11 months ago...

11 months ago on this day, I met the man of my dreams. He was tall and handsome, and arrived late on a plane from MSP. :) We had known each other for a little over a month by now, only through online chatting and skyping, but I felt as though I had known him for years. I spent most of my free time while in Leysin, Switzerland finding time to talk to him between classes. I was trying to finish my Masters, but always felt my mind was somewhere else during class. Whether he was in Minnesota preparing for his trip to Belize, or whether he was in Belize preparing his trip home, I wanted to be with him - to share in his journey - to experience life with him. On this day, 11 months ago, I met my best friend and my life has never been the same!

Today was an extraordinarily stressful day. "Alex" has continued to dump water and hasn't stopped. My house was officially cleaned out by 9am - when my new realtor came by to take the final pictures and sign the paperwork. Today was a day when I had to stand up for myself - take care of buisness alone, deal with lawyers and leasing agreements, deal with the realization that people are just people and I can't always be disappointed when they do the wrong thing - and I got through it all - in one piece - finally sitting down around 4pm. I couldn't have done it without mom and Billy - always there to help out - and always there to forgive me when I say things I shouldn't - due to extreme stress!

Today I wanted my best friend to be there with me, but I think God was allowing me to realize that I can do some things on my own. It's not like I haven't moved before! I tried to call Belize, to get some advice from Jason, but he was unavailable. I had to resort to taking charge and doing what I thought was best. Thankfully, he thought what I did was the right thing!

It's been a crazy day. I never in a million years wanted to rent out my house, but due to the lack of real estate movement, I've had to. I'm hoping for a quick sale - my new realtor seems very promising.

So as I said, 11 months ago, I met my best friend, and have had the most fantastic 11 months since. I'm definitely counting down the days until I get to change my name :) but until then, I'm headed back to Minnesota tomorrow, but stopping off to meet my new niece, Baby Helen Margaret. She should arrive tomorrow around 9:30...very exciting and so thankful I have time to go drive up on our way to MN.

I know this post is a bit scattered, but like I said, it's been a crazy day. I've survived the week and can now look forward to the wedding ahead. I am getting married! That is so surreal still! I hope to do better at keeping a blog. This year in general has just been busy, so please keep reading - the next few months should be quite a journey!

Lost in thoughts...

It's 1:50am now, and as I sit here in bed, wishing I wasn't wide awake, but yet enjoying the sound of the thunderstorm outside, I ponder upon what tomorrow, or rather later today might hold. It's the end of a chapter for me. The end of teaching 6th Grade World History, the end of my Texas teaching career, and then end of working with teachers that I have seen almost every day for the past three years. I am saddened. I sit here thinking through all the hard work that it has been earning my degree, continuing my certification, gaining a new degree, and dealing with all that teaching hands you. This year has not been easy. I have been given some true challenges, but gosh, I get emotional just thinking about having to turn in my keys tomorrow. Never have I felt this way about leaving a job, and I know it's much more than just leaving a job, but it's leaving a life I've known for so long - something I've become accustomed to - something I thought I was good at.

The past three months, or rather four, if you count getting my MN certification, has been much more challenging than I ever dreamed. I didn't want finding a job to become a "job," but unfortunately it has become an added part of my daily activities. Thankfully, Jason has time to search through websites with new job postings, and I come home to the applying of the jobs and emailing of principals. It's exhausting and nerve-racking. After applying to over 30 districts and schools, emailing over a hundred principals with Jason's help, having three in-person interviews, and one phone interview, I'm just at a loss. I don't know what to do. I'm scheduled to head back north on Sunday, but have no interviews lined up. I'm trying, I really am, but even with my resume it seems like I'm never "the one" they want. It really puts a damper on my self-esteem!

As I said though, I can't stop thinking about tomorrow. I have my top desk drawer left to clean out, and my modification forms to fill in. Grades have been posted and the refrigerator has been defrosted...four more school hours and I'm done. Done with my Texas Teaching Career, done with junior high kids, done with a job where I actually enjoyed teaching the content. My boxes are packed and I have absolutely no idea where I'll end up. It's such a weird feeling.

