life: baby boy has a name...

After naming our first son such an unusual name, Cogley Jase, we have been faced with the task of naming our second son with just as unusual a name.
Guys....it's hard.
There are a bajillion names out there, both unusual and everyday.
Well, after much discussion and searching and praying and thinking about drinking wine but not being able to....we have found THE name!

Asher - my sweet husband was reading or watching a sermon/devotional and came across Asher in the Bible. He looked it up and found that it meant happy and blessed. Beautiful, since that is what this baby is.

Boggie - my grandfather passed away last January. He was such a special and supportive man and I wanted to honor and remember him always. At the time of his death Cogley was still in my belly, but we had already named him and monogrammed everything. Hubby and I agreed that when we had another boy we would incorporate my grandfather's name. Boggie was his nickname forever and it sounds so right with Asher.

Naming a child has by far been one of the most stressful, exciting, and God fearing jobs we have ever had to complete. The name you choose will be with them forever. When the name you have chosen finally clicks and you smile when you hear it is when the weight has been lifted.

Now to enjoy the falling snow with my sweet boys.
God Bless!

life: Worst blogger ever...

This school year is flying by. How is it already the middle of February?
We have been busy...
Baby Boy Hollinger #2 coming June 2015!

And sweet Cogley is growing like a weed. He will be 10 months in a few days. I can't believe how much he changes every day. Today, he finally decided that he liked bananas. And not the baby food mashed yuckiness.
Stop. Growing. Kid!

The weather here is finally getting crazy. We are all wearing our pj's inside out tonight to make sure we get a snow day tomorrow. And what will I do with that day you ask?! Make some much needed jewelry. Can't wait to share!

God Bless!

life: time flies...

Sooo....being a parent is hard. I bet y'all knew that. Especially a working parent.
Needless to say my life consists of work, baby, sleep, work, baby, sleep....you get the picture. Thankfully the hubby has been such a saving grace. We are so blessed to have him as the leader of our family.
The kid is 6 months old, chubby, and changing so much everyday.

I've been working away on some new blog designs. Can't wait till they go live.
I plan on blogging more now that the school year is kind of under control.

I'll leave you with this adorable pic of this Chubby McChubberson.

life: family photos...

Over the past few weeks the hubby and I have had the privilege of introducing our sweet baby boy to our Texas family. What a joy it has been to see everyone's faces. He is quite popular already and spoiled rotten. 

While we are visiting, I asked if we could take a family photo on my moms side. We have a photo that was taken about 12 years ago with my great grandmother. I can't find the original, but when I do I will post it. Now that Cogley has arrived I wanted a new one taken. My sweet Pa Pa passed away in January before he could meet Cogley, but I know he is watching us from above and loving that sweet boy. Sad that he isn't here to be in the picture. 

I love how it turned out and everyone looks semi-happy about it. Ha!

And of course, I had to have one of my sweet little family. Love my boys.

Not looking forward to leaving in a few weeks. But our time here has been priceless.

God Bless.

life: labor day wedding weekend...

This past weekend my sweet hubby and I flew to Omaha, Nebraska to take part in our friends wedding. We met them through the Air Force in California and we all became great friends. They found out that Timmy is a licensed minister and they asked him to officiate the wedding. They actually got married almost two years ago, but wanted a fancy wedding for their family and friends to be a part of. It was very beautiful and they looked so happy. Here are just a few pictures from the wedding.

Congrats to you both! 

Enjoy and God Bless!

life: first week as a 3rd grade teacher...

I survived!

I am enjoying everything about this job. The part I love the most is that I'm teaching in a new grade. It is VERY different from 1st and even 2nd grade. But, I am learning something new everyday and learning from my mistakes. 

I would love to post pictures, but taking a picture of the room isn't what I'm thinking when I walk in. My mind races to my to-do list, lesson plans, etc. 

Meanwhile, I still have my back to school sale going on in my etsy shop!

Enjoy and God Bless!

 

life: school has taken over...

I've been very busy. It's crazy!

But I am so happy to have a job.

Too tired to really type, but lots coming next week!

Just two things:

1. I posted this Daily Lesson Planner in my TpT store.

2. Get in on the Back to School sale going on in my etsy store!

Enjoy and God Bless!

life: Jack got a sister...

The hubby and I have been talking about getting Jack a puppy friend for a while. We knew that at some point I would go to work and we didn't want him to be all alone all day long. 

We went by WARL on Tuesday so that Jack could play with a 7 month old black lab mix girl. But, they didn't play and she seemed like she wanted to be boss, which we don't need.

I then went and looked in the small dog/puppy room. In one of the kennels there were two or three black lab mix puppies. We had seen one of them a few days ago. So they brought her out to play with Jack. They went crazy with all the playing that was going on. Within minutes they were best buds. 

Because we had already adopted from there before the process was simple and we were able to bring her home that night.

We named her Lady and she is around 3 months old, but we are still not sure on that. The vet said we would know her age for sure once she starts teething.

