Brokenhearted

I'm writing today with a broken heart and on the verge of tears.  It's a such a struggle to keep the tears at bay that my nose burns.

I found out last night that a high school classmate of mine passed away two-and-a-half years ago.

As most people do when they go off to college and start living their lives post-high school, they lose touch with their classmates.  I have kept up with some through Facebook, but not often enough...obviously, since I just heard the news.  I found out because the "other Jessica" in my class (there were only 2 Jessica's) posted on FB about the death of a classmate, and out of shock and curiosity, I asked her who it was.  When she responded, my shock could only be expressed through overwhelming tears.

Our class of '98 Homecoming Queen (30 years old) lost her battle with depression Thanksgiving 2009 leaving behind her husband and 3 small children.

I woke up Jared, told him, and just cried in his arms.

I'm still trying to wrap my mind around how one of the most kind and energetic people I have ever met is no longer with us.  Its almost too much for my brain to comprehend.

Just like the majority of the adolescent age group, I was trying to find my way in high school.  I floated from group to group trying to fit in.  I wanted so badly to fit into the "popular" group.  Who doesn't? Honestly? I wanted to belong not just because they were popular, but because they were all so nice and kind, and knew what they wanted out of life.  They were great to be around, and accepted everyone.  This was the group she belonged in.

My heart breaks not only because she is gone, but also because how she left. 

Knowing her, I am sure she fought this mental disease as hard as she could.  I pray for her family, her husband, and, especially, her babies.  Even now, years later, I'm sure they need the strength that only our heavenly Father can provide.

I will always remember her adventurous heart, her humor, her humility, her strong faith, and her love for others. I wish she knew how much I admired her.  Maybe God can forward the message.

"Answer me quickly, LORD; my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit. Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life." Psalm 143:7-8

Back at it!

This past summer was probably one of the most amazing times I've ever had simply because of one thing....or person.  My son.  Waking up every single morning and spending every minute with him was wonderful and life-changing.  The word "busy" doesn't even cover it.  Here is what happened this summer.

1. We went to Pawley's Island, SC for 2 weeks.  It was Cayden's first time playing with the sand and ocean. He also got his very first ear infection that trip.
2. We went thrift store shopping almost daily (Goodwill, Revive, Salvation Army, any one that we came across). I love thrifting...my sister and mom have had an effect on me.
3. Jared and I threw an engagement party for Whit and Lindley with a Pride and Prejudice theme.  I'll post pictures later. But it was for 50 people...yeah.
4. My sister got married to the love of her life in New York, then we just got back from Florida for the actual family wedding.
5. I taught a pottery camp for 4th-8th grade students.  It was insane. No one warned me that a full day camp with this age was probably not a good idea.  However, lesson learned. Half-day camps from here on out!
6. I took part of my yearbook staff to a 3 day intensive in July.  It was very informative.

Before I knew it, the eight weeks were gone.  It was one of those times where the saying "need a vacation from your vacation" came to mind when I went back to school August 2nd.

Now, I'm back at it.  Back to work.  Back to every day life where I'm juggling our home schedules with work schedules, figuring out budgets, insurance changes and when I'm going to paint, trying to find the motivation to workout and eat healthy....I'm exhausted.

I have to keep remembering and applying Philippians 4:13, "I can do ALL things through Christ who gives me strength." Also, if the Proverbs 31 woman can do it all, so can I.  I hope.

I have a lot of plans for this year, and I will do my best to keep you updated.  The first thing on the list is Cayden's 1st Birthday!! My little dinosaur is turning into a toddler.  I have waited to the very last minute to plan this thing...meaning the only thing I have done is send out the invitations.  Sheesh!

So....here we go! The life of a full-time working mom continues....

High Five for Friday-May 11, 2012

Yay for Friday!! Its been a really quick week with so many wonderful things happening and many blessings coming from everywhere.

Here are my top five events from the week:

1. My mom and dad came for a visit.  I get to see my mom every month, but I don't get to see my dad as often.  I am so SO glad that he decided to come with mom this month, even if it was just for 48 hours. I love my Daddy! And so does his grandson!

Cayden, Oma, & G-Daddy

2. I sent in my application today to Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) for their Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Painting program.  After a week of prayer and speaking to my wise counsel members, I decided to go for it.  As an educator, I automatically will receive 1/2 tuition scholarship which takes it from $30K/Year to $15K/Year.  After speaking to a SCAD rep, she said that I could also receive an academic scholarship and portfolio scholarship that would make up the difference, giving me a full ride!! So, I am going to do everything that I can to make that happen!! Including creating an entire portfolio in just a few months....but I got this!

High Five for Friday

As I was reading through one of my favorite blogs, The Small Things Blog, I came across a great idea that I want to implement.  Kate, author of Small Things, writes every Friday about her top five highlights of the week.  Side note: if you love hair and make-up tips, you will love her blog. I highly recommend it.

Here are my top five of the week:
1. I have successfully made it to the 2 week mark for healthy eating and exercising. It's been a great journey thus far, and I have learned a lot about my inner strength and will power.  I also feel healthier.

2. I got my haircut yesterday and its short (won't fit into a ponytail)....but I LOVE it!! Its so easy.  My wonderful stylist also thinned it out just a bit so that it won't blow up like a helmet in this crazy humid weather.

3. Today is an anniversary for me.  Ten years ago I graduated with a BA in Pre-Professional Psychology from Lipscomb University.  Next month will mark my 10th anniversary from when I moved to Atlanta.  Time seriously does fly!! I can't believe its been that long.

4. Also, today I was given the privilege of leading the entire school in a devotion.  I didn't know how that was going to turn out, and I was a little nervous.  But as soon as I got on the speaker, it was great.  I spoke on Patience and Galatians 6:9,  "Do not be weary of doing good, for at the proper time you will reap a great harvest if you do not give up."  Powerful!

5. I know this sounds odd to be in a top five of the week, but Cayden finally got his top two teeth! I've noticed that once his teeth start to come through, his mood gets better. 

So, that's it.

I hope everyone has a great weekend!!

Jessica

May = CRAZY!

I haven't posted anything since last week because the end of April and May are absolutely crazy for me.  Why? It's the end of the school year, and everything seems to happen at the end of the school year. But here is an update on what has been keeping me so busy!

"Spring" Cleaning, Part II

Here is Part II of “Spring” Cleaning.  De-cluttering at its best!  There are so many people out there that could use what you have that you don’t need, so it’s time to give back and donate unused/unwanted items that aren’t trashy.  When you go through each room in your house, you really need to have the mindset of a “minimalist”.  You can easily narrow things down by categories.  Here are some examples you could use:

• What do you use EVERY DAY? (Keep in the front or in a reachable area.)
• What do you use EVERY WEEK? EVERY MONTH? (Keep towards the middle and back, or in hard to reach areas.)
• What do you only use on SPECIAL OCCASIONS? (Store these things.)
• Is this item a KEEPSAKE? (Store these things.)
• Can you live without it? (If no, fit it into one of the categories above.  If yes, get rid of it.)

*Excellent Bathroom Organization from www.designsponge.com*

Plans for April

I've really enjoyed writing this past month, especially researching different things in regards to fitness. I enjoy sharing the things I love in life and how to find the silver lining in the things that cause frustration.  As I was writing the last installment for March Fitness, I decided to change things up.

Originally, I wanted to write on one topic each month to keep things simple and organized.  But I just don't think that is going to be possible.  There are way too many topics swirling around in my head...its tricky having to narrow them down.  Because I am a blog newbie...its not to early to change the "plan of operation".

Here's what's coming up: