Home, Sweet Home

 I know that I have not updated in a long time, but life has been running at 100mph on cruise control, with no signs of slowing down! 

The school year ended 2 weeks into June due to our delayed start last year. It was a long two weeks. I was walking through mud and my shoes got stuck with every step that I took to get to June 11th. Crossing that finish line at the end of a school year has never been sweeter! Then, because a teacher never stops, I left as soon as my students were gone & made the trek to my fun summer gig, DECATS. DECATS is a 3 week program for Gifted & Talented students where they get to take classes that are of interest to them. While there, I teach a sewing class (who woulda thunk it) and a World War II class. Its fun for the scholars and for the mentors! While DECATS is so much fun, it was quite the turn around going from my school year teaching gig to the summer teaching gig....wooo---eeee!! It as a doozey this year, but worth being end-of-year-teacher-tired for 3 weeks! 

No rest for the weary in July! I took a week long training to get certified in Dyslexia Intervention. It was informational, but way more than I had signed up for. Note to self---read all of the fine print. After that, I hosted my own sewing camp at work! It was fun to have some of my former students back in 'class' with me! 

While all this is happening, we are still living with Jared's parents, which means continued long commutes to where we are going. 

Middle of July, an opportunity to foster 4 sweet puppies presented itself, and well, I just couldn't say no. They were the sweetest little monkeys, as always. They were very young...4weeks when HCR got them, so they needed some extra loving. You can bet that there was no lack in puppy loving. 

Those sweet babies came at just the right time. We were in the final push to get back into our house. Stress about getting things done and done on time was enough to eat you alive. Those sweet babies were the perfect distraction. I highly encourage having puppies on hand if you are ever remodeling your house. 

Since the puppies left....we have had 2 more fosters. Dutchess was adopted quickly after her spay! Sweet Jesse arrived not long after, and she is getting lots of love while on medical hold. She was a farm girl...never been an inside dog before. It has been heartwarming to watch her learn about all the doggie things! The TV still baffles her. She loves the couch, and has recently discovered sleeping on the bed. She is very timid and shy if she does not know you, but we are working on that. She discovered Shelby's toy bin pretty quickly...she doesn't quite know what she should do with them, but enjoys taking them all one by one from room to room. The pink flamingo is her favorite & often ends up in the bed with her at night. Sigh. Goes against our no toys or bones in bed rule that Shelby & Bella have to follow. 

What might be the most important update though...WE ARE HOME. While we may be living in a semi-construction zone, we get to go to sleep in our own bed each night. I don't know who missed home more...us or the puppers! Dexter was so excited to see a crate set back up with a comfy blanket. He loves sleeping in a crate! Bella was so excited for her backyard. There were so many squirrels for her to chase & all of her neighbor friends to bark at through the fence. Sweet Shelby doesn't have to fight for a space on the couch anymore and can sleep curled by my feet all night. Then, Sweet Sadie Mae...has her dog beds to herself. She has her favorite spot back holding up her favorite wall again. As for Jared & I...I think that we are most happy to simply be just us again. Not having to worry about intruding anymore. We get excited to hang up clothes in our closets! I enjoy taking a shower and not having to worry about if anyone is going to happen to walk in. I have so missed my BIG washer and dryer! 

We learned a lot. We grew a lot. We became closer. But I just have to say, I hope that we never have to go through something like that again. We are still battling the insurance company, but that may go on for some time. 

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Some time ago, I wrote a post about adoption being a ministry, and not just something that you do. I expressed want to adopt 2 Maternity Homes, one in Houston and one in Austin. I was thrilled about all those who expressed an interest in helping! Well, now that I am home, I feel that the time is right to begin that, especially since the Heartbeat Bill came into law. My hope is that these maternity homes are bustling with women who are seeking the help to choose life for their sweet child. These sweet moms need to feel loved, accepted, and known. 

I have pondered a name for this ministry, and what it should be called. I have settled on Mary's Embrace. Mary is the perfect example of an unplanned pregnancy carried out with love. I pray that choosing to bless these mother's in her name will wrap them in her loving mantle as they tackle difficult decisions throughout their pregnancy. 

This month, September, I am asking for donations of things for around the house. Twin Size, white sheets, white bath towel sets, mattress covers, and new standard pillows. I am hoping to deliver things the last weekend of September, the 25th. If you are a baker, I would love to include some homemade goodies for the moms, and would collect those the few days before the 25th. 

Also, if you have any gently loved maternity clothes, I know that those would be appreciated as well. 

Let me know if you would like to drop something off, and I will make sure that I have a tub on the porch for it. I am also going to include an Amazon list that you could purchase off of as well if you would like. 

Here is the Amazon Link:  https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/ROLHXVBIU9MZ?ref_=wl_share

Thank you for helping me love these mothers like Mary. :-) 

The Woman at the Well

Moving, new routines, formal observations, EOY meetings, new routines, hiring a lawyer, dealing with insurance, some days--crazy kids...where is summer?!, and did I mention new routines? 

