what summer vacation means around here...

I'm trying to work on being a better wife these days. It might sound a bit silly, but I think I often take my marriage for granted. With the day-to-day activities, I think I forget to put Ben's needs ahead of my own. Many of my gifts and talents are used to shower others...instead of him. So, this summer I've asked the Lord to show me ways I can improve in this area. It's been a lot of fun so far...and we're only a week and a half into the summer. :)

When Ben came home from work on Thursday, this is what he found on the front door.

This one is a little easier to read.

Here's what he saw in our living room. (Notice the tent is facing the television...priorities people!)

This is the view inside the tent. I was sure to include the bare essentials - sleeping bags, pillows, and all the ingredients for some delicious s'mores. :)

Here's Ben hanging out in our tent!

i can't watch anymore...

I know some of you out there were quicker than I was to STOP watching Jon & Kate Plus 8. Perhaps you saw the trouble that was about to unfold, or you just couldn't justify the way their kids were put in front of the cameras. Whatever the case may be, I have to say that their divorce has now left them on my list of shows to NOT DVR.



Obviously, I don't know the details of their marriage and why exactly it failed (I only know what the media has showcased). However, since this family openly professed (I haven't seen much of it recently...hence the past tense) to be followers of Christ, I can't help but wonder what happened. Why didn't we see them pursue marriage counseling? Why didn't we see them meet with the people of their church? Why have they continued to mention their kids as the reason for every decision they make...and not their faith? How does this fit in with the book they wrote (pictured above)?


When trouble first hit their marriage, I was one of those who continued to pull for them...wanting to see them reconcile their differences and make it work. Besides, what could be better for their 8 children, then to see their parents striving to make their relationship work?!?! (I know that's one of the greatest gifts my parents have given to me. Ben would be quick to say the same of his folks.)


I will continue to pray for this family, but I have to say that I'm disappointed at the outcome. I wish them nothing-but-the-best. However, I'm sad to see what has transpired. As a believer, I guess I just don't get it. At the same time, I'm not sure I want to understand it.


Marriage is hard work...but it's totally worth it to stick things out, knowing fully well that the Lord will bless you for your efforts. I praise God that Ben has chosen - and daily chooses - to spend his life with me!

i never post videos...

...but this one is too perfect! Check out Zack Morris (not Mark-Paul Gosselaar) on Jimmy Fallon. He was on this last Monday and the clip is classic. It's just under 10 minutes long, so give yourself some time. :)

Enjoy...it was listed below as the first video. That might not be the case much longer. So, you can scroll down and click on the link below.



Here's the link in case the video doesn't work. :)

i'm pretty sure this makes me cool...

...check it out!

Click here to see what I'm talking about.

Hooray Maywood! :)

sunshine...

...is a wonderful thing!

However, life inside of a classroom with absolutely no source of cool air is completely miserable...for everyone. The days begin warm and they only continue to heat-up. Right now it's 10:30 and my classroom is a delightful 77 degrees. If we could just sit here for the rest of the day, it wouldn't be so bad. Alas, we're all a little lethargic.

Oh, and I forgot to mention that middle school kids tend to smell by 5th or 6th period. :)

So, to those of you in an office with AC, count your blessings!

P.S. I think it's also important to note that kids are throwing up around here left and right. Just this morning in the hallway outside of my room, we had another one bite the dust. So, take the warm air and mix in a batch of up-chuck...it's a beautiful thing!