My College Life: The First Year (Again!)

This past school year was spent doing homework, taking tests, meeting with teachers, ...and there was also my kids' school activities.  If you've seen my Facebook or Instagram posts, you'll know that I decided to go back to college at the ripe old age of 34!  Why?  Why not?!

I'm studying to become a Music Therapist.  Music Therapy is the "clinical and evidenced-based use of music intervention to address non-music therapeutic goals" (American Music Therapy Association).  I can work in schools, hospitals, nursing homes, rehab facilities, private practice, etc.  My patient's can be special needs children, senior citizens, cancer patients, soldiers with PTSD, and the list goes on and on.  It's a vocation I have known about for awhile and decided to finally pursue this dream.

Thankfully, this first year back to college (after a 14 year break when I was studying to become a music educator) was a fairly smooth transition.  I've taken 3 classes each semester and was able to complete them online through Texas Woman's University.  Everyone told me online would be much harder because you have to force yourself to do the work and stay organized.  I just loved being able to take tests in my pajamas while sitting in bed!

It was a challenge juggling my school work, teaching preschool music part-time, being a room mom and attending my kids' school events, and of course, being the best mom and wife ever!!!  For me, it was a lot!  However, I managed to maintain an A in all of my classes.  There were definitely times I stressed over tests and projects (remember my History projects, anyone?), but I think it was usually because I put so much pressure on myself to excel.  I can be a bit of an overachiever. ;)

I'm so thankful to Craig, Kaitlyn, and Preston for being so understanding and really stepping up to help out over this past year.  There were many times when I had to tell them to talk softly because I was trying to study or I had to seclude myself in a room to take a test.  But they never complained.

Next semester, I have to start attending classes on campus because the online classes are limited.  I also have at least 4 years to go.  I don't ever compare myself to someone else's journey in achieving a dream or reaching a goal because the circumstances are different for everyone.  However, I know what I want and I know it is possible.  I just have to put in the hard work and trust it is all in God's timing.

As for this summer, no classes for me.  I'm relaxing, working a little, taking a nice vacation, and reading whatever anything besides a textbook!

Master Bath Redo

If you have been following my Instagram posts and the #masterbathredo2015 thread, you will already know we have been working on redecorating our master bathroom...for a long time!!!  Our project started at the beginning of March and we finally finished.  Craig has done all the work himself when he has a free moment, which is not often.  I was left to the decorating (although I always get Craig's opinion on everything) and we are so satisfied with the finished project.

Here is the dreaded before picture (don't judge):

Here is the beautiful after picture:

Another before picture (again, don't judge):

And the after picture:

Color makes such a difference!!!  The paint is a purplish gray color called Gothic Amethyst (I love that name) by Behr.  I wanted the bathroom to be a great compliment to our bedroom and its decor.  Indulge me for a minute and I'll share the little details that went into the bathroom.

#1-Mrs. and Mr. signs were purchased at Hobby Lobby and hang above our closet doors.  We are fortunate to each have our own walk-in closet.
#2-The medicine cabinet was painted black and oil rubbed bronze hardware was added.
#3-These walls of Gothic Amethyst are just the perfect shade.  They are not too dark especially since we don't have windows in the bathroom.
#4-These gray rugs were purchased at Bed, Bath, and Beyond.  There are two rugs in front of the dual vanity, a rug in front of our shower, and a rug in front of the tub.  They are super soft and we love them.

#1-The XOXO sign was purchased at Hobby Lobby and was originally gold.  However, we had some oil rubbed bronze spray paint that we used on different items for the bathroom.  We loved the sign but not the color.  So, it got a touch of spray paint as well.
#2-Craig had given me these 3 light purple vases for our anniversary with roses in them.  They actually looked really good in the bathroom.  I purchased some fake white flowers at Hobby Lobby and stuck them in the vases.
#3-This oil rubbed bronze towel rod is perfect for our hand towels.  The rod and black shelves are from Target.

#1-This little vanity mirror was given to me as a gift years ago.  Again, it matched perfectly.
#2-I found this vanity tray with jars on clearance at Kirkland's.  I just added cotton balls, cotton swabs, and potpourri.
#3-We bought new oil rubbed bronze faucets at Home Depot.  At first we were not sure if we wanted to change the fixtures but I am so glad we did!
#4-Oil rubbed bronze hand soap canister from Target.

