Our Week in Review: Lots of Aleve

Well, our week started off at a low point. 

I diagnosed Niko with a yeast infection in his ear. 

We called up our AMAZING vet, explained there was a weird disturbing nasty yeasty smell coming from his ear. 

She told us she had some antibiotics for him and we picked them up. 

Yeast infection is almost gone! 

Hooray!

The sunset on the ride home from the vet's. Isn't Oklahoma Gorgeous?!

I know what you're thinking. How in the world did you discover he had a yeast infection in his ear? 

I don't normally sniff my dogs. But when Niko walked by me as I was bending down to pick something up off the floor, I immediately jumped back and looked at him funny.

Something definitely smells yeasty, I told him. 

So, I started sniffing his face like only a true fur-mother would do. 

I have the nose of a dog. Not. Even. Joking. 

I can smell from a mile away. 

And so, I discovered the weird disturbing nasty yeasty smell was coming from his ear simply by sniffing it. 

Please, don't judge. 

My fur-children are like real children to me. I bathe them. Make their food. Take them to their yearly check-ups. 

These are my babies. 

Sniffing them is not weird! Okay?

Niko has LOTS of ear problems due to his former malnourished life. 

We knew after his first ear problem that he would be susceptible to more. 

So, we weren't really all that surprised. 

We try to take care of his ears the best we can without disturbing them too much. 

But sometimes life just happens. 

Things just happen.

 Like that one time Abner had a ruptured anal gland. 

Yep, I'm sure you're thrilled to read that sentence. 

Just as thrilled as I was to write it.

I told Kelly Niko's left ear smelled gross and after a few minutes of quick internet research, we discovered the moldy bread smell was a yeast infection. 

We jumped in the car. Headed to Wal Mart. 

Then came home and cleaned Niko's ears with a rinse solution we found in the pet aisle.

It was too late to call the vet, so we took care of his ear the best we could and knew we could call the vet first thing in the morning. 

She's always up early ;)

After Niko's ear scare, I started to feel a sore in my mouth and discovered I had a CANKER SORE. 

Stress, my friends, is a terrible friend. 

My husband had been reading that Aleve Liquid Gels were the ONLY thing that helps alleviate pain. So, he drove me to Wal Mart and we grabbed some. 

(Yes, we frequented Wal Mart A LOT this week). 

It really does help eliminate pain.

Canker sore gone in 3 days!

My week was spent doing lesson plans. 

And more lesson plans. 

And more lesson plans. 

But I really do love teaching. And even making lesson plans. 

I'm a huge fan of organizing and making sure that I spend copious amounts of time on prep work. 

I want to make sure my students learn. 

And I feel the best teachers prepare, prepare, prepare!

I was given a teaching bag this week! 

I was SO excited! 

It has our school logo on it!

I made chicken tacos this week! Get the recipe here. 

They were SO good!

I spent 2 1/2 hours cleaning my house Friday morning. 

I did SIX loads of laundray. 

SIX. 

I am crazy. 

I even scrubbed my floors.

With SOS pads.

I wish these images did my floor better justice.

They look so much better than they did before.

Then Cousin Boo came over.

Boo played with the Snow Dogs AND the neighbor dogs.

Then I took Boo home in the Maverick. 

This dog was made for old cars.

I chucked when I got into my car and saw that my hubby left me 7 miles til empty.

I shook my head and muttered, "Married life."

Because this is a beautiful example of married life.

Marriage is getting used to sharing.

And learning how to smile and say, "Well, it's better than 2 miles." 

And to take inconveniences with a grain of salt.

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What's On Our Menu? Chicken Tacos!

I'm huge on quick and easy meals. And if I can make it in my handy dandy Crockpot, that's even better! 

As busy as I am, I'm also very conscious about cooking meals that fill us up AND keep us healthy. I try my best to buy organic, low sodium, and fresh fruits and veggies when I can. That's not always the case. But for these delicious tacos, it was!

Since both my husband and I work, the best way to make a healthy meal is to stick it in my slow cooker and let it cook while we work!

There are many days where I get home later than Kelly does. On those days, I make sure there's something warm and tasty waiting for him! It's the least I can do for my hard-working hubby who works a full-time job and runs a full-time business.

Here's how you can make these delicious chicken tacos!

What you'll need:

About a pound of chicken

Chicken broth (enough to cover the chicken while it cooks in the Crockpot. Amounts vary)

1/4 cup fresh cilantro

1/2 lime

1 tablespoon ground cumin

1 tablespoon chile powder

Directions:

1. Rinse chicken.

2. Put in Crockpot and pour in chicken broth so chicken is submerged.

3. Add in chile powder.

4. Then the cumin!

5. I like to cut up my cilantro so it's in tiny pieces. Then I toss it in!

6. I drizzle lime juice over the top of the chicken. 

7. Last, but certainly not least, I cover and cook on low for 6 hours.

When I get home, I shred it and then stick it back into the juice for 20 minutes or so to soak up all the FLAVOR!

8. THEN I serve and we enjoy!

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Winter Writing Prompts for Kids

Homeschool Group.

Or as I like to call it, "the part of the week where I partially teach, partially act like an 9 year-old again."

Regardless of how I refer to it, I know that Creative Writing with all the kiddos is one of the best parts of my week.

I've decided to become more organized with my classes this year. The first step to becoming organized for me, is to pick a theme to focus on for each month. Since we only meet four times a month, I felt having a theme would help me narrow down my field of focus and also help the kids connect better to the material.

I also decided to introduce Speech writing this year. We're going to start that in March. For now, our schedule will look more like two weeks of creative story telling, one week of terms and one week of poems.

The theme for January is "Winter". It's cold. It's snowy and wet. It's PERFECT for January.

Week 1 - Write me directions on how to build a snowman. (Note: most of the kids will break out in song singing, "Do you want to build a snowman?!" It's totally worth adding this one in!)

Week 2 - Write an Acrostic poem about Winter:

Examples: 
Warm cup of hot chocolate
Inside, where it's warm
Need heat
Turn up the thermostat!
Everyone is cold
Really, everyone is cold

             AND

Warmth from the fireplace
Icicles glisten in rays of sunlight
New snow blankets the Earth
The world sits quiet beneath winter's chill
Each dawn inches closer to new life
Renew life beneath the weight of your cold

Week 3 - Write a short story about having a pet penguin.

Week 4 - Cold weather makes me thing about....
                 Write down 10 things.

I hope these give you some ideas to use with your own students! Do you have some ideas for other creative writing prompts for the theme of "Winter"?

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Survival Mode

"Why does the alarm on your phone keep going off?" my husband asked me as we ate shrimp scampi.

I chuckled. "Because if I don't remind myself what I'm supposed to be doing every second of the day, I will never accomplish anything."

My husband looked at me very seriously. "Well, what's this alarm for?"

"I've got three invoices to finish up and mail," I replied.

"What was the one before that?"

"To take out the trash."

I'm not sure if you've ever found yourself in survival mode, but I'm going to assume you have. Because there are many seasons of life that repeat, even after assuming we've survived the "roughest season of life yet."

Survival mode seasons are the roughest, in my opinion. There are constant needs, constant motion, constant busyness. And once things settle down, they hurry up again just as fast.

I am in survivor mode. 

I'm just trying to get by some days. Between lesson plans for Sunday School, for Creative Writing, for Beginning Computers, for QuickBooks, to the ever-changing problems that arrive when expanding a business, I find myself sleeping less and less and relying more and more on Starbucks.

Today, I was sitting at my desk going over lesson plans for an upcoming class. I noticed most of my PowerPoints ( a labor of LOVE and TEARS) were missing from my flash-drive.

You are not going to cry, I told myself. You are going to stay up late and you are going to finish 12 PowerPoint presentations before Tuesday. You have plenty of time.

But I discovered something about life as I was giving myself a pep talk. This is still a good season of life, regardless of how tough it is. This season is teaching me how to work harder than I've ever worked in my life and it's also taught me how to manage a demanding schedule while still making time to play XBOX with my husband.

