a lesson

Well I have a whole week of things to post about. The week went something like this: basketball games(W), our friend Mikes '21' Birthday Celebration, a hair disaster, mom's visit, another basketball game(W- but it was not a fun W) and a fan club thanks to Uncle Kevin & Grandpa for coming, another basketball game(W), a hair fix, Gavin's birthday celebration and a Mary Poppins visit(thanks mom, you really are the best EVER!).
  It was one of those weeks where I felt like I was sinking.... fast. I was overwhelmed, lots of thoughts running through this brain, so many things on my 'to-do' list and a hair disatster(never good for any blond). After the first quarter of the game Thursday where the score was  0-1, yes that is correct 0-1- I was ready to cry. I put so much energy and time into this team and felt like I had a group of girls that could care less- they had no energy, it felt like everything I was saying to them was going in one ear and out the other, everything I was showing them seemed to be a waste of time, I was so frustrated I was about a basket away  from giving up. I didn't give up...as much as I wanted to, I knew they needed me and it was a matter of time and patientce. After the game we had a long talk and I prayed it worked. Well...it did- at least for Saturdays game. It's a process but I am going to keep working and pushing and I am confident that before the end of the season, some of what I have said will pay off.
 This got me thinkin a little bit....I wonder if this is how God feels sometimes. I know there are so many times that he shows us and tells us things that we totally ignore. When I was working through that game, I tried so many different ways to communicate with them, however that didn't matter. They had to want to listen before anything I said would matter. He try's so many different ways to talk/show us how much we need him, however we have to want to listen before anything he does will matter.man- That game might have been a bigger eye opener and lesson for me than it was for them.
 After having the week I had, I really believe that God was telling me I need to listen and lean on him. He is there, I just need to put my faith in him. I am so thankful that he has so much patience and NEVER gives up on us.
 Here's to a new week...and a good lesson. Happy Sunday.

Happy Birthday Gavin

Happy Birthday Gavin!

   I have watched you grow up from a little stud to a handsome young man. It is amazing that you are turning 23 today...seems like just yesterday that mom & I had a shopping day planned but you had other plans! Although I was a little upset that we had to go to the hospital instead of Value City it was sure worth it! You are the best little brother that anyone could ask for and you have a sister that loves you more than you know.

Gavin, you had to grow up so fast and you took on a role that others could not even image. You are an inspiration to me and I know Dad is so very proud of the outstanding young man you have become.
 Nathan and I wish you a Very Happy Birthday full of love and happiness. We Love You!

wordless sunday

Not alot to say today... I know- hard to believe huh.
The rest of this week flew by- between practices, a dinner get together with by best NWI friends, movie night, and a wedding reception last night we have stayed pretty busy.
We just finished watching the Colts victory... Super Bowl here we come!!Now we are watching the Saints and hoping for another victory. Colts vs Saints....couldn't get much better then that!
This week is another busy one. I have two games this week and IT'S MY BABY BROTHERS BIRTHDAY!!!! My mom is up to spend a few days with him and some time with us too. We are going to celebrate together this weekend after the busy week. Looking forward to great week(and hopefully two W's too...however, I am not bankin on it- we are not looking so good YET!)

time for some popcorn with the hubby...happy sunday!

day 2

Well it's now day two of being home, the good news is that today I feel a little more human. This is where I have been spending the last 48 hrs.

dreaming about being here...

a nice warm, SUNNY beach sounds pretty wonderful right now! oh well, guess I will just have to keep dreaming until July!

Last night my wonderful husband brought some 'treats' home for me to enjoy. He's the best!

We sat(laid) around last night and watched the Boilers, who FINALLY decided to play, and pulled out a W! That was by far the best part of the day and I really believe the reason I am feeling better today! However, I am still in shock they did not have Hart in the book...is this D1 or middle school basketball!?  That might have been one of the first things I learned as a coach...CHECK THE BOOK and NUMBERS BEFORE EVERY GAME! o well...whoever this Hart kid is... I am liking him and sure glad he is in the book now. 

