A Random Sampling of My Life Lately

Well, summer is almost officially over, which means that it is back to school for me and life gets quite a bit busier. I am ready to go back, and super excited for this school year. I love the way my room looks and the welcoming atmosphere it has. I will be putting the finishing touches on it this week. I promise to post pictures of it so you can get an idea of what it is like to be a 4th grader in Mrs. Dean's room!

Well, it is time for phase 3 of P90X. We have decided to do the Fat Flush again as well as adding running to our workout plan in hopes of seeing even better results. Feel free to check in and see how I am doing because I think I am going to need some accountability partners. School is starting, so that means at least running and possibly the workouts, will have to happen before school. I know there will be many mornings I will not want to drag myself out of bed. Maybe, just maybe, if you ask how I am doing it will make me get out of bed in the morning! Look for pre and post P90X pictures in a month!

Friday was my last day as a summer nanny for the Simeroth boys. What a fun and action packed summer it was. I feel I really fine-tuned some of my parenting skills to use on our future children, especially if we have 3 boys. Jeff, Carson, and Andy kept me on my toes every day. We had lots of fun exploring Kansas City together and just hanging out at the pool and in the neighborhood.

A quick story about the boys that goes along with this picture. It was a hot day and we had just spent time playing at the park, so I thought it would be fun to take the boys for dip cone. Forgetting just how big these things are, I thought that a medium would be perfect. As it turns out a medium is more like a large at DQ, and let's just say it was a good thing we enjoyed these outside. Watching Andy attempt to eat his dip cone reminded me of my sister. When she was little she could never eat her dip cone before it began to melt like crazy, and she would always end up covered in ice cream. Of course this is what happened to Andy. Not two minutes into enjoying his ice cream, it started melting everywhere. At first I attempted to give him tips on how to eat it quickly and to keep it from dripping. As his hands continued to become coated in ice cream, I decided the best thing to do would be to get a cup and spoon to avoid any further mess. Guess what?! It worked!!!

I am going to miss spending time with these boys, and I hope to keep in touch with them and see them play a couple of football games.
Last week we took a trip to see Sara and Kennedy in Dallas. Originally we thought they would be in their new house, and that they would be showing it off to us. But, the whole short-sale on the house delayed the process of them getting the house. We were able to see it, and once they have put their touch on it, it will be quite a lovely home. I can't wait to go back and see it all fixed up.

Sara and Kennedy wanted to ensure that we got the full "Texas Experience" while we were there. Apparently what Texans like to do is drink, beer, smoke and float the river, all at the same time! Saturday we drove down to the Guadeloupe River to do what most people in Texas enjoy doing, floating the river. I did not know that the day would involve smoking a pack of cigarettes, or at least feeling like I did. The majority of people who float the river in Texas bring a cooler full of beer and a few packs of cigarettes. For those who choose not to participate in the drinking, those that do put on quite a show. Don't worry we were some of the few who choose the non-alcoholic version! I think maybe I am being just a tad harsh because we had a blast floating the river, and it made for a nice relaxing day. I feel like I got a good glimpse into Texas culture on our trip, and I am not sure that it is a place I am ready to live in, despite all of Sara's attempts to get us there.
Our trip was planned perfectly because while we were there so were Grandmother and Jennifer. We always enjoy spending time with them. Jennifer was busy meeting a deadline for her new book when we first arrived, but we were able to enjoy lots of time with her at the end of our stay. She gave us a snip-it of her book, and it is going to be fabulous. I can't remember what it is called, but it won't be out for a while. Speaking of her books, those of you that love her books, and those of you who have not read any of them, should check out her new book "Set Apart" coming out this month!

We're just missing Brantley and Caroline!

Before we hit the road to drive home, the DeMarques came over to BBQ and catch up on life. It is always special to see them. A special thing about Aunt Faye is that when she says something about someone getting married, etc it usually comes true within the year. Since Sara was busy all weekend coming up with a pros and cons list of why we should move to Dallas, she had Aunt Faye say that we would be moving to Dallas soon.