There is a little nook in the corner of the bathroom for the toilet.  It was the perfect place to add these shelves.
#1-White vase was something I already had.
#2-Purple towels are from Kohl's and gray towels are from Target.
#3-The white picture frame is from Hobby Lobby.  The picture of the waterfalls is an actual picture taken on our recent vacation to the Smokey Mountains.
#4-Shelves are from Target.

This tub gets lots of use in the winter.  It will be so much more relaxing to use now!
#1-This was the original towel rod that came with the house.  It was the standard stainless steel that we just spray painted oil rubbed bronze!
#2-These nice towels were given to us for our anniversary one year.  I looked on Pinterest how to display them in a semi-fancy way. :)
#3-Black vase is mine and I just bought some purple stems at Hobby Lobby.  On the other side of the tub is a black basket I found on clearance a long time ago.  It has a small wooden sign that says 'Smile' given to me by a former student.  I just added bubble bath, bath salts, and bath tablets in the basket.
#4-Sconces are from Hobby Lobby.  I added LED candles so I didn't have to worry about actual flames.
#5-This huge metal scroll was purchased years ago from an online catalog.  We have been saving it for when we finally painted our bathroom.
#6-New fixtures from Home Depot.  The drains were spray painted.

Extras
Here is another before pic of the bathroom cabinets.  Just typical builder grade style.

Here is the after pic:

Craig repainted the cabinets himself and added hardware.  What a huge difference!!!

We changed the fixtures above the mirror.  We found these at Home Depot.

Craig framed this huge mirror.  He just got molding, painted it, and used mirror adhesive.

I found these sayings on Pinterest and made my own version.  I typed them up, printed them, and framed them.

These signs are hanging adjacent to the shelves above the toilet.  I found them on clearance at Kirkland's.

We are so glad to finally have finished the master bathroom.  I am so thankful for Craig for putting in all the hard work to make it look so fabulous!

March Madness

What a whirlwind of a month it has been!!!  So much has happened in March and I'm just thankful to have made it through the chaos.

March brought new beginnings, new challenges, and new realizations.  It also brought completed chapters, experiences to check off the bucket list, and self-awareness.

These past couple weeks have been particularly busy.  They were long, exhausting, and even emotional.  It's so hard when people disappoint you, but it's always inevitable that it will happen.  You always want someone to consider your best interests and feelings like you do for them.  But when that does not happen, it's a hard pill to swallow.

So, as I bid farewell to the madness that March gave to us, I will welcome April with open arms and the cheeriness and newness that this month tends to bring.  April holds some interesting things and I will embrace each day and thank the Lord for giving it to me.

Fit and Fab: One Year Later

Exactly one year ago today I started my Fit and Fab journey.  The changes that have happened within a year have been amazing.  I could not have done any of it without the support of my family and close friends.

I joined a boot camp called Camp Gladiator and try my hardest to go at least 3 days a week.  It was definitely tough during the winter with those below freezing temps in the mornings.  But I have a some great friends that I get to work out with and an awesome trainer that is always so encouraging!

I completed the Couch Potato to 5K app and even started the Couch Potato to 10K app.  I did not finish that one because it was not challenging enough.

I ran my first race, a 5K, in August. On Saturday, I completed my biggest challenge yet-a half marathon (13.1 miles)!!!  I literally fought through blood, sweat, and tears to train for that one.  I do not see myself ever doing a long distance run again, but I am up for shorter races.  I was always one of those people that asked runners "why"?  Now I face that same question.  My answer:  because I can.  My legs may be short, but they are strong.  I do not take that for granted and am thankful my body still can function.

Am I content where I am?  No.

There is still more weight to lose, more muscle to gain, and more challenges to face.

The Adventures of Trevor: Welcome Trevor

After saying good-bye to our fur baby 3 months ago, we were finally ready for another one.  We actually still have all of Princess's stuff.  We just have not been ready to part with it.  But after having a dog (or two) for almost 14 years, we felt lonely and knew we were missing something.

We loved our shelties and have been fond of dogs from the herding group.  We did some research and came across All Border Collies Rescue.  There are sooo many border collies looking for a loving family to adopt them.  To adopt a border collie through them is a rigorous process:  application, phone interview, and home visit.  They want to make sure the dog is going to a good family that is just the right fit.

Welcome 2 year old Trevor!

He was named by his foster mom after a brilliant mathematician.  Trevor is smart indeed.  He knows over 20 commands, listens very well, and is so incredibly gentle.  When we brought him home, he was very unsure of us.  However, after a week together, he is part of the family.  He loves to go on walks/runs, loves his massages, and absolutely LOVES Kaitlyn and Preston.  He is especially fond of Kaitlyn.  If Trevor knows they are home but leave his sight, he whines and fidgets until he sees them again.

Falling asleep during a massage 

Watching Preston play with his toys

Trevor loves his new memory foam doggie bed (Craig's choice)

Trevor is a little unsure of Craig still but is warming up to him.  We do not know what kind of history Trevor has except he was found as a stray.  Obviously, he did not have some good experiences with the way he reacts to certain things.  Breaks my heart!

We do plan to get another Border Collie in a few months, once we know Trevor is completely comfortable with us.  For now, we will enjoy our time with just him.

Pigeon Forge

We just got home from a fabulous Spring Break spent in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.  Pigeon Forge to be exact. We enjoyed great shows, toured fabulous places, and explored God's majestic creations.  Driving through Tennessee is absolutely gorgeous.  Rolling hills, very green, lots of farms.  And I really loved to see all the old barns everywhere.

First, we drove to Memphis and stayed the night at the historic Peabody Hotel.

We arrived in time to see the ducks walk out of the fountain and into the elevator.  Definitely a unique experience.

We walked down the street, passed the famous Beale St, and had dinner at Hard Rock Cafe Memphis.  Always a cool place to dine.

We woke up bright and early Sunday morning, grabbed Starbucks for breakfast (of course!), passed the famous Orpheum Theater (where they were lining up to audition for So You Think You Can Dance),

the Lorraine Motel (where Dr. King was assassinated),

Sun Studio (where Elvis, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, and Jerry Lee Lewis got their start),

and headed straight to Graceland.

Graceland, home of the King of Rock N Roll, Elvis Presley.  He has always been my favorite singer since my dad used to play his music when I was very little.  It has been a dream of mine to tour his home and I finally got the chance.  We actually got the Blue Suede Shoes Package included on our Peabody hotel reservation, so it was a great deal!  I was just in awe of the whole place.  The decor, the themed rooms, the beautiful land (Graceland sits on 13 acres).  Craig even said afterwards he did not realize just how big and famous Elvis was, and still is, until we saw the many, many awards he received.  I think my family finally understood my infatuation with him!

After arriving at our cabin for the week, we were amazed at how perfect it was.  It was spacious and cozy and included everything we needed.  Here is the link for all of the info to rent the cabin.

Waking up to beautiful scenery every morning was surreal.  Every morning I would grab a blanket, my coffee, and sit on the back porch and just soak it in.

Some mornings were rainy and most mornings had a beautiful fog surrounding the mountains.  So peaceful.

At night, we would have family foosball and pool tournaments.  The arcade was also fun with classic games of Frogger, Pac-Man, Space Invaders, and more.  Craig would take the kids to play miniature golf located in our resort so I could do my homework (yes, homework!).  We even enjoyed a couple great meals on the porch.

Driving through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was breathtaking.  I really miss seeing mountains every day.  We took a short hike and just over a mile up the mountain is a gorgeous water fall!  There was a rumor that a mama bear and her cubs were nearby but we never saw them.

We saw some fun and exciting dinner shows.  Lots of excellent food, great music, and comedy.  We absolutely love that type of family friendly entertainment. Preston and Kaitlyn were even asked to be volunteers for one of the shows and got to bring home a cool souvenir.

The week ended with another tour:  the Bush's Baked Beans factory! Haha!  Actually, we did not get to tour the actual plant.  Across the street is a general store where we watched a short video of the history of Bush's Baked Beans.  It was actually pretty interesting.  They even had a scavenger hunt for the kids throughout the museum.  Fun, free entertainment.

Overall, it was a fantastic trip.  It was so nice to get away and not worry about anything.  As always, it is nice to explore parts of this country that we have never seen and get some new experiences.  We are super thankful and feel so blessed that we are able to do this with our kids.  Hopefully, it is something they will always remember.