Smells good!

After a great busy and fun Memorial Day weekend (even though my husband was gone :) ), I just have to comment on smell. Sounds strange, you might think (well, welcome to my blog!) I worked outside most of the day on Monday. It was a gorgeous day and there were quite a few outside chores that needed to be done. Well, after I was finished, I jumped in the shower and was reminded of one of my favorite smells. Ya know that smell you get when you've been outside in the warm weather and first get in the shower to get clean?? That's the one I'm thinking of! I don't know why I like it...other than it reminds me of when I was younger and we would play outside on warm summer days and then take a bath before bed. Ahhh, memories! :) While I'm rambling on about smell I also have to mention two other favorites which would be freshly cut grass and cookies baking in the oven. I think I like these smells so much because they bring back so many great memories for me. I know you all out there have some great (or maybe even weird) smells that you enjoy. Why not share?

Mom's Day

Did I ever tell you how thankful I am to have two moms who are so super duper?? How blessed I am to have family within a 10 minute drive! We had a wonderful time with both moms (and dads) on Sunday. We celebrated Mother's Day with steaks on the grill, fried fish (which Matt so expertly caught!!), potatoes, corn casserole, salad, rolls, and snickerdoodles for dessert.

Besides all of the great food, we played a rousing game of Bocce ball where the ladies were annihilated (even though it was MOTHER'S day). Mom B. (Rita :) ) was definitely the MVP for the ladies. We still had a great day! It is such a blessing that both sets of our parents get along and we can celebrate the holidays together.

It looked like so much fun even Logan had to get involved! :)

Count down...

I have found myself lately being in "count down" mode (and if you're asking there are 16 more days of school, not that I'm counting! :) ). Instead of taking each day as it comes, I find myself hoping it gets over soon because that's one less day I have to teach my wonderful cherubs! This time of the year is really tough for everyone. The kids get on each others' nerves and mine :) more and more. Counting down can be a great thing because it means you're excited about the possibility of something great to come. But if you spend all your time "counting down", you miss the great things that happen each day. Lord, please help keep me accountable in making a joyful noise each day...not just when I'm on vacation!!

Skipping school! :)

Ok...not really. That's what personal days are for right?? Just wanted to share the great blessing of family. I recently got the opportunity to spend time with my parents, sister, brother-in-law, and husband on a Tuesday afternoon in April. That's never happened before and you may think...that's not that cool. But when my sister lives in North Carolina and her husband is serving in Iraq...that is super cool! We got to spend a few days with them and had an awesome time together sharing laughs, playing games, and catching Steven up on season 3 of The Office! What a joy to be able to spend time with family. Can't wait till we can all be together again! Love you guys!!

Are we safe??

Do you ever wonder how safe you really are? Do you give a second thought to driving to work or going out in public? I usually don't and I bet the Virginia Tech students didn't give it a second thought when they woke up that morning. But we sure do question our safety now. Are we ever really safe? God is the only one who can answer that question. Resting in him is the only way to feel "safe" from all the tragedies that happen in this world. He is the one who knows when it is time for you to go home to be with Him. Aside from taking time to pray for the friends and families of these students, take comfort in knowing that God IS in control, even though sometimes it's hard to understand.

Last one!

Well, I've finally made it. After two years of tedious work....I had the last meeting with my Master's group tonight. Over the past two years Matt, my husband, and I have been working with one of my colleagues through many tedious classes and assignments. Each week we had to meet to discuss questions and tonight was our last meeting. It sure does not seem real (I'm hoping when I get my raise in the fall it will sink in!). I just wanted to share my joy and thanks to all who have given me encouragment along the way.

Learn from a child

Do you know someone whose laugh is so infectious that you can't help laughing right along? I really noticed this the other day while babysitting for my friends' gorgeous daughter, Grace. As we were dancing around the living room, I couldn't help but laugh at her laughing. Now granted I don't always dance around the living room to songs from cartoons...but maybe I should! She was dancing around having a ball and I noticed how joyful that silly dance made her and how much I need to have more carefree laughter in my life! When was the last time you acted silly and laughed so hard you couldn't stop? If you can't remember, maybe it's time to do it today! :)

Introducing...ME!

I am a 28 year old wife, sister, daughter, and friend. By writing this blog, I hope to remind myself and others how important it is to make a joyful noise each and every day. There will always be wonderful things and horrible things that happen to you each day. I hope to find a way to look at those horrible things in a positive way and be a better witness to those around me.