Who knows if it will come true. We are pretty sure that it will be at least 3 years while Stinson continues to coach for the Pioneers and start and finish grad school, but I guess you never know. I am still uncertain about my feelings towards living in Texas. I know that it would be fun because a ton of Stinson's family is there, but I can't fully wrap mind around it.

All in all, our Dallas trip was a success.

P.S. I don't really think Texas is as awful as I may have made it sound, I feel like our float trip need some dramatics to make it more interesting!

Show Us Your Life- Wedding Dress

I saw this on my friend Courtney's blog and thought I would join the fun. This idea comes from Kelly's Corner Show Us Your Wedding Dress.

Stinson and I were married May 25, 2008. I always knew that I wanted a very traditional, very elegant wedding. I feel like our day was both of those things and more. I have always been drawn to anything black and white, so these were the colors I choose for our wedding, with a dash of red to keep things lively.

I had been dress shopping once before the day we found "The Dress". I thought I had found the dress that I loved at a small bridal shop in Windsor, but I decided to keep looking. The day I found my dress was perfect for me. I was out shopping with my mom, sister, and dad. We went in to a small bridal shop in Loveland called Swept Away. As I was selecting dresses to try on my mom thought I should try this one because it was different and not strapless. In the picture and on the hanger it looked like a dress an old lady might wear, but the moment I put it on I began to glow. It was an instant winner with everyone. My grandma and her sisters stopped by to give their stamp of approval!

The front of the dress has a sweet heart neck line with lots of beading and applique flowers that came to a point at my waist. Near the bottom there is also some flower and bead detail. One of my favorite parts of the dress is the 3/4 length lace sleeves. They remindend me of the olden days, which I loved.

I loved the back of the dress. I liked how it scooped and the long train. The train had the same flower and bead detail all down the back of it. Everything about it fit our day and all that I hoped it would be. The best pictures I could find were from my fitting, so excuse the informalness of them!

Random Bits & Pieces

Due to the fact that it has been a while since the last time I blogged about life this one will likely be lengthy as well as full of bits and pieces of life lately. Feel free to read this in chunks so that you don't have to spend hours reading about my life! ;)

Now that I am the proud owner of a new pair of running shoes, I have been back out on the roads running. I had forgotten how refreshing running is. Every time I lace up my shoes and hit the pavement my mind instantly clears and all of the things that were weighing me down fly off with each step. Some of my greatest conversations with God occur while I am out running. I am going to do my best to keep running, and hopefully be in good enough shape to run a half marathon in October!

As the new school year approaches I am discovering that my desire to shop for things for both my home and classroom grows stronger every day. As I am out and about making my list of things I need, things I would like to have, and things that I will definitely have to wait a while for, I find myself in Hobby Lobby at least once a week. Don't worry, I do not buy something every time I am in there, although I wish I could. I have found a couple of deals that were too good to pass up.

The canisters below were 50% off and go perfectly with my dream kitchen. The shelf in the picture is going in my classroom, and will be the home of my student's book boxes. I am excited to find it a home in my classroom. One day when I am super rich (because we all know teachers make lots of $$$) I will buy to my hearts content from the isles of my new favorite place, Hobby Lobby!
I am officially convinced that Colorado is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Being back in the mountains for a week was amazing. As we hiked up in the Rockies I found myself snapping picture after picture, just like a tourist. I guess living away from the mountains makes me appreciate them so much more. My breath was sucked right out of me with each glance and new turn along our hiking trail. The mountains symbolize home for me. One day I hope to be back by them.

There is something about the mountains that testifies to God's greatness. The strong, rigid peaks remind my of His strength, a strength I can lean. Each rocky stream is a gentle reminder of God's gentleness and His tender love for me. The whole scene is a reminder of the depth of God's beauty and the beauty He has created in me. I could go on and on, but I am thankful for the chance to experience this part of God's creation again as well as for the reminder it provides of His character.