I do know that the emotional struggle I am having now, and will probably still be experiencing for awhile, is all worth it. I remind myself every day that it is in God's timing...I'm just having difficulties remembering that today for some reason. My house is still for sale, I'm trying my best to handle that correctly although I've made a couple of mistakes, and I know that I love Jason with all my heart and can't wait to be with him. I just wish the situation was a bit different....house sold, contract for a job signed, and then the wedding. It looks as though that might not be the order God has for me.

I ask you to pray for me after you read this. I just need prayer that I will always remember this is God's timing. I ask you to pray for Jason, that he will always be patient with me during my emotional roller coaster of life changes, and that he always knows I love him.

To all you blog readers, which I know probably isn't very many people anymore, thank you for keeping up with me and my nomadic ways. It looks as though this Nomad has found a permanent location...

I need to catch you up!

It's finally time to post another blog - long overdue. I have a ton of pictures that I would love to share with you, all taken since Christmas, but I'm afraid that it's already so late tonight that I won't even be able to make a dent in it. So, with that said, in a nutshell, the past few months have been absolutely crazy! My house has yet to sell, I officially fired my realtor this week, I still have no job for next year, but yet, I'm still getting married August 7th! It's been a whirlwind to say the least - I was engaged March 31st while Jason and I were camping, Jason's parents and oldest daughter Mallory made the trip down to Texas the next week. I made a trip up to Minnesota soon after, had two interviews, we registered for our upcoming showers and wedding, I came home last weekend, I finished teaching about Asia, I met with a florist and a photographer, sent out my save-the-dates, and now, I'm lying in my bed, exhausted. I have 8.5 schools days of teaching remaining, a classroom to pack up, a "Create your own country" end of year project to explain, but most of all, I'm looking forward to Jason's arrival Tuesday night...it can't come soon enough! We have engagement pictures to take, details for the wedding to take care of, a shower for me given by friends at my school, an Astros came to attend and time to just "be" together! I know this next few months are going to fly by, and I want to cherish each moment I have left here, but wow, there is so much more left to accomplish!

As for now, I'm going to leave you with a few pictures of Mallory's adventure in Texas. Although the weather was not the best, I think she enjoyed her time down in Texas! Take a look for yourself...

Changes, Changes, Changes....

I never wanted life to be boring for me, and well, each new days proves that it truly isn't! Since I last wrote, way too much has happened, but I'll give you a run down. Jason and I have continued to migrate north and south once a month, and over my Spring Break, I spent a record ten days with Jason in Minnesota and applied for job after job... I think back and it feels like that is all I did - and I bought a much needed new computer! I came back from Spring Break and was excited to find that my Minnesota License was in the mail, so I officially became a Minnesota Teacher - Age 3 through Grade 6. :) The sad part is, I have yet to hear back from ANY school...seems as though the economy has hit them hard as well. Although there is no job, I had to keep going - the house was on the market and I need to get it sold! Jordan told me she was moving out Easter weekend, so there were many things we needed to go through together, so that consumed much of my time. With TAKS testing season here school is absolutely crazy, but I did go ahead and resign from my current position, hoping that something will open up in MN before I get there!

So March flew by, and last week, I was able to take a few days off and head up to MN early, before our Good Friday vacation day. Jason surprised me with an adventure around MN with NO plans and NO maps, and I've now returned back to TX with a ring on my finger and a wedding date set! LOL...lots of details missing aren't there?! I arrived back to Texas on Sunday, to an empty house, no tv anymore, a yard full of weeds and humid air. UGH - but I had a ring! :) So this week has been a whirlwind. My time with Jason was amazing - we went camping through some MN state parks, visited places he has never been, and I even crossed the state line in Wisconsin where they produce the best cheese curds! (I haven't had many varieties, but these were soooo good!)

Arriving back to school on Monday offered a harsh reality of what the next two months would be like, and I have officially begun counting down the days until summer - I am soooo ready for it to get here! This is the first summer "off" that I've had in a LONG time, and I know there is a wedding thrown in there, but I am planning on that being fun! It's still all a bit surreal for me. It's just something I've dreamed of for some many years, and now that I have found the man of my dreams, wow, where do you even begin?! All the ideas that I ever had have just been tossed and I don't know where to start. My family is trying to help me out though...it should be interesting!

I'm headed up to Pineywoods in a little while. I need some "erin" time to offer encouragement and to see her before Annabelle arrives on April 26th. I am so excited she's having a little girl! Oh, and I also had an offer on my house this week, I told you it's been crazy! I counteroffered and still have yet to hear back. I'm hoping they're trying to get their money in order....we'll see! I promise to add pictures soon - what a whirlwind of a week!

