The power of cell phones.................

With the ability of cell phones to send pictures just as quickly as they are taken, Ben and I rarely feel like we're not included in family events even though we're hours away.



What's even better is that as soon as we receive them in the phone, the photos are quickly and easily uploaded to all sorts of places like my facebook page and now blog!

What's a little bit of time.....

Time has left me nothing inspiring to write about lately. Too busy to stop and breathe, enjoy the blessings God has given us and write them down. But I am thankful today for time.

Ben and I got to spend time together today. After spending a week on the road, Ben was finally able to keep close to home for the weekend.....leaving me very excited when he informed me last night that he had nothing on the agenda today except to spend time together.

Its rare these days that we have the time to devote an entire day to each other, given our new responsibilities. To just get in the car and drive, using the windshield time to catch up with each other was a true blessing.

I love that we got to devote a little bit of time together today. Even if the 24 hours is almost up and we have many commitments to tend too tomorrow.

MMMoment

I love my new job. Not that I didn't love my old one, but being around these kids is where I was meant to be! I've been meaning to post for a few weeks, because I had a semi-brilliant idea to share with you some of my favorite parts of my job in a segment called

Melt my Heart Moments


I want to share quick little blurbs about the heart-warming things I hear from my kids, all 85 of them. Here's moment #1.

I was struggling, not feeling like I was connecting to my students - because I was trying really hard to gain their respect, lay down the law, an establish myself as their teacher. It is all part of the process, and I understand that - but it hurt my heart all the same. Two weeks into school, a very sweet 8th grader comes into my classroom - the first one in fact. He's always the first one, because he likes to visit before the rest of the kids get there. He proceeds to say, "Mrs. Williams', I need to ask you something. Can I call you Mrs. W?" I couldn't help but laugh, smile and say "Thanks for asking, you sure can!" He proceeds, "Okay!" and sets down. We go on through class and end the day. The next morning I'm met in the hallway with a hug and a "G'morning Mrs. W" from the same young man. A hug! Two weeks into school! You couldn't wipe the smile off my face.

Lesson: Hugs make a difference, give them away freely and frequently.

What a hiatus we took!

Finally, after the last few months - we've started to settle in back down in KANSAS and get in a rhythm of life.

Here's a quick update, in case your wondering:

1. We moved at the beginning of August. Back to Kansas, in Hutchinson, to be exact.

2. I got a teaching job in Haven, just 15 miles south of Hutchinson. I'm in charge of the FFA program and teach 5 high schools ag classes and one middle school ag class each day.

3. We sold our house in North Dakota, the papers were signed and we got our check on September 1st.

4. We've had houseguests - sleeping on the floor. We haven't got our bedrooms fully set up yet.

5. I haven't even had time to make a trip home. Or to see my puppy. Hopefully soon.

6. In addition to teaching classes, I also have to TAKE classes to get a teaching license. Which leaves little time for supper, dishes and laundry. But I'm not complaining.

Anyway, I should return to my online meeting/training that I'm supposed to be diligently watching. I promise to update again soon!

Babe, we got grubs.

We've been hustling and bustling lately, getting ready for the big move. But, just like Ben and I, the homestead place seems to slowly breaking down........................let me tell you about a few 'joys' of homeownership' we've faced in the last month. I hope you laugh.

First, I (Corineah) broke the lawnmower - for good. Like its not coming back to life. No new battery will save it. No sweet-talking will convince her to come back for one more try. Really, its been a work in progress......which stinks now that I have to PUSH mow the whole lawn. I guess the owners manuel is quite clear about what will happen if you run the mower out of oil. Oops.

We got a new push lawn mower. I hate it. Not only does it take 3 times as long to mow the yard, I can't zoom around like the crazy nascar driver I aspire to be. Fortunately, Ben feels bad about making me mow the whole yard by myself and has come to my rescue.

We got grubs. The white ones. The kind that can kill your yard. That kind. We treated them. You know this pesticide license I got when I became an extension agent is the best $75 the county ever paid for :) Now the robins and barn-swallows hate us. Just ask them.

The flourescent light in our entry way can't decide if it wants to burn out or not. Not a big deal. But - a realtor did break the back screen door when she was showing the house earlier this summer. She blamed a faulty door install. We told her she had to hang onto the door when there was 45 mph winds. She paid for the new door.

We've donated everything that is possible to donate in our house. Even a couple of things I was sure we'd go to the grave with. For instance, Ben's quesadilla maker. Along with a corona lamp from college and an old comforter - I think we gave away every last shred of stuff he brought into the marriage. That's kindof sad - no bachelor items anymore.

We're down to setting the television on a dining room chair because we gave away the entertainment center. Hope Mom and Dad are ready for the schnanigans they are about to drive into. But in case I forget, thanks for coming to our rescue Mom and Dad. We owe you. BIG.

This house selling thing is for the birds.....

I'm not sure why I'm discouraged before we have even really begun. I think its because it seems to be the one big obstacle to us moving back home.

We've had a few lookers, but for one reason or another we've not met the new family who wants to take over our dream house. I promise to even throw in the puppy.

We do have the listing posted on MLS, which is where people who are working with realtors can find home information. We hope that pulls in some bites.

Ben says I need patience, I think he's probably right. Patience has never been my strong suit, but I'm working on my faith.

Regardless, we could use some prayers if you have any to spare.

Wheatland, ND Home for Sale

Wheatland, ND Home for Sale, a set on Flickr.

Unfortunately, about the time we are ready for our big reveal of the house, we're putting it back on the market. This is the photos we took for the listing we are putting together. We truly love this house/property and cannot believe we are going to have to say goodbye....but we are committed to making the move closer to family. In the long run - we know we are making the best decision. (And we are very excited to be home!) Hopefully we can make another home ours soon!