In One Word...

Michael is constantly telling me that I need to get a new blog up.  I love blogging.  I do.  I just feel like I don't really have anything interesting to share right now.  Of course, I could post pictures of Olivia every day, but I'm sure that would start to get old for most of you. :)  I stumbled across this little survey thing on a blog and figured I'd fill it out.  Hey--it's a blog post isn't it? ;) 


In One Word...
(You know this is going to be hard for me!  Concise and I are not synonymous with each other.)

Yourself: Blessed
Your husband: Strength
Your hair: Blond
Your Favorite Item: Computer
Your Favorite Drink: Soda
Your Dream Car: Roomy
Your Dream Home: Inviting
The Room You Are In: Living
Your fear: Failure
Where you Want to be in Ten Years? Home
Who you hung out with last night: Michael
What You’re Not: Liar
One of Your Wish List Items: House
Time: Afternoon
The Last Thing You Did: Shower
What You Are Wearing: Skirt
Your favorite weather: Fall
Your Favorite Book: Fiction
Last thing you ate: Cake-Pop
Your Life: Balanced
Your mood: Content
Your Best Friends: Loyal
Your car: SUV
Your summer: BABY!
Relationship status: Married
What is on your TV: Western (Michael!)
When is the last time you laughed: Today

"So Let It Grow"

I came across an interesting writing this week and the verse that was used kind of just hit me where I was at.  I'm not going to write some deep post or get all introspective and emotional.  I just wanted to share the verses.  I think it might be what some of you need to hear as well.

James 1:2-4 (The Message)

 ^2-4Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.

James 1:2-4 (New Living Translation)

Faith and Endurance

 ² Dear brothers and sisters,^[a] when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. ³ For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. ⁴ So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

James 1:2-4 (New International Version)

 ²Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. ⁴Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

 So here I am... trying to 'let it grow'.  Happy Sunday everyone!

Being Little Man's nanny

Two years ago today I left teaching and became Little Man's nanny.  It has been the best two years by far.  I have the greatest job in the entire world.  Little Man is the best.  He's hilarious, so fun, smart, compassionate, and oh so cute.  His parents are kind, genuinely caring, generous, understanding, and super easy to work for.

I loved teaching, but I also love being a nanny.  My job is the best of both worlds.  I get to do mini lessons with Little Man.... watch the light bulb moments.... do all sorts of fun crafts... encourage his imagination... help him to be a critical thinker and problem solver... help instill values, character, and self discipline... and plan fun and exciting adventures for us.  All while having the freedom to go where we want to go and do what we want to do.  If it's sunny and nice outside, we can enjoy a picnic at the park with a leisure swing on the playground.  If it's rainy, we can curl up with a good book at the library or put on a puppet show in the tree house.  If it's snowy out, we can choose not to go anywhere, stay in our his pajamas and watch cartoons all day.  It's perfect.

I am so blessed!

I like to "celebrate" things and especially things that are important to me.  So each year, I celebrate the anniversary of the date I started.  Last year I made K some scrabble tile necklaces with Little Man's hand print and art work.  I also gave them a nice thank you card.  They make my job possible and I am forever grateful.

This year I made them the name plaques like I made Nana and Papa.  Those were a huge hit, so I knew they would be a hit with mommy and daddy too.  (K already stole Nana and Papa's Christmas present from Little Man.  She probably would have stole the signs had they not said Nana and Papa! :)

I made a card

and the plaques

I didn't forget about Little Man!  I wanted him to have a gift too.  He wouldn't really have appreciated a craft from me, so I went ahead and got him something he would love! :)

Scrambled Eggs

I sort of feel like scrambled eggs right now.  Ever feel like that?  I tend to be a pretty stable person, so I wouldn't say I feel like that often.  But right now... it's scrambled eggs.

I had my eggs all nice and neatly lined up in rows in my cute little basket.  No egg was cracked and there wasn't a blemish to be found.  I already had the basket full of icky eggs before.  I spent diligent time getting rid of them.  I had paid my dues and was happy with my neat little basket and my plan.  Then......... God came along, dumped my basket UPSIDE DOWN, broke all my eggs, and scrambled me up.

I'm ok with it.  I have to be.  I have to believe that God knows and has a better plan.  I have to believe there is a reason he wanted scrambled eggs instead of nice white unblemished ones.  I just don't understand though.

So right now.... I'm scrambled.  Please bear with me.

Personality Plus

I've heard about the four different personality types for years.  I've read excerpts of books, listened to Florence Littauer on tape (yes tape, not CD!), and taken numerous different tests.  I know what my personality type is.  I know my strengths and my weaknesses.  I find it all rather fascinating though.  So when one of our friends gave us this book to read, we were ready to take another spin on the personality merry-go-round.  From listening to Flo on the tapes, I knew she was funny, so I was interested to read her book.  She didn't disappoint.  I actually had taken her exact personality test before, back during a teacher's meeting while I was still teaching.  But I thought I'd do it again.  (Even though I knew exactly what it was going to say).  Michael had taken it a couple of years ago too, but he took it again as well.  If you are interested in taking the quiz, you can check it out here.

So before I tell you what Michael and I are, I'll share the personalities with you.

SANGUINE- This person is the life of the party... the "popular" ones.  They are the entertainers... the story tellers.  They usually have LOTS of friends, but aren't super close with many.  They have a hard time saying no, so the over commit and don't usually follow through with anything.

MELANCHOLY- This person is the analytical one... the "thinker".  They are planners, love lists, charts and graphs.  They are considered the "perfect" ones and always want everything right.  They can sometimes over-think situations and tend to be pessimistic.

CHOLERIC- This is the dominant, strong personality... the "bossy" one.  They are good leaders and tend to get things done.  They tend to have a lot of ambition and passion and are generally right about things because they can see the bigger picture.  However, they tend to put people off by their abrasive ways.

PHLEGMATIC- This is the easy, laid back personality... the "peacemaker".  They are the easiest personality to get along with.  They are ok with the status quo and don't have many enemies.  They tend to have a dry sense of humor.  They avoid work and can be seen as lazy.

