Where I Belong

I've had this post written in my drafts for two weeks now.
I'm not sure why it never got published.
Maybe it was waiting for today. 
Today, when we could all use a little reminder
that whether we understand why or not, 
we are all right where we belong.

~

Friday night was one of the best nights I've had in a while. 

Despite the fact that I was battling a head cold.

For one, it was Friday. 

And payday.

But mainly because we went to see my brother-in-law 

sing with NewSong.

My nine-year-old brother-in-law

is seriously destined for stardom.

He has been blessed with pure talent,

and is not afraid to share it with the world.

Backstory: every year for their Christmas performance, 

the Christian band NewSong chooses a little boy

to sing The Christmas Shoes with them.

This year, they were coming to Kinston, NC as part of their Christmas tour

and Josh was asked to perform. 

Once upon a time, they asked a little boy by the name of Nick Jonas to perform with them.

And well, you should know how the rest of that little boy's story went.

Unless you live under a rock. 

Anyway, I don't know who was more nervous,

Josh, his mom, or me.

(It more than likely was not Josh, 

you know, with him being the superstar that he is.)

And when he walked on that stage, 

I don't know who was more proud.

I'm telling you, it was like he was my own.

I cried, I cheered, I whooped, my cheeks hurt from smiling.

My future kids are doomed.

Also, for those of you under-the-rock dwellers,

you can listen to the song here.

Be prepared to cry.

~

Once Josh performed,

and my heart was finally beating at a normal rate,

I was able to actually focus on the concert,

the music and the message.

Warning - here's where this post might get a little deep.

While I definitely consider myself a Christian,

I am not one to wear my faith on my sleeve.

I don't hide it, by any means.

But I also don't speak it everywhere I go.

In fact, people that do kind of get on my nerves.

Not because I don't think they should.

The Bible tells us to be fishermen of men

and as Christians it is our job to help other people see 

the awesome truth that we've been told. 

But I've just never been the one to approach someone and say

"hey, let me tell about this great guy I know named Jesus."

For me, being a Christian means loving everyone

and treating people with respect,

helping those in need,

being selfless and lifting people up,

having an open heart and listening ears.

"Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to LOVE one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law."

-Romans 13:8

I want the way I treat people

to be what encourages them to find Jesus

and accept the unconditional love He has for them,

so they too can love like He does.

(Or try to at least.)

Obviously, last night I was definitely feeling the love

and wanting to share the love.

The fact that it was a Christmas concert only amplified all of this. 

And I am now officially obsessed with Francesca Battistelli.

Particularly this song.

For your listening pleasure.

However, there was one part of the show 

that really got me thinking

(well a little more than all the other parts of the show at least).

Robbie said I was over thinking.

To that I say, what else is new.

But there was this one song by Building 429.

It was a great song,

don't get me wrong.

And their guitar player (who looked just like Pete Wentz) was rocking it out.

But the whole premise behind the song

was that this place, here on Earth, is not where we belong.

There is something much greater waiting for us.

And this is what makes me feel like a bad Christian.

Because, I agree with half of that.

I definitely believe that there is something much greater waiting for us.

Something that my earthly mind and body can't even begin to fathom.

But I feel like for now, I am right where I belong. 

Not all the time.

Lord knows I get lost and off track 

and I've probably definitely made choices 

that have put me somewhere where God did not want me to be. 

But I don't think God put us on Earth with the sole purpose of waiting to get to Heaven.

That's not to say I don't try to live my life for Him (see above ^^)

so that I can go to Heaven....one day.

But I believe I have an earthly purpose too. 

And that's why I'm here.

This is where I belong. 

Not for eternity, of course.

But for now. 

I don't think we should be living our lives feeling like we don't belong here on Earth.

Like this is just a place to pass the time until we get the true treasure of Heaven.

Obviously, the ultimate treasure is in Heaven.

I don't doubt that for a second. 

But there a lot of treasures here on Earth too.

And there's a lot of good and love that can be found and spread here. 

And that's how I think we should be living.

Appreciating the Earthly treasures that come from above.

Our families, our health, our dog-hair filled homes,

His unconditional love that we have here

And His guiding voice that will help us live the way we are supposed to here on Earth.

One day, I'll leave this Earth and live in Heaven 

and it'll be a pretty great day.

But there are pretty great days here on Earth too

that I feel blessed I get to enjoy.

Like listening to this little boy sing The Christmas Shoes

Hugs,

P.S. If you made it all the way down here,

thanks for the listening ears...eh, eyes?

P.S.#2. After I wrote this post, I read this baby over at Life of Bon. Basically, you could ignore everything I just said and just read her eloquent words. She rocks, forreals.

Disgusted

Horrified.

Scared.

Overwhelmed.

Disgusted.

Nauseous.

Anxious.

Shocked.

Disgusted.

Outraged.

Saddened.

Devastated.

Angry.

Numb.

Disgusted.

Just a few words to describe the way I feel 

about the disgusting events that took place in Connecticut earlier today.