Since I last wrote things have changed quite a bit for us. Our lease ended with our sweet friend & we are so grateful for the time we were able to be there. So, we moved in with my sweet in-laws. Our commutes might be a little bit longer, but our hearts are full. But, even fuller than our hearts just might be our dogs....they LOVE Grandma & Grandpa's house. Shelby is everyone's favorite, but she LOVES her Gigi. She became Gigi's dog when she was living with us after Hurricane Harvey. She patiently waits for her to get up in the morning, and is either at her feet or curled up next to her on the 'Seniors' couch. In the evenings though, Shelby will gladly hop from lap to lap (not including her parents, I guess that she gets enough of us). Bella thinks life is great barking at the Great Danes. Sadie Mae enjoys sleeping in the hallway away from the hustle & bustle. Dexter is in good company as the 'play police' with his cousin, Turk. They guard the backyard together & then get after everyone when they play too much. Dexter walks out into the backyard & stares into Turk's house waiting for him to be let out. Sigh...boys. 

This has also meant new routines for mom and dad. Our commute is quite a bit longer (even than if we were home), so our wake-up call comes bright & early. I will give that it is nice to watch the sun rise during my drive to work, but I am even more tired by the time I get home in the evenings. 

We have officially hired a lawyer, based on a great rec from a sweet family at my school, to go after Allstate...yes, I'm giving you a name, for our Dwelling Claim. That means the general rebuilding of our house...like walls and ceilings. Our experience with Allstate has been great until now, and after this, we will be leaving...I mean running. Some day, I will write the saga that this has become to get our house put back together. Just know it has not been all rainbows & sunshine...more like thunder & rain. 

The end of the school year is looming....3 weeks left. 15 school days!! We can do it....kinda...hopefully...hanging on by a thread....

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In my longer commute, there is actually time for my Pandora to connect to the car & time for the music to play. Most days, it's a daze of listening to the hum of the music in the background while thinking about all of the things that I have to accomplish for the day. While Lent was fruitful, I felt that I was left empty and longing for more during that time. It has been this season of Easter that has slowly been filling my soul. There is a song that caught my attention, and would snap me out of my daily trance. It is called 'The Well.' (See lyrics below & a link to listen) While listening, I immediately thought of the women at the well, who meets Jesus. At first, she does not know who He is and questions why & was He sure that he wanted water from that well, it was pretty deep. But, she comes to learn who He is and much more importantly, what He has to offer, Eternal Life. 

For months, I have found myself longing for something more, longing for a soft place to land, and longing for someone to take away the tremendous burden that I was carrying around. I have been the woman at the well. I have been going to Mass, but simply going through the motions. I have had quiet prayer time, and more often than not doze off into sleep. I have been going to the well, but not truly sitting and listening to who is there, waiting to offer the gift of life. Waiting to give food and drink of Eternal Life. 

When this finally dawned on me, it was after we had moved, and we were about a week into our new routine. I slowly began to realize all that I could leave at the well, and it would be taken care of for me. 

I left behind the fear and concern for the furry babies changing houses yet again, with the peace that they were happy & being loved. 

I left behind my daily, multiple phone calls to insurance, with the peace that someone else was going to fight my battle for me. 

I left the feeling of need to have it all together all the time for everyone, and the peace that it is okay to lose it; someone is there waiting to pick up the pieces, and build something new and better. 

I left figuring out our house with the peace that our contractor did have a plan to begin the work. 

I have left figuring out dinner each night to my other half, with the peace that he will get it done because he will not miss a meal. 

I have been working, very hard, at leaving work at work, unless it is something pressing that needs to be done at home, giving me the peace of mind that tomorrow is another day, and everything will get done. 

I have been working hard on taking care of me, leaving it all at the well, and sitting with the teacher. I have found peace at night sitting with some Catholic books (that I treated myself to) to help me both relax and find peace. 

While our journey with our home is far from over, I have finally found peace with where we are at, sitting at The Well. 

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Our contractor has been busy at work this week! The week before, Jared was very busy with his dad and brother, getting insulation installed, and working on some electrical work around the house. 

I was busy myself, and went and got lots of Miraculous Medals & St. Benedict medals from my favorite Catholic Book store (https://littlefloweronline.square.site/). I then walked around our house, with my Holy Water too, and tucked a Miraculous Medal inside the insulation in each room in the house, and a St. Benedict Medal next to each entry. Jared was following me, and bickering that my dash of Holy Water was getting his insulation a smidge wet...I told him to buck up buttercup. We may not have been able to put them in the traditional place, the foundation, but this will just have to do, and I think that it is just as good.  

I also stocked up our fridge for the workers. Happy workers, good work done, right?

But, the best news ever is that we have WALLS AND CEILINGS AGAIN!! When I sit in my bathroom, I can no longer see all the way into my sewing room. 

Pictured, hard worker guy...but my bathroom has walls again!! 

Hoping to begin collecting & blessing those 2 Pro-Life Houses in June! May was a tad crazy, but I promise that is still happening!! 