I really do encourage you to read this book, or a book that is similar.  This one is written from a Christian perspective.  I think it helps not only to know yourself, but also to know and relate to others.  Even though I've read and heard things similar before, it was good to take a refresher course.  I especially liked reading it with Michael.  We laughed.  We gave each other looks when what we were reading was describing the other.  It was just another tool to have to help strengthen our relationship with each other, but also with those around us.

So I'm sure you are dying to know what we are.......................

If you know us in real life, you probably already guessed.....................

I scored almost the same exact score for both Choleric and Melancholy.  I had a few points for Sanguine and I don't have an ounce of Phlegmatic in me.

Michael scored almost the same exact score for Phlegmatic and Melancholy.  He had a few points for Sanguine and didn't have an ounce of Choleric in him.

What's funny is, first you fill out your strengths and then you fill out your weaknesses.  Although both Michael and I scored very similar scores in Melancholy and it is a pretty good portion of our personalities, we hardly scored any of the same words.  Weird, huh?  My strengths are my Melancholy personalities, but Michael's weaknesses are his Melancholy personalities.  Funny how we complement each other even there.

The book is an easy read.  We read it in a few days, with just a couple hours read each night.  If you know what your personality type is, or if you follow the link and take the quiz, leave your results in my comments.  I would love to know!!
 

C25K

So yesterday I told you my list of goals.  One of them is to become a runner.  If you even know me for a second, you know this is pretty crazy for me.  I am not a fan of running.  In fact, I have pretty much hated running ever since I can remember.  When I was younger, I was good at throwing a baseball, catching a baseball, and hitting a baseball.  My brother would get annoyed with me that I didn't play some sort of little league like he did.  I didn't want to play any sport like that because I didn't want to have to run.  Honestly.

My reasons for wanting to become a runner are for health benefits.  I've already completed a half marathon (granted, I didn't run the majority of it), and don't really have any desire at this point to do so again.  I like the idea of being able to lose weight and improving cardiovascular health.

Luckily, my dear husband is going to start running with me.  He likes running just about as much as I do!  :)  Although, he's done much more than me because of being a marine.

Years ago I heard of a program called "Couch to 5K".  I've looked up C25K a few times over the years, but never really was committed enough to give it a try.  I am now at the place where I really want to do this.  We started to give it a try last week, but didn't get very far.  Therefore, our first week is this week.  I'll let you know how it goes as time goes on.  We'd love for you to join us if you'd like.  You can check out the program here.

Goals and Dreams

To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe.

Nothing happens unless first a dream.

Without leaps of imagination, or dreaming, we lose the excitement of possibilities. 

Dreaming, after all, is a form of planning.

A few weeks ago I mentioned that I had been challenged to write my goals and dreams down.

Our pastor said that if you can't picture yourself in your dream, then it will never come true.  For example, if you say your dream is to own a corvette, but you can't really picture yourself owning a corvette--it will probably never happen.  This seems so obvious, but I had never thought of it like that before.  Picturing myself living out some of my hopes and dreams is hard for me.  I'm working on it.

Another source recently challenged me to write down 100 dreams.  Can you imagine?  100 goals and dreams for your life doesn't sound hard, but when you sit down to do it, it starts getting hard at around 60.  I did write down 100 though.

My list is a little different than you may expect.  Some can be checked off when accomplished, some are not quantitative, some are materialistic and some are not.  This is not a bucket list.  This list was also written with the idea that money was no option.  If you dream big and with no limits, you may actually achieve them.  If not, I can always die trying right? :)

I've decided for a few reasons that I don't want to list the entire list of 100.  First, because it would be incredibly long.  Second, because it makes me feel a little vulnerable and some things are best kept to ourselves.  My hope is that this is perceived the way I am intending it (and to not come across as materialistic), and to inspire you to write down your own list of goals and dreams.

These are in no particular order....

• To own my dream home free and clear
• To be able to furnish my house with furniture from wherever I want (i.e. Ballard Designs and not Target)
• Have the most comfortable bed I can find
• Drive the SUV of my choice--with all the extras!
• Be a mom--the best mom I can be
• Take a hot air balloon ride
• Be able (financially) to sign my children up for any activities I want (i.e. The Little Gym, etc)
• Be the best wife I can be and always make my marriage a priority
• Send actual mail to people more often
• Have faith to move a mountain
• Make my children proud
• Become a "runner"
• Have 100 followers no my blog
• Have a porch swing
• Be able to be generous on every occasion--leave random huge tips!
• Go on a missions trip with Michael
• Start or be a part of an amazing mom group
• Quiet myself to better hear God's voice
• Go skiing--at least once (I'm scared to break a leg!!)
• Mentor a teenage girl
• Have a HUGE walk in closet with an island
• Leave a legacy
• Be in a TV audience
• Visit all 50 states
• Be able to have Starbucks every day if I want to :)
• Be a room mom
• Learn Photography
• Own fancy camera for said photography
• Give money to autism research or help sponsor an autistic kid not on a waiver
• Be a good witness, not just by word but by action too
• Go on field trips with my children
• Have a huge trampoline
• Read the entire Bible
• Make my home a haven for my children and their friends
• Have a dream craft room--fully stocked
• Learn to knit
• Financially help/support/bless a single Christian school teacher
• Go to Australia
• Take my sister on an amazing vacation as a thank you for always supporting me
• Learn to forgive and truly do so
• Go to a Broadway show at least once a year
• Go on another African safari--this time with my love
• Take more dance lessons with Micahel
• Learn to garden and have a successful one
• Take cooking lessons
• Attend more woman's conferences
• Eat mostly "clean" food
• Help build my kids the  coolest tree house/fort ever
• Go to Norway and Germany to see my roots
• Have the freedom to send my kids to the best schools--if we so choose
• Help out a needy child--adopt or be a foster parent if we feel led.  If not, support someone (or an organization) that does
• Establish fun family traditions that my children will enjoy and remember forever

 Well, there you go.  That's about half of my list.  I encourage you, even if you never share it with anyone, to write down your list of dreams and goals.  Make sure you read it over often and shoot for the starts! :)

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Today's post is just going to be a good news/bad news post.... for no other reason than because I want to! :)

BAD NEWS: Michael is getting "bumped" from his job.  Basically the old guys who use to install the home phone lines and work on the old telephone poles got surplussed (because no one has home phones anymore) and had the option of bumping the U-Verse techs.  Michael was 28 from the bottom of the seniority list, and unfortunately 30 guys got laid off.

