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Grateful for trials

It has been so long since I have posted. I don't even know that there is anyone that follows my blog anymore.

I am grateful for trials! That may seem like a funny thing to say. I know everyone has them in one way or another. We are all familiar with them.

Trials have brought me closer to my husband, to my family, and most especially to my God. I am a better person because of them. I learn and grow from them. At different times in my life I have learned to find joy in the journey. Once again, I am learning this same thing. Trials help me to realize the great blessings I have in my life and to look for those blessings in the everyday things. So, bring it on! I'm ready!

Thanksgiving

I have not been so good at posting lately. So many things have been happening in my life. I have SO many things to be thankful for.

I have a loving fiance who is the love of my life and we are counting down til we are sealed.
I have such a wonderful family who we love each other for who we are and will do whatever we can for each other.
I have such amazing parents who are my greatest cheerleaders and support and have raised me to be who I am.
I have a loving Heavenly Father who has blessed me with so much and listens to my prayers.
I have the Gospel of Jesus Christ in my life that strengthens me every day and guides me back to my Heavenly Father.
I have such wonderful friends who are a great support in my life (even when we don't see each other or talk - when we do, it's like nothing has changed).
I have a job that I love that fulfills me every single day and working with the kids makes me want to be a better person and teacher.
I have 3 amazing children that will be my stepchildren in a short period of time. They definitely help me to be a better person. I've become a better teacher this year because of my association with these wonderful kids.
I could go on and on. There are so many things to be grateful for.
I can't wait to get sealed for time and all eternity with my soulmate and best friend and start our life together.

Winter Wonderland Wedding!

Some of my plans for my wedding reception have solidified in my mind as I've brainstormed and talked with family and friends. I'm excited to have an idea what it is all going to look like. I've decided to incorporate red and snowflakes together, hot chocolate and snowflake marshmallows and chocolate. We'll see how it all comes together. I can't reveal it all. It's still three months away. It'll be just in time to take advantage of holiday sales. The time will also work to my advantage to get some things made without too much craziness. Yay!!!!

. . . and yay for 2 days off for Fall Break!

I love my fiance!

Can I just tell you that I love my fiance, Kelly so much!!! We've both had a long week and have been so tired. Tonight, we just sat and talked while I folded laundry and put it away. We had some great conversations and learned some new things about each other. Sometimes it is so nice to just sit and relax and be able to talk about anything. We often have heavy things to talk about, but it's fun to just talk about whatever and have a light conversation that could lead and go anywhere. I didn't want him to leave.

I love him!

Fun School Moment!

I just love my students and my class this year!!! They are so much fun and I'm loving my teaching style and interactions with the kids. It's just working for me! I don't know if that makes sense. The last 2 days have been parent/teacher conferences. These are very long days for me and I am so exhausted, but I love talking with parents. They were so kind in saying that they kids are loving school and loving learning. What more could I love to hear as a teacher.

I have a small magnetic easel that I've opened up for the kids to use magnetic letters and create sentences on using correct capitalization and punctuation. I had 3 cute boys come over to me this morning all excited. They had written a sentence and wanted me to see it. It read, "We love Miss Jones do you?" I had to take a picture. Maybe I'll post it when I get it downloaded. I have to crop the kids out first, but it sure made me feel good!

HCG progress

Today is day 23 of HCG and 500 calories. I could be done today and moving on to the other phases, but I'm going to continue. I'd like to only do this once. You can go on the HCG up on 40 days. I don't know that I'll go that long, but we'll see how it goes. I'd like to at least go one more week. I've lost about 15 pounds. I'd like to lose more. It's been a bit frustrating because I'm not losing everyday, but that's kind of how my life goes as I've committed to this type of thing in the past and lost weight. It's always worth it, though. I know that sounds funny, since losing weight every single day is crazy, but on this diet, that's how it works and it's safe. If you want more info, ask me, or do some research. There's lots online.

I've been taking this new energy drink, Rush, that is really good, with no caffeine or bad stuff. It really helps. However, I don't know that it's always helping with weight loss. I'm not going to drink any more for at least a week and see if that helps.

Everyone at work is so kind and I had lots of compliments today with how I look. That always makes you feel good. There are several at work doing this same diet, so we can commiserate together and rejoice together.