We Have Employment

YEAH!!!!! We have a job!

Brian got a call last week and accepted a P.E. job at Paris Elementary School. We are thrilled about this and are praising God!!! I wanted to wait and post until I talked with some important people in person. Brian actually moves down on Thursday to begin his new teacher orientation. School does not begin until the 17th. Friday he is going to hang out with Forrest and try to get things together in the gym. Then I am going down for the weekend so we can look for places to live. After that he has a meet the students day on Monday. So... it will be exciting for him to get going, but he will be hitting the ground running.

I on the other hand will continue to live in Jellico until the first of October. That should give us plenty of time to find a place to live and get moved. I have some commitments I need to keep here in Jellico and try to make the transition a little easier since I have a time frame. We have really been blessed to have such a warm, loving 2nd family here in Jellico who have been so supportive and encouraging along the way. It will be difficult to say "goodbye", but I really feel like it's a "see ya later". We are blessed in more ways than we realize!

Slacker

I have really been slacking in regard to this blog. Things have been so crazy and fast this summer that I have had little time to blog. And to be honest... I don't really have much to say. Lists work best for me....

1. We have been to three weddings this summer. One co-worker, one cousin, and one college friend. We have another in Nov that I am really looking forward to.
2. I had a "staycation" last week instead of a vacation. I took the whole week off and stayed home expect for a couple of days. One day I went to Knoxville with an awesome friend, Jesse. One day Brian and I went to Mammoth Cave. If you have not been, you totally need to go. The other day we visited my parents and checked out their new kitchen.
3. Job hunting is still underway for Brian. He has had about 4 interviews this summer, but nothing has come of them. We are still waiting for the Lord to show us our next step... I feel like this statement is on repeat in my life.

Well... that's about it. I am so not exciting!

New Challenge... maybe!

Well we have been home from San Francisco for a while now. It is such a beautiful city. Some of my pictures from the trip are on Facebook under Brian's profile, so if you have not had the opportunity to look at them, please do. I seriously recommend that everyone go there at least one time in your life. The bay is beautiful and the scenery is to die for. We had such a wonderful time in the city by the bay. Brian's favorite part was riding on the side of a Cable Car. I think he would have done it more if we had the opportunity. We really would love to visit again!

Also... the title of this post is "New Challenge". You may be wondering what this is about?!? Well frequently I browse the John's Run Walk Shop Race Calendar and last night I was doing this because I was looking up stuff about the Bluegrass 10K on July 4th. I have wanted to do this race for about 2 years and have never done it, so this year I am doing it!!! While I was browsing, I came upon a new race that takes place on October 30th. It's called the Home Run Half Marathon. It's in Louisville and it's the inaugural race. I am really thinking about running it because I want to do a 1/2 before this year is over and I think that is a good time frame for me to get prepared. Plus by then it may be a little cooler. Anyway... it runs past all of Louisville's iconic places, the Mu hammed Ali Museum, Churchill Downs, etc... and then you end on home plate of the Louisville Slugger baseball field. I'm thinking about it, but really I just need to commit and then start training. Any thoughts?

We leave for San Francisco in 2 days! I can't believe how soon it will be here. It seems just like yesterday when I was blogging about booking our tickets. Now it's right under our noses. I am so excited to get away with my wonderful husband. He needs the time away almost as much as I do.

I also want to share what we are doing in church the next few weeks. We are doing an Andy Stanley 3 week video series on Marriage. It's titled "Little i, Big Marriage". We watched our first session on Sunday and I am excited to see how this is going to pan out. We have only been married for 3 years, and we have learned a lot along the way and most of the time it has come with many tears. I have learned about the things that Brian needs from me and he has learned about the things I need from him, and in the process we have hurt each other's feelings to get to these "revelations". In the first session Andy discussed before we get married we have these desires. We desire to have a nice house, nice car, money, that our wife will wear sexy things to bed, etc... After we are married, some time in our marriage these things turn to expectations. Andy asked us to challenge each other and discuss what we feel our expectations have become of each other, so we can get them back in the desire category. This question had me thinking all day. And to be honest, we have not had this discussion, and I don't want to have this discussion with Brian because we will probley cry and have hurt feelings... but isn't that what marriage is about? Don't get me wrong, I hate when I hurt Brian's feelings, but we are supposed to challenge each other and grow along side each other. And sometimes that requires us to have the truth spoken to us and to have our feelings hurt. I realize I put a lot of pressure on Brian regarding certain things and this lesson brought that to life within me. I am trying to analyze my answer to the dreaded question of "what do you expect of me?" I know he is going to ask me sometime this week and to be honest I am nervous. I can honestly say I dread him asking and I dread what he will say when I ask him the same question.

