Gifts

So many gifts given at Christmas, and so many received. I am so grateful for my family & friends that give to our girls. We are truly blessed, and I amazed every year on how much the girls are given! I still think that our most precious gifts of all are given from the good Lord. I thank God for my Savior, my family, my friends, and my freedom.


Giving is better than receiving (I have to work on this one sometimes - I can be a scrooge at times - my family knows this!)
Invite someone to your home or church that is lonely or in need of a friend.
Freedom is something that we take for granted - thank a veteran or someone in the military.
The best gift is love.
Share with others your gratitude, and they will witness grace at work.

Fall

I just went to a sweet and dear friend's moms funeral. Her mom has struggled for a long time with cancer, and even though I did not ever get a chance to meet my friend's mom - I learned so much about her through my friend. The service was graveside only, and so many of the words spoken keep coming back into my mind. This woman was a person of strong faith, and hearing so much praise from her husband and children just really made my heart warm. What a life of legacy to live so deep in faith that it is passed on to your children, and through your husband.

She died on this past Saturday - a warm, sunny, still, almost perfect day - one that you must take time to go outside, and take a fresh breath of air (I laid in the hammock). Today was windy, colder, partly overcast, and the first of a true "fall" day - one that you had to frantically search for that coat that is somewhere in the closet. Just before the service - a beautiful and full rainbow appears. The winds became stiller as the minister talked, and I noticed her precious granddaughter dancing in the breeze after the service by herself. I looked up around to see the leaves falling, but in a graceful motion. My friend talked to me a lot about seasons, and how our lives change just like the seasons. I don't think I have noticed it as much as from the day she called to tell me about her mom passing away to today's fall weather - a true & obvious change in the climate. I really think that I will appreciate the seasons in weather, and the seasons in my life more after witnessing "fall" today. I am also inspired to take time to reflect on my, my life, and seasons.


Forever in Christ's arms is something to celebrate.
All are sad to see a loved one leave this earth, but peace trumps the understanding when you know they did not struggle in their faith.
Let your loved ones know how much you care about them - often.
Love will catch you when you fall.

Sheshie

Sherry - this one is for you! Yesterday was my sweet cousin's birthday, and my whole family refers to her as Sheshie. I love you gal, and you are like a sister to me. Thank you for always listening to me, loving me, and for putting up with me. You have seen me at my worst, and my best. I miss you living so far away, but I know that you are always close at heart. Happy late one day birthday, and have many more. See ya soon, and please come back to Texas soon!

Sharing is one of Sheshie's finest qualities.
Happy to help, and honest even when you think you don't need it.
Excited to hear good news from family & friends - the first you want to call.
Remembers entirely too much about childhood, but forgives easily (referring to many accidents caused by her older cousin)
Recommends really good books, coffee, food, and wine!
Yesterday is gone - today is here - and tomorrow - you never know (she has helped me see life in a much better way).........

Ribs

Last time I wrote in my blog it was about our dog, Abby, ending up in the principal's office. This Abby story is about ribs. You have to understand one thing upfront - my husband makes the best grilled ribs I have ever eaten, and all of the family agrees. So, when our girls are given a choice of what to grill outside (this is not often - usually I decide.... meaning the cheapest item), they will pick ribs. Morgan had to go acolyte Saturday evening service, and Deano said that he would take her if I stayed home & started the ribs. Now, he does not offer often to take the girls by himself, because he likes going to church as a family, but I think knowing that hunting season is right around the corner - he was doing a little bit of shmoozing. I was beat from working out at my parents, and to be honest was enjoying the idea of having the whole house to myself for over an hour. My ONLY job was to start the ribs, and this causes some pressure, because only Daddy can do the ribs just right...... Well, I got some helpful tips from Dean before he left, and started the coals after seasoning the ribs. I do NOT remember letting Abby inside the house, but when I went back out to clean off the grill right before the coals were just right - guess who invades the kitchen counter!!!?! Yes, the precious pain in the you know what, took a whole slab of ribs and started chewing away! Did you know a dog can eat really fast? I think that someone from above caught my attention, because I stopped in my tracks while cleaning the grill, and thought to myself - "Where is the ---- dog?" I ran back inside to catch her in the act. Needless to say - one slab was left still on the counter (thank God), and I still cooked the half eaten slab after cutting off one end, and washing it off really good. Macy (our short weeny dog) got a lot to eat that evening, and Abby did not get a rib treat - to my knowledge that is - the girls probably snuck her some. Lesson learned - big dogs can reach counters, and table tops very easily!!!! The next week after this - I caught her standing on all fours on top of our table looking around for food! Luckily nothing was on the table at that time..... Last, my ribs were not as good as Daddy's ribs, but they sure did eat the whole "non touched Abby" slab. ;)


Relaxing outside, and noticing God's beautiful creations is a true joy of life.
Interesting dogs or pets make some interesting stories.
Being calm is taking practice for me, and focusing on breathing is one helpful tool.
Seeing humor in life can sure make it a bit easier at times.

