Craft Day

This afternoon I had some ladies over for some much needed craft fun. It was great motivation! I finally completely a piece of artwork for over the mantle. I saw a similar concept last year when Evan and I took our road trip.  

I had a bit of a moral dilemma with if it is ok to cut up pages of the Bible as art, but I figured God was cool with it. I picked some favorite verses, I think some of the other ladies have gotten inspired to do a similar project of their own. I sense a trend!!

To be a dog...

I've been reflecting on my life a lot recently, and I've realized that there are a lot of basics I need to get back to...love being the most important.

Long before we bought a dog, we knew what we'd name it. Cheesy, I know, but for good reason. One day over a year ago, I was at a book store and I came across the book The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein. It had great reviews and involved two things that Evan loves - cars and dogs. So, I bought it for him. The story is told from the perspective of a very wise dog, Enzo. His owner, a race car driver, named him this because Enzo Anselmo Ferrari was an Italian car driver and entrepreneur, the founder of the Scuderia Ferrari Grand Prix motor racing team, and subsequently of the Ferrari car manufacturer. So we decided we would name our dog Enzo.


Throughout the book, you see that Enzo just "gets it." He does not discriminate due to age, race, or social class. He forgives and loves. I found online the things we can learn from dogs, and I've included it below. As I stare at my Enzo peacefully napping at the foot of the stairs awaiting Evan's return home from work, I contemplate how I can learn a thing or two from him.


Unlike humans, dogs do everything from the bottom of their heart, whether they wag the tail or bark. Have you ever seen a dog that suffers from the inferiority complex? Have you ever seen a dog that pretends to be someone he is not? I haven't. Actually, there is a lot of natural life wisdom that we could learn from dogs. So, what is the simple dog wisdom? What your dog can teach you? Here is a brief summary of dog life lessons, and feel free to add more if you have thoughts about it! 

- Give and accept affection, freely and often;
- When someone kindly prepares food for you, devour it smiling like it's the best meal you've ever eaten;
- Always be curious about the world around you, especially when new people come into it;
- Take naps;
- Forgive friends who don't have time to play;
- Go out of your way if they do;
- Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joy-ride;
- Get the most out of the experience of fresh air and wind in your face;

- When family members come home, always run to greet them;

- Protect your territory;
- Run, romp, and play daily;
- Be loyal;
- Never pretend to be something you're not;
- If you want what is buried, dig until you find it;
- When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close and nuzzle them gently;
- Don't bite when a simple growl will do;
- On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree;
- When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body;
- No matter how often you're scolded, don't feel guilty and pout. Run right back and make friends;
- Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

Enzo blew a flat

On Saturday night during a stay with Enzo's dog cousins in Ohio, Enzo lept from the stairs and landed weird on his back left leg. After a visit to the emergency vet, the X ray showed that he fractured his tibia. We visited our vet in Blacksburg yesterday and she said, surgery is needed. So, Enzo is now at the Vet School at Virginia Tech in preparation for his surgery. He'll have 3 pins put in his leg, and then the big challenge will be to keep him off of it for 4-6 weeks. This will be tough seeing as he is 4 months old and all he wants to do is play. He's in good hands, and so I'm confident that everything will go well.

Enzo the dog, part II

Enzo Part Deuce (hehehe, deuce)

 Enzo is perhaps the greatest dogs that ever existed. He is such a handsome little guy who loves to play, and he is also a big fan of curling up and cuddling. Yesterday we tried out the harness and took him for a walk. I figured he would make it to the end of the driveway and then want to head back, but not Enzo. We walked for about 1/2 a mile which for a 3 lb. dog with tiny legs is equivalent to marathon.

We've noticed that he likes the outdoors (as evidence by taking a flying leap at the glass door, ouch) and likes to nibble on toes. He is a persistent little guy, after many attempts he was able to hurdle the small step from the deck to the kitchen.

Meet Enzo

Meet Enzo!

Here is our little guy! We pick him up on May 7th. He is a cockapoo, and we are so excited to bring him home! Let the puppy-proofing begin!

End in sight (sort of)

My journey with National Board Certification is about to hit a significant milestone - the dreaded March 31st deadline. I will be mailing a carboard board to San Antonio, Texas. The contents? My worth as a teacher. Well, not really, but a heck of a lot of work. About 100 pgs. of work and 2 DVDs of taped lessons that prove (hopefully) my master teaching. I have cried, screamed, and pushed through the work (sounds like child birth). Evan has been patient & supportive every step of the way. I have had a few friends that have been my cheerleaders through the process providing me with encouraging notes and laughs to alleviate the stress. I hope to pass the 1st time, which is not the outcome for most candidates. Even if I don't, I know that I can do something this difficult, which is lesson I needed to remind myself of. I feel like I've gained a greater appreciation for free time which I will have in abundance after March 31st. Upon mailing my package, I will hit another significant milestone - turning 30 on April 3rd. So, what will I do to celebrate? VEGAS! More to come on that adventure...

Ha, it's been just a little while since I've posted last, ehh? Well, this school year is in full swing. I'm blessed with an AMAZING group of students who are brilliant and so much fun to teach. This year I am trying for National Board Certification in Lireacy Reading- Language Arts for early and middle ages (3-12). It is a HUGE undertaking, and any encouragement is appreciated;) In Septmember, we moved into a new townhouse and we feel so blessed living there. It is a wonderful spot for hosting friends and we learned come Halloween we get quite a few trick-or-treaters. In late September, Evan completed his first full lengthed triathalon and I cheered him on. It was truly an impressive event to watch! As of last week, Evan and I are now "bigs" in the Big Brother/Big Sister program for a former student of mine. We are excited about this opportunity to serve an amazing young man! Hopefully, more posts soon. Until then..........