If you have never been to the Rocky Mountains, you must put it on your list of things to do. There is nothing like a hike in crisp, cool mountain air, with the bluest skies you've ever seen, and mountain peaks capped with snow, and trails lined with trees. I can't wait to pick out a few of my favorite pictures to frame and hang in my house to always remind me of home and God's majesty.
Now it is time to talk about friends! What a great joy it was to catch up with all of my wonderful friends. I really needed this time with them to rejuvenate me, and remind me that no matter where I am I will always have them. I was able to share lots of laughs, and catch up on their lives. Being with my friends brings back a rush of wonderful memories that we have shared, but also gave us a chance to create new memories in our now more adult lives. The distance between us has helped to strengthen the bonds between us. So, thank you girls for all the ways that you have been there for me, and I know that you will always be there for me when I need you most. I am always here for you too, any time you need me!

Friends Pictured Below: (bench) Courtney, Me, Kristen
(standing) Me, Chrissie, Jamie

Here are a few pictures from the Bridal Tea hosted by one of Bailey's family friends. It was a wonderful afternoon, and a great way to celebrate Bailey. In the picture is: Me. Bailey, Jordan (her sister), and Jenna.
Weddings always remind me of why I love Stinson. They bring back a rush of memories of our wedding day and how we have started our lives together. I love that I I still feel the sensation we first shared at the start of marriage. The excitement of seeing each other after a long day, wanting to be near each other, and finding ways to let each other know how much love there is for one another. I continue to learn more about Stinson the longer we are together. I feel like currently God is teaching me just how to respect Stinson in the ways that speak love to him as well as how vital it is to continuing building a strong marriage.

Stinson has been working so hard learning all kinds of new things. Working with our neighbor on his days off from Lowe's learning carpentry skills that will come in handy when we one day have a house of our own. Football season is quickly approaching, and he is getting excited for it to begin again. He has really found his groove coaching. I know that God is going to use him in so many ways on and off the field. I too am excited for football to start up again. Every Tuesday and Thursday I am out at 7 on 7 watching him coach, and believe it or not, I still enjoy it even though he is not playing. It is definitely a lot less stressful and I am not worried about if he will start, it is much better to be on the coaching side of the ball!

I love my brother and sister! It was so wonderful to be able to spend time with them throughout Ryan & Bailey's wedding week. Even though we are all older we are still close knit and enjoy being around each other. As the older sister, it has been such a joy to see how they have grown and matured as people. I am continually amazed at what a mature man my brother is. He has such a kind, generous, loving heart. Though you may not know it, he listens to and picks up on everything you say. He knows just what you need done, or just what to do to make you smile and feel special. I know that Ryan will always love, cherish, and care for Bailey. He would do anything for her happiness, and will continue to seek God to be the man that she needs him to be.

My baby sister is growing up before my eyes. It seems like just yesterday Jenna was a freshman in high school. Now she is out in New York trying out the modeling scene and becoming an independent woman. Jenna has so many wonderful things going for her and has a heart that loves people. Every person she comes into contact with instatnly loves her. God's grace and love radiates out from her warm smile and brightens every room she walks into. I know she is going to continue to grow into such an amazing woman, who goes on to do some incredible things for people and herself.

God has richly blessed me with wonderful siblings, including a new sister that I love like I have grown up with her. She is so perfect for Ryan and our family!

Here are a few family pictures from the wedding weekend. I will try to keep this one short. My family is everything to me. I love every moment I get to spend with them. God has blessed me with parents that have become best friends as I have grown into adulthood, and they will always be people I deeply admire. I know that every member of my family will always support me, and will always be there with words of wisdom when I need them. I will always treasure all of the ways they have each shaped my life as well as the examples of how to live life glorifying to God and the leagcy left by their marriages.

Post rehearsal dinner we ened up having a family photo shoot with one of our waitresses. We had lots of fun being silly and laughing together. I think that it will be something that all of us remember for the rest of our lives. So, now it is time for a few words about the new Mr. & Mrs. Foster! The wedding was absolutely beautiful and perfect for Ryan and Bailey. I cried, I wasn't sure if I would or not, when I saw the look on brother's face as he watched his wife walk down the isle towards him. I could see his love for Bailey in his eyes and smile as he watched her walk towards him. Bailey's eyes too spoke of her love and devotion to Ryan. As an older sister, it is just what I have always hoped for in a wife for my brother.