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Leave it all behind

I have what you need

But you keep on searchin'

I've done all the work

But you keep on workin'

When you're runnin' on empty

And you can't find the remedy

Just come to the well

You can spend your whole life

Chasin' what's missing

But that empty inside

It just ain't gonna listen

When nothing can satisfy

And the world leaves you high and dry

Just come to the well

And all who thirst will thirst no more

And all who search will find what their souls long for

The world will try, but it can never fill

Leave it all behind, and come to the well

So bring me your heart

No matter how broken

Just come as you are

When your last prayer is spoken

Just rest in my arms a while

You'll feel the change my child

When you come to the well

And all who thirst will thirst no more

And all who search will find what their souls long for

The world will try, but it can never fill

So leave it all behind, and come to the well

Yeah

Leave it all behind

The world will try, but it can never fill, leave it all behind

And now that you're full

Of love beyond measure

Your joy's gonna flow

Like a stream in the desert

Soon all the world will see that living water is found in me

'Cause you came to the well

And all who thirst will thirst no more

And all who search will find what their souls long for

The world will try, but it can never fill

So leave it all behind, and come to the well

Leave it all behind, leave it all behind

Leave it all behind, leave it all behind, and come to the well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKioQPEW4do

 

Adoption Equals Ministry

A couple of weekends ago, we took a very short trip to Austin for a weekend with one of our Adoption Agencies. Much to Jared's delight, I was awake the whole drive, which equals deep conversation. I'm sure that he was overjoyed not to have to listen to his Podcast. **Inserts evil laugh**

We had a wonderful discussion on the way up about the different things that formed and shaped our faith and who we are today. It could have been where we were going. It could have been my musical choice of a lovely Pandora station. Or, let's get real here for a minute, it was God. We both chatted back and forth about what it was that had the largest impact....was it Life Nights, volunteering at EDGE, being on the IHM Senior Team, being a Core Team member, playing Ultimate Frisbee, JHDC, (see adventures from youth ministry here... https://lessonslearnedonestumbleatatime.blogspot.com/2013/06/finding-joy.html ) , or eating pizza every Tuesday....I mean XLT. We both concluded what while everything had a large impact, and those whom we were around played a large part as well, the thing that radically changed our lives was XLT. 

If you ask Jared, he will say that free food always wins...I mean, what better way to lure in high school kids than a promise of pizza? Well done, youth ministry, well done. Food is the way to a teens heart. Then, one you have been lured there (which sounds awful) you realize why you are really there. It may not be in that moment, or even within those days or years. It will most likely be years down the road, when you go man, what I wouldn't give for an awesome Tuesday evening filled with pizza & Jesus. 

These Tuesdays were so much more than we realized as participants. Jared loved being able to serve with the Priest, and escort Jesus over the the CLC from the Church....field trip! He found that time, and those conversations so valuable. Did you know that he was discerning becoming a Priest in High School? Crazy, I know. Ask him about his story sometime, and the awesome advice that he was given by a treasured Priest friend. As for me, I loved the praise & worship during Adoration. There was nothing more fulfilling that singing at the top of your lungs, praising a God that loves you unconditionally, and is constantly pouring out His grace to you day after day. It was in those moments that we truly began to value how integral, important, pivotal, inspirational the Eucharist is, and that it is the pinnacle point of our faith. 

Now, why am I rambling on about XLT...I know that you are asking yourself that right now. Well, in diving deeper with the Eucharist, it drove us into the ministry that we became part of for so many years. We did everything under the sun....and then some. Then, we reached a point where we were just burnt out, and it was time to step away for awhile, and discern where we were as a newly married couple. For us, that meant moving to a parish closer to home, and focusing on us. 

For a few years now, we have struggled with where we are called to give our time with the Church. We were supposed to be back in youth ministry? If we were to be involved in another ministry, which one? Oh the decisions! 

Well, this weekend was eye and heart opening in more than one way. We always knew that adoption was more than just getting a baby and adding to your family. There are way more hearts involved than just ours. When picking an agency, it was so important to us that the birth mother would be taken care of after the adoption had happened by the agency. Little did we know, that this would also involve us. 

Adoption in and of itself is a ministry, and such a beautiful one. Not only is there an opportunity to minister to the family that is adopting, but a beautiful opportunity to minister to the mom, and her family, who out of love, placed their child for adoption.  Birth mothers need just as much support and love. They have literally given a piece of themselves to someone else. 

So, how can you get involved in the ministry of adoption, I'm sure you are asking yourself at this moment. Well, here are a few ideas--pray for a family going through adoption. Prayers for them as they are walking their journey will mean more to them than anything else.  

There is also another lovely option, and that is finding a maternity home and donating towards their needs. While those mothers may not always be placing a child for adoption, they have made the choice to parent at what is likely a difficult point in their life. I like to think of them as "Pro-Life Houses." Without them, many mothers may be making other decisions. These homes not only care for those moms that may be living there, but care for them after they have moved out as well, helping them to get on their feet. 

I have spent the past few weeks in prayer, along with Jared. We feel called to love on those mothers (adoptive or not) in the maternity homes. There is one in Houston, LifeHouse (https://lifehousehouston.org/) , and one in Austin, Sarah's House (http://breathoflifesite.org/sarahs-house-maternity-home/).  Each month, we will be reaching out to these ministries, and asking what they need specifically, and then look to collect donations from those who feel called to give. 

The pieces of the puzzle have fallen into place so nicely, so I will be starting in May, which just so happens to be appropriately the month of The Blessed Virgin. Be on the lookout for a post on how & when to donate!! Jared & I are truly excited about this opportunity to minister to these moms! We pray that you might join in with us as well. 

A few other life updates.....

We are still not in our house. No, they have not begun work....insurance is pushing back hard, but we are pushing back harder, fighting tooth & nail for our little house. We want a home that is done...nothing fancy. Girl just wants some walls back up, a kitchen & a bathtub....too much to ask for? Apparently it is if you ask our insurance company. 

