Thought for Thursday (and follow up to Tuesday treats!)

Hello! So, today I found a really cool quote that I enjoy....I had heard it before, but forgot about it....

The best way out is always through....Robert Frost


I love this one because it reminds me that we all go "through" trying times. Times that we wish we could just get "out" of. Ever heard yourself saying (or thinking)..."I just wanna be done with this and move on!!!" Or, "I just wish this would be over". I know I have. I have been going through some of those times a lot recently and as I have been forced to rest, stay on the couch, stay off my leg, etc, and as I have been forced to re-evaluate some of my life situations....I have been grumbling. I have been asking God to please just "get me out" of this situation. I have been calculating in my mind how to "get out". Perhaps I should have been asking God to get me "through"...to see me "through" and help me focus on the end of journey and the lessons to be learned. I realize now that in order to be a better person and to have a better relationship with God and others, I must go through these trials...they teach me to rely on the One who is in control. The One who see the big picture--way beyond my trials today. They teach me to think of others who might be going through similar trials, or even worse (which makes my problems seem so small). They teach me that today is not the only day I have and perhaps I need to be thinking beyond today. I have already seen evidence that there is something better on the other side. These little trials I've been going through have resulted in deeper friendships with those I care about, deeper relationships with my family, and a deeper relationship with God. And, for the cherry on top, I think I've got a bit of a better attitude! Have you ever thought about your trials as a way "through" to something better waiting on the other side?

P.S. I promised pics of my "Treat Yourself Tuesday". I got the opportunity to go to lunch with my dear friend Jenny. We went to Ruby's . What a treat!! :) And, yes, I got myself a 50/50 shake. Imagine that-2 treats in one day!! :)

Treat Yourself Tuesday!!

Hello! I'm starting a new trend I like to all "Treat Yourself Tuesday". I've decided that us hard working moms, sisters, aunts, cousins, friends, etc...don't treat ourselves enough! We work hard for our families and friends, so I think it's ok to stop every now and then and treat ourselves...whether that's with dessert, a special food we like, crafting time, reading time, a mani/pedi, whatever....it really doesn't matter "what" we treat ourselves with, it just matters that we slow down and pay a little attention to ourselves and carve out a little time for the things we love. I am fully aware that this cannot be an all-day thing, nor can it happen every day- life and responsibility call....but I am soooooo looking forward to  few minutes of "me-time". So, with that in mind, I'm going to find something to treat myself with today and I'll post a picture by the end of the day. This begs the question...what will you treat yourself with today? :)

Thought for Thursday

Ok, so today I stumbled upon an inspiring quote that I thought I'd share...


"You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream." 
— C.S. Lewis


I love this because I am at a time in my life where I am doing some serious rebuilding, rethinking, and reorganizing in my home, my career, and my life. I feel like for so long I have had the same goals and dreams (most of them still unobtained), and it encourages me to think that, even at 38, I could adjust my dreams and goals.


For example, my daughter Taylor is 18 and is headed off to college in New York in one month. I have had to adjust some of my dreams and goals for her...but I'm so excited for the opportunities and experiences that lay ahead for her! It's also been nice trying to help her shape her goals and dreams.


I have also had a couple of tough years at school, so I have been rethinking some of my teaching strategies and methods. I am encouraged today to know that it is okay to reset my teaching goals. I've spent a lot of time recently thinking about school, seeking amazing counsel, and praying about my future in teaching. Some of my goals are having to be revamped, some completely discarded, and some will remain in place. All in all, I know that God is in control and that He has the best of intentions for me as part of His plan. So, if the goals and dreams that I set in place never come to fruition, I can rest in the knowledge of God's sovereignty and that I can always set another goal or dream a new dream!!


Anyone out there feeling encouraged by this thought today?

I'm back!!

OK, so my friend Cathi just asked me to look something up on her blog, and I accidently went to my blog first....surprised I was to find that I have not blogged since August of 2009!!! What a tragedy of epic proportions...ok, not really, but I was taken a little aback. I originally started blogging awhile back, mainly to read my sister-in-law Lindsey's blog, as well as my other sisters' blogs, and then to keep the family and friends apprised of my somewhat crazy, somewhat ho-hum life. At times, it felt more like a chore, but most times I enjoyed sharing a bit of myself. I always liked going back to read what I posted. I guess somewhere over time, I lost my desire or got too busy, or something to continue with blogging...perhaps I was too adventurous, trying to blog daily, or trying to find something "catchy" to blog about weekly. I don't know why I stopped. I only know that today, for some reason, I am okay with posting again! Funny how life works...

Anyways, there is a lot to blog about and perhaps I'll try to relive the last two years bit and bit and recall as much as I can. Or perhaps I'll just let it go and start anew.....I have yet to decide.

So, today, after reading Cathi's post, I read that she posted an amazing "Real Woman's List". It spoke to me, and so I stole it from her blog....I hope it speaks to whoever reads this...probly no one, but I like the feeling of knowing it's out there, and I'm back!! :)

A Real Woman HAS..
A nest egg for personal use
Something perfect to wear if an employer or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour
A youth she is content to leave behind
A set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, a hammer, and a black lace bra
A black dress and a white blouse
One friend who always makes you laugh
and one who lets her cry
A good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her family
Eight matching plates, goblets and a recipe for a meal that will make her guests feel honored...

A Real Woman KNOWS...
How to fall in love
How to quit a job
How to confront a friend without ruining the friendship
When to try harder.... and when to walk away
How to have a good time at a party she'd never choose to attend
That she can't change the length of her calves, or width of her hips, or nature of her parents
How to live alone... even if she doesn't like it
Whom she can trust. whom she can't, and why she shouldn't take it personally
Where to go....be it to her best friend's kitchen or a charming inn...when her soul needs soothing
What she can and can't accomplish in a day, a month , a year

I am so THANKFUL & BLESSED that my heavenly Father loves and accepts me for who I am and not who I could be!
WHAT or WHO renews YOUR soul??

God is good all the time.

Heather