The Many Adventures of Scout

If I didn't think the world would be bored with me blogging about my dogs all the time, I could do the blog every day challenge again just about those three. Honestly, part of why I don't blog as much anymore is because the dogs are such a huge part of our lives but that's not as interesting to the rest of the world. But they are pretty adorable...

Anyways, today I took Scout adventuring with me and had moments that made me a proud momma but even more that made me shake my head. Gotta love our wild child.

Scouty-Scout's day started like any other Saturday -- outside time, breakfast, staring out the window, and snuggling on the couch for a nap. What he didn't know was that today also held getting microchipped. We want him back if he gets out or gets lost somehow. We've been fortunate that he's not the wanderer and fence-squeezer his brother Little Houdini Squirt is. Fast forward to a little after nap time and he happily sat to get his leash on to go on a car ride. He LOVES car rides.

He likes the Humane Society because that's where we did two out of our three sets of obedience training, but he knew something was up when we went to a little room instead. Two of the workers held him, but he escaped. I tried to hold him, but he escaped again. I waited outside instead, and it still took them a few minutes before they could secure him enough to chip him. When they called me in again, he slipped by me and I fumbled the collar-catch (#momfail) so he took off running through the Humane Society.

Naturally Scout ran into a room full of people celebrating a sweet little girl's birthday. As the staff ran in with me they yelled, "Animal Control! Animal Control!" I immediately envisioned my dog becoming one of Those Dogs who knock over a table of cake and ruin the day, but fortunately he ran under a table and cornered himself so we caught him easily. I grabbed him by the collar (VERY firmly so there would be no more fumbling) and apologized profusely. As we headed back to the small room to get re-leashed up I just said, "And THAT'S why he got microchipped." Turns out that the party was for the daughter of one of their animal control officers. (Hence their yelling as they entered the room, you see.)

Naturally Scout was tired after this fight-or-flight ordeal so he was pretty chilled out when he sat down in the car. I explained to him that I was very sorry he didn't enjoy his experience but it was important that he'd be safe and get back to us if he ever got lost because we love him very much. I said that even though he was a party-crasher and forgot his manners that I would take him to Petco to make up for it. Once again my ulterior motives were unbeknownst to Scout.

We had 3 missions at Petco:
1) Get an engraved tag with our cell phone numbers on it
2) Find a harness that fit him securely now that's he's full grown
3) Get some chewy treats for all the boys

Yes, we accomplished all three with the biggest incident from Wild Child being either his resistance to helping me get him into the harness to try it on or the whining he did the whole time I prepped the tag and we waited for it to get engraved. He whines very dramatically when he has to sit and wait because Scouts do not like being bored. He also threw in a few pterodactyl-yawns in case I'd forgotten how our previous ordeal had tired him out. Is this how it feels to have small children?

After all of this I thought he should get something besides misery for the day from me so off to get some fries to share. He was such a good boy at Sonic. He laid down and did not try to snatch a single fry from me or the bag. He waited until I offered him some before he ate, like the gentleman he sometimes remembers to be. Game on when we got home, though. I was in the process of setting my hot dog down and he grabbed it from the bun and ate it in .02 seconds! The whole thing! Well, the whole thing minus the ONE bite I'd gotten to take. After a full morning of adventures and an extra-full belly from lunch -- mine AND his-- he's currently napping like this:

Stay tuned for more adventures of the Wild Child. There's never a dull day with this guy around.

Fellow Twentysomethings, Let's Be Real.

I've been doing some soul-searching lately to remember things I enjoy doing. I realized earlier this year that I let my job take over so much of my time that I lost connections with family, friends, and myself. I let myself believe it was okay to put more time into my work all the time because teaching is my calling. What I forgot was that I'm called to be so much more than a teacher; I'm also a wife, a daughter, a sister, and a friend.

What a heart-wrenching realization when you spend a long time doing what you think is right only to find out how wrong you've been. I've been grappling with this ever since I realized my problem, and I set out to make it better. Yes, I have a passion for teaching that goes to my core, but I also have a passion for taking care of the people in my life. But I know I'm not the only one that feels this struggle.

I've gotten to have some good heart-to-hearts with family and friends alike over the past few months that have helped put things into perspective. I'm so grateful for those conversations about the nitty gritty truths of our challenges, our hopes, and overcoming the feeling that somehow we're falling short. No matter what age you are, there are always things changing that you have to sort out. Some changes are easier than others, naturally, while others will shake you to your core. 

I think we all got this idea in our heads as kids that we'd have it all figured out when we got to be an adult. Now many of us that dreamed together in high school and college about when life would be "easier" are finding out that adulthood isn't really about having it all together but striving to do the best we can. We've been spending our twenties transitioning from childhood to adulthood wondering when we'll feel like we've gotten the hang of things. I'm realizing that so many of us have been withholding those feelings of failure or of being caught up in an overwhelming call to balance work, hobbies, family, and friends, and so many of us haven't dared to admit that it's tough. So many of us have held in how we are just trying to make it through each day. We feel like we have to hold up this front that yes, we figured it out just like our Facebook friends who are having the time of their lives living each day. 

I've sat down to write this post many times over, but I've given in many times to letting myself think that I'm the only one that struggles with figuring it out. I don't want to hide that battle anymore now that I know I'm not the only one feeling that way. We need to give our struggles words and voice our feelings so we can help each other through it. No, we may not always have the answers, but we trust that we'll get through. God promises us that He'll never leave our side, not that life is going to be easy. The hard part is trusting continuously, even when things are overwhelming, scary, or discouraging. So let's help each other through the messes like we did way back when. These messes are bigger than crushes, big research papers, fights over stupid comments somebody made behind our backs, or dealing with curfew/Intervis hours, but let's be real with each other. 

And hey, no matter how much time has passed between conversations with friends, one of the best things is being able to pick up right where we left off again. Phone calls or emails or Facebook messages from old friends is such an underrated pleasant surprise. Loving someone through the tough stuff is what we're here to do. Please don't hold it in. 

Here are a few awesome articles I've read this year that have helped me realize that our struggle is real and shouldn't be hidden away. 

"43 Signs You're Definitely Becoming a Real Adult" 

(Okay, so this Buzzfeed list just spelled out adulthood in a hilarious way. So many truths!)

"What I Instagrammed vs. What Was Really Happening, Or My Entire Life is a Lie"

"11 Things Millennials Need to Know About Getting Older" 

"I'm Not a Liar But Facebook Sure Is" 

"Your Secrets Are Destroying Your Relationships"

Soothe My Soul

Restless. 

It's the word I've struggled to find to label this --  

chaos of emotions and thoughts 

pent-up energy

bursts of inspiration and motivation

determination

craving for a solid routine

adventure anticipation

-- stuff sticking inside me. 

Being restless isn't necessary a bad thing. It gives way to discovering new things to try or rediscovering long-lost interests. It gives way to ideas, creativity, and ambition. It gives way to productivity. 

But you know, being restless can be pretty darn uncomfortable. I always have a lull before I launch myself into something when I'm restless, and that lull is when I feel lost. I don't handle that feeling well -- it makes me cranky. 

I've been throwing myself whole-heartedly into words and music to push away the restlessness.

I know this time lately has been a gift -- a chance to slow down, digest, recharge. 

The busy season will come again when time for excessive words and music-making and listening is a limited luxury, but will you take a breath here with me and jump in to soothe your soul? 

Let these words in Ann Voskamp's post "something to hold on to when you're tired & the world's broke your heart a bit" sink into your heart and mind. Carry them with you as you go out to love on others. 

Sometimes I still feel like a stranger in this town we've called home for two years, and yet I still have a hard time leaving it when we travel and feel a swell of joy and peace when we return to it. It's good to know that I'm not the only one that sometimes feels like a stranger somewhere. I bet you feel like that sometimes, too. Ann Voskamp wrote another post here that speaks to that stranger feeling. (I really love her beautiful writing, can you tell?!)

These songs are completely opposite styles, but they both bring a peace and joy to my soul that makes me want to sing and praise God and helps me push through the yuck. I promise I won't judge you if you sing or dance to rock out along with them. 

Now go out and face the world, friends, and pass on the love and joy. 

Throwback Thursday

Throwback Thursday. That amusing trend of posting a picture of something from way back when. It takes us back to funny memories, good memories, and sometimes embarrassing ones.

I don't often do it, sure, but that's mostly because I'm forgetful. But isn't it a beautiful idea?

Let's throwback to this, a moment...

that made us laugh until we couldn't breathe or speak

of  sitting around with our siblings and cousins, the first true friends we had

from the family vacations that meant it was truly summertime and we could soak up sunshine every day

showing favorite childhood toy or place, like the park you'd play every weekend

from the high school plays and games with the people who got us through those 4 long years

where that cousin that's all grown up now was an adorable toddler running around

of being crazy with the college friends that were family away from family 

of hideous fashion choices that make us rue the day our offspring will ridicule us for wearing

that brought us     j     o     y

because yes, these moments are beautiful

and this world needs all the beautiful things in it to overshadow all the yuck out there

and help hope, joy, and love reign.

The One Where Emily Picked My Brain!

The wonderful Miss Emily at Love Woke Me Up This Morning  nominated me for the Liebster Award! (If you are like me and clueless about many things in the blogsphere, this is probably one of the best explanations I found when I researched it.) Thanks, Emily! (Btw, be sure to check out her blog if you haven't already. I met Emily back in college and have loved her fun, enthusiastic, and honest personality that really shines through in her blog as well. Seriously, you'll love it.)