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-the-brinker-family-rebuild-their-home?qid=f23d393061c4d60c26417ae3930cfb4e&utm_campaign=p_cp_url&utm_medium=os&utm_source=customer

We could not be in a better place with K...she has made staying with her like being with our own parents. Bonus that she loves our furballs too! It doesn't hurt that they are all cute, and know how to give her the puppy eyes to get what they want, either. Sadie Mae especially, gets anything she wants. Can we say spoiled??? 

We are still prayerfully waiting in the adoption world as well, but know that everything will happen in God's timing....cause He knows that we are not in our house right now & that I just may freak out if we have to get a home study done on another house. 

I gave up my house for Lent.

Lent has always been an awkward Liturgical Season for me. You give up something, and do really well...for a bit then inevitably something happens and chocolate and wine find their way back into your life. I am sure that there is someone out there who agrees with me? 

Lent is a season of sacrifice, and deep prayer. I have always dove deep into the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary, finding Lent to be a time to enter into a deeper relationship with Mary. This is probably one of my favorite parts of Lent...joining my suffering to His, and taking comfort that in the end death has no grip on me. 

As with adoption, each season seems to take on a new meaning. Adoption is all about waiting; faithful waiting and basking in the fact that all things happen in God's timing and not in ours. We are still waiting...patiently, most days, waiting. 

This year, just seems to be a whole new 'level' of Lent. I was chatting with a friend, and we were discussing what each of us had decided that we were going to give up this year for Lent. I giggled, then asked, in my best serious voice, "Does giving up my house count?"  

Now, why in the world would someone give up their house? Well, you see, it was not voluntarily done. When the apocalypse happened, and Texas literally froze, we had several pipes burst. Which, ordinarily would not have been a huge issue, but we were not home when it happened, so our little house filled right on up with water. When our kind neighbor told us that the power was back on the neighborhood, Jared went to check on his grandma (who fell & broke her hip Sunday) and then went to check on the house before we brought all of the dogs back. When he walked into the house, through the front door, he was greeted to several inches of water on the floor, and the ceiling in our entry way was on the floor. It's a good thing that he knows how to turn off the water because he ran back out and turned off our main water line. Then back in to assess the damage, which is when he called me. To quote, I said hello, what's up? Jared, "The damn ceiling is on the damn floor." Then he promptly said that the had to go. Well, his dad was iced in Byran, so I called his brother. Jacob answers, assuming Liz & I need something. I said no, apparently the ceiling is on the floor at my house, can you go and check on Jared. He left work & rushed over. 

Since then, it has been a whirlwind of being on the phone...all the time. Calling and filing with insurance, and then calling every remediation company that has a good rating on Google, and getting on their list. I called the same day it happened, and could not be given a date for service. That was the same song & tune for all 15 companies I called. Some were kind, and we got on their lists; others, frustrated just like homeowners & showing it in their customer service. 

By the grace of God, we were able to secure a remediation company to come out, but the damage had already been done. A little science fun for you. If you live in Texas, the weather is never to far away from 80 degrees, and if you have holes in your ceiling, your A/C cannot keep the house cool. So, what happens? Mold. Mold is what happens. As they tore down walls...they kept finding mold growing. I knew that it had taken over my new sewing room, as it was visible, the rest of it was hidden behind walls, floors and cabinets. What started as just a wet mess, was quickly becoming a wet & moldy mess. Thank goodness the remediation company knew what they were doing, and took the appropriate steps to save things. 

As I sit back and think on the answer I gave to my sweet friend though, I gave up more than my house this Lent. I gave up being comfortable. So often God calls us to do things that are out of our comfort zone, and out of our norm, but we often shy away from those things because we do not like being uncomfortable. 

I am comfortable in my own home, my own routine, and setting. I hate, despise, and loathe change. I am a home-body, and find comfort in my routines. If 'giving up my house' for Lent is teaching me anything, it is about being okay with change and learning how to lean in to being uncomfortable, which by the way, is anything but comfortable. 

I had to learn really quick how to get along without my bed. 

I had to learn to let Shelby go cuddle elsewhere in the evening. Apparently when you stay with your friends, you sleep with your friends. 

I have had to learn to plan my wardrobe for the week since my closet lives at my mom's. I joke that I wish I had Jared's option of a handy Ace polo & jeans daily. At least Friday's are easy, Spirit Day! 

I have had to plan for my weekend days & what I would like to do, as I am often at my mom's doing laundry. 

I have had to learn that it is okay if someone else cooks dinner for my husband and I. 

I have had to learn how to shop differently...feeding 4 adults instead of 2 &  no sewing room with school/work snack storage. 

I have learned that sometimes routines have to change...as much as you do not want them to.  Creating new routines and new habits is tiring and stressful...on a daily basis. 

I have to remember to not go home after work. 

I have learned how to ask for help. Gulp. Probably the hardest thing to learn out of all of this. Jared and I are the typically the last people that will ask for help. The tables are usually turned, and we are always helping others. We have asked more of our friends, and our families lately than we probably ever really have had to do.  

There is so much more that I have had to learn. This just seems to be the tip of the iceberg that has become the Great Flood post the Great Freeze. We are wading into the waters of dealing with insurance. So far the water is cold, very, very cold.  