A bit lonely tonight...

So it's finally time to put the house on the market. It's been a long time coming and I am more than ready to sell it. I've spent countless hours cleaning out things, tidying up closets, working in the yard, and I can't wait to see that "for sale" sign go up!

Oh, it will be sad to leave. This house holds great memories, and I love it for that, but it's time to move on and start a new chapter in life. With all of the business I feel during the day, it gets a bit lonely when I lay on my bed, about to turn the light out. I reflect back on what the day held, today being dealing with fence repairmen, making keys, signing a realtor contract, cleaning out the scrapbook closet, and so forth. Wow - so much has been done. Unfortunately at times I get bogged down in the to-do list and forget why I'm doing this.

I have fallen in love. He is a man I have dreamed about and love dearly, and I need to be closer to him! :) So, as they days unfold, keep us both in your prayers for the 'move' in general. This next chapter in life should be an interesting one!

Goodnight and Sweet Dreams!

On my knees...

Do you ever feel like you just need to get on your knees and pray? That's how I feel right now...

Spending Time in Prayer...

The days are flying by...the moments counting down...it's hard to find time, or rather make time, to spend in prayer. That was my mission this evening. So often I come home, run my countless errands, and then collapse on my bed, quickly falling to sleep in anticipation of what tomorrow will hold. Tonight was no different, but I had to set aside some time for prayer.

There are many changes going on in my life right now. I recently told my boss I would not be returning next year. I've resigned from almost all organizations or "groups" I have been a member of, and I'm putting my house on the market next Monday, March 1st. Wow. On top of all of that, I'm applying to a ton of districts in Minnesota to teach - and with that has come many emails from principals saying "best of luck to you"- there aren't many jobs, funds are low, and it looks as though I might be changing careers! I know God is in control, so I'm trying my best to lift these concerns up in prayer and know that I am doing my best.

It was refreshing to be able to sit, read from my Bible and pray quietly in my room. I've watched this video a couple of times tonight - Praise Team is singing it this Sunday - and the words truly spoke to me this evening - I hope they do the same for you. Until next time, take care and God bless!

Trying to catch up...

Friday, Pay Day, 1/2 Day at work, Minnesota Day. It's just after Midnight, and officially January 15, 2010. I've been looking forward to this day for quite sometime. It's been a month since I last wrote, updating you on my last adventure to Minnesota, and tonight packing for yet another one. The month has flown by. Christmas was busy, the week after consisted of a road trip around Texas with Jason, missing a dear friend's wedding, Jason getting sick, and ringing in the New year in San Antonio.

I wish I could say it's all in the past, but as I sit here tonight, my heart still aches in missing Ang's wedding. My computer actually allowed me to log in to Facebook tonight without shutting down, and I was able to look through some of the most beautiful wedding photos I've ever seen. I had a hard decision to make a few weeks ago, mainly based on a financial decision, and I'm wondering if I made the wrong decision. Ugh. I guess it is in the past, but Ang, if you're reading this, know that I love you dearly and am so happy for you and Jason. I never dreamed I would miss Ang's big day, plus becoming a "Naumann," but I did - and for that, I am so sad. It's been awhile since I've just blurted out thoughts running through my head, but right now, this is what's on my mind.

In addition to missing Ang's big day, Liz is on my mind. I've been so blessed to be surrounded by like-minded individuals, people who travel and seek adventure around the world serving God, and right now, I am remembering the anticipation that is probably running through Liz's mind this last night before she flies off to Peru for a year. What a step of faith she is taking. I remember the night before I made my first journey to live across the ocean - the anxiousness, the careful overweight packing of the luggage, the goodbyes and "not knowing" what was instore. I guess I kind of miss the thrill of the unknown - knowing God is in control, he provides, and just "going with it" as best as I could! :) Gosh, what great memories! Liz, if you read this, know that you AND your family are in my prayers tonight. I am so excited for you and can't wait to hear how God will be working at the orphanage in Peru. Don't forget to write in your journal and blog! :)

So not only are these two ladies on my mind, I'm also pondering upon what this weekend will bring. Jason and I have been dating for 5 1/2 months now. In that time, we've gained many air miles, he's met most of my family, I've met his girls, and now it's the weekend to meet HIS parents up in Duluth! It's only natural for this progression, but gosh, why am I nervous?! I guess it's not really "nervousness" - just interested in what they'll think of me! I know the weekend will be great, but please keep us all in your prayers! I'm also looking forward to seeing the girls again. I've gotten to talk to Mallory quite a few times on the phone, but there's nothing like being there in person.

