Mehaffey Moments

Matthew and I went on a date on Friday night. The plan was to go to Rotier's. Matthew has never been there, and I wanted for him to try it. Well, it was packed, like line out the door packed. It was raining. And, we couldn't find parking. So we drove around trying to find something else. We just couldn't decide or agree on the same thing. We tried Pink Sub Stop (one of my all time favorites), but it was closed. So Matthew got an idea, and didn't tell me.

We drove to Baja Burrito. I know that a lot of your are thinking, but that's the same thing as Blue Coast which is right around the corner from you. But I beg to differ. It is not. There's just something different about that original. Maybe it's my Lipscomb roots, but I can taste a difference every time. Better, I might add.

Anywho, we sat down to eat and Matthew said, "Hey, you remember what happened right outside?" And that's when it clicked.

Matthew and I had our first date at Baja 5 years ago today! (Well, maybe not today today, but Father's day today.) We had just flirted at camp and come home that Friday. We watched a movie, with Jamie, on Saturday. On Sunday, we almost sat beside each other in class.

It was actually pretty funny to relive these events from each other's perspectives. I don't know that we've talked about each detail before...

After class, Matthew got invited to spend Father's day with someone else. Matthew wasn't able to go home for the weekend, I guess because of camp. His only family in town, basically the only people he knew at the time, Brad and Mindy, were away for the weekend celebrating their 2 year Anniversary. But, he declined based on feeling awkward at someone else's family gathering. Somehow, sadly we can't remember this detail, we decided that if my Dad didn't want to do something, we'd hang out. My Dad was working really hard at this time and had mentioned celebrating Father's Day another day so he could just relax all Sunday. I hoped he would feel the same when I called to wish him Happy Father's Day after church. He did! (Thanks Daddy!)

So, Matthew met me at my townhouse, and we wen to Baja. We talked forever! A lot of deep things were discussed at this date. Including pasts. Who does that on a first date?! We saw each other ever day after this date for a few weeks. This led up to The Kiss and The Labeling Event. Pretty big, and funny, events in our relationship.

It all started at this little restaurant 5 years ago today! Pretty fabulous that we ended up there out of nowhere on the very weekend it occurred only 5 years previous. I'm still in shock about it really. We've been together for 5 years! I'm so thankful for this man and for our God who brought us together in a time when we both had sworn off relationships for a year. God took us from brokenness to wholeness. First, by ourselves during our dating, and then together with our marriage. A lot has changed over this time: Matthew, me, our families, our friends, our world. But one thing remains, our God's constant love and presence in our lives. So thankful for that. So thankful for this relationship and this man that I get to spend the rest of my life with.

Thank you to: Baja Burrito, Father's Day, Brad and Mindy for being away, Laurie Sain for the initial set up on the rocking chairs at camp, Daddy for wanting to relax and celebrate later, and of course, God for the plan.

Hello again! Student teaching officially took over my life! What a whirl-wind these past few months have been. Hopefully, it will get a little crazy again in August! I thought I'd try to re-start (again) my blogging. There are so many exciting things we are anticipating over the next year...that I have to find a place to vent my excitement! Plus, this is an easy way to keep everyone updated.

 I graduated on May 5, 2012! Eek! I am now the proud recipient of a Master of Arts degree in Learning and Teaching. As soon as it comes in, I will also be the proud recipient of a Tennessee Teaching License! I'm going to be a teacher. A what?! A teacher! This has been a long journey, but I'm so happy to be here! I am thankful that God put me on a journey to be here, and didn't plop me into it right after undergrad. I know that I will be a much better teacher now. I have a different view of everything now.

Let's start with education. When I graduated from high school, I went to college because I was told I had to in order to get a good job. I got my "dream job" and realized it wasn't as dreamy as expected. Plus, other priorities were then in place that weren't there as a 20 year old. Like, a family. I want to be a Mommy more than anything. It can, and is, totally done in my previous field. So, I don't want to lead you into thinking it's not possible. (And those Mommies are fabulous! Incredible!) But for me, it doesn't work. Anywho, I decided to get a Masters degree because I wanted to go back to school to teach, and if I'm going back, why not add on right? But somewhere in the Masters world, I developed something new. A love for education! I love learning about how I can be better. What new research is showing me about my field. What new strategies and techniques will make me more effective. Not to mention, all the strategies and techniques that have been in place that work. I like learning! What?! The next part will blow your mind, it is still blowing mine. I'm thinking of getting a Doctoral degree. Now, this is put on hold. I want to teach for a few years, buy a house, start my family, you know...little things. But the thought and hope is there. I mean, I never (in a million years) saw myself receiving a Masters degree. It was too hard and too out of my reach. I thought I wasn't smart enough for something like that. The truth is, I'm probably not; just good enough to sneak my way though. But here I am. So why not continue and open up more avenues for my career?! Plus, it gives me a new goal for years down the road.

