Our new Dog...

This is Rocky...

He is a retired military working dog. He is 4 years old. We will pick him up in Texas from Lackland AFB on December 19th...

That's all I know right now...

This weekend, we get to go get everything to spoil him. 

I am glad I don't have to house train him, but I think I will have to train him to be in our house...he isn't used to living in a house...as you can see from the pic...
I am excited to open my home to a new dog, and I am looking forward to having some sort of bond with him. I hope that he slides into our routine quickly, and that he gets used to everything being the way it is...

Pray that I can help him be more comfortable any way I can...

Used To Be A Reader

I love books. I used to read all the time. I couldn't get enough of reading when I was younger. Even a couple of years ago, I read way more than I do now. I make the excuse that I don't have the time, but I am always just sitting watching tv or Surfing the internet. I should take time out from just sitting and start reading. I have started to get really tired while reading ... I can't read more than a chapter, and am already wanting to take a nap... Maybe that just Comes from getting older.

Really Tired Of It...

Warning: this is going to be a venting post...so bear with me...

I am so tired of people asking me: "When are you gonna have a kid?" "Why don't you have a baby yet?" "When are you gonna have kids?" I am asked all the time...adding the: "You're not getting any younger." statement---which doesn't help the situation. My co-workers ask me too...I love my co-workers, but it is getting old.

I get it...I am 30...I have been married for 8 years...no kids...and 14 of my friends are having babies (3 are on their 1st, 4 are on their 2nd, 3 are on their third, 1 is on their 4th, 2 are on their 5th, and 1 is having babies 1 & 2--twins)...I am VERY aware about people having babies all around me...I really don't want to be reminded of it every day...

I am okay with it...My husband and I will make the decision together...and it shouldn't rely on other people's opinions of when I should have a baby...

My husband and I are talking amongst the two of us---because we are the people that have to make that decision together, right??? RIGHT???

I know I will be a great mama one day...and I have been learning so much in these 8 years that I haven't had one...so, I think that these years not having a baby is allowing me to learn more about what it takes to care for and have a baby...I would rather be prepared than be thrown into it with no knowledge...

so thanks for y'all's concern, but I am just fine...and you will be the first to know if I am having a baby...

Giving Thanks...

This is going to be my Thanksgiving post...Every day of the month of November, I find something to be thankful for that starts with a letter of the Alphabet: day 1=a, day 2= b....and so on...and I write it as my status on Facebook...and here is where they get gathered...

Day 1::"A":: Today, I am thankful for my older sister Angel Stanley...she is an amazing mom and she is an awesome sister. I am also thankful for my niece Anawynn Haug...I never thought I could love a little kid as much as I love my niece and nephew...but they have shown me what love is all about...Love you,Ani Bug! I am also thankful for my best friend Arielle Black...childhood wouldn't have been the same without you...you are a great friend, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Day 2::"B":: Today, I am thankful for Ben Moermond...he is my husband's best friend, and he and I enjoy making fun of John. I am also thankful for Ben Dotson, who is John's grandfather...I thank him for being a good example to John and the rest of his family. I am also thankful for brownies...the best dessert ever...

Day 3::"C":: Today I am thankful for my younger brother Curtis Roth...I have watched him grow up from a little boy who climbed trees and stood on his head to a very awesome young adult...I am proud to call him my brother.

Day 4::"D"::Today, I am thankful for Dewey Roth and Debbie Roth...my wonderful parents...such good examples to me and my siblings. Also, I am thankful for Denise Hull...my awesome Aunt...she has always been a great friend and she gives the best hugs. I am also thankful for Darlene Double...my other awesome Aunt...she is so funny and she sings very beautifully. I am also thankful for dogs...dogs are the best example of unconditional love. ..thank you to Moses, Charkie, Cody, and Aby...love you always puppies...

Day 5::"E":: Today I am thankful for Everlasting love...it is amazing to know that God will always love me no matter what. By His grace and mercy, I am saved. Praise the Lord! I am ready to take on this day as someone who is blessed and loved. God loves every one of you too...and I hope that you can recognize His blessings when they are right in your face...

Day 6::"F"::Today, and every day, I am thankful for my friends and family...they bring so much richness and blessings to my life...they rock my face off!!!

Day 7::"G":: Today, I am thankful for my Grandma Georgina Roth...such a sweet spirit, and an awesome God-fearing woman...I always used to kiss her good night twice, because her cheeks were so soft. I am also thankful for my Grandpa Clarence Roth...he is an old farmer that is who he is...no excuses...I know he loves me, and his kisses were so scratchy, that I only kissed him goodnight once...love both of them. I am also thankful for John's Grandparents...Hazel Dotson and Ben Dotson...they have been a good example to John...and I am so proud to be part of their family...

Day 8::"H":: today I am thankful for my friend Heather Smith... I have not seen her in over 13 years but I still count her as a really close friend... I love you Heather...

Day 9::"I":: Today, I am thankful for ice cream...cools you down in summer...tastes awesome in winter...Black Raspbery Chip...Coffee Heath Bar Crunch...yummers. (Oh and thank you Maria Bright for this suggestion)...I am also thankful for imagination...without it, my childhood would have been boring, and I would not have such an appreciation for the things kids think of at work...

Day 10::"J":: Today, I am thankful for Johnathan Hall...my crazy husband...it's been 8 years, and I can't imagine not being married to him...I have gotten to see some amazing places, and meet some amazing people...I am grateful that I get to follow him wherever the Air Force sends him. I am also very thankful for my nephew Jesse Stanley...He is growing up so fast...next month he is going to be 2 years old, and he has this sweet, playful spirit about him...When he says my name when we Skype, it gives me loads of warm fuzzies...I love seeing him grow up...and I know he is going to be a fantastic big brother when his little brother arrives next year. I am also thankful for JOY...you know, the happiness that bubbles up and can't be contained inside? Without joy, my days would be very depressing...Sometimes people wonder why I am so happy all the time (I got asked that by the kids in Germany on a daily basis)....I just say, "I would rather be happy than sad....sometimes, you just can't keep your happiness inside!"

Day 11::"K":: Today I am thankful for kindness...and those who have been extra kind to this great country by defending it...Happy Veteran's Day!!!

Day 12::"L":: Today, I am thankful for Lisa Miller...can't imagine my childhood without her...she has always been like my second mom (called her Mommy once by mistake when I was younger)...love you Lisa!!! I am also thankful for love. ..without it, I wouldn't want to go to work every day. ..because you have to love working with kids a whole lot to be the best you can be at work with 2 year olds...or they will wear you out...

Day 13::"M":: Today, I am thankful for music...no matter if your happy or sad...it can keep you happy or lift you up...music is the food of love...sing on!!!

Day 14::"N":: Today, I am thankful for naps...even though I claim to not take them, I like it when I can get them...

Day 15::"O":: Today, I am thankful for oranges...the only fruit that I will eat in its raw form...now the clementine version of these is better...more bite-size...

Day 16::"P":: Today, I am thankful for people whom I have had the pleasure of meeting through the moving around with the Air Force...you make it a lot easier to adjust to new places. I am thankful for Peggy Vinyard...she was an awesome person to work with at the CDC...she taught me so much more about caring for children. I am also thankful for Paul Guilliam...he worked with me when I was the coffee shop cook back in 2005-2006 for Cincinnati Christian University...best prep cook there was.

Day 17::"Q":: Today, I am thankful for the quickness in which I can type on a computer, because I have to help John do his school work (because SOMEONE forgot to take his textbook with him to Texas)...I am also thankful for quiet--something I don't really take time to enjoy sometimes, but when I can get it, it's nice.

Day 18::"R":: Today I am thankful for rocks...they make the beautiful mountains. (God made rocks...good job, God!) I am also thankful for Rebecca Wischnewski...One of the coolest coworkers I have. I am also thankful for rain...I sleep so much better when it is raining.

Day 19::"S":: Today I am thankful for Shonda Judy...without her, my name would be Carrie (a very nice name...but not supposed to be mine). I am also thankful for sunshine...it makes me so very happy to see the sun shining...

Day 20::"T":: Today, I am thankful for two-year olds...they may drive me out of my mind some days, but I love them so very much, and they give me a job to do...

Day 21::"U":: Today, I am thankful for umbrellas...even though I have never really learned to keep one in my car at all times...

Day 22::"V":: Today, I am thankful for the Victory I have in Christ...it is what makes it worth getting up in the morning. I am also thankful for vacuums...without them, our houses would be a hot mess... — feeling blessed.

Day 23::"W":: Today, I am thankful for warm blankets...as the weather is getting colder, I love to wrap up in a warm blanket. I am also thankful for work...I have enjoy working with kids these last 6 years...They
always give me a reason to be at work every day. ..to see kids smile, laugh, and learn something new is what makes my heart happy... — feeling wonderful.

Day 24::"X":: Today I am thankful for x-rays...because they can tell us if something is broken. I also am thankful for the xylophones in orchestras or marching bands...they make a cool sound. (Ok, those are the 2 words that start with x...even the 2 year olds at work know "xylophone".)--I can't believe that I have done every day on the day this month...

Day 25::"Y":: Today, I am thankful for yogurt...one of the few ways you can get me to eat fruit. I am also thankful for the color yellow...as in yellow butterflies. ..they always have a way of letting me know that everything is going to be okay...even when I may be having a bad day...or I am worried about something...I always see butterflies in the summer...they manage to catch my eye at the exact time that I need some encouragement. I am also thankful for Yahweh...who sends me butterflies...and saves me.

Day 26::"Z":: Today I am thankful for zippers that work...which is something I can't say for my lunch bag today--it's zipper broke this morning...that's what I get for buying a cheap one...but I still have to use it...oh well.

Can't Believe I never said this...

I cant believe that I have not let whomever reads this know...I am going to be an aunt for the third time in February...My older sister Angel is pregnant with her second baby. It is another boy...we were really hoping for a girl this time...but thats the way it goes...due 4 days after my birthday...come on little guy...come into this world on February 23rd! That is an order from your awesome Aunt Shonda...cant wait to learn your name...I wonder if you will look like your big brother Jesse...

So very excited!!!

I am very excited right now! On Monday, I get to go back into my room with the two year olds that I have known for such a long time! I am so very happy, that I had the experience to work in the baby room, but I really wanted to get back into my 2 year old room because I missed the kids and missed working with my room team there...

I even got a hug from one of my room team after I told them that I was coming back on Monday, and it was a big surprise because she really does not show that much emotion usually. It feels really good to be a person that people want to work with, and that they miss when they're gone.

Just doing what I have to do

Well it has been about 3 weeks and I have really taken it upon myself to do the best I can with opening a baby room at work... I try really hard to do everything the right way but sometimes I make a mistake.. . I am so glad that the teacher in the room is very forgiving when it comes to little mistakes that I make.
I am really missing my 2 year old room. There is a two year old little girl in my old room that has decided to hold a grudge against me because I left the room. She won't hug me or talk to me. But I have been told that there was another person who left a room that she was in and got transferred to another room and she didn't talk to him for 2 months... I hope she starts talking to me soon because that kind of makes me sad .
I am posting this blog from my phone where I am talking into my phone and it is typing as I am talking... It really makes me thankful that I actually have that capability because sometimes I can't get onto the computer and type all that I want to type...
I'm going to go check the mail now because I always forget to do that when I get home.

Changes At Work...

Well, here's the gist of it all...There is a lady I work with that has injured her back, and she can't lift more than 5 lbs., so they are bringing her out of her baby room and into my spot in the 2 year old room.

I am not thrilled to say the least...

Okay, it sucks! Just had to say it...

I have gotten used to being with the kids in my room, and I have a good relationship with all the parents. I love my kids, and I am going to be very sad to leave them. I also have gotten used to being with the other caregivers in the room. We understand how each other works, and we have good communication going on.

I now am placed in the baby room where her spot was. So much more things to keep track of in there. I really don't like those rooms anymore, because all-day everyday you are changing their diaper, feeding them, rocking them to sleep...over, over, over, and over again...there is no variety.

However, there are a couple children in that room that I enjoy working with all the time, so, that will be a big plus to be moved into that room.

On the flip-side, there is a staff member in the room that I really have had no luck in having good interactions with (always felt like I was doing something the wrong way, or just not how she does it), but I will try my hardest to do things right and just get into the groove of everything.

It is 30 minutes earlier than I am used to getting up and being at work too, which is a little crazy to me, because I was already getting up at 545am...but, I get to get off at 1330 now, which rocks my face off!!!

Well, I gotta suck it up, make the best of it, be where they need me the most, and do the best job I can.

Just please pray that I don't lose my mind...

I start it all tomorrow...and right before a 4 day weekend too...just think it would've been easier to switch after the break, but oh well...

wish me luck with those itty bitty babies...

It's Been 8 Years...

It has been 8 years, as of today, that I have been married my husband. Some days are easier than others. We still have disagreements, but those have been getting few and far between, which is good. I don't like him all the time, but I will always love him...
I know some people will wonder how we have made it this long. Well, it takes a lot of patience, especially when you are working on a relationship with someone has hard-headed and stubborn as John... You gotta pick your battles. If it doesn't really affect you too much, just leave it alone.
We have lived so many places within those 8 years. We were in Cincinnati Ohio, Lakewood Washington, Kaiserslautern Germany, and now Cabot Arkansas...I can't wait to see where this journey takes us next. I like where we live now, but it is always good to live in new places and meet new people...

I love my husband...and always will...

Our Favorite Recipe...

Recipe for Taco Soup with Black Beans

makes 6-8 servings

1 lb. Ground beef, browned and drained or 1lb. boiled and shredded chicken
28-oz can crushed (or diced) tomatoes, undrained
15 1/4 oz. can corn, undrained
15 oz. can black beans, undrained
15 1/2 oz. can red kidney beans, undrained
1 envelope dry Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing mix
1 envelope dry taco seasoning
1 small onion, chopped
tortilla, chips, shredded cheese, sour cream

1. Combine all ingredients except tortillas, chips, shredded cheese, and sour cream in the slow cooker.
2. Cover. Cook on Low 4-6 hours.3. Garnish individual servings with chips, cheese, and sour cream.

**I suggest the 6 hours...its so yummy...seriously...and we prefer to make it with chicken, but ground beef is good too...

Right Place...Right Time

Right now, my relationship with my husband is the best it has been in a long time. We used to have these crazy arguments where we would be yelling and screaming and what not...but we are doing really good now. We are in such a better place.
I am really liking my job right now. Yes! I like working with 2-year-olds...well, they have these moments where they don't listen and throw ridiculous fits...but, today they did amazing...and didn't lose their minds when the trainer was there to observe. I love the hugs and smiles I get from the kids in my room. They all greet me when I come back in the room from my 30 minute lunch break, and that is way cool to be missed. I had one child today say goodbye to me about a dozen times. Hearing "Goodbye, Ms. Shonda" that many times makes me happy...
I am really needing to get more organized in my house. I really don't have motivation, but I will hopefully get a lot done this weekend...
I have discovered that I really like "The Big Bang Theory" tv show...it is hilarious, and yeah...I laugh out loud at it...which doesn't happen unless something is really funny...

Just daily life...

Just a normal day in my life consists of getting up at 630am...getting dressed, doing my make-up, doing my hair, making my lunch, setting the alarm, and getting out of the house by 650am...and getting on the road to work.
I work with 2 year olds. The child to teacher ratio is 7 to 1--which means, I can have 7 kids by myself. That is children that are 2 years old, very busy, very excited to show me everything...all around me all the time. They do take a nap at 1130, after lunch, but any other time of the day, they are busy, busy, busy...
I love children. I always have. I always knew I wanted to work with them for a living too. Some people say working in child care is the best birth control in the world, but it does the opposite for me. I can't wait to have my own children. I want to see what kind of personality they have (hoping it is like one of our good kids). I can't wait to see what my future children will look like.
I eat the same thing for lunch every day: two peanut butter & honey sandwiches, a ziploc bag of what ever snacks I have (i.e. chips, Goldfish, pretzels...), and a little container of applesauce. I have discovered that the flavored applesauces are actually pretty good---kind of wierded me out at first...but I have found a mango-peach applesauce, and it is very tasty...during the week, I stick to drinking water. Only on weekends, and if we go out I may get soda or something else.
When I get home from work around 500pm, I am starving for dinner. I eat dinner around 6 or 7. Then I sit and watch t.v. till I realize how late it is, and I go to bed...

Not much to it is there? You would think so, but trying to keep up with everything at work, and trying to keep my sanity while 13 2-year-olds are running all over the place (i.e. like today) really has me exhausted by the time I get home...

whew! k...gonna go relax and figure out what is for dinner...

Up North For A Weekend...Part 2

Well the pics were taking forever to upload  so I restarted my computer, so I am happy to say that they work...I will show you a pic of me and my whole family...

We love each other so very much...and we are so glad to be able to have had the time together that we did...

<---This is me and my husband...I am so glad we got to come up and spend time with family. It was a long trip, but it was well worth it...









This is my older sister Angel, Her hubby Phil, and my Nephew Jesse...
I was very excited, because it was the first time I had met my nephew...he is definitely a mama's boy, he was always looking for her, and if he couldn't see her, he went looking for her...
He is such a sweet boy...and we got him a remote control firetruck as a gift, and he loved it...

