Get Ready.

This is a looooooooooooong one!

Last week I realized that my last blog post was from February. Five months later I'm ready to get back into the blogging game! A lot has happened in my life since my last post, but the most important items are: 1. I survived my first year of teaching! 2. I am LOVING my first summer off ( I could really get used to this) 3. I have a new teaching job that I will be starting in three short weeks, ahh! I'm almost certain this will be my dream teaching job. I am so thankful God gave me the courage and strength to follow his plan for my life. Sometimes it can be really tough!

I was going to talk about how I wanted my blog to have a new start and how I have new ideas and a new direction I want my blog to go, but...I already did that in my last blog post

"I'm ready to turn this blog into something that inspires me and others to get crafty and creative, to make a house a home, and to make something pretty or find something beautiful every day. "

Well, there ya go. Plain and simple.

I've been thinking about blogging and why I started and why I keep doing it. I do it because for some reason it makes me happy. For some reason it helps get me going creatively and some days it's enough of a creative outlet.
I was also inspired by this blog post by Oh, sweet joy! (Seriously, read it!)
The main thing she said that stuck out to me was "A huge goal of mine in this space is to simply inspire. Whether that is through my faith (or sometimes lack thereof), my personal style, my sometimes flawed - but hopefully accessible - recipes, my diy projects, my handmade businesses, or whatever...I hope that it's never a boastful attitude coming across, but a desire to share gifts that I have with people who want to read it."

I don't post as many recipes or DIY projects or outfits as a lot of other bloggers, but I post things that inspire me and make me happy. I post the good and bad about my life and trying to live out my faith. Her post reminded me that I'm not trying to accomplish anything with this blog but to inspire people and let them know that they may not be alone in struggling with their faith or some other life lesson they may be learning.

With that being said, I've been learning some great life lessons in the past couple of weeks. I get so caught up in doing and planning and being productive and trying to get ahead, that I don't realize when there's something wrong with me, on the inside. Now, don't think I'm not happy, because I totally am! I think that's why it's taken me so long to realize I have a small problem. I love the life I have and my husband and my parents and our group of friends and my (soon to be) new job. However, I have a problem with self control when it comes to food and spending money and I have a problem with motivating myself when it comes to creating and arting ( I mean, I'm supposed to be an artist, why don't I want to create anything??.) I didn't realize this until I was talking to my mom and actually said these things out loud. She said, "Well, it sounds like you're not happy, but I know that you are." It made me realize that I wasn't giving myself and my thoughts to God like I should be. I've been really busy this summer filling my physical needs, that I have completely forgotten about my emotional and spiritual needs. And they are letting me know! I am so thankful that I've realized what's been happening inside of me now. Now me and God can fix it together ( because I can do NOTHING with my own strength.) and I can get back on track to having more balance in my life instead of just eating and spending whenever and whatever I want. We are so blessed to have jobs and a bank account that allow me to shop and buy what I want, but that's not what God has given us this money for and it's completely selfish of me to think that it's all for my personal use and want of worldly things.

As for the motivation to create and art? We are working on that too! See, I'm an artists that needs a purpose to create. Using my creative energy isn't enough for some reason. ( Maybe I don't feel like my feelings are worthy enough, who knows!) I am also an artist that takes her talent for granted. I know I can do things and create things, but I don't. Luckily I bought the summer issue of Artful Blogging and found the most inspiring post by Stephanie Ackerman at Homegrown Hospitality.  She said. "I am an artists. I have talents and gifts that are God-given. My job is to create, share, inspire, and remind others of the things they probably already knew, but just forgot to remember." 
I forgot to remember that! I am an artist! I have God-given talents and skills! This small article in this magazine has changed that way I look at my career and hobby. Instead of it being a burden and not knowing why I NEED to use my creative energy on a daily basis, but not wanting to because of fear, I get to have this gift and rejoice in the talents I have been given and use my powers for good! Instead of saying, " yeah, I can make that." I get to say, "Yeah! I CAN make that!" and this thought has made all the difference. I've finally started an etsy shop. ( I'm not ready to reveal it just yet. I need a few more updated pieces in there) I'm not weighed down by the fact that I'm supposed to be an artists, but I never want to create. I am confident in saying I AM an artists because that's what God designed me to be! And I am so thankful he gave me such a cool passion! 

I would like to leave on a lighter note, so here's a picture of our happy Josie Rose

2012: Change

January
Just the usual. Cold, dark, laziness, and work. Nothing too exciting, but just being married and loving each other!