GOOD NEWS: We can make it on what I make.


BAD NEWS: That means paying off our debt by the end of the year is probably not going to happen. :(

GOOD NEWS: Both of my bosses (who are the TOP people of two huge corporations) have offered to shop his resume around.  You can't ask for more than that.


BAD NEWS: This also means that our plans for a house and to start a family are on hold.

GOOD NEWS:God is faithful


BAD NEWS: My insurance was through Michael's job.  He can go to the VA, but now we'll have to find something for me until he gets another job.

I'd rather the scale be tipping more on the side of good news, but that's life sometimes.  We aren't sure where God will lead us next, but we sure could use some prayers for wisdom and favor.  Thanks!

"Ask me Anything" answers

Thanks to everyone who played my little "happy 200th post" game.  Hopefully you will have fun reading my answers... and maybe even learn a thing or two about me! :)


Here you go (in no particular order)

What do you get at Starbucks?
I almost always get a venti caramel macchiato.  During the holiday season, I love the pumpkin spice latte.  However, it's freakin' loaded with calories, so I try to keep that to a minimum.  In the summer when it's hot and you don't want something hot to drink, I either get an iced caramel macchiato or a caramel frappuccino.

What is your favorite movie of all time?
Oh my gosh... I am horrible at "favorite" type questions.  While I am generally a decisive person, something about saying what my "favorite" is makes me feel like I'm all boxed in.  You'd think I have commitment issues or something! :)  I guess I would have to say Hope Floats.  I like feel good movies.  If they bring a tear to my eye, all the better. ha!  When I first saw Hope Floats I loved it.  Then more and more there were parts in it that I could relate to or learn a lesson from and it just sort of stuck with me as a "favorite".

What does God mean to you?
Hmm... going deep, huh? :)  God means many things to me.  For the sake of keeping this on the shorter side and not preaching, I'll just list a few words--my Savior, friend, unconditional love, sovereign, strength, forgiveness, all knowing, and provider.  I could go on and on.  If I had to pick just one thing that God is to me, it's faithful.  That has pretty much been the theme of my life and the word that always sticks out above all others in my mind.  When people let you down, God is faithful.  When life gets rough, God is faithful.  When you don't know where you are going to get the money for your next meal, God is faithful.  He is and always has been faithful to me--even when I haven't been faithful to him.

What is 1 food you could eat everyday and NOT get sick of it?
Just one? :)  Well, I already told you I could eat Chick-fil-a every day and not get sick of it, but that's more of a place with lots of different food as opposed to just one food.  If I had to pick just one food, I'm going to have to go with CHEESE! lol!  Mmmmm!  I love me some cheese.
(Other foods that crossed my mind were pizza, cheesecake, pickles, tiramasu, and pasta)
 
What is 1 thing that annoys you about marriage (or in your marriage--and we all have them!) 
The thing that annoys me most about marriage is that I have to share a bed.  Seriously.  It is terrible.  Neither one of us sleep well.  Some nights Michael gets up and goes downstairs if he can't sleep.  I secretly rejoice because that means I can spread out and I almost always fall asleep immediately.  If he's in the bed I get much less sleep.  We've even talked about how great it would be to be like those old TV shows and have our own beds.  That's my answer.  It annoys me to have to share a bed.
 
Who is your favorite cousin? (hee hee)
Are you trying to get me in trouble?  My answer is.............  Jimmy.



LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Gotcha! 
I'm not claiming favorites... for the sake of keeping the two readers I have.  ha!  But I will say that at different times in my life I have been closest with Sonja and Erica.

How did you pay down your debt?

Before we were married all of our extra money went to our wedding.  Michael worked a second job to help pay for it.  (Unfortunately, even with this and help from my dad, we still ended up having some debt from it.)  We started our marriage with $65,000 of debt not including our condo.  This was made up of student loans from me, a student loan of Michael's that was not covered by the GI bill, wedding expenses, car payments, and credit card debt.  We loosely followed Dave Ramsey's plan.  When we first got married we were in different jobs and money was tighter.  We just plugged away as best we could.  The first part of the plan is to have $1000 emergency fund.  We worked on that.  Then you start with your smallest debt and work to pay that off.  When you pay that off, you snowball that payment into the next payment.  So for example, if your smallest debt had a payment of $50 and you were paying that every month, once that debt is paid off, you can still afford to pay that $50 because you've been doing it all along.  So you then roll that $50 into the next lowest debt you have.  We eventually got the car, all credit card debt, the wedding debt and Michael's student loan paid off with this system.  We are now working on my student loans.

Are you saving money?
We are not currently saving money right now.  We have an emergency fund and all else is going to debt.  Once the debt is paid off, the next step is to save 3 to 6 months worth of income.

How did you make your budget?
 We tracked what we had been spending on things like food, gas, entertainment, clothes, etc.  Then we tried to tighten those areas up.  Really, our budget has changed a couple of times since we started.  I think this is necessary as we ourselves and our circumstances change.  Currently, our budget is $100 a week for groceries, including health and beauty items.  Our gas budget is about $200 a month.  We got this number from guessing that we each will fill our tank once a week and the fill will be about $25.  We don't always spend $200, but we do both drive quite a distance to work.  We each get $100 a month cash as spending money.  This is suppose to cover any entertainment, eating out with friends, drive thru runs, clothes, and anything else we want to spend it on.  The rest of our budget is basically what our bills and commitments are.  We tithe 10%.  I also figure in a $100 cushion for the "just in case".  Then all our extra money after those things are taken care of goes to our debt.  Because the "left over money" is a big chunk, we can and do make exceptions.  For example, if we needed something done on the car, we just take some out of the chunk and send less to the debt (always paying what is due though).  Our vacation is coming out of our extra.  That means this month we won't be sending a huge chunk to debt.  We have to still be able to live our lives and have fun! :)  I hope that made sense.

Who is your favorite sister?
Go fishing much?  Kind of like my cousin!  I'd say Angella.  I think that was obvious when she was my maid of honor.  She is the sibling I'm closest to. 

Who loves you the most (besides your sweetie)?
Oh brother.  I think there are only a handful of people that truly love me for me... not just giving lip service or saying so because they have to or we share blood.  I think that handful probably all love me in similar ways, but for the sake of playing the game, I guess I'll say Ang since she is one of the closest people to me.

