Crazy Dog

I don't know if all dogs do this, but I have seen several of my own pets exhibit a streak of crazy behavior that is not limited to running in circles, dashing around a room or acting possessed.  My parents' dogs seemed to have done these behaviors after getting wet, like swimming or being out in the rain.  Sherman does it after he's um...done his business, especially at night.  He comes inside and just rips and tears through the house, with this glint in his eye, almost a "stink-eye" look.  You know when he has that "look" he's going to do his running in circles, acting possessed behavior.  His preferred spot to run back and forth is the couch, but I've witnessed this craziness on the bed and the floor as well.  Last night was no different, and I finally got a video of it on my camera, instead of the phone.

For your entertainment I present Sherman, aka "crazy dog."

He continued to run back and forth on the couch for about 4 or 5 more times, but my card was too full to get the whole thing.  Also, please excuse the ugly yellow couch, the cover was being washed.

Our Story

Kristen & Cam's Wedding August 2011

A couple that we will be working with this fall with our middle school youth ministry asked me this morning if Steve and I grew up together.  I told her no and the proceeded to tell her the story of how we met.  I don't think I've ever written it out before, but I've told it many times (especially in the last few months it seems, as we've moved to a new area and have made new friends too).  So today I thought I'd share, because it really is a story of God working in our lives to bring us together.  And boy am I ever glad I gave some of my "ideal" characteristics in a man to God, because He couldn't have blessed me with a greater husband than Steven.

Wright Brother's Museum, OBX August 2010

 It all started at the end of the summer in 2006.  I had always dreamed of going with the Confirmation kids to camp as a counselor; that's what our church did when I was in Confirmation, and I wanted to do the same now that I was in college.  Well, my home church had just pulled out of it's denomination and was now a non-denominational church.  Not wanting to take the 7th/8th graders to a camp of previous denomination our pastor started looking for other camps in the area.  He came across Bair Lake Bible Camp.  And that is where I got to go for a week to be a counselor for 10 girls, 3 (or 4 I don't remember) of which were from my church.  I loved middle school classic and the camp grounds in general. 

First date in Ohio after camp, before school August 2007

 I specifically remember meeting Steve this week as my large co-ed group did a photo page story throughout the week.  The kids came up with their own story and we (a male counselor and me) helped them take pictures to go along with their "mystery."  The kids' story was a "cereal killer" story, I don't remember details, but I do know that lifeguard Steve was a victim in the story.  I think the first time we met, he was laying on his back on the diving board with frosted flakes on his chest.  Great huh?! And by the way, he doesn't remember that I was there at all!

End of the summer 2008 w/2 oldest kids of our boss before their move

 Fast forward about 9 months and I'm back at Bair Lake.  This time as a senior staffer, there for the whole summer to be a counselor.  I was also in a relationship, one that I wasn't quite sure I should be in (for many reasons, but that's another story).  I don't remember much of the first half of the summer; I spent many weeks counseling various aged groups of kids.  Towards the end though I began to realize the relationship I was in was outside of God's plan, and I desperately needed to get back on his path, not mine.  I decided to end the relationship mostly due to conversations with Steve (he was a very good listener and encourager as he had "experience with those kind of relationships before) and several lessons I heard during the week of Teen classic.  After that week of camp, my interest in Steve piqued a bit and grew even stronger when we were both counselors during the adventure camp week.

Mr. Strong man after square dancing at Family Camp July 2008

 I wasn't sure if it was God's plan, and I told myself that He'd have to change some of my feelings if a relationship was going to happen because (as many of you might know) Steve was shorter than me.  I had always pictured myself with someone taller.  I know it might sound silly to pray for that, but I did because I knew my heart wasn't going to change if I didn't.  Being 5'10" I'm self-conscious of my height, so dating someone 5'7"ish was almost out of the question in my own mind.  I also knew that if a relationship was going to happen, Steve was going to have to do some hard work and say the right things because I had been reading Captivating and knew I needed to be pursued.

Coast Guard Graduation April 2011 w/niece Jaiden

The next few weeks at camp went on fairly normal.  Or so I thought.  I was approached by my boss, at the end of one of the weeks where I counseled.  He had my jaw on the floor when he said he didn't know what was happening with the other relationship, but that he liked seeing Steve and I together.  I was like, how did he know!?  I didn't think it was that obvious, but apparently I was wrong.  Steve and I had started running together fairly regularly so I could get back in shape for fall track.  We also went on our first "date" going out to eat twice in one week because a group had come in that brought their own cooks and didn't always have enough food for the Bair Lake staff.  Apparently he also gave my boss (and his as well) a list of his "Top 5."  I was at the top.

Engagement picture April 2008

 Soon it was time for me to go back home to get ready to go back to school.  I went to a Christian university where there was often a lot of pressure to "have a ring by spring," and I had ended a relationship that probably would've got the that point by the time I graduated.  I knew that God was directing my path, and that I needed to be all right not having a boyfriend and letting God take care of me instead.  The night before I left Bair Lake, Steve told me he wanted to talk.  And talk he did...I don't remember all of what he said, but he now gets teased about "beating around the bush."  The words from him that I do remember were: "I don't need an answer from you now, but I would like to pursue this relationship further."

