Lately

I hadn't posted in a while so I thought I would update on life lately. Nothing exciting just something short to document life.

I am still working at Fair Grove and do so until the end of June. However, I also started teaching a class at Missouri State. I am loving teaching but it is really intensive while working full time. I teach four days a week so I am prepping every night. I am teaching it again in the fall when it meets once a week....that will be much better.

Additionally, Kathleen had her baby. Cooper James is adorable and I can never wait until I see him again.

We have been to the lake a few times already. I love it as always but it has been extra exciting this year because William and Margaret are going. The first time was quite the adventure; Margaret held her ears because she did not like the noise and William cried because of his life jacket. By take two I think Margaret liked it and although William may not have been happy he thought it was an improvement.

The busy summer months are upon us now. I love summer and all of the activities but sometimes I miss just hanging out at home on the weekends. Next weekend we head to Dallas for Kristen's wedding (can't wait). The following weekend is Cardinals verse Royals and then it is Ben's 30th birthday!!!

Simple Pleasures

I love the small things in life that bring great joy. There are so many events/objects/people in everyday life that we don't think about; these are the things that make me truly happy. Sure the big things like birthdays, trips, etc. bring happiness but these things do not happen as frequently. I wish that I was observant enough to make a long list of all the things that make me smile but most of the time I don't notice. I am sure I don't notice because I am so lucky; I am happy so often that I don't pay attention to the little things that bring joy. I am aware that there are many people who are in a place where they are never happy. I work with kids/people who are so depressed or anxious that they don't know how to feel happiness. This is just another reminder to be thankful.

Currently, the things making me happy are: getting in better shape, I just started a running program and I am excited every time I run further/longer.

My flowers. It seems like every weekend, Ben and I are out planting. Last weekend, Ben spray painted me a new pot. It is beautiful. We bought a Lilly to plant in it.

Weekend Wrap-up

I should have taken pictures, it really annoys me to not have any with my post. On Friday night I went over to Mom and Dad's to celebrate Clay's birthday (I actually do have pictures from this but my camera is not down here). THen on Saturday, Ben and I worked hard on the yard and cleaning house. We finished the night going over to Roo and Shelley's to watch a little 20 inning action of the Cardinals. Sunday we got up early and cleaned house before everyone came over for Steve and Kathleen's baby shower. I had such a good time, I always do when all of my best friends are around. The guys hung out outside during the actual shower and then we all cooked out for dinner.

It is hard to believe that Kathleen will be having her baby in like 6 weeks. I think that everyone is excited for the new arrival. It will be strange someone other than Clay and Elissa having a baby. I suspect others will be starting to come soon. We frequently try to decide who it will be :)

Softball

Tonight was our first softball game of the season. We lost which is never good but it was a good time. It was super windy. Our team got started last year when we joined the church softball league. At that time we decided to be called the Nemo Yacht Club in honor of love of the lake. This year we aren't in a church league but still sport the shirts.