Are you ready for your fabulous vacation? 
YES!!!!!!!!!!!

Are you psyched for game night? 
Since it already happened... no.   But I am psyched at how I dominated!  Ok, really it was Michael who dominated, but I didn't do too bad myself. :)
 
Did you pack the games? 
yes
 
When do you want to go shopping next?
Any time after I get back from my trip.  I'm always game to spend other people's money.  (I say that because it's my sister who asked this question and she wants me to decorate her house for her!)

What is one thing you'd change about yourself?

Currently, my weight

 I would say my round face, but my husband happens to love that about me.  If I didn't have it... I may not have ended up with him.  So I think I'll keep it! :)

 What is one thing you LOVE about yourself?

That I know who I am.  Really.  I know my strengths and my weaknesses.  I understand my personality and how it works with others.  I don't get my value or self worth from who others think I am, say I am, perceive me to be, or box me into.  I have my own thoughts, opinions, likes and dislikes.  I don't have to copy others in order to feel acceptance.  I have never been swayed by the crowd (or peer pressure) and I don't plan on starting now.

 What was it really like to move somewhere where you didn't know anyone or the place?

Well, at first it was really no big deal.  I think I was more nervous about my first day of teaching.  It was exciting and fun all wrapped in to one.  It was my first time on my own so I was more focused on furnishing my apartment and how I would decorate my classroom.  Plus, I met what would turn out to be my adopted family after the second or third day of living here.  That helped.  However, after all the excitement wore off and things settled into a nice normal, I was very lonely and sad.  I had just left college where I spent four years living every day with my best friends.  I missed them, the college life, the community I was apart of and all that went with it.  I remember crying many times asking God just to give me a Brett and Amanda in Columbus.  I think my experience would have been much different had I been a little older, or not straight out of college, or already had some experience out on my own and then switched states.  Either way, it was overall very easy for me and I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

  How long can you hold your breath?

I have no idea, but if I were you, I'd never put money on me holding it for any long length of time.  I'd say probably shorter than the average person.

 What is the craziest thing you've ever done?

Have the first airplane ride of MY LIFE be a 13 HOUR flight to RUSSIA.  I mean, honestly.  Who does that?

Also--see two questions above! :)

Got any good jokes?

As we speak, AT&T is a pretty big joke in my life.  ;)

 And what would you do at the movie theater if a group of people are rudely talking behind you? Really, what would you do?

First, I would probably just turn around and glare at them.  If that didn't work, I'd probably shush them (and not turn around).  If they still kept going, I'd probably turn around and say something like, "Seriously" or "Can you please stop?"  If after all those attempts they were still ruining it for me, I'd probably go get someone.

 

Ask me anything!

Happy 200th post to me!

No, I won't be celebrating every hundred posts... just the first 100 and now 200.

(ok, and probably another one at one year... ha ha!)

So in honor of my 200th post I am allowing you to ask me ANYTHING you'd like to know about me.

I've seen other blogs do something similar and it always turns out to be fun, interesting and informative.

Of course, I only have ten readers as opposed to the hundreds everyone else has--but there still may be something you want to know.  Something you've been dying to ask.  It can be something simple, something crazy, something personal, something complex, something silly, or any random thing that pops into your head.  It can be related to my marriage, my job, my hobbies, my blog, or completely hypothetical.   Leave your questions in the comment section and I will write a post in the next week answering all of the questions I received.

If you'd like to ask an anonymous question you can email it to manylayersofme at yahoo dot com.

(DISCLAIMER: I do reserve the right to be vague or not answer questions that may jeopardize the privacy of Little Man, Little Man's family, or anything I deem inappropriate.  Thanks for playing!)

Goals, Goals, Goals

Do you remember about two months ago when I talked about setting goals?  I mentioned how I have goals I set for Little Man every six months and encouraged you to do so with your children as well.  Have you done so yet?  How's it coming?  I'm sure there are some of you thinking "I don't have a preschooler at home, so I don't need to do that".  WRONG!  If you have children living at home under the age of 18 then you can still do this.  Kids don't stop needing parent instruction when they are old enough to go to school full time.  Does your teenager know all they can about money and finances?  What about your pre-teen?  Do they know to look an adult in the eye and shake their hand with confidence when meeting for the first time?  Do your teenagers stand and offer their seat to the older generation when in waiting rooms?  How about life skills?  Cooking, for example.  Is your child prepared for the real world?

Ok... off my soap box I will step.  That wasn't even the reason for this post.  Just a little something free for you there! :)  I'm not even sure where it came from!

Well, anyway.  I thought that since I encouraged you to write some goals down and stick to them, that I would let you know where Little Man and I are with our goals for this six months.

1. Learn to recognize a rhyme-- not 100% on this yet, but getting it
2. Recognize beginning sounds-- he does pretty good, especially at the workbook pages, but has room to improve
3. Concepts of print--knows the difference between picture vs. print.  usually knows that we read left to right.  working on prediciting.
4. Patterns-- GOT IT!
5. Know words vs. letters--haven't really worked on this yet... we were focusing on having the letters down
6. Dress self-- doesn't want to, but GOT IT!
7. Be able to use zippers, snaps and buttons--doing pretty good!!
8. Understand the calendar-- he can sing the days of the week song, and knows to look at his calendar for daily events.  I am wanting him to understand concepts such as yesterday, tomorrow, this afternoon, etc.  We're getting there!
9. Form sets of objects--GOT IT!
10.  Understand number to object correlation and other number sense-- GOT IT!       
11.  Match upper with lower case letters--GOT IT!
12.  Journal and do related workbooks--ongoing   

Remember these were things he couldn't do 2 months ago when I made the list.  Not bad, huh?! :)

What about you?  Do You have goals and dreams for yourself?  This seems to be something that is being drilled into me right now.  First, our pastor started talking about it.  He said if you don't have dreams they can't come true (and much, much more). Then we attended a meeting for something totally unrelated and they were talking about having dreams.  Then Michael randomly started reading a Zig Ziglar book.  What do you think it was encouraging the reader to do?  DREAM!  Also, to write your goals and dreams down.  So that's what I'm going to encourage you to do.  I'm going to start dreaming big myself and I'll get back to you on what my goals and dreams are.  You work on your list too, OK? 