February
This is the month that put our plan to buy a house into motion. Our neighbor got robbed (even with all of his bars over the windows and security doors) The next day we had our bed and some necessities moved into my old bedroom at my parents house. It took us about a week to get everything packed up and put into storage. There was no way I was staying there one more day. This adventure turned out to be a very interesting and kinda fun time!

Our lovely living arrangements. So. Much. Stuff.

March
I quit my very easy and relaxed job at the city, said goodbye to some great girls, and decided to start subbing full time to get my foot in the door somewhere. This was a super scary decision, but when God wants you to do something you just have to do it! I miss those sweet girls and the fun we had in the office, but I needed to see where God would take me. And since we were living with my parents, this was the perfect time to change our financial situation.

This is also the month that my grandpa passed away. I can't believe it's been almost a year... my heart still aches for things to b e the same, for him to be watching sports in his chair or reading the paper at the kitchen table. But it's God's timing, not mine.



April
I started subbing full time. I had every single day booked. I absolutely LOVED subbing! Everyday was new and different. New kids, new ages groups, new lessons to teach ( that I did NOT have to write) It was such a blessing to be able to sub and learn different things about each school district and teacher. I am so grateful tot Steven for letting me do this!

We also signed a contract on a house that took way too long to fall through... 3 months of excitement and disappointment. Silly house. After i realized it might be a while before we lived somewhere, I reorganized all of our things and tried to make our space a little more bearable. It helped

May
Steven got offered a job at Boeing. This was such a huge thing for him! Being 23 and working at one of the companies on his top 5 list. Lots of prayer and thought went into the decision to take the job. It was more money and closer than the FFA, so we were very excited!

I also got offered a teaching job at a charter school in OKC where I had subbed a couple of times. But more on that adventure later!

Since we both had some time off between jobs, we decided to make the most of it and hang out with our friends and go to a couple of play off games!

June
Steven officially starts working at Boeing and I officially become a jobless bum. School was out and my teaching job didn't start until August. I got to help with an art camp that was being put on by my mentor teacher at the high school. I loved it so much!

July
Oh July...
Some of my friends planned a river trip for a birthday celebration and since mine was at the beginning of July we decided to tag along! This was also the month that Steven dislocated his ankle playing basketball, making the next few months very interesting. I am so glad we lived with my parents and had their help with dinner and just keeping Steven off his foot.

 

We also celebrated our 1 year anniversary! It flew by so fast and our first year was absolutely wonderful! I couldn't have imagined a better year. So many adventures together and learning about each other!

I used this time to start focusing on my curriculum and classroom decor. At the time I wished I would've had more time to plan and get ready, but nothing would prepare me for the teaching semester ahead.

August
In service for new teachers began on the 6th and school started on the 23rd. In service was two weeks of being overwhelmed and realizing I had no idea what I was about to do. But I did get to decorate my classroom!

The day school started I had my out fit all picked out and ready to go, I showered the night before so I could get there early, I got to my classroom and waited in fear for the first bell to ring. Someday I still dread that bell. That just means my day is about to get crazy!

I successfully survived my first day, got a speeding ticket on the way home, and was welcomed by fresh first day of school flowers. I was ready to retire and was super sad I had to go back the next day.



We also closed on the second house we had a contract on. And after two weeks of intense remodel and painting and moving, we were officially moved in before the first day of school!

We're home owners!

September
September was filled with figuring out how to be a teacher, memorial day, and trying to convince myself I could make it to fall break. I was really excited when I had all my plans thought of for the weeks leading up to the glorious first break.

We were loving our first home and spending time with each other.

October
My first official break as a teacher! I work really hard the week before so I wouldn't have to take work home with me over the break. We went out of town with my parents and was away from technology, the demands of being homeowners and seeing every little thing that needs to be fixed, and most importantly children. It was such a beautiful weekend with adults!

We both have crazy hair, we were lettin' loose! ha!

We also had our annual Halloween party, which sadly enough, I don't have very many pictures of.

November
Josie rose came into our lives one Friday evening and we have fallen in love more each day! She is a complete brat, but still has polite manners. Why have something if you can't spoil it a little, right?

 The day I brought her home, She was so little!

