Nerdy Thirty - Reflections on Adulthood

 So I'm thirty now. Melanie rejoices that I can no longer tease her that she is in her thirties and I'm in my twenties. However, her forties are eight years around the corner...

I haven't blogged in quite a while, but I thought it would be worthwhile to do a little life reflection for anyone interested. Just so you know, I'm on Facebook hiatus for anyone who thought I broke up our cherished Facebook friendship. I hope you weren't too devastated. For those who don't know me well, Sarcasm and Satire are good friends of mine.

Anyways...

Things I've learned from ages 21-30:

1. Those comments and somewhat annoying jokes about marriage, money, and kids that you thought "yeah right, that won't happen to me" or "that's not true"...usually are. I now understand the Cosby Show, King of Queens, and Everybody Loves Raymond on a whole new level. 

2. Mowing doesn't ever become fun.

3. Your hair redistributes itself.

4. Due to #3 I now cut my own hair. Saves money, embarrassment, and the barber the task of hair-cutting gymnastics.

5. Children's once humorous honesty is now referred to as brutal.

6. "Budget" is never an attractive word for your spouse.

7. You're never too old for video games, but it's still a waste of time.

8.  The term "over married" bothers me, but I'm thankful I did...

9.  "Stalking" has been renamed to "Facebook".

10. You gradually find yourself doing the things your parents said and did growing up. 

11. Time is the most valuable currency.


 Things I'm thankful for:

1. All kidding aside, my wonderful wife and children. Unlike what most people say I CAN imagine my life without them...and everything I can conjure up seems utterly miserable in comparison!

2. Being born-again ("saved") at the age of 23 out of being a false-convert. Click -- testimony if interested.

3. Realizing and cherishing those God-given moments in parenting, marriage, and life in general.

4. Being able to laugh at things that weren't humorous at the time.

5. The opportunities to share the gospel with many different people from various walks of life.

6. For godly relationships and friendships.

7. A career and students that I have genuine loved from day one to my now seventh year as an educator.

8. Realizing life is not perfect, meant to be perfect, and that struggles are often God's way of conforming us to the image of His Son.

9. For not having any regrets (such a high school quote...)

10. For my health. I haven't been to the doctor since middle school and I had my first blood test this year since I was in second grade. It was a relief to know that I'm in good working order, but a little lame that I'm excited about now having life insurance.

Interesting Things:

1. I'm a part-time Stormtrooper. (We use it as a draw to pass out gospel tracts and engage others in conversations about spiritual things.) That is also the explanation for the Star Wars props in our house. It's for our ministry and the children...really..

2. There are a myriad of interesting stories that stem from #1.

3. Never had a lick of alcohol to this day. Still Sober Joe.

4. I weighed 25 pounds more in middle school than I do now....

5. I had someone pass out on me and start having a seizure after I asked them what they thinks happens after death. She is currently alive and well.

6. I learned how to play the drums and bass guitar in the last couple of years.

7. No one in our family believes in Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, or the Easter Bunny. Don't worry. My children will still have a childhood.

8.  I don't care for watching sports unless someone I know is rooting for a team...yes, I am a PE teacher.

9. I spent the summer Saturday nights jammin' til about 12-1am. Crazy times...got to play lead guitar with Dan Navarro (cousin of Dave Navarro).

10. My favorite music is blues/jazz.

11. I look more serious than I am.

12. My arms are too long for my body.

13. I can sing and play piano and/or guitar, but I sound like one of those people you feel sorry for on American Idol that think they actually sound good.

14. My wife really is my best friend.

15. Chuck Norris lends me his beard every winter.

Addendum:

Well, there you go. Maybe I'll do another when I turn 40. It was fun hijacking Mel's blog nonetheless. For those who don't know me I'm sorry you had to endure that. For those who do, maybe we'll be friends on Facebook again one day. If not, keep on keepin' on.


May God bless you and yours!

Joey

My 5 Fall Favorites!

Fall is officially here! I couldn't be more excited! It is hands down my favorite season ever! I love everything pumpkin, cinnamon, and apple. I love fall nights at football games, visiting the fair, and most of all....fall fashion.

I would have to say there are five items that I feel are absolute must haves this fall.

Anything mustard colored and jewelry with tassels!!!!

I have never been a plain ol' yellow fan but mustard yellow...oh, that has my heart! Here I am wearing one of my favorite little cardigans from JcPenney that I got years ago on clearance. I always break it out every fall.

The tassel bracelets are from an Etsy Shop called Style This Life which you can find HERE. I am in love with it and you can purchase tassels in other colors to add or change out. She has some pretty stinkin' cute stuff. I found the necklace on a fashion blogger's site and immediately fell in love. It is called Bauble Envy Boutique which you can also find on Etsy HERE. I am seeing tassel inspired jewelry everywhere and am loving this trend!!

Next, I am loving Leopard and Hunter Wellies!
Leopard is definitely a neutral no matter what anyone says....I mean there is even a graphic for it. Proof enough, right?

These are on my wish list and I know I will get LOTS of wear out of them!

Leopard Scarf: Nordstrom

And my love for Wellies began last year. Me, my sister in law, and mother in law all got some around winter. I even wore mine this summer with shorts on a rainy day and I may have been seen jumping in puddles. I even wear them on super cold winter days because they keep your feet so warm. My 4 year old got a pair for her birthday and wears them all the time. I guess since she is 4 she can totally get away with it! Many friends and readers have asked where I got them. You can get them at Zappos or Nordstrom. Recently, I found an AMAZING site called Raise.com where you can buy and/or sell gift cards. You can buy gift cards at a reduced price. This would be a great way for you to get some wellies! You could get a $231 gift card at Nordstrom for $220 so it's like getting instant savings. When I told Joey about the site, he thought it was genius because you can also sell gift cards. Say you get a gift card to a place that you probably don't want anything from, you can sell it on the site!!!