First dance September 27, 2008

 Well there I thought, God's bringing it all into focus.  He had changed my thoughts about the importance of physical appearance and had brought a man into my life who would pursue a relationship with me.  We officially started dating August 23, 2007.  Got engaged 7 months later the Saturday before Easter in 2008, and were married September 27, 2008.  God was working to bring us together, and he still is working to bring us closer as husband and wife.  I can't wait to see where He takes us with this adventure in the Coast Guard.

Smoky Mts Gatlinburg, TN Honeymoon September 2008

First Anniversary Grand Haven October 2009

A Worship Song to Fall in Love With

Several weeks ago a guest worship group (who is actually more an every other week, every few weeks guest) at our church sang several Hillsong songs.  I fell in love with the song "Forever Reign."  I added it to the playlist on my blog and basically forgot about it...

It wasn't until it came on last night that I remembered how much I love this song.  Hearing it again just gives me comfort and a realization how much God loves me, his daughter, despite the mistakes I make (and will continue to make because I am only human).  It also helps me proclaim my love for the Lord in my favorite line: "My heart will sing no other name, Jesus, Jesus!"  

Check out the video from YouTube and see if you don't fall in love with the words and melody of "Forever Reign."

Faith

I read this on a friend's Facebook this morning:

Heb. 11:1 "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." When we are certain God is in control of these areas and we live like He is in control, that is faith. Ultimately, the way we see God will determine the shape of our faith. If we see a big, faithful, all-powerful God, then our faith will rise to those levels. If we see a small, distant, less active God, then faith will plateau at those levels.

She mentioned in a comment that she read it in her Bible this morning and just wanted to share.  Now I just wanted to share it with you.  It's the verse that's tattooed on my ankle, a life verse for me really.  And the essence of what this blog was created for.  To share our journey of walking and living by faith.

I know that God is in control, that we really are walking by faith because on this side of the giant leap, things are wonderful.  It was scary a few months ago not knowing where we'd be living after Steve graduated, but now after being here for almost 4 months it's not so scary.  And we trusted that God would put us in a place where we'd be used for His glory; where we could make a difference not just with the work that Steve would be doing, but with friends and a church family as well.

Just a few of those things include: getting involved with our church in both small groups and now middle school youth leaders this fall, making new Coast Guard friends, and being able to have a successful budget and building up our savings.  God has blessed us with so much here in our new home, and while work may be stressful at times and being away from family sucks, we are so very happy.

I've always been taught what my friend posted on FB, but I've never seen it lived out personally like I have in this one step of faith that we've taken.  I often wonder where God is going to take us next; I'm not worried.  Because I know that as long as we remain faithful, as long as we continue to see a big God who answers prayers (even if it's not how we think they should be answered), he WILL take care of our every need.  And in turn, our faithfulness will increase.  I known mine has...

And as the NKJV states: "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen"

Aquiring a New Sister

Yes, my "little" brother got married.  2 weekends ago.  Steve and I were both in the wedding so we had a mini vacation to Ohio.  It was a beautiful day.  Lovely ceremony, perfect weather, and a very late night at such a fun reception!  I cried more at his wedding than my own too...all because he's the baby and is now all grown up.  I also danced more, as did my husband, at their wedding than at our own.  Maybe because we were part of the wedding party that we felt required to dance, or maybe because he's just loosening up some and wanted to make his wife happy by dancing (cause she surely CANNOT dance by herself, she feels silly).  Anyways, it was a great weekend, and I am so excited to have a new sister added to the family.  

She is great for my brother, and my brother is great for her.  The pastor shared some of the things they love about each other and how each challenges the other and it was a really great message shared at the ceremony.  I love that Kristen has similar interests too.  We both have a bachelor's in psychology, and when we met we were both headed along the school psychology path.  Now we both work with kids who have Autism.  How cool is that?  She is headed to get her master's in school psych too, though I've yet to make up my mind if that's still the route I want to go, or if it's more related to Autism.

I'm so happy for the two of them.  I sure hope we get to live close in the future, cause being this far apart is not going to be fun.  In MI it was possible to do a weekend trip, but now it's going to be a lot harder, especially with work and school and life in general.  In time though, hopefully we'll be closer, but for now at least there's texting and FB and phones.  I'm just glad to have another sister cause I've always wanted one...

Now for some pics of the celebration...


Well, blogger is not letting me upload photos tonight...or my computer is just being dumb.  Anyways, pics will come later this weekend since I have to work from 8 - 5:30 tomorrow and then drive 40 min home.  Fridays are even more full than they used to be...

Autism and a Career Path

It's been awhile.  I've been working a whole lot more than when I started, and when I'm not working I'm doing household chores or just relaxing with my hubby and puppy dog.  Life is great right now, we are blessed beyond words here in Wisconsin.  Friends to hang out with, a church family to be involved with, and jobs we both love.