"Disgusted" is the word that keeps coming to the forefront

and maybe that's because it's been several hours since I first heard

and I've had the time to run through the gamete of emotions. 

But right now, I am just completely and utterly disgusted.

I'm disgusted that such hate and evil exists in our world.

I'm disgusted that someone could look into the eyes of a child

and take that innocent life away.

I'm disgusted that some have taken this opportunity to debate gun control laws.

Like politics is really what we should be talking about right now.

Disgusted.

I'm disgusted at the thought of a parent having to go home

without their six year old child.

I'm disgusted that someone could act so cowardly and selfish.

I'm disgusted that children who haven't even lost their first tooth

have had to witness the most extreme form of hate and violence.

Disgusted.

I'm disgusted that today is not the first and only time this disgusting act has occurred.

I'm disgusted to think that innocent children are murdered all over the world everyday.

I'm disgusted that evil like this makes it hard for me to see God. 

I know He's here and I know He's sending peace and comfort to the families involved.

I pray that they're able to feel it and His everlasting love.

But I'm disgusted that they can't feel the warmth of their children again instead.

Disgusted.

Maybe tomorrow I'll be able to feel some different.

Maybe tomorrow I'll be able to remember the good in our society.

Because right now, I sure am having a hard time.

Right now, I just feel disgusted.

~

"Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." 

- Matthew 19:14

As much as we want those sweet children here with us,

if anyone deserves the kingdom of heaven, 

it's them.

What I'm Loving Wednesday

I don't know if it's the Christmas spirit

or the fact that I can finally breathe through my nose,

but I have been loving a lot lately.

Number 1. I am loving that it is this sweet boy's birthday!

I am so thankful that God made you for me 24 years ago

and that we get to go out to dinner tonight! 

It's the little things I tell ya.

P.S. I chose this picture

not because of how unbelievably attractive we are

but because I feel like it backed up the statement:

God made you for me.

Number 2. I am loving that my sweet brother is home.

However, it is making me miss the joys of Christmas in college

Selling your books back for fast cash, mooching off your parents for the three months you're home, the three months you're home.

(okay, okay. slight exaggeration. it's not really three months.

but it's close.)

Number 3. I am looooooving my Christmas flowers.

And the painted wine bottles they're in.

I've never been one for fake flowers

but I saw painted wine bottle/flower vases on Pinterest (le duh)

and figured I'd give it a try....one for every season.

So far, the Christmas ones are my favs.

Number 4. I am loving all the Christmas books that came in the mail yesterday for my kiddos.

If you're a teacher and don't use Scholastic 

I can't completely blame you, because it's very un-user friendly in my opinion.

But you should.

Because once you figure out how to navigate through the whole thing

you realize you can earn mad crazy points

which results in mad crazy FREE books.

And even if they're not completely free, they're way cheaper than a bookstore

and their new and shiny and all those other great things

that nerds like me love about books!

I may or may not spend all night reading
every last one of them before I wrap them up.
Whoops.

Hugs,

12 in 12

When I first saw this link-up, 

I thought it was another to-do list type of sorts.

You know, 12 things to do in the next 12 months

since the end of 2012 is quickly approaching

say whaaaa???

and the time for New Year's Resolutions will be here before we know it.

But boy am I happy I was wrong.

I don't think I could handle another list in my life right now.

Those resolutions will have to wait.

This link-up is just a fun way to get to know people.

Yes, please.

By giving your 12 favorite things from 2012.

Sounds fun right.

Here goes.

(Sidenote, when I started this I did not realize how hard it would be. Ugh.)

12. Favorite Movie You Watched

Whew, I watched soooo many movies this year. 

I honestly can't even remember them all, 

let alone pick my favorite.

Dark Knight Rises was really good. We've already watched it two more times since it came out last week. The Amazing Spiderman was good too (no I'm not usually a super hero freak)...oh and The Help (really, I just loooooove Emma Stone). The Lucky One and Pitch Perfect make the list for sure. And just so I can have an excuse to add the following picture: Magic Mike. 

Except my favorite movie of his is really She's the Man.

It's hilarious. Rent it now if you haven't seen it.

11. Favorite TV Series 

This one is kind of hard too

only because I am The. Worst. at remembering to watch a TV show each week.

Thanks to my sweet husband and DVR for keeping me on track.

Pretty Little Liars is my guilty pleasure for sure. 

I just want to know who A is.

And Keeping Up With The Kardashians is another one I can't really live without.

And no, I am not apologizing for this.

10. Favorite Restaurant

Carolina Ale House.

Can you say fried pickles and ranch dressing.

And any Mexican restaurant.

(P.S. This answer will be the same year in and year out.)

9. Favorite New Thing You Tried

Teaching First Grade!

And being a homeowner.

8. Favorite Gift You Got

This card for our anniversary.

I have a thing for puzzles.

And my hubs picks the best cards, hands down.