A blessing and a curse

Isn't the mind an amazing thing?

At least I think so.  When you really stop and think of all it does.

Now, I am not the smartest person in the world.  I wasn't a 4.0 student.  I'm not even sure I could have been if I wanted to.  I'll admit, I didn't put a lot of effort in, but it didn't come easy either.  (I like to say my brother got the brains and I got the common sense.  I'm happy with my part of the deal!)

Anyway, that's a whole other story.  This post is about my memory.

  If you know me--as in truly know me--you may know that my memory is somewhat a freak of nature.

If you don't know me (or know me that well), this is me.... peeling off a layer of the onion for you. ;)

You've heard of photographic memories before, right?  I like to call my memory videographic.  Or at least that's the best way I can describe it.  There is no rhyme or reason to the things I remember, but once the detail is stuck in my head, it is stuck!  

Sometimes the information comes in snapshots, but usually it's like playing a small video in my head.  Sort of like when you look at houses online and you can choose the "virtual tour" button.  I can see the entire surroundings of where the event took place and can generally play back the entire conversation in my head.  So if someone mentions an event from the past, I don't just remember the event, but my mind immediately goes to the place where we were and I can visualize where everyone was standing/sitting and usually what everyone was wearing.  Who cares, right?  That's sort of my point.  It's just stuck.  

Not only do I remember events from the past, but I can almost always remember where I put things, the dates of events coming up without looking at a calendar, where Michael put/lost things, etc.  I randomly remember dates and things people were wearing.  Sometimes, I scare myself.

Here are some examples:

Back in high school I had a boyfriend.  His mom was the type that rearranged her furniture every month or so.  I was at their house while she was putting up her Christmas decorations and she couldn't remember where she had put the tree the year before (seeing as the room had changed about 12 times at that point).  Not only did I know where the tree went, but I also knew where every piece of furniture was to go.

I visited a school in 8th grade to see if I wanted to switch.  I remember what the math teacher was wearing that day.  Why?  Because I'm a freak.

I remember a girl that lived on my block back when I was in fifth or sixth grade.  Her name was Jamie and her birthday is December 3rd.  Why do I know her birthday?  I haven't seen her in 20 years.  It's not just her either... Jay from 9th grade-his birthday is January 2nd. Steve from Chick-fil-a--his birthday is February 3rd.  I could go on...

I remember what I wore every "first day" of school for all six years I was teaching and also what I wore each year for the awards chapel at the end.  Why?  So I wouldn't wear the same thing from year to year.  Do you think anyone else would notice?  NO!  But I would know.  My fellow teachers used my memory often.

I could go on, but you get the point (and this post is already too long!)

That is the blessing.  I hardly forget things.  I rarely lose things.  I'm almost always where I'm suppose to be, when I'm suppose to be there and on time.  I can rely on my memory and all it's weird facets.

The curse is that no one else remembers things, or they straight up LIE (I will not mention names, but you know who you are!!).  The worst of it all, is that some people make things up and state them as facts and they never even happened.  How can one do this, is beyond my comprehension.

But unfortunately, it's these things that DRIVE ME CRAZY.  After stepping back and analyzing the situation, I'm pretty sure my memory (and others lack of one) is why I no longer teach.  Multiple times I was told one thing and then told something totally different months later.  The person directing me probably didn't mean to contradict themselves, but I remember.

I remember far too much.  I remember things that certain people probably don't think I remember.  I remember things I wish I didn't remember.  I remember things some family members might be horrified to find out that I remember.  I wish I could just have the kind of memory that is good with dates and where Michael left his wallet and what time I was suppose to meet my friend for coffee.  I wish I could just not remember the unimportant stuff, or erase the hurtful stuff.  I wish I had a delete button for some of these useless files.

 Unfortunately, I remember....

What I've learned

I've been Little Man's nanny for a year and a half now.  It has been lots of fun and I really do love my job.  For the past year and a half people have been saying the same thing to me... "It will prepare you for when you have a kid."  Of course, this has been said in different ways, but they all mean the same thing.  Basically they are saying that I will learn how to be a mom by being a nanny.  They are, in essence, implying I don't know what I'm doing now but I'll learn as I go.  I don't get offended by this statement.  It actually makes me laugh.  Do you really think someone would hire me (and pay what they pay) for me to "learn" how to take care of their kid.  I'm pretty sure I was hired because I was highly qualified.  I may not be a parent, but I'm confident I know whats going on.  In fact, some of my mom friends come to me for advice.  One time Nana even said, "I'm so glad you are here to tell them (K and G) what to do.  She's just a first time mom you know."  I said, "But I'm not a mom".  Nana said, "I know, but you know way more!"  Sure, I haven't had any sleepless nights or been a milk machine, but other than that I've done it all.  I became an aunt at the age of 10, which means I've been changing diapers and taking care of kids from the age of ten.  Not only that, but I think some people are just natural moms or have maternal instincts and some don't.  I don't think you become a first grade teacher unless you know, understand, and love kids.  I'm just saying...

I don't think by taking care of Little Man that I've learned anything about being a parent that I didn't already know.  However, I have learned a few tips along the way.  Here are a few things I'll take with me when it's my turn to be a mommy:

• I've learned that a video monitor is a must.  I know they aren't cheap, but I think they are absolutely worth it.  Little Man is a few weeks away from turning four and we still use it every day.  I love it!
  
• I've learned what sippy cups I will not be using because they leak like crazy (see below).  I also figured out what sippy cups I like.
  

• I've learned that I don't want to buy my kid a bunk bud with a double bed at the bottom.  You have to be an acrobat to make the bed.
• I've learned what glider I do not want for the nursery.  Who wants to feel like they are going to fall over every time they sit down?
  
• I've learned that I love Sprout TV and if my cable provider doesn't carry it, I will be calling to request it.

•  I've learned about all sorts of fun things around town that I never would have known about before.  Some of them I may never have learned about if it wasn't for my online nanny group.
• I've learned what classes are worth it at the rec center and which ones can just be skipped.
• I've learned what toys I love and what toys my children will never own. :)
• I've learned scooters on real wood floors is a bad idea...although very fun!
  