The Tapestry House, an old Victorian-Style home, was the perfect setting for their day, and the weather could not have been more perfect. The ceremony was held outside on the lawn under the gazebo. The ceremony was a tribute to their relationship and all the was it has brougth honor to God and each of their families.

So many friends and family members came out to show their support for Ryan and Bailey. I know that they will have a wonderful life together, and it is sure to be full of adventure. Bailey looked gorgeous, Ryan was handsome, and my parents looked great too! Beautiful is the word to describe their special day.

Stinson and I are off to Dallas next week to Visit Sara, Kennedy, and my wonderful mother-in-law, Jennifer. I am sure that in the coming weeks I will have m.ny more exciting things to put up on my online journal!

Becomig a health food nut!

Just thought I would let everyone know that we are back from a wonderful time, and beautiful wedding in Colorado! I will post pictures and more details later this weekend.

Now that we are back home it means back to living the Fat Flush Life style and intense P90X workouts. I have decided today that I am going to commit to having a great attitude about it all because I think it will give me more of the results I desire. Some days it is hard to realize that you can't have as much of the things you love, but to be honest I have stopped missing bread and cheese. One things I will never stop loving is chocolate or things that are sweet. I am doing much better about having them in moderation however.

Living the lifestyle of a healthy person is not always easy, but I am beginning to see the benefits of it and find my self becoming a bit of health food nut! I would have never thought it was possible!

Today I recommit to taking excellent care of the body God gave me, and hope that in some small way I can bring glory to Him in a healthy self-image and healthy lifestyle!

Feeling Patriotic

The beautiful firework display over Lake Tapawingo in Blue Springs.

Our 4th of July gang, and friends we like to spend time with L to R: Ben & Shelby, Stinson & I, Nick & Jordan, James & Megan.

Here are some pictures of the flag cake that I made in honor of our country's birthday!

The summer of the Boys!

Being a summer is nanny is really sharpening my inner-mother, and teaching me many things about what I can look forward to as a mom. The 3 boys I nanny are taking me for a spin on the ride of the Life with Boys! Each day is constantly go, go, go. Boys are much different than girls. They like to hit, wrestle and speak at the top of their lungs all the time; girls like to play dolls, dress up, color, and have tea parties. Boys live for competition and action.

I am learning that if you want something done quickly the thing to say is, "I am going to time you to see how fast you can do it!" What may have started with moans, and complains, is now embraced with an eager, ready to do it at the speed of light attitude.

I am really enjoying my trip to boy land and all the things that little boys like to do and the funny things they say. Jeff, Carson, and Andy keep me on my toes and active all day long. I am the designated pitcher for baseball, the person who throws the ball while they jump in the pool and catch it as well as the human jungle gym!

They boys and I have done several fun things this summer and here are a few pictures of the boys I spend 3 days a week with. We made surprise cookies for their mom's birthday, headed out to Science City, and just this week went to the Royals game.

I used to think I wanted 3 boys.....ask me again at the end of the summer if I still do!

Stinson braved the Royals game with me and the boys!

Me with Andy and Carson enjoying the not-so-good Royals!

Aren't they precious?! Carson and Andy showing their brotherly love.

During a big rainstorm one evening Stinson discovered a rather large frog in our backyard. As soon as I laid eyes on it I knew I had to capture it to take to the boys the next morning. After a few failed attempts by me to catch the frog (mostly because I refused to touch it with my hands), Stinson successfully captured the frog! The boys loved the frog and set it free in their backyard.

A New Look

Just wanted to say thanks to one of my dear friend Courtney's sister Jenn for the beautiful new layout! She is quite talented, and I absolutely love the new look! I hope that all of you enjoy it as well. I think it reflects my personality pretty well!