The other thing that is different, is that I'm a wife with a dream of becoming Mommy! Like I stated before, in my "dream job" I don't think I would have been happy. That became my "dream job" when I was a 20 year old, single gal looking for something that would look good to other people as well as be something I'd enjoy. Turns out, I should have just brought out the suppressed idea of becoming a teacher all along. Don't start hating on my previous career. It is a fantastic field with fantastic people working there. It just wasn't for me. It took working to realize that. I took a temporary position, but the whole time I was looking to get my Masters in Education. I love the idea and freedom that teaching provides. I can work and be Mommy! I get all holidays, vacations, and snow days with my children. I also get fabulous hours! I know the amount of work that goes into teaching, don't get me wrong. But just coming from it, I know I can do it! I will be happy and confident in this field balancing both worlds. Isn't that what matters?

Let's not forget about Officer Mehaffey. He is loving his job all along! His decision at 21 was the best one ever! He has only grown in his field! He has moved to a new shift and new precinct. We love it! Also, Matthew is doing incredible! This man is now at the top of his stats every week! When I say top, I mean #1 and sometimes #2! He also received his 2nd Chief's coin! This is a commendation that is only able to be given out once a year, if you even get one. Not all Officers do and not every year. Matthew received his 2nd one! I'm so proud of him! I'm going to warn you that this Officer has a long, successful career ahead of him! I cannot wait to see what all God has in store for him!

Matthew is growing in other areas of life too! At church, he started a new Bible study for Men. If you know Matthew at all, this is definitely outside of his comfort zone. Men's Fraternity was greatly received - averaging about 20 something guys every week! I'm so thankful that God blessed this work. Matthew has wanted to do something like this for a while. He prayed and prayed. I can see God working in Matthew and I thank Him for it everyday! Men's Fraternity has paused for the summer, but will pick up again in the fall. (Just a head's up!)

And lastly, our little Katie Bug! She has an update too! She is now being left out of her kennel while her parents are away! I know that many of you are laughing at this, but if you are the owner of a pet who is like your baby, you are appreciating. We have always been nervous to do this with our hyper little pup. And the fact that when we tried it before, Matthew's slippers were all over the house! But she's a mature almost 4 year old. We thought, "let's give it a try. If it doesn't work, she'll just go back up." Katie Bug is loving it! And, surprisingly, not jumping on the furniture while we're gone! :)

So, that's our update! Long, but every bit exciting! Stay tuned as I attempt to regain my momentum as a blogger!

We went to Shutterfly for our Christmas cards last year because of their amazing deal! We loved it so much though, that we went back this year! Hope you enjoy!

I can't believe its already that time again, but it is! This year has been stressful, chaotic, but so full of blessings! This has been a very important year for Matthew and I. We've learned a lot about ourselves, the people we choose to surround ourselves with, and just how much our incredible God blesses us and is with us. I've always known and trusted in God, but this year He has shown me a deeper relationship, and just how much He is in control of our lives.

We started this year off with me starting Grad school and Matthew graduating from college! I've already bragged on how proud I am of him for this accomplishment, but I can't not brag again. How impressive is my husband?

In my little head, I've had my life planned out for, well, forever. My life right now, is not what I have envisioned since forever. But to tell you the truth, I wouldn't have it any other way. I wouldn't change anything that we've gone through, or the plan that God has us on.

This year was a wonderful year for our marriage. We had the opportunity to take our first vacation together, alone. It was on this trip that we fully realized just how much we love and adore each other, and just how much time we do not have with each other. After this trip, Matthew decided to move into a different precinct and different work schedule so that, "theoretically", we can have more time together. I would appreciate prayers that this is the case. We've also been working on our marriage this year. We've tried to find ways to actively be a better spouse to one another. I have no complaints about our marriage. It's not perfect by no means, but it is wonderful and lovely. So the fact that Matthew started this new active love thing just reminds me how thankful I am that God gave me him.

We were also blessed to realize how much we need and are thankful for our friends and family. I can go on and on about how much our family and friends mean to us. But, be thankful, I won't. I would advise you (oh so many readers, ha!) to surround yourselves with strong, loyal, and hilarious friends and family. We've had so many dinners, events, and trips with them, that we cannot imagine our lives without these people. These are the people that keep us grounded, listen to our joys and pains, pray with us, support us, and privilege us to be in their lives as well. To these people: we thank you for allowing us to be a part of your lives, thank you for being a part of ours. We couldn't make it without you.