Abby

Abby went to the principal's office today. Abby is our dog, and we live about two blocks from school. I was at my parents mowing, and did not have phone service so Dean got the call. She dug out, and decided to go play with the children on the playground. We did not have an I.D. tag on her, because she tore the last one off. Luckily, our neighbor is the school counsellor, and she recognized our treasure......, or pain in the you know what....... One of the sweet aides at school walked Abby home, and waited on the front porch for Dean. Poor Malory was taken out of class to identify Abby, and asked her how they could get ahold of her parents. The principal brought Abby in, and kept her in his office until the aide could take her home. It is too funny now, but I have to admit that the Jenschke family was a bit embarrassed. Makes a great story though, and just shows you how wonderful our school system is not only to our children, but pets as well!



A pet owner should keep tags on their pet with a phone number just in case they get lost.
Be good to your pet, because they love you unconditionally - no matter how you look, how much money you have, or even how you behave.
Be a responsible pet owner.
Yearly shots, and checkups keep your pets around longer.

Shoe

My blog today is about a shoe. Yes, a shoe. Yesterday I subbed first grade, and had a very interesting day...... A really sweet first grade class, but had something happen to me that has never happened before in the classroom. I have not taught for ten years, and just started subbing hoping to get a job. Maybe.... One little boy did not want to move his clip after I asked him to because of his behavior. I had warned him several times. When I asked him - he said no and threw one of his shoes at me. It really is kinda funny now that I think back, but I have to say that I am surprised on how much teaching has changed since my days, or is it the kids?? Just so you know - the clip got moved, he eventually got his shoe back, & I got a kiss on the cheek from him at the end of the day. ;)


So many children just want to be looked in the eye, and greeted with a smile.
Happy parents or parent makes happy kids.
Optismistic attitudes are what gets us through life much easier.
Every child has a gift - you just have to look for it.

Sister

I have a really awesome sister. I am blessed beyond what I deserve in a best friend and sibling. She knows me better than probably anyone besides my hubby, and she still loves me. I started a part time job, and I work with a beautiful young woman that also has a sister. I have noticed that they are very close, and I can't help but think of my girls, and hope that they too will develop a relationship that is wonderful. I thank God for my sister, and I thank God he put Morgan & Malory together. I love you sis, and thank you for loving me. I also have close friends too that are like sisters, but we all know that friends may come and go - family is forever. I am truly greatful for my dear friends who are too like sisters. I do have to add also that cousins are great sisters too, and I am blessed too with two that I would do anything for, and love as much as my sis. You know who you are. :)

God blessed the broken road that led me to you, Jeanna.



Sisters are great, but not everyone is blessed by a sibling or a close relationship with theirs. So, find a sister if your heart desires - friends & cousins are good sisters too.
Include your sister in big decisions - they will be honest - maybe even too honest, but just cause they love you.
Share a smile with your sister across the room - she will know what you are thinking.
Tell your sister, friend, or sibling how much you love them. My dad's brother died before him, and he was younger. That was so hard to see how hard it was for my daddy, and I learned then to tell the ones you love now that way you have no regrets.
Everyone needs a friend - be kind, and remember your blessings.
Remember that you are not perfect, and neither is she.
Sometimes we just have a bad day - forgive her if she upsets you b/c I promise she will also have to forgive you too.

Husband

Tomorrow is my husband's birthday, and I wanted to write about him. I am blessed beyond what I deserve when it comes to the love of my life. Dean or my "Deano" is awesome - not perfect, but who is? He loves me more than I know, and I cannot understand all the time why, because I am not always easy to live with. I think in every relationship, there is one that is more patient, kind, and laid back. Dean is that person in our marriage. The thing that I love most about Dean is that he makes me laugh, and I love to hear him laughing. We have fun together, and I do enjoy spending time with him. We do have our moments, but for the most part in our marriage - we have been very fortunate to like each other as much as we do everyday. We work together too in our business, and sometimes that is the hardest challenge that we have in our relationship, but I am proud of how much we have improved in that area. He works very hard to support our family, and truly loves his girls very much (he has even come to like the two female dogs too in our family). I hope he knows how much I love him, and I wish him many more birthdays. I will come back and read this again on the not too fond of my husband moments. he he. :)



He will make mistakes, and if you want him to forgive you - forgive him too.
Understand that men are just flat out different than women.
Spending time alone with your husband is absolutely necessary in a marriage.
Best friends are hard to find - let him be your best friend.
Allowing each other to have time on your own is important.
Never under estimate the temptations out there that can destroy a relationship - keep your eyes and ears open.
Do things together that you both enjoy - life is short.

Job

I often wonder about my current job, and I may have already written about this, but it is still on my mind. I am currently a mom, wife, secretary for our business, and gopher. I miss my paycheck from teaching to be honest, and have had thoughts of returning to the "real world". Although, is money all that worth it? What would the business do if I was gone? Will I miss my wonderful boss? Which is just to clerify is my husband and myself. Who will my parents, family members, and friends rely on when needing someone without a "real job"?
I read today to a group of children in my daughter's class, and I do miss the kids very much. I don't miss the political side of teaching, the stubborn or clueless parents, and the teaching of the "test". So, I am trying to focus on this. Whatever you do - do it all for the glory of God. End of story, and I will just keep on praying.


Just give you worries to God and pray.
Only the lonely will tell you that they put work first and family second.
Be as positive as you can in whatever you do - attitude is a choice - choose a positive one.