Now, here's what you do:

Link back to who nominated you. 

Answer the Qs the nominator asked you. 

Nominate 11 other bloggers (preferably with less than 200 followers)

Create 11 Qs for the 11 bloggers in step 3. 

Notify your nominees!

And now here are the questions from Emily:

1.  What TV show are you LOVING to binge watch right now?

I'm not gonna lie, my mom and I watched an episode of "Married At First Sight" once, and before we knew it we were hooked. We both record it and watch it at the same time now. I don't know what it is about that show, but I'm hooked! 

2. Tell me about your dream home.

I love having a decent-sized yard with space for our garden, to sit outside and enjoy the beautiful weather, and of course for our 3 crazy dogs to run around and play. That's a MUST! I also like having a room specifically for an office/computer/craft space. My dream house also must have room for guests! Someday I would love, love, LOVE to have a front porch to put a swing or comfy chairs on so we could just sit outside there and watch cars go by. But my biggest dream house requirement? It has to be comfy. My dream is for people to walk into our home and feel comfortable because it's decorated in a functionally-cute kind of way, and they can feel that it's filled with love here. You know those homes where you walk in and instantly feel at home? That's my ultimate dream more than any physical feature we could add or buy. 

3. What's the best book you've read so far this year?

I have to say that the best non-fiction I've read is Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend. It has some great Biblical information to ponder and to use to motivate some healthy balance in life, and it's helped me make some changes for the better in my life. Fiction-wise I'd have to say that I really like Sue Grafton's "O" is for Outlaw. I've been tearing my way through the series over the past few years, but that one's been my favorite. I love the voice Grafton has given to the main character, Kinsey Millhone. She's very feisty, sarcastic, and factually blunt. She's one of my most favorite fictional characters ever. 

4. If you could run away and live in another country for a year, where would you go? Even name the exact city if you know!

I think it'd be fun to go to Europe for a year! I'd love to travel around to some of the places with literary significance, like to see the Little Mermaid statue in honor of Hans Christian Anderson, the Globe Theatre, and all kinds of places like that. I also would love to see Poland just once in my life, and I'd love to travel to Germany to see the city where my husband was born. There are just way too many fun places to see to stay living in just one country there...and probably too many to see in just a year. Maybe we'd have to make it two! ;) 

5. I'm hungry. If I'm coming over to your place for lunch, what are we going to have?

When it comes to lunch, I'm pretty simple. I'd probably have a bunch of things for making sandwiches, some fresh fruit and vegetables to munch on with lunch, yogurt, and some cookies for dessert. We'd put our lunch on paper plates and enjoy the awesome weather by eating outside. Don't worry-- I'd put the dogs in the house so those rascals didn't try to steal any of your lunch. And if you aren't a sandwich eater, I'd offer to take you out to eat! :)

6. Tell me about, or show me, your favorite photo you've taken so far this year and why it's your favorite.

First of all, this is my first successful panorama on a cell phone ever. That victory in and of itself is one reason why I love this picture. This was a night sandwiched between the end of all things school-related and our anniversary, and we were just relaxing while Tim was grilling. There were storms coming, but they were north and south of us at the time. It was the first Sunday in a really long time without the stress of finishing up lesson plans and knowing I had to get up early the next morning. I got to play with the dogs and hang out with my hubby stress-free and just soak up the first taste of summer. 

7. What was your favorite part of summer when you were a kid?

I loved how late the sun would be up! That was awesome! I was constantly outside as a kid, and that meant I could play longer. When I got older, summer was bonfire season with my friends. It was always worth it to smell like smoke because we would talk, burn things (intentionally and unintentionally...), and hang out. I miss having late nights around the fire like that.

8. If you could live inside of a movie, which one would it be?

Obviously anything Disney! The music, the artwork, the characters...yesyesyes please! 

9. What vacation do you wish you could repeat?

Alaska. I've been blessed to go twice and both times were truly different experiences but awesome in their own ways...and the scenery is absolutely stunning. The first time was for the wedding of two dear friends, and a bunch of us crazy college kids spent time with our friends' families and got to do some awesome things, see amazing places, and just enjoy being together. The second time was on a cruise with my husband's side of the family, and we got to spend so much time together. I cherished that so much! We also go to get out and do some great things, and we got some wonderful pictures while we were up there. (Tim's are way better than mine, though!) 

10. We complain about blogging a lot - what do you still LOVE about?

I love getting to share things that are going on in our little corner of the world -- and sometimes just things in my own head -- with my family and friends that read this blog. I know there are a few others that stumble on this now and then, but I really love sharing this stuff. I've come to realize my family happens to be my biggest blog fans, too, and I really love that. My family's absolutely amazing. 

11. And I'm stealing from Angie because this question was just so good- what has been your favorite moment this year so far?

