Random Thoughts

So I just need to ramble for awhile...

• I am incredibly nervous for today. I hardly slept a wink last night. Today, I have a new student starting. Not just any student -- a foreign, Korean student. I have no idea what today is bringing and I have no idea where to even start and I really dislike feeling lost. But that's how it feels. 
• Even though I'm nervous, I'm excited to learn about my new student and to try and help her learn English. I think that she might be exactly what I need to settle my antsy "Why do I teach" feelings as of late.
• Friday was a rotten evening. I was in a bit of a funk due to the fact that I was here and not where my heart yearned to be. It goes back to the thought that growing up, having a real job, and moving away from your best friends stinks. 
• In a way to combat my "I hate my horrible life" phase of Friday, I spent all of Saturday and Sunday scrubbing every nook and cranny in my apartment. I'm not sure this place has ever been this clean. I even rearranged and finally took my boxes and bike down to my storage unit. Nothing like getting to it after 2 1/2 years. It feels good. Really good.
• Part of my weekend of power cleaning is brought on by the fact that my parents are coming for Thanksgiving. While we aren't celebrating at my house, they are bringing a Christmas tree for our church so they are going to be stopping in Madison to visit. My "mass cleaning because my mom is coming to visit" is just another reminder that I am turning into my mom!!
• I'm beyond thrilled that this is only a 2 1/2 day week at school. I need a break and these students need a break! Let's be honest, we need a break from each other!

Hmm....so I'm done rambling for now. Thanks for listening!

Thankful November: Day 19

I'm thankful for...my parents!

circa 2010 - Mt. Rushmore

Do you have ever one of those days when you think, "I'm turning into my mom..." or "I'm turning into my dad."? The older I get, the more I have those moments. But lately, I've noticed that when that happens, I'm not hiding in terror because I'm becoming them, I'm smiling because I can't think of anyone else I'd rather emulate.

My dad is man of few words. Partly because he is more of a watcher than a speaker, but mostly because I think he chooses to speak only when he truly has something to say. (Okay, so another reason might be because he mumbles so we aren't really sure what he says!) My dad can be a real joker. He is great at finding the good in the things that are happening. In fact, through all the seasons of life that I've been with my dad, I can't think of a time when I've seen him give up and be defeated. Instead, he keeps on working and says that's just how things go. It's a trait that I love about him and one that I can only hope to have!

My mom is a doer. She can out-do, just about anyone I know. She has worked more than one job for as long as I can remember. (she's even had four at one time!) It's not lying that her love language is most certainly acts of service.. However, the one thing I love the most about my mom is her commitment to family. You never have to guess whether or not she'll be on your side. You never have to wonder if she will be there when things are falling apart. You never have to wonder because she will always choose your side.

God has blessed me with parents that have stuck around in hard times and shown me that marriage and family is about commitment. Commitment to one another, commitment to Christ, and commitment to family. I am beyond thankful that God has given me my parents to raise me and mold me.

Thankful November: Day 16

I'm thankful for...Jeff.

Jeff and our dad

When I think about my brother, Jeff, a whole slew of memories come to mind. Like how easy he was to please as a child. All the kid needed was a sippy cup of apple juice and a movie. Or how I would dance to Alan Jackson's "Summertime Blues" with him in my arms and he would laugh and giggle. Or when he ran through the glass on our storm door. (It was very scary especially since he was only 4!) Or when we thought he might not have the full use of his right hand because he sawed through his fingers. (Yes -- sawed) Or when he took the time to help a new camper wash the mashed potatoes out of his hair. Or how this kid has had his fair share of road blocks thrown in his way, but how he pushes through them in his own way and on his own terms. Or when I watched him spend hours making the cutest pink ribbons for his "Jeff's Angels" dance crew at camp. 

Jeff' and his Angels

Jeff and I share a bond that goes unspoken, but completely understood. In fact, I'm not sure I can even fully explain it. What I do know is that even though he might get annoyed that I sometimes act like his "mom" and I get annoyed when he doesn't think about consequences, he will always be behind me 100%. He will always choose my side and support me. And I for him.

Jeff, I hope you know how much I love and care for you! Behind that sometimes hard facade there is a great big gentle giant, just don't forget to let him show! It's obvious that the Lord has great things planned for you. Remember to only "Be Still" and let Him work for you. I love you!

Thankful November: Day 6

I'm thankful for...sleep!