• I've learned that baby wipes are your best friend and you should have them on hand at all times.

•  I've learned that if you want to take your kid to those fun play areas in the mall--go before the stores open.  The mall opens early, but most stores don't open until 10.  If you go before the stores open your kids won't be pushed around by big kids or crowded by mobs of kids.
• I've learned potty training can be done in three days! :)
• I've learned expensive bedroom furniture chips too.
• I've learned about fun gadgets that are a must have, like the juice pal
  

•  I've learned to choose my play date companions carefully.  Just because you like the mom or nanny doesn't mean the kids will be good for your kid, or you may like the kid but the mom/nanny may not be good.  These things shouldn't be taken lightly.  I'd rather be alone with Little Man than on a bad play date.
  
• I've learned that you can have a toddler, a diaper bag, a snack, and your coffee and STILL BE ON TIME.  Imagine that! :)
• I've learned that the stroller is very, very, very important.  You take it everywhere and use it almost daily.  We *just* stopped using a stroller for Little Man.  When we went places like the zoo or the science museum that had a lot of walking, he liked to have it as a choice.  (And I liked to bring it to stuff my purse and other belongings into!)  I am willing to pay whatever the price is to get the stroller that has what I want.  MY comfort is just as important as my babies.  Who cares if your baby is comfy if you are spilling your coffee all over, or the handles are too high or too short and you end up with all sorts of body aches?  If you are a mess your baby will be a mess.
  

Just to name a few.......
;)

Birthday Re-cap

Well, I survived turning 30.  It actually isn't that big of a deal to me to be "the big 3-0".  I think society just tries to make it a big deal.  Oh well...

Anyway, I had a very low key day, but it was still good.  I was able to enjoy some of my favorite things, which is always nice.

First, I slept in.  I had the day off, and it was so nice to not have to do anything for once.  I had been so busy with Christmas "stuff", that sleeping in was actually a treat.  Once I woke up, I watched Hoda and Kathi Lee.   I try to watch them every day... even if it means setting the DVR and watching them during nap time.  Hey--it's better than soap operas!!  I got to chit chat with my college roommate.  It's always good to catch up with her.  We can go months without talking, but always pick up right where we left off.  I love that.  To me, that's true friendship.  I got myself ready for the day and headed out.  I had planned to pick up Starbucks, because really--whats a birthday without it?  But instead I went through the McDonald's drive thru.  I was just going to get some fries (and then make my coffee stop), but they had egg nog milkshakes.  Can we say "yum"?!  I'm not much of a milkshake kind of girl, but every year I need at least one egg nog milkshake and one shamrock milkshake.  I left McDonald's and headed to Target.  Hello?!  Who doesn't love Target??  I then bought myself some clothes and jewelry.  I'd call the day a success!  Once Michael got home we we to dinner at Brio.  I love being anywhere with my husband.  We had very yummy food and good conversation.  Oh--and lets not forget the tiramisu!  We had planned to go to a movie, but it was getting a little late.  So we went home and watched Sing Off.  Nice.

 Of course, a birthday wouldn't be a birthday without the gifts.  So here's what I got.

Umm....hello!  A hot pink camera?  Are you kidding me?  LOVE IT!

Ok, I don't just love it because it's pink.  I really wanted a Canon.

It's what I use for work and have no issues with it.

I know you probably thought I was just a terrible photographer and blaming it on the camera.

That could be the case--time will tell--but my old camera was having issues.

Any time you turned the flash off you came out with a ridiculously blurry picture.

Plus, it would just randomly freeze and the only way to get it to do anything was to take the battery out.

When you took the battery out, it would eat the last 2 or 3 pictures you took.

Needless to say, this new camera was needed!

I already ordered a very cute camera case from etsy.  My camera case was red.  You can't have a pink camera with a red case, so I just had to get a new one! :)

I also got one of these

and a blanket my friend Laurie made me

and my friend Kristin got me this (on CD)...

I also got a Michael's gift card from my sister.
I can't wait to get more crafting supplies! :)

Michael's grandma got me the laminator I wanted.

My brother gave me a gift card to Walmart.

And I got a birthday mug, measuring spoons and $50 to Starbucks from my bosses.

I am blessed!

Happy Birthday to me!

Yep.  It's true.  Today I turn the big 3-0!  To be honest, I'm not so sure how I feel about it.  For twenty nine years and nine months, I could have cared less about turning 30.  I'm not one of those people that ever cared about the number.  I've never looked my age, so it never really bothered me to be turning another year older.  I still don't think I look my age, so that's not it.  Plus, in my mind I'm still 24.  A few months ago I started thinking about it.  It started to be a little less appealing to me.  I've accomplished a lot in my life, but there is still so more much I'd like to do.  I guess I'm OK with 30, it just makes me a little anxious to get moving on to the next phase of life.  

My twenties were great.  I know most older people looking back don't think so.  I've heard Oprah say things like "nobody knows what they are doing in their 20's".  I've heard people say their life didn't start until 30.  I've also heard how great the 40's are... and these days, even how great the 50's are.

I'm here to tell you that my 20's were great.  I'm a little sad to be leaving them behind... so I decided to take a look back.

My twenties started right in the middle of my college experience.  College, for me, was and still is one of the best times of my life.  Sure, there were a few rough spots, but for the most part it was fabulous.  I made some life long friends during those four years.  I had a blast.  I also graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education.  That's something no one can ever take away from me.  I am very proud of that. 

After that great experience, I picked up and moved all of my belongings to Ohio.  I didn't know one single person in Ohio.  I had never lived on my own before.  I had never paid bills (besides a credit card bill here or there in college).  I had never really cooked.  I had no idea what I was doing.  But I did it.  All by myself.  I also had followed my dreams and became a teacher.  I spent six years of my 20's being one of the best First Grade teachers you'll ever find.  I had done everything I always said I was going to.  By 22, I had accomplished my life's biggest dreams.  That's pretty impressive if you ask me.

One of the best things that happened to me in my 20's was that I met the man of my dreams.  I was very patient.  I never doubted he'd come along.  And he did.  I'm so glad I waited too, because he was (and is) perfect for me.  I single handedly planned my entire wedding and enjoyed every single minute of it.  