I realized just the other day I wouldn't want to be doing anything other than what I'm doing right now.  I'm a therapist...sounds strange, so "professional," but it's me.  Working one on one, teaching kids even if they learn differently than other kids.  I am blessed with the gift of teaching and patience (I still need to rely on the Lord for that sometimes though).  And I absolutely love seeing the progress each of the kids make.  Working with kids on the Autism spectrum is not easy, but when a kid masters a task I am overjoyed for him/her and his/her family.

I also find myself getting upset when others are ignorant or just plain disrespectful of an autistic child.  I don't even like to use that label.  Because Autism shouldn't define who the child is.  It is my hope that the kids I'm working with are seen as who they really are...B with her love for animals and make believe, D with his desire to learn how things work and build, and R with her sweet smile.  Each child is unique and I love seeing them learn and play and giggle and have fun just being a kid.  I've found a new passion in working with kids I think, mainly because of the negative comments/reactions I've seen from others who just don't understand.

Over the summer I've been going to a special needs camp with one of the kids I work with.  We went to our county fair last week.  It's always an adventure taking a group of 10-15 kids with various special needs out in public, but it's even worse when you hear comments from teenagers none the less about how the kids are "retarded" or that "all of them have mental problems."  Yes, those were some of the comments I heard as we were walking to the van after the visit to the fair.  Kids who had nothing better to do than to sit in the parking lot and make fun of the group.  It irritated me, and I really wanted to say something to them, but I kept my cool.  I realized then, that this is not just a job for me, but that it is a cause I am willing to speak up about.  To work towards bringing awareness about Autism spectrum disorders.

Let's face it, Autism is definitely on the rise.  I'm sure most of you have seen that commercial of the boy with a friend who has Autism and he grows into a man with an Autistic son.  While the reason behind the growing numbers may only be more diagnoses, the amount of children with Autism is increasing.  And while I don't know if there will ever be a cure, I want to do as much as I can to help these kids lead normal lives.  Like I said earlier, Autism shouldn't define them.  They have many more talents behind the diagnosis, and who knows what a little therapy can do for them.  

In my experience, the kids I work with have responded well to the things we throw at them.  It takes the right person with patience and love to see what lies behind and beneath the Autism.  I finally see what others have been trying to tell me all along; I do have this skill and I am ready to continuing serving these kids and to see them through the struggles they face.  But it is not by my power alone, but through the Lord that he has given me these gifts, and I am truly thankful for the opportunity he's given me to work with children with Autism.  I really don't think I want to be doing anything else as far as a career.  I've found something that fits, something that I'm proud to be a part of, and something that I want to continue to have an influence in.  

Working with kids with Autism has been at the back of my mind for a few years now.  I never thought I'd actually be doing it, but God had other plans.  I couldn't be happier with where he's brought me on this career path, and I'm excited to see where I he leads me as well. 

DIY Projects...The Beginning

I have several thousand ideas for projects to spruce up our home, but only have a handful in mind to actually complete (and the funds to do so).  My husband asked me the other day why I don't do things like scrapbook or sew or work on DIY projects when he's gone at work.  My response was I'm either doing household chores, working,or couponing/planning meals/grocery shopping...  In reality though, I spend a good amount of time online too.  I don't watch a lot of tv when he's gone, but I do search around on Pinterest for recipe ideas, project ideas, etc.  Therefore, I am going to set a goal of actually completing one of these found ideas, as well as one project that I've already started in the next 2 weeks.  (Small steps right?)  

Anyway, I need to use my time a little bit more productively when he's gone because I was so excited to be able to have so much time to scrapbook since I'd only be working part time and my husband would be working 48 on/48 off and every other weekend.  How many pages have I completed since we've been here with all that extra time?  NONE!  Absolutely ZERO pages.  I've made 2 cards, but I need to get some creative juices flowing again in that area if I want to stay caught up to life in scrapbooking (which I know is practically impossible, but I would enjoy if it were so).

So here's to the beginnings of do-it-yourself creativeness in our household.  

Project #1 (that is 3/4 finished): sand/prime/paint wooden lighthouse for our back porch.  It's been sanded and primed and painted blue.  Now all that's left is to paint the white parts, find some rope/small chain for the top and a new battery for the light and it will be complete.

Project #2 DIY Dry erase calendar and/or To Do List/Menu planner.  I have plenty of scrapbook paper for this, I just need to find a good 12x12 frame to finish this project.

Another goal of mine is to Finish Steve's CG graduation pages before Christmas, as well as OBX pictures and stones/shells.  I found a neat way to scrapbook the shells, and they need to get out of the plastic container in the guest bedroom.

Hopefully taking time to create will put me more at ease in this struggle to become acclimated to a new state with only a handful of friends.  I know come winter I will have a ton of time on my hands, so these DIY projects are only the beginning.  Maybe by then I'll have another job too, I'm probably going to need something just to get me out of the house during those long winter months.  Not going to think about that though...it's 80 and sunny now.  I'll choose live in the moment today.

*I apologize there are no pictures.  I planned to post some , but then I realized that I have not put any of my before pictures on my computer yet...oops!