God is teaching me a great deal about the load of stress I can carry. Turns out, I'm great with lots of stress. It also turns out, too much stress for too long will wear me out and I will crack from the pressure. And by crack, I mean cry at every little thing. And feel as though everyone and everything is against me.

I'm running on empty in my survival mode. But God reminded me of one great truth found in Ecclesiastes:

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

There is a time for everything. For seasons of busyness. For seasons of ease. Nothing lasts forever. We go through different trials in life. As my pastor always says, "You're either in the middle of a storm, coming out of one or about to head into one." Life if full of difficulties and challenges. They come and go just as easily as the easy seasons do. So, we press forward. And we do our very best.

I also try to remember that we all face survival mode in our lives. We all have our own battles. What has been, has been before. I take comfort in this verse from Ecclesiastes:

 "What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun." (Ecclesiastes 1:9)

 Not. A. Thing. My heavy load is the same heavy load others have carried before me. Though it's different, the load weight is the same.

I'm not sure when this rough chapter of life will come to a close, but my new approach to it is to no longer just "survive" it but to thrive. To learn. To take something away. To enjoy it. Because the next season will come, and when it does, I want to enjoy it.

--Jessi

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Warmer Weather...Is It Spring Yet?!

San Diego conditioned me to love temperatures between 68-78 degrees. Anything hotter or colder makes be grumpy and cranky. I blame the beautiful coastal weather on my seasonal depression every time winter arrives.

Why does it have to be so cold?! And miserable?! And wet?! And cloudy?! I'm not sure, but when we experienced warm weather this weekend, I ditched my jacket and spent the majority of my time outside.

I even got a little tan on my pale white Italian arms.

Friday was the perfect way to start off our WARM weekend.

Homeschool group fun!

Every Friday (except during our winter/summer breaks) our church's Homeschool Group meets at our Pastor's house. Most of the homeschooling moms (and me) get together on Fridays to do crafts, math, Bible study and creative writing with the kiddos. And it's always fun. And it's always a blast. And I never want to leave. Maybe I could just move in and play with the kids for the rest of my life?!

Homeschool group!

After we were done with all of our work, my sister-in-law who is AMAZING with young kids, grabbed some blankets and entertained the kids.

Saturday, we headed up to Owasso (aka where Garth has a large house) and did some shopping. O.K. my mom and I did some shopping with a Starbucks in hand (I sure hope my California roots aren't showing here) while Kelly fixed a computer.

Sunday was our family day. Which means church, family lunch at Taco Bell (because the two main men in my life can't go a week without it) and then an afternoon of disc golf.

Treasure ;)

At church, we talked about the treasures found in Heaven and when 3 year-old Ashlyn recited her verse, a tear seeped from my brown eyes.

"John 14:2," she began. Then forget the first two words. Anista, the Toddler Whisperer and my Preschool Partner-in-Crime, helped her along. "In my..." Then Ashlyn finished up the verse, "...Father's house there are many mansions."

Friends, I cried tears of happiness. We clapped and whooped like we were at a sporting event. There is nothing in this life more precious than hearing Bible truth spoken from the lips of a 3 year-old. Not. A. Thing.

Princess Ashlyn

My prayer for Miss Ashlyn is that she always remembers her permanent home is in Heaven, where God has her mansion waiting for her. My heart was so encouraged by this little blond-headed girl who loves to wear dresses and call herself a "princess." I like to remind her that in the eyes of our Father, she is the daughter of a King "who is not moved by the world." But even though she is a "princess" she still must listen to her parents and other grown-ups.

Mom running at the lake.

After church, Kelly and my brother, Zach, decided it was a good day to lunch at Taco Bell. So, we did. Then Kelly went to work on a satellite dish and Zach, my mom and I went to the lake for a very intense game of disc golf.

My goofy brother

No jacket!

We had a great time. I really enjoy the time I get to spend with the two people who have walked through life's roughest moments with  me.

