It's All Good

From my last post, and from those of you who have been in contact with me the past week and a half, you might think, 'Ummm... that's not what you've been saying'. And you're right. I've had a tough time looking on the bright side lately. But today was a wake-up call to all the good and positive things I have going in my life. So let's review THOSE and not the other things. :)

*I have wonderful parents. They check in on me, offer support, love me, know what to say and when, and all in all, are there for me. WhenEVER I need them. They provide a loving atmosphere in which I get to learn, explore, and be ME. And that's tough for me. Being ME hasn't always been easy. And while I've been able to do a much better job of it the past few years, it's still a struggle. But not around them.

*I have fabulous sisters. Growing up, living with a family of girls was difficult. Because we weren't the same. In almost every way we were different from one another, and that was tough. I think I basically lived my secondary years at school partially to avoid conflict with them. I'm not good with it. And they are. Not in a bad way, they have always been much more comfortable and confident in their opinions and beliefs, and I envy that. But now that we're grown, I try to NOT avoid it. Their opinions are so valuable to me, and I LOVE that we are different. I enjoy telling people how my "blended" family doesn't feel "blended" and how the 4 of us are so very different, and yet still try to remain close. While we may not be as close to one another as we would like, I know they've got my back. And I've got theirs. They expand my knowledge and open my eyes to things I would otherwise have missed.

*My friends are... there for me. I'm sure some of you have known what it's like to feel like you are the outsider in a group. I know I have. A lot. But I don't now. I know my group(s) of friends are there when I need them and I can count on them. This was my wake-up call today. I listened to a voice message today telling me that if I needed anything I could call on her and that I was loved. And I could tell her the same thing. And others. In multiple areas of my life. How awesome is it to know that no matter where I turn, I have friends who will be there for me and tell it to me like it is - difficult or not.

*My school is the BEAST. Friendships from the previous paragraph were formed here. And where most schools divide into cliques like the students we teach, ours is a family. Sure, we have out groups, but there isn't one person in that building I would go talk to or just stop in to say hello. Oh yeah, and they've totally helped me build my program. Almost 170 kiddos at last count for this upcoming year!!!

*St. B's is a great church home. And I know they'll probably rope me into it again for saying this, but VBS did wonders for getting to know people OUTSIDE of the church choir and their families. It was awesome to make so many new connections.

*I have a great home. Really thankful for the location and place itself.

*My dog rocks. I know this goes without saying, but I really do think I have a great dog in Coda. She's just a GOOD DOG. I couldn't ask for a better doggy companion. Especially after she's put up with me being sick on the couch for over a week. We were finally able to play a little in the empty lot nearby tonight. And then we had to stop when she took off after a little chihuahua mix. :/

So life is good. There are stumbling blocks and there are rough times. But you can always find something that is a positive. And more often than not, I can find more than one. So I leave you with a video my mother sent her girls. It pretty much sums it up.

Bob the Viking

For Bob's birthday, I commissioned Marc to make Bob his very own Viking Helmet! Is that not AWESOME?? Gooooo Vikings!

Lindsay Family Reunion, 2009

Branson, MO provided the location for this year's Lindsay Family Reunion. It was wonderful to see everyone! There are so many pictures and stories... I'm not sure how to go about it all. I'll post what I can, and add a link to the album so you can view at your own pace. :)

My golf team! We had such a great time until the downpour on 14. Still made Closest to the Pin!

From Family Reunion 2009

Heidi and I hoping the storm lets up so we can keep playing. It only got worse.

From Family Reunion 2009

Did you know that if you burn the end of a wine cork you have instant face paint?

From Family Reunion 2009

Shark Baby! Mwahahaha!

From Family Reunion 2009

Our Family at the Lindsay Family Picnic.

From Family Reunion 2009

Heidi with Aunt Pat's original wedding veil from 40 years ago.

From Family Reunion 2009

At Heidi's High Tea

From Family Reunion 2009

On Table Rock Lake in the Ozarks

From Family Reunion 2009

To see the rest of the album, just click on one of the "Family Reunion 2009" links at the bottom of any of the above pictures. Lots of fun times and great stories. So "bowl up" with your "dancin' shoes" and enjoy!

Would You Rather...

Marc's brother drew a Challenge Card, and we all voted he do the interpretive dance portraying a cat stalking and pouncing on his prey. Poor prey. Poor, poor prey.

Belly Monster

The Belly Monster is almost here! I was so excited to be in Minnesota this past weekend to celebrate my sister Stacy and her soon-to-be baby! The shower was wonderful, and seeing my sisters and parents was so much fun! I miss being around them, so seeing them and being able to visit is so special. And that there is a new baby on the way, it makes it even more exciting! Below are a few pictures...


The Gehrman/Gabriel Girls












Stacy's Belly Monster














Taylor's Belly Monster