I also figured out who I really am.  People have been telling me my whole life who I was.  I even started to believe some of it.  For a while, I even acted the way people told me I was.  But most of those things people told me I was/am aren't really true.  That's actually where my blog got it's name.  There are many layers to me.  Sadly, some of those people who told me who I was, still believe those things to be true today.  Or, they only know the top layer of me.  I'm ok with that.  I know who I am.  I have a handful of amazing people who also know who I am, and who love me for it.  That's enough for me.


Along with finding out who I really am, I've also found out what kind of things make me happy.  Things like crafting, decorating my house, cooking, and reading.  Who knew? :)

I've had a great 20's, but I'm bidding it farewell.  Here I am... entering my 30's.  I can only hope it's as good of a decade as the last.  I can't even imagine what's in store, but here are some of my most basic hopes:

• Be a home owner and not a condo owner
• Decorate my new home.  Can't wait!! :)
• Do lots more crafts
• Become a mother
• Be a stay at home mom
• Continue to enjoy a happy, healthy marriage
• Travel more
• Become debt free (hopefully within the next year!)
• Own an SUV--and hopefully pay cash for it! :)

That's not too much to ask for right?

Here's to the next decade...

***************************************************************

OH... and guess what?  It just so happens this is the 100th post on my blog too!!

 Happy 100!! 

An open letter to the concerned

Dear Concerned,

Thank you for your heartfelt love and concern for me.  I do appreciate you wanting what is best for me.  However, you do not need to tell me, every time you see me, how I need to jump on the baby train.  You also do not need to remind me of all the medical issues other women in our family have faced.  You also do not need to remind me how close I am to 30 (40 days to be exact).  Also, I'm not sure it's really necessary for you to let me know that I am "no spring chicken".  I get it.  Trust me.

As much as I would love to have a child, we are not at that point yet.  Yes, I know.  No one is ever financially ready for a child.  I get that as well.  It has always been my desire to stay home with my child if and when I have one.  At this point, I would not be able to do that.  Also, we live in a ONE BEDROOM condo.  As much as you would like to tell me that we could have a baby here, I disagree.

All that to say---I'm here to make a deal.  I see it as a win-win situation.  You will be happy that I am having a baby, and I will be happy to be having a baby.  Here it is...  if you would like to pay off all of my student loans, I will start trying to get pregnant tomorrow.  Isn't that great?  I mean, I could potentially have a baby in my arms by next fall.  What do you say?  Are you in?  It's just a mere $30,000.

If you are not willing to pay off said student loans, can we make another deal?  How about you let my husband and I make the best decision possible for us and our future family?  Please?  Please.

Sincerely,
Your "not so spring" spring chicken

My birthday/Christmas list

A couple of weeks ago I asked you what you all wanted for Christmas.  I was trying to come up with a list and had absolutely nothing.  You did not help me.  Thanks a lot.  Not even one suggestion....  Well, anyway :)
I've been making my list for the last few weeks and this is what I've come up with.

#1  I really, really, really want this house.  I guess number one should be for my condo to sell so I could buy this perfect house.  Whatever.  I just want this house.  Now.

#2 I really want a craft room.  I'm sick of living out of totes, drawers, and bags of supplies.  I'll take one like this.

#3 I've heard fabulous things about this cookbook.  OK, yes, I have a cookbook addiction, but I really want it for all the healthy AND yummy recipes.

# 4 I already told you that I wanted these.

#5 These pieces are pretty expensive, but over time I would like to collect the entire nativity set.

#6 A laminator at my house?  Are you kidding me?  Sign me up.  Oh, and with any necessary supplies!

#7 I can't believe I've gone almost 30 years without one of these.........

#8 I have been following The Pioneer Woman's blog for about two years now.  She has recently come out with a cookbook and I would love to have it!

#9 I need an embossing heat tool.  My hair dryer is just not cutting it anymore.

#10 I have grand crafting plans and need one of these...

#11 I simply need one of these.

#12 Karen Kingsbury is one of my favorite authors  I would love her newest book.

#13 I have grand plans for this as well

I could probably use the magnetic paint too. :)

#14 Lastly, I need some more non stick pans.  I have some, and I have some stainless steel ones that I don't like a ton.  I specifically need the ten inch one.

That's my list.  Any thoughts or suggestions?
What's on your list?

Do I miss it?

Besides, "when are you going to have a baby", the most asked question I get is whether or not I miss teaching.

The answer simply and honestly is "No".   I can tell you that I never imagined I'd be where I am today.  I never imagined that I wouldn't be teaching.  I certainly never imagined that I'd pay for a college education to then later become a nanny.  Sounds a little backwards huh?  But that is the case.

Because this seems to be such a point of interest with family and friends (who make up the majority of my readers), I thought I'd explain.  So come along as we take a walk down memory lane and I let you know how I got to the place I am right now.

I guess it all started in first or second grade.  You see, I can't pinpoint the exact year, because I had the same teacher and was in the same classroom for both years.  But being the very visual person I am, with the ridiculous memory (which is both a blessing and a curse!)... I remember when I made the decision that I wanted to be a teacher.  It was in the classroom in my small Christian school in South Dakota.  I loved my teacher.  I loved school.  I loved all the little art projects and grading papers just seemed like fun.  Why not be a teacher?  This passion and desire was placed in my heart at this very young age, and never once did I waiver.  I was told often, "you don't want to be a teacher".  But I did.  From a very young age I knew that I was going to go to college to get my Elementary Education degree.  I did just that.  In fact, when it came time to figuring out what my minor would be, I had a hard time.  I couldn't think of anything I would want to do besides teach, so I didn't know why I would want a minor in something else.  Eventually I just settled on getting a minor in Bible.  I figured it couldn't hurt since I was most likely going to teach in a Christian school.

And a Christian school is exactly where I ended up.  The twists and turns, crazy coincidences, and divine appointments that led me to my first job is just mind boggling.  (Too much to share in this post.)  I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that I was going where God wanted me to be.  I still believe that to this day.  I followed His lead and He directed me right to Ohio.  I was given the first grade teaching position and took off running.

