Mountains

  But you are not alone in this
And you are not alone in this
As brothers we will stand and we'll hold your hand
Hold your hand

And I will tell the night
Whisper, "Lose your sight"
But I can't move the mountains for you                 - Timshel by Mumford & Sons   Do you ever feel like a song was written for you?  I don't say this selfishly.  I say this thankfully.  There are times that songs have nearly saved my life.  In my darkest times, I turn to music.  Someone else's clear expression of thought or feeling somehow helps me break free from my own.  This song, almost completely this album, has been my saving grace lately.   I'm feeling overwhelmed by life.  But I know that I have others around me that will support me.  Even more so, I am stronger than I want to believe at times.    As the song states, no one can move the mountains but me...

Crosby!

Yesterday Steve and I brought home our 8 week old puppy, Crosby.  He is officially the coolest dog ever!  He is so calm and relaxed, which is so not what we were expecting.  He loves to snuggle and be held and he sleeps ALL the time.  He had a few accidents, but he's already getting better at doing his business outside.  He goes out, does it quickly, and then he wants to go back inside right away because he hates the cold.  Smart dog.  :)  He also slept in his crate for 5 hours straight after only a little bit of whining and howling.  It was so pitiful I almost took him out, but I held my ground.  He also wandered into his crate by himself today to take a little nap.  Very good sign.

Right now, he is currently passed out in the recliner on top of Steve.....who is also sleeping.  ;)

He's a big boy...15 lbs already!

I just can't get enough of him...

And this is his typical position  :)

Look at that face!

So happy to be home!

Resolutions

I've decided to go big or go home.  I'm not going to have just one resolution for 2011.  No, no, I'm going with three.  Three things that I believe will really help me get my life back on track.  And I've made a plan for each one so I can't just say it without actually doing it.  Here's the details...

1.  I will stay active and focus on eating better so I can look FABULOUS for my honeymoon in April.  Then I will continue with this healthy focus so I can be proud to run around in a bikini this summer.  I know this will also help me feel better overall and give me more energy.  What could be better than that?


2.  I will spend more quality time with my hubby.  Steve and I have both felt like our lives have been too hectic and we haven't had time to just be "us".  We are determined to remedy that situation.


3.  I will NOT let my job control my life.  I love teaching, but it can't be my only focus or my source of stress.


I feel like all of these resolutions are completely possible and attainable.  I just need to stay focused and organized.  I have devoted too much time in 2010 to complaining and wishful thinking.  Now it's time to make it happen!

Here's to a wonderfully productive and successful 2011!  Happy New Year!

Blessings

Wow.  I really got the kick in the pants I needed last night.  My co-worker, Kristin and her husband Ron (who also works with us as the music teacher at school) invited me to church with them last night.  Actually, I think I might have invited myself.  hahaha  The music was so upbeat and the sermon was exactly what I needed to hear.

The pastor spoke about remembering that you are "wealthy in Christ" and that any blessings you've been given were meant to allow you to be a blessing to others.  So often, I focus on what I want or feel I need instead of remembering all the wonderful things I have.  Also, he mentioned that life is not meant to be easy and comfortable all the time, because if it is, you aren't growing as a person.  And when you are on the right path and doing what you are meant to do, Satan will probably try to step in and steal your joy.  I've always believed very deeply in spiritual warfare, and I've really felt it lately in my life.  Hearing the message last night made me realize that teaching is my calling (which I sometimes don't want to believe) and that whenever it seems to difficult, it just means that "someone" is trying to stand in my way.

I never thought I would be in church on Friday night, but it really was a great way to end the work week.  I'll definitely be going back.

I do

24 days ago I married my true love.  I know I should probably be writing about that, but honestly, putting it into words is virtually impossible.  It was such a perfect day that I can't even begin to express everything I felt.  I wouldn't do it justice.  For now, I will hold those memories close to me and continue to laugh and cry a little bit as I think about it.  I feel completely blessed that this man will be with me for the rest of my life.  And I'm so thankful to all the family and friends who made that day special.  I will post some more pics when I get the professional ones.  For now, here's one I got from the sneak peek.

Four weeks!

Exactly four weeks from today, I will be walking down the aisle to become a Mrs.  I'm so excited I could scream!  I woke up this morning with a permanent smile on my face, partly because today is my hair appointment with my wedding stylist and my bachelorette party is tonight!  I have been waiting for this super fun night with my friends for months!  My other excitement though comes from the fact that everything is happening so fast, and it has gone much smoother than I anticipated.  All our RSVPs are in, and mine and Steve's prediction for who would be coming were almost dead on.  I can't wait to see everyone!  The only things left to do now are just little projects like the seating chart, marriage license, and favors, etc.

Lately I have been thinking about the actual day and what it will be like.  It's still so surreal.  I try to picture Steve standing at the altar as I walk with my dad.  I tear up a little every time.  I know that moment will be indescribable.  Steve is my best friend and the man of my dreams, and  I can't wait until we are joined together in marriage...for all the days of our lives... :)

Soy Dreamy

I'm officially in love.  This stuff is incredible!  Trader Joe's has once again rocked my world.  This soy ice cream tastes even better than the real thing, and it's Vegan!  It's so sweet and creamy with real chunks of black cherries and dark chocolate.  I only need a little bit to satisfy my sweet tooth.

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE IT!!!  :)