Source: agreatimpression.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

That extra hour of sleep was exactly what I needed last night. After having to work an 11 hour shift instead of a 5 hour shift, I was exhausted. But more than just being thankful for "falling back," I am thankful that sleep comes easily to me. I have never had much of an issue with falling asleep and staying asleep. There are times when I go to bed and I'm not quite tired yet, but a little reading and I'm out. My dad struggles with insomnia so I've seen first-hand how hard it can be to live and deal with. It makes me even more thankful that it hasn't been an issue for me.

Isn't sleep great?

Thankful November: Day 5

I'm thankful for...my sweet nieces. 

Aren't they just the cutest?

Sweet Sisters

E

Z

The Cheerleader and The Chicken

Matchy Sisters

I'm not sure I can even remember what life felt like prior to having these two sweet nieces. All I know is that I have a lot of love overflowing for these two little girls.

Miss Z loves cards, all things girly, Barney, and Elmo. (I approve the Barney watching, but Elmo drives me bonkers!) She also has it figured out that I call my parents house every time they are babysitting so that I can talk to her. Now she hears the phone ring and says, "Jenn." Smart little thing! I have also taken up sending her a card on a monthly basis. It's a fun and fairly cheap way to keep "in touch" and to make her day!

Miss E is growing up quickly. Rumor has it she is a bit of a chunk, but a cute one at that. She might have come into the world smaller than her sister, but she is now just a few pounds away from being heavier! Word on the street is that she is a very smiley and happy baby. Christmas can't come soon enough. I haven't seen her since she was just over a month old. 

Thankful November: Day 4

I'm thankful for...the memories...

Top: My dad fighting the fire.
Bottom: Fire and smoke pouring out.

On what seemed like a normal early June morning, my cell phone rang. Upon opening my groggy eyes, I saw it was my mom. I was not surprised as we talk all the time, but slightly annoyed as my 6 hours of sleep was just not quite enough. The words she spoke were enough to send me flying out of bed and practically to my car to drive the 12 hours home to Nebraska. After a lot of uncontrollable tears, she had me convinced that driving home was not the answer. Instead, I sat at home and cried all day long. Our family owned business, Ohlmann Building Center, was burning to the ground. To add to it, my dad and brother, who are local volunteer firemen in our small community, were battling a blaze that was destroying the only place they had ever worked. The business that we had all grown up helping at was going to be gone.

Out of God's great mercy, no one hurt or harmed in or while fighting the fire. The day following the fire, we were open for business. (The back shops and lumber area went untouched) Now almost one and half years later, we have a completely new and beautiful building. A building that far exceeds anything we could have imagined. It's real pretty!

While this whole thing seems tragic (and at the time it did feel that way), it has proved to be one of the greatest blessings in our lives. As a family, we grew. We were reminded that buildings and possessions are but "things" of this world. We were reminded how the Lord gives and the Lord takes because all things belong to Him. We are but His stewards. We were reminded to trust. To trust in His timing, His will, His plan. We were reminded that He promises us that He will always work things out for our good.

 "And we know that all things work for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

We were reminded how great of a community we lived in and how important our church family was. The outpouring of support and love was beyond our comprehension.

And we learned to cherish the memories. The fire destroyed the building and many precious heirlooms (100 year old business has some neat treasures inside) but it did not and will not destroy the many memories we all have of "growing" up at Ohlmann Building Center. I can still picture my grandpa (and then my dad's) office as if I could drive there today and walk right in. I can still remember what it was like getting a chance to use the cash register for the first time! I can still remember how much I despised cleaning the men's employee bathroom -- PIGS!

So today, I'm thankful for the memories!

Thankful November: Day 3

I'm thankful for...Jessica!

The birthday's just keep on coming this month. Today is my sister's, Jessica, 20th birthday! (I find it hard to believe that my parents only have 2 of their 5 children still in their teens.) BTW - isn't this picture great? It's one of my all-time favorites!

Jess is a great sister. Not only is she the life of the party, but she also had a huge heart. I love that you never know what she might do or say next, but you can bet your dollar that she is one reliable girl. She gladly gives up her time and energy to help others whether it be by planning and directing a summer youth camp or just showing up to hang out with an old friend.

Lou -- I hope you have a simply splendid birthday! And although I'm still jealous that you are in Nebraska visiting and I am not, I really hope you are having a wonderful time. Love you!