This is my little sister Kelly Jo and her fiance (now husband) Dustin, and her daughter Anawynn...
I can't even tell you how excited I was to meet Ani...well, I guess you could tell in the previous blog entry, with how much I talked about her...
It was so cool to see my little sister being a mommy, and to really love on the sweetest little girl ever!
We got Ani a little radio that has lights and plays 7 classical songs, and she is mesmerized by it...best gift I ever gave anyone...


As time goes on, I know our family will change and grow, but that love will always be there...Someday, I hope to have a child of my own, and then these family pictures will be even cooler...

Up North For A Weekend

This is the blog I promised...an entry about my wonderful little sister's wedding.

Did I mention before how I had not seen my family in over 4.5 years? I was really excited to get to see them. I was so happy to pull into my parents' driveway! My mom came out to meet us, and she, of course, cried...I was surprised I didn't (I am certainly known as the tenderheart and sap in the family). My dad cracked my back when he hugged me, which is what he used to do before I went to bed every night in high school...
My older sister came out of the house with my nephew on her hip. I had never met my 1.5 year old nephew Jesse. It took him a little bit to warm up to me, but he was okay with me. He knows how to say my name, which is awesome.
I got to also see my little brother. Well, he is about 5 foot 8, and he has a beard, so some guess he is older than me, when he is 26--4 years younger. I love my little brother so very much, and he really is getting to be such an awesome young man.
I got to also see my mom's chihuahua Edgar. He is around 10 years old now, and I missed that little guy so very much...
Pretty soon after we got there, my little sister showed up. She brought with her her Fiancee and her daughter, Anawynn (Ani). Ani was 2.5 months old, and I couldn't wait to see that little girl. My little sister and I share a birthday, so when Anawynn was born, I was so proud of my sister. I got to hold Anawynn right when she came in the door, and she smiled right at me. She totally wins the most beautiful baby award.
Don't you think?

She doesn't laugh yet, but she is so close to giggling. She is the sweetest little girl. I never knew I could love a baby as much as I love her. I work with babies every day at a child care center that I love and care for. It is such a different level of love and awe that I have for her. I would so anything for that sweet Anawynn.

When she sleeps, she sleeps like a rock. she sprawls out and just sleeps however she wants to. I got to hold her sleeping for a while (which I never get to do at work--you have to put them in their cribs), so I got spoiled with baby time.

My sister Kelly is an awesome mommy to that little girl, and I am so proud of her.


I can't wait to see what kind of little girl she grows up to me, and to hear her say her first words. Can't wait till she can say my name, and I can watch videos of her singing and dancing.

I love her little feet! Such beautiful little feet!

I could just talk about Anawynn forever.

Our family dinner was fantastic. great to have everyone in the same place...then we went outside to take pictures...

Which will have to come later, because the uploader doesn't want to work today...at least not for finding pics on my computer...so...this is part 1...





TO BE CONTINUED!!!

Nose back to the grindstone...

After not working for a week, I am going back at 730 tomorrow morning. I am ready to get back into my routine, but not ready for the challenges that I am sure I will have with discipline and guidance with the children. they haven't been around me for a week, so I am sure they will test me in every possible way, but I will keep an open mind and a good attitude, and I will try my best.

I work with 2 year olds every day. and the ratio is 7 to 1...as in, I can have 7 kids all by myself. That's 7- 2 year olds...and if you have to change a diaper, that's one two year old getting changed, and 6 of them losing their brains out in the room, unless you have them doing an activity that doesn't require chaos. It is hard to find things that interest them enough to not have them running around the room, but I know I will have something for them to do that is fun.

starting this blog is awesome...I can post here when I have something to say...and you can look forward to my post about the weekend I just spent with my family in Minnesota...

Welcome

As I begin this new blog, I hope that I can make a new start, and blog more often.
Truly, I don't do anything worth blogging about. I can tell some cute and interesting kid stories from work, that's about it. I will be doing an entry about my sister's wedding though...after I get all the pics from it. I got to meet my niece and nephew for the first time. I never knew how much more I would love them being their aunt, rather than being their caregiver (the kids at work). I love those little ones so very much I can't even tell you...Anawynn is the most beautiful baby I have ever seen...you will see when I post pics of her...you will agree with me...