After fall break I was on the count down to Thanksgiving, 5 whole days off from school! I can see myself becoming better at teaching and dealing with the everyday of being at a charter school. But things are still tough and I am still exhausted. We are both just trying to make it to Thanksgiving without having a mental break down. I am happy to report that we made it! I went black Friday shopping for the first time ever and I am really hoping my girlfriends and I have started a new tradition!

Steven also decided it was time for a new car. So one night we went to look at them, and surprise surprise we came home with one! It was one of the biggest decisions we've ever made, but the security of knowing we will always have a running vehicle is priceless! 

We have house insurance, our own health insurance, and 3 vehicles on auto insurance, I think we are grown ups now!

December
December all I could think about was...you guessed it, Christmas break! This meant I had survived my first semester of teaching ( although I'm not sure how well I survived it, but that's not what's important)

We decorated our home for Christmas, but up and decorated the tree, and had lots of snugly nights watching t.v. and playing with our Josie Rose.

We are having a fantastic 2 weeks off from school and work. Just lounging around and being lazy/productive at the same time. We have loved spending time with family and friends and not having any real plans. We rarely just get to wing it and It really has been nice! I think that will be one of my new years resolutions again. We have even done a few home projects! My favorite one is the new craft station Steven made me... I'm in love!








As I write this the snow is falling, Steven is lounging, and Josie is fast asleep curled up in my lap. 2012 has been quite a year for us and we've been through so many changes with our lives. I couldn't imagine what I would do without the love and support of my husband, my family, and my real friends.

I am interested to see what 2013 has in store!

Just a daughter.

This Friday night was the first night Steven and I had spent a part since we got married. Needless to say was quite sad and a little scared to be staying in our house by myself. ( OK a lot scared... I didn't want any one to break in and kidnap me!) So, I decided that it would be a good time to stay with my parents since I know they'd love to have me!

It was actually really nice to just be a daughter again. Since Steven and I didn't think about grabbing our phone chargers our conversations we limited and we both were forced to spend time with the people we were with. ( Weird, right!?) Neither one of us could rush the other because our phones were dead!

Friday after my sweet mama made dinner and we chatted a bit, we went up the hill to watch "The Help" with my grandma. Great movie! I highly recommend it, although these are my favorite types of stories, set in the south, in the 50's with amazing houses and pretty dresses, so I might be a bit biased.

Saturday morning I got to wake up, on the couch, with the sound of my parents talking. I didn't realize how much I missed being home, being the only child, and honestly... being the center of attention, ha!

I got to paint my little heart out all i wanted Saturday morning! Perfect! Since my parents don't have internet or cable ( slightly amish of them, I know) and my phone's battery was on it's last hoorah, there wasn't anything to distract me. I got so much accomplished in just a few hours, just what I needed to boost my artistic confidence!

After painting and chatting all morning with my mom ( my all time favorite person to chat with, next to Steven) My papa bear joined us and we went to lunch as a family and went thrifting for the rest of the afternoon! My dad is such a good sport. I found this lovely little brooch for a mere $5.00! I think it makes quite a lovely addition to the others, don't you think?

                                   

Steven got home late Saturday afternoon from his guys night in Weatherford. Even though I had a great time with my parents I was very excited to be back in our little house with my husband.

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

Love-Lea

Reality Check

So, yesterday was a BIG day for me. Not only did I get my new driver's liscense (new name and everything!)  But I also got my teaching certificate!!



Ta Da! I'm a grown up!



yay, yay, yay!



I have been looking forward to this for a really long time, I have just been waiting until our money was right. But monday morning I bit the bullet and did it!

It's absolutely crazy how a piece of paper can make you feel about yourself. As soon as I ripped open that envelope and read my name on it and the fact that it is now legal for me to teach art anywhere in the state of Oklahoma (so cool) I got completely and udderly giddy. I just couldn't contain myself! ( I'm getting butterflies just thinking about it) I mean, four years of working towards something that I know helps define who I am and I can now go out and do it.... mind blowing. I've never really felt so sure of myself and what I my future looks like.

Then it hit me....THIS IS REAL. This is so real. Holy mackeral! I can teach... I CAN teach! WHA?? I then realized I need to get myself together and actually start acting like an art teacher. I mean I have some thoughts on what I want to teach when I get a job "some day", but I need to get ready just in case I get a job tomorrow, or next week, or in a month. I don't know what God has in store for me, I just know I better get be ready! What an amazing wake up call. I need to be prepared for my amazing future because it might come sooner than I think. 

So this is it. I'm going to be an Art Teacher. some where, some how, this is my life.                   beautiful.