I taught at that Christian school for six years.  I can honestly say that I LOVED my job for the first four years.  I loved everything about it.  I loved teaching.  I loved the family unit that the staff made up.  I loved my students.  I loved my classroom.  It was so easy.  It was one of those situations you hear about... where they say if you love your job enough it won't feel like work.  That is how it was.  Somewhere towards the end of my fourth year, things started to change.  People started to change.  Rules were no longer rules.  There was a bunch of political garbage going on and I no longer loved where I was at.  I considered leaving.  I thought about it, I prayed about it, and I talked it out with people I respected and trusted.  I remember when I finally made the decision to stay.  I was having a talk with my "adopted mom".  I told her that my head really really wanted to leave.  I wanted to be done with it all.  But my heart said God wasn't finished yet.  I wanted to leave, but He had yet to tell me it was OK.  So I stayed.

My fifth year I was absolutely miserable.  I had a rough class and no one backing me up.  I am a very black and white kind of person and I was swimming in a pool of gray.  I am a very "follow the rules" kind of person, but no rules were being followed.  I was getting married that summer.  I didn't want to get married and leave my job all in the same summer.  I knew I would have to give it one more year.  That last year was much of the same as the fifth year, maybe even worse.  I had a great class that year though, so I was able to go out on a high note in that regard.  I had a peace about leaving.  God was saying, "Ok, Bethany, you can go."  I didn't know where I was going, but I knew I needed OUT.  The situation I was in was toxic for me and I had to get out fast.  For my own sanity, health, well being... Make sure you read that right.  I did not say the school was toxic.  I did not say the staff was toxic.  I did not say teaching was toxic.  However, the situation I was in was very, very toxic for me.  I needed a change.  I needed to breath.  I needed a place where I would be uplifted and encouraged and not told to go left one day and then get yelled at the next day for not going right.

So I left.  I was told, as well as all my colleagues in a staff meeting, that I was walking away from my calling.  I'm not even going to being to discuss how wrong that was.  I was also told that God was not going to bless me for "walking out of His will for my life".  Again, not even going to touch the surface of how wrong it is for someone to say that to me.  I was also told that I should not be so materialistic.  That just because my friends have nice houses and cars does not mean that I need them.  That God would not bless me financially if I wasn't doing the work of his ministry.  Then OTHERS were told that I was leaving for these reasons.  A year and a half later I am still living in the same house and driving the same beat up cars.  Enough said.

Many ask why I didn't find another teaching job.  I wasn't burnt out from teaching, but I was burnt out of all the garbage.  Because of certain situations, my heart was not ready to go to another Christian school.  I also never really felt called to teach in a public school.  So that left me looking.  And once again, God directed my steps.

I wasn't even planning on becoming a nanny.  I was going to work with autistic kids.  However, to have all my options out there, I started looking online for nanny jobs.  I sent a few emails and most people responded that they would love to have a teacher but they couldn't afford me.  Fine with me.  Until one day, I got an email saying that this guy would like to talk to me.  We had a phone conversation and set up an interview for the next weekend.  It was the first and only interview I went on (just like my first teaching job).  I went on the interview in February, knowing I couldn't start another job until June.  This happened to be perfect for the family.  Their current nanny was pregnant with her second child, due to deliver the first week in June.  They called me a week later and offered me the job.  (I was not their first applicant/interviewee.)  I accepted and the rest is history.

I do feel that I am in God's will for my life at this time.  I am blessed--both financially and otherwise.  I have a complete peace.  I have no stress, no high blood pressure, no tears, no stomach issues, and no episodes of wanting to bang my head against a wall. :)

It's not all about money.  Let's be honest.  I would have stayed at that school for my entire career had I felt that's where God wanted me.  Obviously teaching in a Christian school is a full time ministry.  Most Christian teachers make less than pastors, if you can believe that.  I gave six years, even with naysayers trying to be in my financial business, because that's where God had called me.  I struggled.  There were times I couldn't pay my bills.  Most of the time I had two, three and even four jobs to help pay the bills.  I did it, because that is where I was suppose to be.  I would have stayed.  Even being payed peanuts... I would have stayed.

Do I miss teaching?  No.  All the things I loved about teaching, I am doing now.  I am teaching Little Man every day.  I am planning.  I am organizing.  I am doing "field trips".  I am doing all sorts of fun art projects.  I get to see the light bulb moments.  I am being a Godly influence to not only Little Man, but the family I work for and all I come in contact with through our activities.  Not only am I doing all the things I love, but I am overwhelmingly appreciated.  I am respected.  I am treated with dignity.

Do I miss grading papers? No
Do I miss staying late for teacher meetings, open houses, conferences? No
Do I miss inconsistent leadership? No
Do I miss having a dress code? HECK NO! :)
Do I miss ridiculous parents? No
Do I miss giving 110% and being expected to give 150%? No
Do I miss always having the "rough class" because I know how to handle them? No
Do I miss being told to "pray about it" or "just love on him" when discipline action should have been taken? NO
Do I miss paying for all sorts of things out of my own (very shallow) pocket? No
Do I miss being "scolded" during prayer? No
Do I miss being told to "take one for the team"? No
Do I miss being asked to do more and more and more with less and less respect? NO
Do I miss being yelled at? No

I think you get the point.  The things that I would miss would be my teacher friends and a few of my favorite families.  But I get to keep up with them through lunch dates, phone calls, facebook, running into them at random places, and visits.

Don't get me wrong.  I love teaching.  I love being a teacher.  It is who I am at my core.  It's easy for me.  It's second nature to me.  I will always be a teacher.  That doesn't change.  Do you get that?

I cannot even put into words how much I LOVE my new job.  I love everything about it.  I once again have a position where it doesn't feel like "work".  I love the little guy that I get to hang out with every day.  I love influencing the foundation of his life.  I love teaching him new things.  I love looking at and experiencing life through his eyes.  I love nap time. :)  I love the car I get to drive.  I love the people I work for.  I even love their parents.  I love all the fun things we get to do around town... things I would never have known about otherwise.  I love all the people I get to meet.  I love all my new friends.  I love my pay! :)  I love all the gifts and treasures I get.  I love the notes telling me how much I'm appreciated.  I love being able to shape and form the life of a little boy.  I love cuddling up on the couch with Little Man and reading books or watching cartoons.  I love it all.  I could keep going, but....  I won't!

Now you know.

This is where I'm at today.  I may teach again one day.  I may not.  But for now, I can confidently say that I'm where I'm suppose to be.