Hello fellow bloggers and followers! Fall is upon us and winter is just around the corner, can you believe it?? Time flies when you're having fun! I know, I really stink at keeping this up, BUT for another quick update since August (that's only been a few months ya know)...
1. I've been keeping busy substitute teaching and loving every second of it. My favorite is when I get to teach in Douds... seeing "my" past students, having students pass me in the halls saying "hi Miss Taylor!" (students I don't even know), getting SO many hugs from students, and having a posy follow me around the playground when I'm on duty. It really is the best medicine... if you're having a bad day or week.... just go visit a classroom full of first graders! I will bet you anything you will smile AT LEAST once! (and if you don't smile more than that, you probably need a counselor :p ) This year in Douds, they try to have the same substitute for when the teacher is gone. I have had the opportunity to work with first graders when their teacher has to be gone. It has been a blast! After subbing for 2 days, today was the last day for awhile to be in the classroom with those kiddos. The sweetest little boy came up to me to give me yet another hug (he gives me a hug every time he comes in the classroom)... it was the end of the day and here comes *insert students name*. I was expecting the quick hug (quick, but so sweet)... this time *insert students name* gave me a hug and hung on for awhile longer. Now, because of confidentiality, I can not tell the boys name. But I have learned that this boy has had some very hard times in his life lately. I know there are many other students that I am not aware of that are having hard times as well. This has been a very rewarding and valuable lesson to me. To be one person, he feels comfortable enough to give a hug to, and be the one to give that hug back... I almost wept in tears as I drove home after school thinking about it. I am so happy and so blessed to have that little boy in class, even if only a few days a month. It's truly the smallest things that bring the biggest joys!
2. I celebrated my 23rd birthday October 9th. Not surprisingly, I was very spoiled yet again. I am very blessed to have such a great family and extended family! I received new boots, sirius radio, clothes, a paid hair appointment, slippers, hat, shoes, gift cards, cards with precious messages I will treasure, and many wishes! The weekend after my birthday was my family get together on my moms side. I loved getting to see family from out of town and out of state and all young kids that are growing up so fast but so fun to watch! (Even got some snuggle nap time in!)
3. My cousins had their precious baby boy!! And man is he ever precious! Lots of dark hair and the tiniest little fingers and toes. I was able to go up to MN to visit them and catch up... looking forward to going back soon!
4. Hunting season is upon us! If you know my family at all (especially my brother), you know I have a brother who would fish and hunt for a living if he could! I'm a pretty lucky girl because of this. I have my very own bow that I go out hunting with and I really enjoy the time spent with nature and my brother. I had the opportunity to go out this weekend with my brother... we put up a couple trees stands (in a slightly not so safe way), sat in the tree together on pretty chilly mornings, and best of all, had some giggles and laughs through it all. That's my favorite... making someone laugh and laughing with them over small things. It's truly the smallest things that bring the biggest joys!
5. Landon and I have been together for just over a year and 4 months. If you follow baseball, you know October is very stressful for baseball fans, and to be more specific, Cardinal fans! Basically, if you date or are married to a Cardinals fan, you will be replaced during the month of October, just a fair warning :P Really though, before meeting Landon, I could care less about baseball. See, that's one of the joys and adventures of dating someone and getting to know them. Through their interests, you are pulled into some of those things (maybe not ALL lol) and become interested in them yourself... and you may even find yourself staying up all night watching the game, holding your breath! Okay, yes that was me... partly because yes, he's suckered me into enjoying watching the game and on the other hand, things tend to go a lot smoother when the Cardinals are doing well. So, knowing how the game went, I can prepare myself for future conversation and moods, if you catch my drift :o) I really have enjoyed the time spend with Landon, memories made, and interests shared. I look forward to learning more about each other and sharing more interests with each other. Just to add to the long list of things that make us smile, give us things to visit about, and enjoy doing together. It truly is the smallest things that bring the biggest joy!
All in all.... I'm enjoying life. I'll be the first to admit, my life isn't perfect. I'm still working on finding a permanent job, and finding my own place and life. But hey, IT TRULY IS THE SMALLEST THINGS THAT BRING THE BIGGEST JOY! I'm continuing to grow in my spiritual walk everyday and I am very excited for what my future has in store for me!