If being uncomfortable is what God has called me to be this Lent, then I would say it is going swimmingly well. We were not made to be comfortable in today's world. If you are comfortable in how you are living, are you challenging yourself to do new things, to grow, to learn? Comfort is wonderful, but the uncomfortable is where we truly grow. The iron put in the fire sure isn't comfortable, but it becomes something new and wonderful after. It seems to be that all of the growing, molding, and learning seems to happen when we are outside of our comfort zone. 

I know that after this storm, that we will come out on the other side better and stronger. There might not be a more fitting season to be in this storm than during Lent. Uniting my suffering with the suffering of the cross. This is where I have been planted this season, and learning to grow in my uncomfort is where I am. If you ask how things are going, you may get a variety of answers depending on where I am sitting in that very moment. I will do my best to give you an answer with grace, but sometimes, life just gets the best of you and emotions just overcome you. 

So, I will be enjoying a glass of wine, and some chocolate, because for Lent, I gave up my house. 

**On a side note, our sweet Collie rescue community has set up a GoFundMe to help us with costs that have come up & that will come up. We have had to say no to fostering for the foreseeable future, which breaks my heart. 

https://gofund.me/fbef83cf

So Long & Farewell to 2020

 As I sit on the couch, with a precious Collie girl Bella in my lap, as the fireworks begin to go off, it is a reminder that this year, this weird, odd, bizarre and at times, cruel year is coming quickly to end. Looking back on this year, so many things have happened, and so many things have not. I decided tonight is as good as any to look back and reflect on what this year has meant to the Brinker's, while the sweet Tequila in my favorite margarita, eases the pain of things that were dreamed of, wished for, and prayed for in 2020. 

In our world of fostering & rescuing, there were so many happy moments that overshadowed all that was going on in this world. Our sweet Sage, who we had for over 6 months, finally found her furever home in early June. That girl has hit the jackpot with her new family and we could not be happier about where she has landed. We fostered 2 different sets of puppies, the "Friends" litter, Chandler, Joey & Phoebe came along at just the right time. Virtual school had just begun, and I was deep into the trenches of trying to figure out this new mode of teaching over night. Those puppies quickly became members of our class, and regularly made it onto our video calls. Then came short and sweet, Miss Emma. She was quite the puppy...gave Bella a run for her money! As with puppies, she was gone in a few short weeks! Then Miss Lassie came along...skunked. Yes, you read that correctly, she has been skunked. That was just as fun as a barrel full of monkeys let me tell you. Girlfriend got a bath, then another, got groomed...and the skunk smell was finally beginning to fade. She hopefully goes for a sleepover tomorrow...praying that it goes well! Then, we rounded out the year with a second set of puppies, our "Sports Teams" litter, 3 boys---Astro, Comet & Rebel, and their so sweet little sister, Aggie. They were Christmas puppies....yes, I know, how cute would reindeer names have been...stinking adorable, that's how cute. Missed opportunity there. There is just something exciting about giving a pup their new name for their new beginning. 10 fosters for 2020...to me that is a whole lotta good. 

Emma---a whole lotta personality in that little dog! 

The "Friends" litter...they were such little lovers! 

The most recent puppies...the "Sports Teams" litter! And yes, I put them in a stocking and took their pictures. That is what a good mama does. 

Beautiful Sage. She overcame a lot to get where she is today. 

2020 stole our sweet Micky boy from us. He was diagnosed with cancer on a Wednesday, and by the following Monday, our sweet boy was telling us that it was time to let him go across the Rainbow Bridge. That boy healed our hearts and brought so much joy to our house. He was such a happy dog, and loved everyone that he met...even if you did not like him. He was a sensitive soul too. I have a theory about Tri-Colored collies. They are way more vocal than their counterparts, and boy are they such sensitive souls...they pick up on EVERYTHING going on around them. Micky was no exception...he loved with all that he had and all that he was, a beautiful boy gone way to soon. 

My most handsome Micky. Hey Micky, you're so fine....

2020 was just cruel enough that I helped my boy pass over Rainbow Bridge, and then I had to prepare to begin Distance Learning the next day....man, that was rough. Thanks, 2020. I put a smile on, and off I went doing what I do best! Speaking of Distance Learning, what a trip that was. A crash course in technology that you think you know how to use, but hey, its 2020, you really have no clue what you are doing. It's like walking in the dark and there are legos scattered across the floor. Some steps are great, and others hurt like hell. My foot still hurt from Micky, and I just kept on stepping on those legos for a few weeks until I got into the groove of working from home, and teaching through a computer (What is life even at this point?!) We made it though. The ride might have been rough, we may not have always kept our hands and feet in the vehicle at all times, but we survived, and we thrived in the end. 

Our sweet nephew, Brooks was born the day after Jared's birthday! He is the cutest little nugget, and his pictures and videos bring so much joy! He was born a few days before my Spring Break began. When Spring Break arrived, I packed up in the car & took off for Memphis (before lockdowns and stay-home orders) to love on that sweet boy & take care of his mama. I soaked up all of the baby cuddles that week! We snuck up again in the summer to love on that sweet baby some more, and so Jared could meet him! Then back again super quick in August for his Baptism. 

All of the new baby snuggles! 

Sweet chrism after his Baptism. 

Baptism day! 