Truman and my brother-in-law, Steven.
This was many moons ago. When S was just a BABY

Monday morning was a rough one. Truman, my in-laws family dog of 11 years, went into kidney failure and they had to put him down. It was a very rough day for all of us. Because pets become like family. We mourn them. We miss their presence. We ask the usual questions: why can't they live longer? Why can't they stay by our side forever?

I take comfort in what Rev. Billy Graham said about Heaven and his dog:

"I think God will have prepared everything for our perfect happiness. If it takes my dog being there, I believe he'll be there."

Ruthanne, my sister-in-law, and I played tennis and then went to get ice cream. I know that won't erase the pain of losing a family member, but I hope it kept her mind off of it for a little while.

During these beautiful spring-like days, I've been working on lots of lesson plans. Lesson plans for Sunday School. Lesson plans for Homeschool Group. Lesson plans for my upcoming classes. The easiest part of being a teacher for me is making lesson plans. The hardest part is altering my plans when change arise. I'm not good at deviating from the path. But I'm getting better!

The next week will have slightly cooler weather, but I'm hoping Spring arrives sooner rather than later. I can't tell you how much I miss green grass and warm days.

A warm winter sunset :)

--Jessi

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The Real Me

I'm just going to start this by being COMPLETELY and TOTALLY honest: friends, I am one hot mess. 

And I'm not saying that to be funny. I mean it. I am a total mess 100% of the time. Just ask my father. He likes to video call me in the morning, middle of the day, and evenings. Here's what he always starts with: "Um...WHAT is going on with your hair?!"

It's a mess. I'm a mess. My life is a mess.

I used to be really ashamed of my messy life.

Especially when I found myself yelling (in a nice way) to MY people, "LISTEN, I CARRY THE WEIGHT OF THE WORLD ON MY SHOULDERS DAILY. PLEASE HELP ME! I CAN'T DO IT ALL ALONE."

It was stupid to feel ashamed that I was asking for help.

And I should never be ashamed of not having it altogether.

Because MY people are always supportive.

It's me that always has to lose it. Especially when my husband asks me for the umpteenth where his shoes are. I have to use every muscle in my body not to roll my eyes.

Because his shoes are always, without fail, in one of two places:

1. Under the couch. (Don't. Ask.)
2. Near the trash can. (Really. Don't. Ask.)

Here's how I always respond, "Honey (in that I'm-pretending-I'm-not-annoyed voice), they are either under the couch or near the trash can."

He gives me a wink. "Oh, that's right."

Listen, we're both sinners. We've accepted that. On occasion, I'm allowed to wonder how a grown man as smart and talented as my husband is can't seem to remember where his shoes are. And he hates when I try to make the sound of a cop car (woop, woop) EVERY TIME we pass by an ambulance or emergency vehicle.

So...I guess that makes us sinners saved by grace whose marriage is solidly founded on Christ. Because if we're being honest, Jesus is the only reason our marriage is strong. #truth

When other people make my life a little harder than it has to be, I simply do my best to keep my big, fat mouth shut. Sometimes, I don't have a filter. I just let my mouth open and hope the words come out O.K. Sometimes they do; most of the time they don't.

I can really make a person hate me in two seconds flat.

Because I have an opinion that differs from theirs. (On a somewhat related side note: people can't handle differing opinions anymore. What is up with that? Why can't we all agree to just disagree? Hatred solves nothing. Hating me because I think differently than you SOLVES NOTHING. Disagreements are great! They show us that we're all individuals who can THINK for OURSELVES. Friends, I love different opinions. I love your opinions, I do! I just don't love when you hate mine and then hate me because of it.)

Because I'm a terrible secret keeper if you don't tell me that what you told me about so-and-so is a secret. I'm an open book. My life is an open book. If your life is a secret book, PLEASE DISCLOSE. I'm serious. I can't tell whose life is open and who's is not. Maybe I should just assume everyone is secretive. That would probably save me a lot of time and heartache. I'll work on that.