I would say that it's been a collection of moments over the past few weeks, not just one. We never want anything bad to happen to anyone we love -- but the fact is that sometimes it happens. In all the ups and downs of everything lately, there has been more proof in the past few weeks that there are ALWAYS things to be thankful for than I think I've ever noticed in my life. It's been the moments of "I love you" passing between family members, the hugs, the long heart-to-heart conversations, the tears we've shed together, the text messages and phone calls offering support, the endless patience of my husband dealing with my extremes of emotions and loving me through them, the overwhelming joy that comes with the victories, and celebrating the strength and determination of my dad. It's the moments that add up to what carries you through the tough stuff and makes you marvel at how power the love we give to other people truly can be. It's those moments where love truly trumps everything else that have been my favorite. (Even though that's more than one!)

Alright, that was a lot of fun! Thanks again, Emily! I'd write up questions and nominate bloggers, but let's be real, guys...Emily's already done it, and I don't know many other bloggers! I'll gracefully bow out of that part this time. If anyone else is up for the challenge, though, feel free to share your answers to the questions above! :) 

Growing.

It's the end of another school year, and I can now say I have taught for 4 years in my own classroom. This is a calling to do both what I am passionate about and gifted to do, and I love, love, love it. It has always been challenging to be doing this in a state with zero family. And let's be real: feeling alone is hard.

There have been plenty of times I've been upset about being here, shed tears, and even wondered what it'd be like if things had gone differently. There are times I get frustrated that we don't know more people or have more friends here in the same city. Sometimes I just get sad. I'm blessed by the thought that I have some dear friends that still live in the state, but the reality of our lives is that our responsibilities and demands on time keep us apart more often than we'd like. It's pretty much the same as if they didn't live here. Someone shared an article called "16 things only people who live far away from their families will understand" on Facebook a while ago, and 1) the lack of proper capitalization in the title is driving me bananas and 2) so many of the things in it are spot on. You can read it right here.

I also know that this is exactly where God wanted me to be. When I look at how things played out for both of these teaching jobs, it's funny how God really made it fool proof that these were the jobs for me. And of course there was getting Squirt, meeting Tim and Danny, marrying that handsome man, and starting our life together here in this house. We have met some great people along the way, and none of this would have happened without moving here. Plus we have so much fun showing our family this little corner of the world when they come to visit. We're constantly finding new things to do here!

These blessings don't always feel as special when I am lonesome for our family, but we have their support and encouragement. I love where I work and have met some pretty amazing people in multiple schools here. It helps that this is my calling. It helps that my husband gets to do what he loves every day. It helps that we've made this a home. Oh, and it helps that Nebraska is so, so beautiful.

"Grow where you're planted," a friend of mine shared during chapel one day. It isn't always easy, but growing is exactly what we're doing each and every day.

Oldies But Goodies

I know it's Tuesday, but consider this a late Music Monday. ;) 

I've been so amped up in the car the past few days because I broke out the ol' stash of mix CDs that accumulated in my youth. It's so fun to jam out to some forgotten old favorites and relive some of the memories that come crashing back. There is just something about summer that makes me super-nostalgic. 

Here are some of the top jams yesterday and today: 

"Livin' on a Prayer" by Bon Jovi - good for belting at the top of your lungs in the car on 8+ hour car rides, singing for karaoke, parodying on the way to Lincoln and back, performing legendary air guitar solos to during friends' wedding receptions, or blaring on blah weather days. 

"Ice Ice Baby" by Vanilla Ice -- because c'mon, this song is so cheesy but the beat is great for car dancing. 

"Mama Mia" with Meryl Streep -- seeing it in theaters with good friends or blaring it on the back roads of Nebraska on an unplanned "detour" with your roommates...remembering the carefree happiness while you sing along is priceless.

"All My Friends Say" by Luke Bryan -- reminds me of singing along with friends and making all kinds of faces as we sang - the kind that wouldn't make sense to anyone else but that told us exactly what the other person was thinking and made it way funnier than it should be 

"The Freshman" by Verve Pipe -- always takes me back to high school...sophomore and junior year rather than freshman year, but still. It always makes me think about how we did feel invincible at the same time that all the drama always made it feel like life was tough. Funny how now we'd all take some of that drama over some of the real adult stuff we have to deal with!

"All I Wanna Do" by Sugarland -- yup, this is definitely late high school/early college soundtrack material. I remember jamming to it when a friend and I got into our cars in the b&n parking lot at the same time one night and lip syncing through our windows because we were obnoxiously cool like that. :) 

Yup, those are just a few of the gems on just one of the CDs I've put in so far. Time to pick a different one for tomorrow -- I'll be driving for at least 3 hours total tomorrow so I may need two! 

What are some of your favorite old songs that bring back good memories?!?