And last, my fifth fall favorite is bold lipstick. I get a little scared in this department. I see women pull off deep red and plums and I think..."Wow, they look so fierce and fabulous!" I finally found a color that is dramatic and perfect for fall but doesn't make me feel weird....well at least weirder than I am. It is Be Bold by Bare Minerals. Perfect name, huh?

Please feel free to comment below and share your Five Fall Favorites! I am going to get check out raise.com and find some gift cards for the kids' clothes shopping!!!

Sum It Up!

I am home with a sweet, sick boy today. It breaks my heart. On the bright side, he is starting to feel better and Miss Ella is running laps around the house...literally. She came in my room this morning today saying her arm hurts, her leg itches, and her eye burns. She knew Mommy and Grayson were staying home, so I think she had a plan.

We actually had a very relaxing week last week. Not too much going on and plenty of time to rest. Joey and I started the weekend off feeling pretty sick and come to find out we had a little virus and I guess it is making it's way through the house.

Here's our past week in pictures.

Ella woke up ready for school!

We celebrated this sweet boy's 7th birthday!!!!

Ella has been asking for homework. So we have been doing sight words and practicing coloring in the lines

Grayson and I spend the day together on his birthday at dr.'s appointments

We got a little bored

The best times are lazy afternoons in the playroom

Date night with this guy

My new fav picture of Ella

Saturday we enjoyed a picnic in the backyard

It was a beautiful day

Saturday after our picnic and playing in the water, me and the kids ran to Starbucks just to get out and then headed to the park....that is where Grayson got his first bee sting.

Sweet smiles before he got stung

We love gorgeous days outside!

I swear my heart broke in a million pieces when he got stung. At first I didn't know what happened and I thought he broke something because I have NEVER heard him so upset. He told me something bit him and that he never wants to play outside again. Luckily, I carry Kids' Benadryl on me and gave him some and he was fine!

Sunday after church, we headed to Joey's family's house for September birthdays. Joey, Joey's Grandma, uncle, and Grayson all have birthdays this month so they had one BIG celebration!

I love these two!

So that is our week summed up! I hope you all have a great week and are enjoying the first day of Fall!!! I am so excited to do some Fall clothes shopping!

Happy Birthday, Grayson Luke!

The day Grayson was born, I didn't know how my whole world would change. Joey and I were so in love with him and I remember us just sitting and watching his every move....literally. Haha! Grayson has grown into an amazing boy! Joey and I are so proud of him and the little guy he is becoming. He impresses us each day with his words and kind actions.

He is strong in his opinions and thoughts yet is respectful, he wants to be a good big cousin to all of the littles, he loves school, he enjoys being with Daddy especially when they read the bible in the mornings, he prays for the lost and those who are persecuted every night, he loves being silly, he loves his sister, he has a love for Chick Fil A and Starbucks, he loves creating, he swears he is going to Alabama one day, he absolutely loves Legoes, and he loves his family.

When Grayson was born, Joey's mom gave Joey the book "Love You Forever" by Robert Munsch. Grayson and I have read it often from then until now. I think the quote from the book fits how we feel about our sweet Grayson perfectly and he knows the saying quite well since I often say it!

 

Happy Birthday, Grayson Luke!!!

Sum It Up!

This month is super busy! With school in full swing, Joey and Grayson's birthday this month, helping throw my sister in law a baby shower, and doing all of the fun fall stuff...it has been hectic. I will say that Joey is trying to teach me to relax. I only run on super busy, you must be out of your mind busy but I am learning to Sharpen the Saw (Habit 7) from 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (amazing book).

I am learning each day that I can't be a good wife, mom, counselor, friend, follower of God if I don't take the time to de-stress and unwind. One thing I hope to be better about is having quiet time in scripture everyday. I feel like that will keep me grounded in every decision I make whether it is at home or work.

Work wise, it has been great. I couldn't ask for a better co counselor or team to be on and our teachers are fabulous. We celebrated college week and Liz and I had a blast and made sure to stay very caffeinated. We had awesome students from Texas A&M-Commerce come out to speak to our students and I loved going to the college fair at our local high school! I even caught a local high school game with my sweet principal!! I love Fall nights!

Can you guess what college I am reppin'??? Roll Tide!!!!

Chi-O's

Awesome team minus a couple of sweet people!

College Fair buddies!

Peace, Love, Counseling!

Friday Night Lights with my principal!

Rough mornings+messy hair= Starbucks kind of morning

College Week Fun

Our amazing staff

On the home front, we have been going!!! We have enjoyed some cool Fall-ish days outside, time with sweet friends and family, and Grayson's birthday party (his real birthday is coming up so expect a super emotional Mommy post)!

Story and Craft Time at 2nd Saturdays and also part of a ministry

Sweet friends

The Big 7

Me and my dad

Prim and Proper

Finally got my hair did

Cinnamon roll Saturday morning

Party time

Pawpaw

BFF's

His first coke float

Pac Man and Mario Party

Kent and Papa

Love these girls

It's officially Fall is Starbucks has pumpkin cookies, right??

My parents!

I think this picture sums it up perfect on how Grayson felt about his party.....yes that is a smile on his face and yes that is his new scotter from his friend next to his bed!

I hope y'all have a great rest of the week. I also can't wait to blog about some things I am in love with for fall that are on my wish list!!!