Uggg.... well, now that I have shared my rant, I challenge you to have the same discussion with your own husband/wife. And to even watch the series together. It's only 3 session about 35 minutes each. Here is the first video. I found it on UTube broken into 2 different sessions.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZ9BLRygWuU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yk-XgJlr_mU

Steal of a Deal

I was so happy to finally see this weekend. Friday night Brian and I lounged around and had some great dinner together. It has been a while since we have had a weekend to rest together. We were in bed by 9:30 and it was FABULOUS!!! It sounds bad that we go to bed so early on a Friday. On Saturday Brian had his spring football game with the University, which went really well even though it rained. I woke up and went to Knoxville with some awesome girls from work. Natalie, one of my friends, goes to church there. Today her church had a huge yard sale and everything they sold went to Missions, which really made me want to go. They had some really great stuff. Since Brian is in full swing of applying for jobs and interviews and he only has one suit, I decided what better place to look for a suit than at a church yard sale. Needless to say, I found a really nice Nautica two-piece suit for $3. I was floored and since Brian was not with me, I found a helpless soul who was about the same size as Brian to try it on. I also got him 2 ties and a brown leather belt (he asked for one for Christmas and didn't get one). I got all of that for $5!!! I was so excited to get home for him to try it on. When I walked in the door I showed him my bag of goodies, which I was so proud of, and he tried the suit on along with one of the ties. It fit him perfectly and it looks so nice!!! He may need to have the coat taken in a little, but I was so excited. Now he has two suits for interviews and even Easter if he wants to wear one. I felt great about my purchases. They have the sale once a year and I just think it's such a great idea! I would love to know how much money they make toward missions. The youth group also had a bake sale going on and when I was checking out people were donating more money then they owed for their purchases. It was such a humbling experience. So that's my STEAL OF A DEAL.

Today...

Today Brian and I got a lot accomplished. 1. Went for a short 30 minute run. 2. We took a lot of stuff to the new apt and are starting to make it feel more like a home than stinky newly painted walls. 3. Finished my 25 page paper for my research methods class. 4. Made an awesome dinner! All in all, we had a really great day together and I'm looking forward to only working 3 days next week. :O)

March Brings New Beginnings

With March has come many changes for the Schaad Household. With them I have been challenged, stretched, and angry at times. With these feelings, I have felt more distant from God than I ever have. I know it's because my heart was not in the right place, and I admit that. I also admit that I tend to be very selfish at times and that is where my anger came into play. To make light of a very long story that I am still trying to figure out, we are moving to Jellico Tennessee. Since Brian is no longer working for the University, and since our home is owned by the University, we need to move so others that work for the University can move in. With that being said, we are moving to an apt in Jellico. I have fought with God about this for multiple reasons, and the main one is WHERE ARE WE SUPPOSED TO BE? I feel like we have really always had some path that God has shown us to take... until now. I'm really learning a lot about patience and gratitude. I am very grateful that God provided a place for us in Jellico. I am just searching for God to show us if this is where we are supposed to be long term, or if he wants us to go somewhere else. God has not shown us for sure stay or for sure go, and that is what I find myself struggling with.

Until we get an answer, I am reminded of the Israelites when God didn't promise them they would not have to move every 2 years.

Until we get an answer, we will continue to serve Him.

Until we get an answer, we will continue to be grateful and wait upon the Lord.

Until we get an answer, we will be still.

February 2011

Feb List

• I have lost 11.8 pounds total since Jan 3rd, 2011.
• I have been enjoying running more since the weather has been nice. (It's amazing how the weather can really change your mood.)
• I got a new pair of running shoes and ran 3 miles in them this morning. My feet feel great!
• One more week of two classes, and then I go down to one class until early April.
• Looking forward to getting my hair cut tomorrow!!!
• It seems like these past few months there have been a lot of people finding out they are pregnant. My facebook was flooded with ultrasound pictures!
• I want another GiGi's cupcake!

Booked and ready to go... like NOW!!!

Today we booked our plane tickets to SAN FRANSISCO!!! I am very excited. We don't have the opportunity to go many places just the two of us like this and I have to go speak at a conference for work, so we decided to take advantage and celebrate our 3 year anniversary there. My work is paying for my plane ticket, hotel, and transportation as well as food. All we had to pay for was Brian's ticket and food. We are looking forward to visiting such a beautiful city May 11th-14th! :O)

Sorry to the 4 people who read my blog. I have not been very faithful to post anything on here recently. Our life has been one big whirl-wind. I have been swamped with homework every night when I return home from work and having class two nights a week has really taken up all and any free time. TV has become obsolete in my life. Forget reading for pleasure. So... this is why I have not posted to my blog.