His Auntie Shannyn made his Baptism Cake! 

I taught myself how to do something new during quarantine!  Quilting! I love the idea of building something beautiful out of nothing! I have made baby blankets for a few years, but really dove head first into the world of quilting this year. I watching a whole lotta Missouri Star Quilt Co. videos, with Jenny giving tutorials. This expanded into me finding a place to get certified to use a long arm quilting machine so that I could quilt my own quilts. Found Double E Quilting, and love their friendships that are forming, and all of the knowledge that I am learning from Eva!! My goal is to one day own a Lucey of my own in the sewing room that my sweet hubby, brother & father in law are building me! Jared says its time for me to move out of the living room. I have also created my own little quilting business, Sparkling Ridge Quilts--find me on Facebook or Instagram! 

My first quilt! 

Quilting has also been great for keeping my hands and mind busy as we enter into year 2 of our adoption journey. I have found that if I have something to keep focused on, it helps to keep my scattered mind from wandering too much. Needless to say, a lot of quilts have come together since the quarantine began... 14 quilts in total....and ahem, well, a whole lot waiting patiently to be created. I keep telling myself that there is no such thing as too much fabric...there is no such thing as too much fabric...if you keep saying it, it will be true, right?!

As we round out 2020, we are still waiting. Some days are tougher than others. We pray for our phones to ring with good news. While nothing happened in this realm in 2020, so much more did, and for those things, we are still grateful for in our lives. We sure have gotten to spend a lot more time together...whether this is a good or a bad thing, well that depends on the day and who you ask.  2020 was more a year for the dogs....mom worked from home & they could not have been more thrilled! It was quite the adjustment for them...and me...when work began again in August. 

We also welcomed the most dapper Dexter to our family....something about those Tri's....

                                 We pray that in 2021, all of your hopes and dreams come true! 

366 Days....

When you look back on a year, it's amazing how much can happen in that span of time. Since we officially applied last summer to our agency, a lot of things have happened.....

*Another school year has passed

*Another year of work for Jared has passed

*We have fostered 5 dogs

*We lost Micky

*We gained Dexter

*Shannyn taught school virtually & survived to tell the tale

*We gained a nephew

*Our home saw improvements

*Our yards got a face lift

*We are living during a pandemic

*We have officially been waiting one year.

1 year

366 days (Thank you Leap Year)

8,784 hours

527,040 minutes

31,622,400 seconds

have passed, and not with out prayer, hopes and dreams. 

Did you know that the average family waits for 2 years before they are matched and welcome a child into their lives? So, being the realistic people that we are, while also holding onto to hope that our phones will ring any minute, we are settling into more waiting. 

While we settle into this, we want to ask you to join our journey with us! We got the idea from a friend, and thought that it was wonderful! 

We have purchased 2 puzzles....collies and goldens seemed very fitting. 

We are looking for your help to build these 2 puzzles! We are looking for people to join us in prayer & to join the journey financially if you feel called. There is nothing more difficult or humbling than asking for help from others. 

If you would like to join us spiritually through prayer, please fill out the Google Form, and we will place your name on the back of a Golden Retriever puzzle piece.  

 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Z5dyx6R_6gyuLGCN0i8hdtdLr7vgSA9kEBEApZpFRMY/edit

If you would like to join the journey financially, at any amount, we will place your name on the back of  Collie puzzle piece.  

You can donate through our GoFundMe page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/baby-brinker

PayPal: jones.shannyn89@gmail.com

Venmo--Shannyn-Jones

Once we have filled all the pieces and they are built, they will get put in a double sided frame and hung in the nursery. Then we will be able to show this sweet child all of the people who prayed for them and joined their parents in this journey to them becoming a part of the family. 

Thank you in advance for your love & support! 

What Day is it Again?

Funny. I logged in to begin to compose a post today, and this one was saved, with simply the title.

It still rings true today though...as a search for a routine has begun again since school has ended. Falling into summer used to be easy. Begin the summer job and keep the same routine going. But, when summer is cancelled, you are left pulling at any string looking for a sense of normalcy...as we have been since March.

So much has happened at the Brinker House & in the world since I last posted in January that I feel several separate posts will have to make up for my lack of blogging...unless you just want to read a novel, which is not a horrible idea!

So, buckle in, keep your hands inside the vehicle at all times, and enjoy the ride!

Chapter 1--Wait, what? Work from home? 

When I last wrote, I was spending my days in Memphis with the BFF before her Baby Boy came. Just 2 teachers soaking up their Christmas Vacation, no thoughts of the work that awaited them upon their return. There was talk on the news of a virus spreading rapidly through China, and I was gearing up for a busy Spring Semester at work. Funny how the world changes in what feels like over-night. School began with us in full gear with lots of learning left to do, projects to partake in & a Field Trip to go on! January flew by and February creeped in like a sly fox. February seemed to never end. Maybe it was the leap day. Maybe it was the lack of a day off. Maybe it was just February being rude. But let's be real for a minute, it was the fact that Spring Break was looming every so close. Like that carrot dangled in front of the rabbit, and that is all anyone could focus on. I thought of it as motivation to get through the long days, my kiddos, they were just longing for another break and to hang out with their friends. Spring Fever was setting in. But, by golly, not only was February sly as a fox, but like a hurricane stewing and beginning to make landfall, Covid-19 was slowly encroaching on the US. February finally ended, and March showed up to the party...drunk. We made it through the first week, and had a blast counting down to Spring Break! But that Covid-19 Hurricane was getting ready to make landfall. 

