Fall Break

Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures of my trip to Texas to visit my sister and her family. But here is my Fall Break according to her! Click HERE.

And for those that are interested, I am feeling MUCH better and hope it stays that way! Thanks for your concern and suggestions.

STILL Sick!

Will the sickness ever end?

Still have a cough. Add sore ribs, a runny nose, and congestion! It is no fun being on vacation worried that I am going to get everyone sick. So I try to avoid contact. SO sad, because how often do I get to see this darling family? Not much!

Remind me to get a flu shot at the beginning of flu season next time!

SICK and TIRED

One of the blessings of the past year is that I haven't been sick once. Well, that amazing blessing is over. I am now reminded of how blessed I was to not be sick.

It started with a strange cough.
I was expecting it to turn into something more.
But it is still just a cough that has gotten worse.
Along with losing my voice.
Try teaching with that kind of voice.

Who knew a cough could be so draining. My schedule the past 5 days (and this is NOT typical) was teach school, all the while coughing in my sleeve every 2 minutes (don't think I am terrible. I just couldn't afford to be home from work for 5 days), hustle home, grab something to eat on the way, take a hot bath, curl up in front of the TV and DO NOTHING for 5 hours before climbing into bed and sleeping sitting up.

The schedule is the same tonight. It is no fun being sick, but it is even worse when you don't have anyone to take care of you when you are! I have also now realized how BORING it is to sit home all alone, even when sick.

Next week I am getting out of this house. I really am, and I am headed to...TEXAS!

Turning 30

These 2 cute kiddos helped me celebrate #30.
My favorite...Costco cake!

I thought that by the time I turned 30 I would feel so much older and wiser. Not the case. Thank goodness! This landmark birthday ended up being a great day! Some of the festivities included...

a "cheesy" party at school (the kids just happened to earn a party on my birthday)
cute birthday wishes from 6th graders
thoughtful birthday wishes from coworkers (I share a birthday with another teacher at my school...same DAY and YEAR)
a much enjoyed, much needed pedicure with Kim after school (great conversation and so relaxing)
dinner at harvest with my fam and Dawn
Costco cupcakes and candles
and
2 BIG surprises.

BIG SURPRISE #1

Do you love the look of surprise? I didn't know what to do!

I told my dad that I was looking for a TV. If he found one, he could buy it and I would pay him. What do I know about TV's? So what did I find in my living room after dinner on Friday? It is so fun to have this new TV, but even better than that gift (that brought me to tears) was the fact that each member of my family sacrificed to give me something nice for my birthday. The sacrifice and love of my family members means more to me than the actual gift. (Which is the real reason for the tears. Very overwhelmed!) So I am sending each of you a very heartfelt thanks!

BIG SURPRISE #2

Tera Jane and me

No, I didn't have a baby! This cute little baby is now named after me! What better gift could I have received on my birthday?! I had NO idea and the Blakes made the cutest video to surprise me. (Might have brought me to tears AGAIN!)

So I guess turning 30 has made me more emotional! Thanks to so many for the kind birthday wishes. It turned out much better than I ever expected!

Family

Love them! And we ALL got to be together this weekend. Not enough time, but at least we got to eat, visit, and play. There is just something about being with all of my family. It makes me so happy.

Today...

I need a hug from Kevin.

Just because

it's been one of those days...

I can't stop crying and I don't know why.
I should be more grateful for what I have, but all I can focus on is what I can't have.
I know there are people all around me that care, but I feel so alone.
I feel guilty, and tired, and overwhelmed, and hungry, and anxious, and lost.

There's a hole in my heart that I am still trying to get used to, and I was very aware of that today.

One of THOSE days!

I CAN'T WAIT...

About this picture:
I have no idea when this photo was taken, but I LOVE IT!
(Mostly because Kevin is in it and it was taken during my favorite time of year.)

Okay, okay, I can't wait...for FALL!

Everything about this time of year makes me happy. Okay, ALMOST everything! I don't so much love Halloween.

I love the homemade peach shake I enjoyed last night, the fresh corn, and the home grown tomatoes from my plants!

I sat on my swing this evening, cringing at my dead lawn, but enjoying the cooler temperatures. Fall is not too hot, and not too cold.

The vibrant colors of leaves in the fall make me happy.

I love looking forward to "soup season."

I anticipate the holidays, just around the corner.

My birthday is in the Fall, so of course I love this time of year!

My wardrobe doesn't seem so bland, because now I have so many "new" things to wear. Welcome back jackets and sweaters!

No more mowing the lawn. (I know I have another month or so of that hard, physical labor.)

I enjoy change, so I am loving a new season.

In case you couldn't tell, if you ask my opinion, Fall is the best season of the year.