(The inside said, "you complete me." All together now....awww)

7. Favorite Thing You Pinned

Whew. Have you seen my PinBoards lately?

Where do I even begin.

I love it all...that's why I pinned it. 

Just go check them all out.

You know, in your ridiculous amount of free time.

6. Favorite Blog Post

Again. I love them all.

That's why I wrote them ha.

But here's a few of my favs.

The One Where I Set 23 Goals For the Year

The One Where I Give My Opinion Here, oh and Here

The One Where My Dog Took Over

The One Where I Talk All About Moi

5. Best Accomplishment

June 7, 2012.

And remodeling my house.

4. Favorite Picture

My sweet family.

(There are really about 23049845 other favorite pictures 

I have on my computer, just FYI, 

but I'll spare you all those.)

3. Favorite Memory

The Stebert Family vacation in the Dominican Republic.

Take me back, like yesterday.

Pwease.

(You see what just happened there? I snuck in 4 more favorite pictures.)

2. Goals for 2013

Stay tuned.

(Like I said, I am currently all listed out.)

1. One Little Word

Laugh.

Because you know what they say:

What are your 12 in 12?

Link up and let us know!

Hugs,

this is the way I live...

And yes, I did sing that title as I typed it.
For those of you that remember that obnoxiously 
popular song.

Erin over at Living in Yellow had this great idea

(I know...surprise, surprise) 

to document her Saturday via pictures. 

So, naturally, I thought to myself....

"I wanna do that too."

Because let's be real, I love a good idea.

Especially if I didn't have to use my own brain power to come up with it.

What I didn't realize was that Erin

along with every body else who had played along

were real photographers

(well, way more "real" than me)

and therefore their pictures look much cooler

making their days look much funner.

Eh...you win some, you lose some.

Saturday

Puppy snuggles, of course.

And yes, I was still in bed at 10:00 AM.

Judge me.

French toast for breakfast.

Nom.

Found another grey hair when I got ready.

Even though I know five more will grow in it's place,

I plucked that sucker.

Christmas lunch at Robbie's great-grandma's house.

My favorite part - one trillion layer chocolate cake. 

Deeeeelicious.

Baby cousin snuggles.

More puppy snuggles

and a quick nap on the couch.

Cocktail party for my daddy's 50th birthday.

It was a SURPRISE cocktail party

And boy did we get him good.

Hanging out with our favorite Russian drinking buddy

aka my step-mom's step-dad 

(can you follow that?)

Old man giggles...the cutest giggles around.

I have to admit,

as far as I'm concerned 

that's kind of where the night ended.

But we did make it home at a reasonable hour

(it was a birthday party for a 50 year old after all)

And check out this big girl,

sleeping in her bed all by herself.

Well, until I picked her up and made her sleep with me.

Whoops.

Hugs,

Under the Weather

Maybe it's the ridiculous change in weather we've been having,

(26 degree mornings two weeks ago, high of 75 this past weekend)

the slew of Christmas parties already booking our weekends solid,

or just the fact that it's December and I'm ready for a break.

But lately, I've been feeling a little under the weather. 

This was me last week. 

And apparently I'm not the only one missing school.

Despite the large grin on his face,

our class elf, Jingles, is feeling a little under the weather as well.

He sent this picture to my kids from the North Pole

along with a note explaining that all the talking and noise last week 

made him feel not so good.

Santa is currently working hard to nurse him back to health

so he can hopefully return to school tomorrow. 

We shall see.

Until then, let the December crazies 

(as I've recently dubbed them)

continue.

I know this is the most fun month of the year,

but whew....you wouldn't believe what a little Christmas excitement

does to a room full of six-year-olds.

Let's just say, it's exhausting.

Hugs,

wine a little, you'll feel better

Or you'll at least forget what was even wrong in the first place.

I figure since it's December

and life is fifty shades of crazy,

I'll just document all my crazy Christmas shenanigans

via pictures on this here blog.

Let's start with a little Wine and Design shall we?

If you refer back to this list,

you'll remember that attending Wine and Design was on my to-do list.

So the fact that this actually happened

makes me feel pretty accomplished.

Nevermind that I got this out of the deal.

Yep. I painted that.

All by myself.

Well, with the help of our teacher, Joe.
(I think that was his name?)

And several glasses of wine.
(Clearly.)

Cyber Monday sucked me in to this one.

Along with the alluring draw of wine and paint.

I enjoy painting.

Click here for Exhibit A.

And I like wine.

So it didn't take much convincing.

But when I saw that ad on Facebook for $5 off 

any session booked on Cyber Monday

I knew I had to jump on it right away.

(Reason number 324909823 why I hate Cyber Monday/Black Friday).

Anywho....I obviously didn't want to go alone

and knowing how much my sweet mama loves wine

and $5 off anything,

I called her up and booked us an appointment for Wednesday night.

Talk about a fun way to spend your hump day.

Love this woman.

Ain't she the cutest.

the whole group with our finished pieces.

Hugs,