On Friday, March 6, I laughed with my students in my classroom, prayed with them, in my classroom, taught them, in my classroom, played with my students, on the playground, and I wished them a wonderful break and promised to see them in a week. My calendar still feels stuck on March 6...the last day of normalcy. Then the eye made landfall. First, the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo was cancelled. Then, we were told we were going to have one more week of Spring Break. Then...boom...out of school till May 4, and the city is shut down unless you are an essential worker.  It was like a massive punch to the gut. My first thought was my kiddos...do they understand what is happening? Are they okay? Then, how will we do this...

Off to school it was. We learned how to use the Google Classroom platform; packed up what we believed the kids would need from home, and made copies of anything they might need. It was a total whirlwind, and left my head spinning and my heart reeling with emotions. 

Let's pause for a minute, hop off, and have real talk for a hot second. The following is sentiment shared by a teacher on Facebook, and hits the nail right on the head. 

A teacher somewhere is packing up their classroom right now, mourning the class they never got to see to the end. The class they won’t get to see graduate. The class they won’t get to enjoy the beautiful spring weather with. The class who will no longer be able to sit and feel the suspense of a mystery read aloud. The class who won’t be able to sign yearbooks and make summer plans with friends. The class they never got to say goodbye to. The students they won’t get to hug anymore. The students they weren’t able to explain what was happening. The students they can no longer check in on every day due to technology deficits or little parental support. The students that shy away from face-to-face videoconferencing because they don’t understand why their world has been turned upside down and routines thrown out the window. The students whose only positive interactions and care were inside these four walls.

This hasn’t been easy. Lives have been immeasurably disrupted. Teachers have had to switch gears and create a classroom online and implement lessons in ways they’ve never had to before. Oftentimes spending more hours than they would in a normal workday. Heightened sadness, staggering stress, disenfranchised grief.

Stepping into these classrooms is overwhelming. It’s as if it was frozen in time. Weeks and months gone unchanged. Calendars still set on March, preparing for Spring Break. Projects left unfinished on the counters, crayons and glue sticks half-used, novels bookmarked halfway through, forgotten lunchboxes and coffee mugs; a time capsule.

As difficult as this is for you, know that teachers are grieving. They chose this profession because they love education and they love children. They’re dealing with a lot of adjustment and stress themselves. Packing up a classroom before the year is complete, feels alien. It is sad, it is frustrating, and it is hard.

Tonight, pray for a teacher.

There is no question that this time of quarantine was not just trying because I was stuck at home, but it was also a time of grieving what could have been...

Okay, hop back on! Buckle back up & hang on! Off we go...

I feel very blessed that all of my students had access to technology and the ability to meet with me every morning for live lessons. But, an hour filled with mini lessons does not fill that void. I was available all day for my students to call and ask questions. My afternoons were filled with checking assignments and providing feedback to the students, communicating with my parents, and getting online assignments ready for the next day. Hours began melting together, and work became an all day affair. Taking who you have planned and ready for in classroom and on the flip of a dime turning things into online assignments was no joke. It took up a lot of time. I am one who enjoys the distinction of home life vs work life, and during this time, the 2 were becoming one. That was one of the toughest parts. When your dinning room becomes your classroom, your world is rocked.

While this time was tough, it came to a bittersweet end seeing my kiddos on the Last Day of School; seeing my kids in person for the first time in 9 weeks. My teacher heart was happy and breaking at the same time. The year was ending, but felt so incomplete. It's one of the things that I love about teaching, a clear and cut beginning and ending to a year. This year, I'm still stuck on March 6...

My new "classroom" for the last quarter of school.

Chapter 2 Cancer Sucks.

During the second week of "Spring Break", our sweet Micky boy went in for extensive tests to try and piece together all of these weird symptoms that did not go together at all! He had been having trouble with a paw since October, which we thought was good after a minor surgery. XRays showed that infection had affected his bone, but no evidence of anything else...anywhere in his body. It never could get quite right...antibiotics would help for a time, pain meds would help for a time, steroids would help for a time...then he began to have other issues. I noticed that he was slowly losing weight, even though he had a hearty appetite and ate 2 meals a day. Then the sweet boy began having accidents while he was fully asleep. Then accidents when he was just lounging around, walking around, etc.. Urine test did not reveal any infection, so the next step was a massive brainstorm. I made a huge long list of things that I could not even pronounce half of the names. Dr. McIntyre made herself a list after reviewing all of the information that she had gathered through his visits. We merged lists, had a few that matched up, so she laid out what we would need to do as far as testing for each one. Well, cancer was on both of our lists, as much as we hated it. I decided to start there, convinced that he did not have cancer, my boy was just too young; I had not had enough time with him. To rule this out, he would need an ultrasound of his bladder/abdomen. I dropped off my boy, with his diaper bag, yes you read that right, he was wearing pee-bands/diapers, and prayed for the best. Y'all. They brought my boy back to me, and the sweet vet walked in the room, and she did not even have to say anything. My heart sank to the pit of my stomach and tears swelled in my eyes as she began to explain what was found on the ultrasound revealed that while his bladder was fine, my boy was terribly ill. It abdomen was riddled with cancer and he had fluid building up in his peritoneum. Fluid build up indicates that the cancer is very advanced.