There have been some pretty interesting things going on however. Brian is in full swing of subbing and job hunting. We are still praying for God to show us the next step. Whatever He wants for us, no matter what that looks like, we are willing to be obedient. I just wish I knew what lies ahead for us. The title of this blog a while ago was called "Making God Laugh Daily." I know He gets a joke when I try to be in charge. Learning to let go and FULLY rely on God has always been a struggle for me! I would think after many many times of messing up and crying on my face before God I would learn... but no.

Anyway... I have a ton of homework to do before Sunday at midnight and am really not sure when I will find the time to do it since I have to do some observation. We are also visiting my parents this weekend because I have not seen them since Christmas. UUGGG... so I guess I will spending some time on the laptop this weekend. :O(

Paid In Full

2008 Corolla is now paid in full. YEA!!! Our 5.5 year loan was reduced to 3 years. Once Brian wrecked his car we were able to take what we received from his car to pay off the Corolla. We are continuing to save money to purchase his car and we are still (gratefully) driving my parents van. He has now almost completely decided to purchase a Rav4, which makes me very happy. I like the idea of a truck, but what are we going to do when we have 1 or 2 kids and Piper? With an SUV we can put Piper in the back.

Also... lost another 1.4 pounds this week. Still going strong!

Another HUGE Snow!

Today I got another snow day at work. I think Brian estimated a total of about 21 inches this winter. That's a ton for this area. So like every other snow day, I got up at my normal time and climbed in the shower. I didn't even bother to see what it looked like out. When I got out of the shower I was putting foundation on when I heard my phone text message alarm. I went to my phone to see a text from my boss saying clinic was cancelled today. So, what did I do? I climbed back in bed and slept till 9:30. I started some homework (which I am nervous about since I am taking 2 classes at the same time) and then got on the treadmill. Over all it turned out to be a good lazy day with Brian watching movies.

In other news this was the first week of our diets. Brian and I both lost 5.8 pounds. We have been doing weight watchers and running 4 days a week. The other days we have been walking Piper around our subdivision or campus (when we can get out). I hope we continue to do well and loose weight. I have felt really hungry this week, but when I do I drink a big glass of water. I guess it has been working. Good week!!!

And so begins another year...

As I think back on 2010 there are a lot of things I reflect on. I won't discuss all of them because I did that in a previous post. One thing I keep finding myself going back to is how amazing my husband is! I knew I married a pretty awesome man on May 17, 2008, but I only brushed the surface of how much I needed him and how God choose him for me. Over the past 2.5 years God continues to show me that he choose Brian to be my husband because He knew what I needed in a husband. The song by Brad Paisley describes it best by saying, "I thought I loved you then". I never thought I could love Brian any more than I did the day I married him. I know I'll think back to this post when we have been married 50 years and think the same thing.

So... I'll quit being mushy and talk about my plans for 2011. I want to emphasize my because... well I always think I have it together and then God puts my life back into check.
1. Loose 20-25 pounds.
2. Buy Brian a car.
3. Start to plan our family.
4. Have both of us employed.
5. Have my Masters 1/2 done.
6. Visit Mickey Mouse.

I guess that about rounds it out.

1.5 Snow/ Ice Days

Working in a doctor's office has it's ups and downs. One of the downs is getting up and getting ready as I watch everyone's school's scroll across the bottom of LEX 18 showing they have the day to stay at home in the warmth out of mother natures way.
Well... not any more folks. Monday we had 6.25 inches of snow here in Williamsburg, which translated to no work for me or Brian. Clinic was closed and Whitley Co. was already out of school (and they have been all week so far). Also... Thursday we had 1/2 day off for the ice accumulation. I didn't come to work today until 12:30pm. I really liked having the morning off. Brian and I watched a movie and then I cleaned the bathroom and we had some lunch together. It was a nice morning off, plus our deck was a solid sheet of ice this morning. I'm really glad they decided to wait it out and I also don't have to take a lot of vacation hours. I'd rather have those for vacation this summer! :O)

Moving On

Brian officially will be finished with his job on December 17th. I'm not quite sure how this makes me feel. I will be more than happy to have my husband home on nights for dinner and weekends together, but I have somewhat adapted to life alone. I am really lonely when he has been away for sporting events, but one must realize it has been this way since we were married. We got married in May of 2008 and he started in July of 2008, so my whole marriage has been Brian working "again". I have gone to many family events by myself and have taken many road trips to meet friends so I was not alone.
Now Brian will be home more, and I'm going to have to adapt to that as well. I can't imagine what life will be like when we have every weekend together. Most the time when he had weekends off we went to visit family or friends, or they came to us, so we really had very few weekends with just us. I am excited to finally have that experience that most couples get often.
Brian's current work plans include subbing until something full time comes open in the PE field. It's difficult to find something in the middle of the school year as well as in PE. So prayers are welcome as we try to figure this stage of life out. Hopefully moving on from being apart so much!