She's adorable and Jack loves her to death!

YAY for more house training, but it'll be all worth it!

God Bless!

life: new job...

We moved to Maryland in the middle of June. I had applied for teaching jobs as early as March, since I  had already submitted my paperwork for my Maryland Certification. It took FOREVER to get my certification, but it finally came at the end of July. 

But, I still didn't have a job or had any interviews. In Maryland, the districts are divided by counties. So I applied for a job in my county and the surrounding counties. Still nothing. My father-in-law (a former principal), my mother-in-law (teacher/presenter extraordinaire), my parents (just plain ol' smart), AND my hubby (brilliant and raised by educators) all suggested that I stop by the nearby elementary schools to meet the principals and drop off my resume.

I went to the district website and looked up the schools in my neighborhood. There is only one elementary school. I got all pretty and drove over there. I asked to see the principal and WAHLA, there she was, nice as can be, and very impressed that I took the initiative to come by the school and drop off my resume (thanks Y'ALL)! She said they didn't have any positions at the time, but she would keep my resume just in case. 

I left and got in my car, and as I was leaving I noticed a school across the street. I drove over there and it was ANOTHER elementary school. Apparently the district is divided into smaller districts and this one wasn't "in" my neighborhood on the map. The principal wasn't there, but I left my resume anyway. This all happened two Mondays ago.

Last Monday I get a call. 

It's the principal from the first school.

A teacher had to leave because of a family emergency.

Can I come in for an interview?

Why yes, I can!

The interview was great. Probably the least nervous I've ever been. 

30 minutes after arriving I'm being asked to join the team as a 3rd grade teacher!

Yes PLEASE!

For the next few days afterwards I was at inservices and signing paperwork.

But today, I am at the school for my first day! The kiddos come in on August 19th so I need to get my room all ready!

I plan on posting before and after classroom pics as soon as I get my key!

I am a little nervous to be teaching 3rd grade (since I've only taught 1st and 2nd), but know that I learn fast and am very flexible.

God is great and is truly looking out for the hubby and I during our Air Force adventure. 

I miss my last school and colleagues so much! I learned so much from those two years and will forever be grateful for all they did for me!

Have a FANTASTIC day and God Bless!

life: owning a dog...

Up until June I had never owned a dog animal. Now that we have sweet Jack I can't imagine a life without a dog. Now that I've said that, let me tell you some of the things I've learned.

1. dogs have accidents in the house sometimes. they can be trained. but it happens. and, guess what, it can be cleaned.

2. dogs shed. a lot. and Jack is black. fun times.

3. puppies like to play. they are puppies. oh, and their play isn't like, "throw the ball to me mommy!" no, it's "i'm gonna bite your hand and foot now. hope that's ok." turns out you can also train them to stop that. huh.

4. not all doggies run and pounce their food bowl when you fill it. Jack is a grazer and eats his food slowly throughout the day.

5. puppies chew things. anything and everywhere. this is also something you can train them not to do. 

6. loose leash training sucks.

7. doggies lick everything. doesn't matter what it is they will lick it. including this computer that i'm typing on. all. the. time.

8. Jack loves to be brushed. he friggen purrs. 

9. doggies are great snugglers. this is my favorite.

I'm sure I'll learn a ton more. 

Enjoy and God Bless!

life: 14,000 things to be happy about...

Have you ever found something that can brighten your day no matter what you're going through?

14,000 things to be happy about. by Barbara Ann Kipfer

This book brings me to my happy place. 

When I find a happy thing that I really like or have experienced I highlight it. It's nice to see all the highlighted happiness inside the book. Reminds me that life isn't stressful, sad, or depressing. Life is wonderful, exciting, and happy.

So go check it out. You won't be disappointed. Promise.

Tell me, what makes you happy?

Enjoy and God Bless!

life: 10 years...

10 years. 

That went fast.

10 years ago today my hubby asked me out on our first date. I was 15 and he was 16. 

Who would've known that seven and a half years later we would be married and starting our adventure.

I love you hubbyface and can't imagine my life without you.

Ok, now some less sappy stuff. Don't forget to use coupon code JULYXMAS2013 to get free shipping until July 31st!

Subscribe to our etsy shop newsletter!

Enjoy and God Bless!

life: D.C. mini adventure...

Yesterday, the hubby and I decided to have a mini adventure into D.C. and it was warm HOT! I was uncomfortable all day. All day. Other than being hot, we had a really good time. We decided to go to the Mall and see some memorials and monuments and then stop in the Holocaust Museum. 

After getting of the Metro we had to walk a bit to get to the WWll Memorial, which is a beautiful fountain. Unfortunately, this is where I took most of the photos because it was the only time I was cool. 

People cooling off in the fountain. 

Panorama of the awesome memorial.

Decided to cool off as well. Great TOMS tan, huh?

The hubby sitting with me.

We passed in front of the White House on our way to the Holocaust Museum.

We also stopped at the Korean War Memorial, Lincoln Monument, and the Vietnam Wall.