Because I talk too much. I cannot shut it. Ever. My mother had a long conversation with me (like four months ago) where she explained (in the nicest way possible) that I don't have to fill every waking moment with words. When I attempted to persuade her otherwise with my many words, she finally said, "You dominate EVERY conversation. Stop that." I've made no progress, but I'm still working on it.

Because I really want to try with people. I mean, I really like people and I like to be around them. I'm like a really excited dog that jumps on everyone. I just like seeing people. It's like: "Hey, I'm glad I ran into you. You're the best. Let's be best friends?" Sometimes it works out; sometimes it doesn't. I have to learn to let it go. I'm not everyone's cup of tea.

But I am Jesus' cup of tea.

He loves me. My solid beliefs, my big mouth, my many words and my awkward attempts to love on people. He loves it all.

He loves the mess.

He loves the real me.

The me that no one sees because you can't see my good intentions or thoughts. You can't see the quiet work I do when no one is around. You can't see the prayers I pray for you.

You just see me and my awkward actions.

There is no show.

There is no pretending going on.

Who I am in front of you, who I present myself to be, is who I am all the time. Maybe a little less grumpy. But that's because when I'm grumpy, I don't like to leave my house. I just like to sit quietly, read and have a cup of warm tea. That always makes my grumpy-ness turn into happy-ness.

I know that I will go my whole life with critics and people who feel the need to judge me and my every choice. And that's O.K.

But before you write me off, please remember I'm only human. No, that is not an excuse. It just means I'm going to mess up because I'm not perfect. I have to remind myself of this often. Because no matter how many judgments you make against me, I can guarantee you that my worst critic is me.

You can't do that! You have no talent.

Don't wear that outfit. You know those girls will stare and then turn around and whisper about you.

You're not seriously posting that, are you? People don't care. Or they do care and they'll rip you apart.

I'm cruel to myself sometimes. You may judge me based on my looks, my clothes, my faith, my humor, my _________ (you fill in the blank). Just remember: I judged myself first. And while I was busy hating on myself, Jesus reminded me that I am His. He loves me. Every weakness. Every failure. Every bad choice. He loves me.

My life is a mess, but my Savior has it all together.

And when I'm failing, I know I can turn to the only thing in my life I will always get right: my faith. Because without faith, there is no me. There are no good intentions. There is no happiness when meeting strangers. Every good part of me is a result of what God has done in my life over the last 14 years.

The real me is quite easy to describe: I am a mess. But this mess is dearly loved by the Creator of all things. And that means that my messy-ness has a purpose. 

I have a purpose. 

That's the real me.

Why My House Is Filled With Crosses and Verses

If you enter my house, your first thoughts might be something along the lines of: these people are Jesus freaks.

I'm going to let you in on a little secret: we are. We are totally Jesus freaks.

And we're cool with it.

But there is a perfectly good reason why my house is filled with crosses and verses.

And I'm going to let you in on why.

My father's house was filled with swords, dragons, fairies, crystal balls, and all other kinds of strange mythical things when I was a teenager. And it always creeped me out a little. Mostly the dragons. Those things are scary looking.

But my father had a passion for collecting things that were important to him. He loved to read mythical stories and spent a lot of time telling me about King Arthur and his Round Table Knights. So, it only made sense that one of his passions would fill his home.

When the time came for me to decorate our house, I knew I wanted to fill our home with our main passion: God and his Word.

But not only that, I also firmly believe that where the name of the Lord is proclaimed, evil cannot enter. And because of this firm belief, my home is filled with the things that represent my Creator. And I sleep a little harder because of it.

So, I invite you to see what my house is filled with.

This was my great-grandfather's and it now hangs in my kitchen.

One of my favorite verses!
"Delight yourself in the Lord
and He will give you the desires
of your heart."
Psalm 37:4

My brother-in-law made this
for my husband and I.
It is in a wall in our dining room.

A candle given to us by
one of my hubby's co-workers.

This cross sits on a beautiful
piece of furniture given to us
by Kelly's grandmother.

This is the reminder we have every time we walk out the front door
to acknowledge God in all we do.

And this cross accompanies the above
verse.