I was told that I had maybe a few weeks at best left with my boy. My boy who came in and healed my heart when I believed that it was broken. My boy who never left my side. My boy who soaked up all of my tears. My boy who curled up in between Jared & I each night for cuddles. My boy who made all "right" in my world again. I could not believe that I was losing another baby. Another blow to the gut. When you cannot have children of your own, and while you wait patiently to be picked, your furry children are your children.

My boy was diagnosed on Wednesday and over the next 4 days, I watched him slide down the unstoppable slope. I knew that he was only going to get worse, and that it was not fair for him to suffer only because I was not ready to let him go. On Monday, we took in our boy and helped him to the Rainbow Bridge. The next day, virtual learning began.

Micky boy is resting easy now and doing all the running and jumping he wants. Losing a fur baby will never, never, never, never get easier or not suck, but when you have a vet who loves your furbabies as much as you do, it helps to ease some of the pain.

Micky on his way to what would be his last HCR event. 

Hey Micky, Hey Micky, Hey Micky you're so fine....

Chapter 3 How you doin'?

So no one told you life was gonna be this way

Your job's a joke, you're broke

Your love life's D.O.A

It's like you're always stuck in second gear

When it hasn't been your day, your week, your month

Or even your year, but

I'll be there for you

(When the rain starts to pour)

I'll be there for you

(Like I've been there before)

I'll be there for you

('Cause you're there for me too)

Let's take a look and see where we are...the middle of the Hurricane Covid-19...remote learning is in progress & our house is a little empty with the loss of the Mick. Well, what could help ease the pain and make being stuck at home a little bit sweeter....nothing other than puppies. Fuzzy, furry, little collie puppies. We were so blessed that these babies this year were are healthy! They just were not quite old enough to be on their own yet. We had these guys for about 3.5 weeks, then off to their furever homes they went! But not before we instilled a love for George Strait in them. Play Classical music to soothe them they said....bahahahaha. King George did the trick! 

So meet Joey...who did not share food; Phoebe who loved to "sing", and Chandler who was easy going. 

Puppies are good for the heart & soul! 

Who doesn't love a pile of puppies! Melt your heart into a puddle! 

We love to play outside and answering to "Puppy, puppy, puppy"! 

As you will see, this became their preferred method of sleeping. Tummy up & out....means they feel safe and secure where they are! 

Shelby is a good little Mama to the puppies. Chandler in particular was her shadow. 

Mom, look! It can hold me up while I sleep!

If this face doesn't put a smile on yours, then, well....

Phoebe was promoted to Assistant Cleaner! 

If you have been around for awhile, you will remember that we had puppies last summer too. We had a very sick puppy, Oreo, now Willy and Henry. These 2 boys got adopted together and went to just the best home ever! Oreo is on the left, Henry on the right. They are so big and so sweet....and they still remember us! We have gone to visit the boys & were greeted with so many kisses and cuddles.

The boys on their First Birthday! 

Chapter 4  Well, he's a big boy. 

Micky left a big hole in our family. While Bella seemed to be getting along well without her big brother, she was driving Shelby up a wall with all of the playing and horsing around that she does. Funny though, Shelby girl just joined right in. 

About the time we lost Micky, HCR got in a beautiful sibling pair, Lacey & Dexter.  Since they were siblings, I brushed off thinking about Dexter because I assumed he would be too bonded with his sister to separate. Dexter & Lacey were turned over to HCR after their owner passed away from cancer. 

Well,well, well after a couple weeks, it was determined that they were not an overly bonded pair and would do well apart as long as they had a playmate. So....I went and found a picture of him and sent it to Jared. He replied with, "Well, he's a big boy." Yes, yes he is! Dexter weighs in at just under 90 lbs. I have been told that this is how big a typical collie used to be, but they have been bread to be on the smaller side. 

He agreed that we could go meet him. Dexter put on a show....he is like a cat! He loves to wind between your legs, rub up against you, and lean on you. This sweet boy stole his way into our hearts. We loaded him up & headed home. 

Funny how you do not notice things until they begin to change. As Dexter settled in, so did the girls. They were no longer pacing about and worried about the front window. Bella began napping in her chair again. All things that I had noticed, but had not correlated to not having a male dog in the house. The girls need a protector, and Dexter quickly and quietly settled in as the King of his Kingdom. 

Happy Gotcha Day, Dexter! 

Dexter & Lacey as puppies. Their previous family shared some pics of them with us from their childhood. 

Queen Sadie Mae & King Dexter

Keeping watch over his kingdom. 

A Tri-Color, a Blue Merle & a Sable Collie walked into a bar....


Chapter 5  Waiting

We are still patiently waiting to get "the call." It will come in his time. We are coming up on the one year mark of officially being on the list. We will be getting our Home Study renewed soon, and we will continue with the waiting and prayers. While waiting is certainly not fun, we know that it is part of the process. 

We are keeping busy with work, fostering and projects around the house. We'll be ready when that call comes! 

Thank you for coming along on the ride. We hope you enjoyed it and will come back again! Until then, I'll be busy with several sewing projects and helping another foster with her puppies. Oh, and trying to keep track of what day it is!