Reflection (I stole this, but really was challenged by this!)

Lately, there have been a lot of things that have challenged me and have made me do a lot of reflecting. Reflecting on life, love, and everything in between. The two years or so have been unlike any other. They have been years of joys, of trials, of accomplishments, of pain, of self and spiritual revelation, and most importantly of thankfulness.

A few of the joys: Celebrating a 2 year anniversary. Adding a member to our family in Piper. Having my first "Real Job" followed closely by my 2nd "Real Job." Time with best friends and learning why I call them my best friends. Learning what the Bride of Christ looks and acts like. Answered prayers for family members going through hard times or uncertain situations. A relationship with my sister-in-law that I cherish and who teaches me a lot about who I am, even though she may not know this. Knowing deep in my bones that work is hard and rewarding at the same time when I hear a patient say "Thank you"!

A few of the trials: Going back to school to work on a degree I thought I never wanted to be in. Moving away from everyone and everything I have ever known. Being alone while Brian puts in hours and hours of work. Constantly feeling defeated and exhausted from work situations. Stressing about things in life that are completely out of my control and yet falling on my face before God because it's the safest place to be at that moment and knowing I have no where else to go. My husband's constant desire to do well in everything and still not feel appreciated by those around him. A team that doesn't always see eye to eye or get along.

A few of the accomplishments: Brian finishing grad school in the next few weeks. Having the ability to pay all our bills on time each month. Celebrating a year and 6 months at Dayspring. Overcoming/ understanding Electronic Medical Records. Fighting the fights patients don't care to and knowing (hoping) it's for the best. Getting my wisdom teeth removed. Running some of the best times and longest distances ever.

A few of the bouts of pain: Questioning God's plans for us and fearing His plans in the same breath. Seeing my sisters struggle with relationships and finances. Brian being in a car wreck. Feeling defeated in my efforts.

A few incidents of revelation: Understanding that the things I worry about are meaningless. God has and always will be here to support, love, and work miracles. Knowing that my goal in life is to see God known and glorified, and that should be my focus.

A few things to be thankful for: A godly husband who continues to challenge and serve me in spite of myself. A place to call home. A job. Health care. A mode of transportation. A supportive family. The Bible. Salvation. This list could go on for days!

UUUGGG!!!

Dear God,

Help Brian find peace in what he is supposed to do when he graduates (ie December). Help me to shut my mouth and just listen for now. Help him have discernment about what is best for our family. Continue to bless our endeavors to make YOU known and glorified, whatever that looks like!

Love,
Tiff

Garmin 305

So, I finally got my loans defered since I am back in school now. With this extra money we were able to purchase a very cool new toy. It's a Garmin 305 watch. We use it for running and since I am running more it has been so helpful. All along my 1 mile marker has been wrong! Today we went for a 4 mile run to see how it would do. Since we also live in the middle of the mountains, it has been helpful calculating elevation. I am really impressed! I really like seeing my run maped out like that. Brian has been wearing it so when he has to stop for Piper to have a potty break we can see all of those little breaks she has. I keep running and they evantually catch up. It's pretty funny!

I wish I had something interesting!

The title of this blog hits the nail on the head. I wish I had some cool pictures to share or an interesting story to blog about, but I got nothing. I have not had my camera out for sometime now and that makes me sad. I really need to be better about that, but I don't think about it until it's too late.

School is going really well! Brian is swamped, but what's new. I have been doing well keeping up with my assignments and passing my exams, which makes me very happy! I have three weeks left until my first class is finished and then I begin my 2nd of the semester, which will have me completed 6 grad hours. I'm pretty pumped that Cumberland has such an awesome program that you can do that.

Hopefully we will go to the apple orchard soon. I will take my camera, so maybe there will be some fun pictures from there to grace my blog. :O)

DESERT SONG ( HILLSONG)

Has this emotion ever overtaken you? "I'm just empty Lord!!!"

I always find myself singing this praise song when all that's within me is dry. I will sing praise when I have nothing else!