The Holocaust Museum was amazing and heartbreaking. I enjoy learning about different events in history, but this one is by far the most horrific. With all that said it is a must see if you are ever in D.C.

A few weeks ago, when my sister-in-law was here, we saw a ton of things and I never posted pictures. You can see most of them on my instagram page!

Oh, and do you LOVE my new picture watermark? The glitter is my FAVORITE!

Have a great rest of the weekend! Hoping to post tons of jewelry pieces this week so keep a look out!

AND don't forget about the Christmas in July Sale going on in my etsy shop until July 31st!

Oh, and be on the lookout for my first GIVEAWAY this week!!

Subscribe to our etsy shop newsletter!

God Bless!

life: puppy love & cake...

This sweet puppy has stolen our hearts. He just wants to be loved all day long. 

A few days ago I splurged and bought this mug cake mix. 

It was super easy and super yummy. I know there are recipes all over pinterest on how to DIY this cake mix, but I wanted to see if it was a hit first. And...it totally was. The hubby and I loved having just a little cake in a mug with a glass of milk. 

Yummers to the max.

God Bless!

life: move across country, new house in Maryland, new puppy...

The past two weeks have been incredible and jam packed. The hubby and I have been non-stop, moving and going. Today was the first "down" day we've had so I thought I'd update everyone on our journey across this beautiful nation. 

1. We drove for 10 days from Monterey, California to Maryland. 

10. 

Days. 

I pray to the sweet baby Jesus that I never have to do that again. 

I complain and I complain, but all-in-all I enjoyed the journey. God had his eyes on us the entire way and made the trip quite uneventful. We had a crazy U-Haul fiasco {read about it here}. There ended up being 3 different times we were on the side of the road because of a U-Haul problem. 1 transmission bust and 2 flat tires. Hubby-face kept his cool through the whole thing and I adore him for that. 

We stayed with friends in two cities and family in another. 

Seeing friends and family along the way made it more like a vacation than a move. 

2. We've been at our new house for one week now. 

Ever since day 2 we've been trying our best to get everything unpacked and set-up. The house is adorable and I am loving all the extra room. Yesterday, we bought a king mattress and then headed over to IKEA and bought a metal bead frame. We had been talking about getting a new bed for two years and I'm so glad we finally did it. It's perfect.

3. Hubby has been wanting a puppy for years. We weren't allowed to have one in California. Since we were moving he had been searching for a place that would allow dogs. This house does and we didn't waste anytime looking for a sweet doggie. We went to a ton of shelters, rescues, and humane societies. We fell in love with the Washington Animal Rescue League. Their facility was immaculate. They took good care of their animals. AND they are a no-kill shelter. Yesterday, we stopped on by to see if any new doggies had come and in...and...some had. We saw Jack and new he was the ONE! 

We picked him up this afternoon and it's been bliss with him here. 

This new chapter is turning out pretty sweet. 

God Bless

life: moving...

In three days the hubby and I will be moving. It seems like just yesterday that we moved to California and now we will be heading across the country. I can't wait to experience the east coast, but boy do I hate moving! 

This has been my life for a month...

I can't wait to be all packed in the moving van and on our way there. 

I plan on blogging each day to document our adventure together. Check back daily and experience this adventure with us!

God Bless!

Life: Pant suits and apps...

Yesterday, the hubby and I were waiting around for dinnertime so we went into my favorite thrift shop.  I was just "looking", of course, when whatdoyaknow I find a cuter than cute pant suit. In the coming months I foresee many job interviews and we thought it would be a good idea for me to get a nice pant suit. Say hello to my new used Ann Taylor pant suit that I got for just $20! Say what!? That's right; be jealous!

Once we were home I started surfing Instagram and stumbled upon multiple people using this new app called A Beautiful Mess and I fell in love! So, of course, I bought it! So cute!

Look at how cute this photo looks after using the app!!

As you can see I had a fantastic day {except for the day long inservice I sat through, ugh}!

God Bless!

Life: Now that the hubby is home...

As you know my sweet hubby surprised me by coming home two weeks early. He got me good. It's been a week and a half now and we have done SO much in that short time it's friggen amazing. I have yet to be bored. 

1. Right after he surprised me we went to see our sweet friends in The Little Mermaid. It was adorable and they were both so good! 

2. Hubby took me to buy a computer. Love that man!

3. I've been sick and still am. Ugh!

4. CSTs started last week and ended TODAY! Praise Jesus!

5. Hubby and I have been walking. A lot. Thankfully the walk is beautiful. 

6. Tried the margarita at Chipotle and it was yummy. I suggest you go out and get one. NOW!

7. This happened...

8. Then THIS happened.

I think we like it. Ha!

We've been quite busy. Jeepers. Sorry to overload you with pictures. More writing next time.

Don't forget that this weekend is the Carmel Etsy Mother's Day Sale. Read about it here!

AND you can get 15% off until May 10th in my etsy shop by using coupon code SPRING2013 at checkout!

God Bless!