I think I am finally on the finishing part of this 'bug' I am just I am so thankful that Nathan has not caught it yet!  Tomorrow I will be back to work and back to practice... its killing me missing two days of basketball, we have a game next week!  I know the girls are missing me too and will be glad to see me tomorrow!! :)

Back to dreaming of the ocean and cracker #3 for the day. 

yuck

After a great weekend, today I am home sick.

As my friend Vicky said(quoting Devil Wears Pranda) 'I'm just one stomach flu hour away from my goal weight'

not fun.

Boilers, Colts & Saints!

 What a great sports day for the Taulman family! Its been a long week... so long that I have no desire to blog about it nor do I remember too much about it. I sat down to blog on Thursday night but Nathan and I were watching the news on Haiti and as I watched the devastation and heart break I just couldn't stop crying. I couldn't bring myself to blog about what was going on in our life...when it seemed so trivial compared to what was on the news.My heart breaks for those poor people. We have said many prayers and will keep praying for them....they sure couldn't get enough.
 Friday we had a 'work day' @ school which meant no kids and no practice....pretty nice. Nathan took the day off(I was sooo proud of him...considering he lost 5 days last year!) so he was able to pick me up after school and we headed straight down to Gods country. We arrived at my moms last night and are spending the weekend here. man, I miss the country.
 Today we have spent the day running outside(Nathan in shorts & a t-shirt - its 50degrees), playing in the yard with the dog while I practiced my photography lesson(movement), sitting by the fire and now we are relaxing and getting ready to start watching a night full of sports, friends and veggie soup!! YUMMMYYY!!
  The Saints started about 5 minutes ago, the Boilers are in about an hour and the night will be capped off with a Colts game. The West's will be heading over soon to help us cheer our teams on. We are hoping for 3 big W's here.
 Tomorrow we are heading over to visit Niki, Josh & Jude and their newest family member, Roman. I can't wait!

new friends & old friends

What a day of friendship we had today! I thank God everyday for the friends he has put into my life...they really are the best!
 We headed to church this morning, got to sit next to our great friends Vicky & Joe and heard a very good message about the importance of giving. I know this is always a very touchy topic @ church- however Greg(our pastor) did a great job with it today. Reminded me about what I posted yesterday with giving back to him- today was about money instead of time. Really good.
 After church we headed to lunch with Vicky & Joe and their two beautiful kids(Ethan & Allie) along Bridgette(her hubby was helping out at church...what a great guy!) We enjoyed a delicious meal and were entertained with Ethan talking about Mr. Nathan's sock color and Allie coloring flowers! As I sat there I was so thankful for the 'new' friends that God has put into our lives. I don't know what I would do without them!
 After church we came home, I worked on photography(thanks for the cool websites Uncle Tim!) and Nathan took a little kat nap. We then got a call from one of my best college friends Katy! Her and her mom were shopping in our neck of the woods, so we met up for Starbucks. I wish I would have gotten a picture but I forgot to take my camera(I know, what photographer forgets her camera right!?) We sat there for a few hours catching up, talking about everything from fish to fashion, it was so much fun. Katy and I lived together my 51/2 and 6th year @ Purdue. She was a PE major as well so we spent MANY MANY hours studying(or attempting to study). She was also the one that kept bugging me about Nathan... she always kept saying 'I really think you like him more than a friend!' I guess she knows me better than I know myself at times!!  She has been one of the best friends anyone could ask for. She is that friend that would do anything for me AND she keeps me accountable for things. I am so thankful for my 'old' friend and wish we lived closer. maybe someday :)
 On the way home we got a call from Gav saying he was on his way over!!!! YIPPPEEE! I fixed noodles & mashed potatoes- I must say that I felt pretty domestic! We sat down and enjoy dinner and Aldi talk. ha Gav & Nathan are now watching a movie(boring!) so I am, well...blogging!
 Its going to be a full week of work & basketball but I just have to remember that its a short week for us @ Kolling. We have records day on Friday so that means no kiddies and then we have Monday off! :) 
 God is good...sure was a great day!