Thankful

It has been too long since I have written.  I'm so thankful August is over.  It's always stressful because it marks the beginning of school.  I have so much to be thankful for right now.  I have to remember this no matter what!  Sometimes it's so easy to think about what I don't have but, there is so much I do have....

Things I am thankful for:
-My faith
-An wonderful and supportive husband
-My family
-My doggies
-A good marriage
-a job I love
-a student teacher and part-time assistant

There are a lot more things but, those are the big ones.  I have been trying to think this way lately instead of thinking of the stress I have in my life.  I really don't have a lot of stress and none of it is anything I can control. 

Support

I started back to school last Thursday.  It's almost been a week.  I will admit that first day I was a bit overwhelmed.  It's my first year without a full time assistant.  That first day back was really hard.  I cried several times.  I prayed a lot about it.  Jon just kept telling me I could do it and that I was a great teacher.  The next morning I started feeling better and I found out I was getting a student teacher.  Plus, the day was much better. 

Saturday I had a Junior League retreat.  I'm really excited about the Junior League and I think it will be a great way for me to meet other women.  Too bad I attempted the rock climbing wall - I am still sore.  Then on Sunday Jon helped me a lot in my room.  We went to school and did a lot of work.  He was a great support for me.  It's so important to have people there that are support people.  It can be husbands, friends, family, or even actual support groups.  People that when you say "I can't do this" they are there to cheer you on.  Those are the kind of people you want close to you.  The people who believe in you and encourage you.  Not the kind of people who feed your anxiety.  I am blessed to have several people like that in my life.  Thanks Jon for all your support!  I love you!

Wonderful Vacation!

I was so stressed about leaving our dogs on vacation. However, we had an amazing time.  It was so nice to get away and not think about anything.  We could just focus on each other.  The dogs did great with my mom so we can leave them again. :)  I hope they didn't annoy my mom too much.  We went to a winery and vineyard called Chaumette, then to St. Louis, and ended at Kansas City (where Jon's brother lives).  We had a wonderful time and we were completely relaxed.  We are thinking now about our next trip.  We want to go back to Chaumette.  As soon as I got back home the stress hit.  It stinks!  I know that it will work out and the little stuff doesn't really matter.  Vacations are a must!!!  It's completely different then just being off work at home.

Vacation

Jon and I are going to take our first vacation in 3 years.  Our last one was our honeymoon.  We used to take a trip once a year.  However, vacations are expensive and Jon hasn't had the time off.  We were determined to go somewhere and have some us time.  We're going to St. Louis and then to Kansas City to see his brother.  We are so excited but didn't know how much goes into leaving town when you have two dogs.  Savannah is staying with my mom the whole time.  However, Dimaggio is staying with my mom over the weekend and we're boarding him at Petsmart the other part of the time.  He's just not to be trusted by himself in her house - since sometimes he likes to leave his scent.  He's doing doggie day camp and playtime.  We had to "dog proof" my mom's back yard yesterday.  We wanted to make sure there weren't any areas where they could get out.  Jon and I are going to miss them so much.  We are going to utilize the "bone phone" and check on Dimaggio daily.  Yeah...we're those people.

Exercise Day 5

Jon and I joined a gym Sunday (5 days ago).  It's part of our "get healthy" plan.  We have no excuses - the gym is literally around the corner from us.  I have discovered I am terribly out of shape.  I mean I had no idea.  I could barely do 1 mile on the bike my first day.  I am now able to go 2 miles.  Jon and I are somewhat having a competition about it.  That's part of my motivation.  Anytime one of us goes and the other doesn't the one who goes gets a point.  Once we hit 5 points we get to buy something.  I am winning by 1 right now.  I really want to stay motivated!  I hope it continues!