I'm thankful as well for my new job and for my education. I went to college for the sake of going, now I'm blessed to attend Grad school because of my passion. I'm so excited to teach and pray everyday for God's guidance as I go into this new career. I'm also thankful for my new job. I quit my full time job and became a sub for a preschool in Hendersonville. This move has been the biggest blessing ever!! I adore my coworkers and children that I work with. I'm thankful that God gave me this as well.

As you can see, it has been a good year. I'm not going to dive into the frustrating, stressful, and chaotic because I believe that those moments are what make us. Yes, they suck. No denying it! But they make life so much sweeter! Am I crazy? Yes! Am I happy despite all the bad because of all the good that comes along with it? Yes!

I hope you have had a fabulous year as well! Remember to treasure the good times and trust in God during the tough times. He is in control! Aren't we all thankful for that?!

I am in stress overload lately! The reason, typical life: the hubs, the pup, work, church, family and friends, and the one that tops everything right now, school! Ok, so school is not so typical.

In January, I went back to school to get a Master of Arts in Learning and Teaching. To say it is constantly on my mind, is an understatement. I literally wake up in the middle of the night in mini panic attacks about all the work I have to get done. I am so excited and so nervous, all at the same time! Weird emotions! Here's updates and how its been:

• Started class in January 2010
• Passed ALL my Praxis tests this year! 4 to be exact
• Bonded with my cohort of 11. I wouldn't have made it without them
• Currently working on finishing my Culminating Project (basically a Thesis, research, and conducting my own research) that is due in December...aaaaahhhhhhhh!
• Student teaching next semester
• Graduating in May 2012!!!!
• Been amazingly supported by the hubs! Just when I think he's too good to be true, he comes through with more amazingness. Really?!

I will continue my recap posts, but this was fat too moving to ignore.

Friday night, Matthew and I saw the movie Courageous. To say it was moving, is an understatement. Because it is so new, I won't discuss the movie as much. I will say this: you need to see it. It has such a powerful message for today's fathers, husbands, and men. It speaks to the importance of family in today's world. In a world where family is lost. Families that are broken, hurting, and forsaken. Families that break apart simply because divorce is so easily attained. Families that are broken apart because of selfishness.

What is forgotten is how much children need families.

I'm not saying that family must be a single unit, living in a single house. Because that isn't always the case. And I love that the movie Courageous, speaks to this as well. But the family must work as a whole unit, for the sake of the children. The leaders of the family should put the needs of the family before each individual need. Our children have to be taught what unselfishness is; What a family should be. How do they learn it? From what they see lived out in front of them. I learned that although I didn't have a typical family, I was loved, I was wanted, and sometimes, it wasn't about me and my needs. It was about my family. I learned that family was important; family came first.

No matter what your family looks like, be grateful for it. Whether its a husband and wife, parents with children, or you have two different homes, be grateful for it. Put the needs of your family before your own. Teach our children how to make the right decisions, how to love unconditionally, and how to love God, by living it out for them! I. Love. Family. I love my family! I want my future children to live in a world where family is loved, respected, and a norm.

Ok, off my soap-box. Thanks for listening!

Friday night, Matthew and I saw the movie Courageous. The movie was extremely moving. But it was a moment that came after the movie that I will never forget. It's a moment that you see in movies, that seems so cliche and unreal.

We squeezed by to sit in the middle of the row. There was the sweetest elderly man sitting by himself. I sat a with a seat between us. I didn't think about the fact that Matthew was going to sit between us. Needless to say, Matthew made a new friend while the other couple and I went to the bathroom. We watched the movie, tears and all (be prepared).

After the movie, while trying to compose myself before I (embarrassingly) walk out into public, I noticed that the sweet elderly man was pointing to me.

He said to Matthew, "Is that your wife?"
Matthew replied, "Yes".
The man said, "Treasure her. I lost my wife 4 years ago. Cherish every moment you have."

Silence and tears flowed. I cannot tell you how much his words moved me, especially right after watching Courageous. I could see the love this man had for his wife in his eyes, his words, and his tears. And the pain he felt without her. He said something that is so simple, but so powerful. We always take the people in our lives and the moments we have with them, for granted. We forget that these people won't be with us forever, until its too late. We don't treasure them, until its too late. This is something that you can think about from time to time, but hearing it from someone who is living it, means so much more. The honesty, pain, and love in his voice was poignant.

Treasure, Cherish, Love, and Adore those special people in your life.