This movie inspires me because lately I have been down and out about some things. A few weeks ago, if you remember, I read "You're Already Amazing" by Holley Gerth and it talked about how God loves us as He made us. Trace Adkins plays a tough biker guy (Bones) but is a softy at heart. He reveals this same message to the main character who feels stressed out and like she just isn't good enough for her husband, kids, church, friends, etc., but Bones tells her she doesn't feel good enough for herself but she is enough for God and He thinks she was amazing enough to be her kids mommy and her husbands wife. It was a great reminder to me during times when I don't feel enough to remind me that I am enough for God. If you haven't see. This movie, especially if you are a mom, I recommend you to do it. Go see it with your gal pals or your daughter(s). It is a great and inspiring movie!