With all of this said, it's way past my bedtime and I have a long day tomorrow. Thankfully, I arranged for a 1/2 Day off so I don't have to rush off to the airport. It should be a nice day! I will be sure and update you as soon as I arrive back - but please keep everyone mentioned in tonight's blog in your prayers! Have a blessed day.

Sugar and Spice in Minnesota

It was finally time to meet the girls. On Saturday I made the journey to Minnesota once again, but this time I was looking forward to meeting Jason's two precious girls, Mallory (5) and Marissa (1). The visit was a true blessing and I thank each of you who prayed for us during this time. It was a fun-filled four days, and I was sad to have to leave the beautiful winter weather! No worries - I'll be back again soon. :)

Although the flight left extremely early (7:30am), the views I was able to see were breathtaking! This is what I was fortunate enough to see as we were descending into Minnesota.

The clouds disappeared and to my surprise the sight of snow covered plains came into view. Wow - I hoped I was ready to endure the winter snow and cold!

I arrived at the MSP airport a little early and ready to meet the girls. On our way back to Jason's house we picked up the girls and the adventure began! The first order of business was to decorate the tree!

Here is Marissa, ready to help - or at least watch.

Mallory was excited to put out the Christmas Tree cookies her Daddy surprised us with. Yum!

Hanging the ornaments - such a delicate process.

Mallory and Marissa each had a gift under the tree from their grandmother, to open up after the tree was decorated.

What a beautiful Christmas Tree!

We ALL love bookos!

Nemo the Fish spent the weekend with us as well. Nemo is Mallory's fish friend she got for learning all her letters!

A Night out on the Town - We drove into the city for their Holidazzle Parade. Thankfully, we were able to spend the evening indoors, out of the cold!

We watched the parade from the Barnes and Noble Bookstore. Books are our friends. :)

A little fun with Mallory on a afternoon indoors...

But then they couldn't resist making a snowman!

Sunday evening we bundled up and headed to the local Fairgrounds for a Winter Festival of Lights.

There were lots of lights to look at and even a hay ride!

We finally made it to the North Pole to meet a friendly Santa, that we stayed a safe distance from. :)

Did I mention it was really, really cold?!

It was then time to head indoors, thaw out, and drink some hot cocoa with sugar cookies.

What a fantastic snowman Mallory and her Dad made!

Sunday night brought us a few more inches of snow, and I loved every bit of it!

Monday morning we jumped in the car and headed to Mallory's Gymnastics Lesson - and she did great!

Does she look excited to be riding in the car?

After naptime Monday afternoon, we bundled up again and headed to the sledding slope with Mallory's new sled!

Mallory decided to try out all of the sleds before we headed up the hill.

Jason had the task of making sure Marissa was snug in her sled.

Time to head up the hill!

Mallory flew down the hill and had NO fear!

Jason looks like he's having fun doesn't he?!

I don't know if Marissa had much fun, but she was sure cute!

We had a successful afternoon of sledding.

Monday ended with snuggling on the couch watching "The Polar Express" and eating popcorn with Jason and Mallory. Tuesday Jason surprised me with a new pair of ice skates and some time out on the ice. He never ceases to amaze me! I'm a lucky girl. :)

Unfortunately Tuesday afternoon came around much faster than I had hoped, and like I said previously, my trip was a true blessing.

I left Tuesday afternoon to low temperatures and a beautiful blue sky. I miss it so much!

Not only have I fallen in love with Jason, I've definitely fallen in love with Minnesota!

Christmas Cookies and a Day of Snow

It was my turn to make a "Christmas Sweet" for the upcoming "Pick Family Christmas." This Friday brought us snow and some delicious Christmas cookies! I was trying to be a tad bit creative, and laughed at the mess I made! They might not look that pretty, but they sure tasted good and were completely gone at the end of the Reunion.

Friday = Snow Day - a day were the kids went crazy! It was also a day I had planned a test, and would you believe, that I went ahead and gave it! We were in school ALL day - no need to change my schedule!