Survival Vs. Prevailing

Out of both words in this title, which one means more? If you chose survival, you're wrong. Prevailing is the correct answer. Why? I'll tell you why. Today I experienced one of the best trainings I think I've EVER been through. It helped give me perspective not only in my workplace but also in my home, at the mall, out in public, etc. Many other teachers joined me as well as we learned, "Strategos". It is a training on what to do if an intruder comes into the school building, or any building for that matter. 

In the morning, the instructor gave us so much information to process and talked statistics about school shootings that date all the way back to the 1700s. This is not new knowledge people. The guy gave us the real facts. Sugar coated? No way. We were told that we are the first line of defense whether we like it or not. We also learned that it may take up to 15 minutes for first responders to come upon the scene. Needless to say, we found out the truth about what "could happen". 

This is the book that he recommended us to read. It's the facts and the whole story about Colombine. It discusses how the two young males had been planning this for months. They had their targets and their plan in place. It even goes into detail about the security videos and the weapons/explosives they used. 

 

Lunch was served at noon and then the afternoon was the "scenarios". I'm not talking about walking around the school just talking about what to do. This guy only showed us three rooms and discussed what we could do to protects ourselves. The second part, he came around with an air gun and pretended to actually come after us. IT WAS SCARY! The first two times, he told us to just hide. He reassured us that he would find us. This is the natural instinct to do in a matter of emergency and feeling frightened (We talked many times about the Colombine shootings and how a women called 911 and just hid the entire time when she could've been doing something, she was also in the library). The hard part was that we couldn't run or hide until the first shot went off. Man oh man, talk about adrenaline! We hid and tried to be out of sight. It was hard because when other people came into the room with us (a couple of teachers and I stuck together), we almost didn't want them coming in because we were trying our best to be out of sight. 

The second scenarios that we ran through, we could lock and barricade the door. This is called Lock Down. Many schools are doing this now and it's the best thing to do to use up time. My group did GREAT! It was still suspenseful before we were called out. 

All I can say is that after that training, I feel better knowing what to do in case of an event like that ever taking place wherever I am. I recommend anyone to take this course whether you are a teacher, janitor, volunteer, etc. at a school. Safety is the most important thing first and foremost.

Pump It UP!

As I sit here pumping, yes, pumping; I'm getting discouraged with my milk production being low. I've done a few things to try to help like: doubling my water intake, drinking no caffeine, pumping every two or three hours, etc. I finally called the lactation nurse at the hospital and they are SO supportive!!! She recommended that I try Femugreek. It's a natural supplement that will help my production increase. We will see how it goes! I'd like to breastfeed as long as possible. Let's pray I can.

"Train Like a Beast Look Like a Beauty"

LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS IDEA!!! They're on the internet for $20. I'm highly thinking about getting one. The cool part is, the words only show up when you sweat! Gettin' back to it is hard after a baby, but I'm starting to have the confidence back and getting into that schedule!

Crossfit 573 is a cross training center here in town. My friend April Guilliams and her husband opened it up this past Winter. They gave everything to God and were working out in their garage for two years before making the decision to hand it over and start a gym. They now have over 200 members!!! Snap! 

"Feed your soul" is part of their motto. What a great thing to be a part of! It's like a little family and they're wonderful! I'm very blessed to have April as a friend. 

Goodbye to Summer 2012

Summer 2012 has been a good time. I must say, it's been an adjustment becoming a mother and a parent but I wouldn't change it for the world. Alex and I are so thankful that we have God, each other, and loved ones surrounding us with support. A lot has happened in the past three months! 

Everett was born, we took a couple of small trips to KC, Lake of the Ozarks, etc. We also celebrated our first Mothers'/Fathers' Days! Also in May, we celebrated Tia Claire's high school graduation. In June, Alex and I celebrated two years of marriage; July was spent trying not to sweat. ;) 

July was a month of all seasons. There were tears, laughter, exhaustion, crying, giggling, you name it! When Alex was laid off from his job, God has us in mind. Not only have we been praying for Alex to get a job closer to home, but a job where he would be able to spend time with Everett on a daily basis. God did just that. Alex was hired at Beef O Brady's two days after getting the news (that doesn't happen), he's been so happy with training to be a manger! Yes, the hours are tough and the pay is much less than what we had before as a family income, BUT not only does Alex get to spend time with Everett everyday, he get's to stay home with him all day Tuesday and Thursdays!!! Blessing in disguise is what I call it. We will not have the burden of childcare costs hanging over our heads. 

I've learned this summer that I cannot live by my schedule whatsoever. It's God's timing. HE knows what we need and if we fully trust him and ask him for help in a time of need, he will gladly help us.

Alex, Claire, and I planned a Hillbilly Shindig party for Ben and Megan's wedding shower. It was a lot of fun and friends and family joined us for a good food, fun, and games. 

Also in July, Everett's baptism took place. It was such a blessing to experience this for my own child. It was a special day for Alex and I to stand up in front of the congregation and make a promise to God that we would raise Everett Dale in the church and to have a heart for God. 

Here are just a few pics from this summer and all of the fun we had!

My first Mothers' Day with Mom, Everett, and Hunter

Alex and I on our second anniversary. We were watching Hunter's baseball game after having lunch.

Dave Matthews concert in July with great friends: Maria and Brock Allen

On our way back from the lake, we stopped for lunch. Everett kept eyeing the frosty!

Everett and Maria

When Aunt Teresa and Uncle Gary came in to visit from CA, we just had to get the whole family together to celebrate her birthday! Here is the Colyer/Livesay family. 

He's such a ham.

Visiting Tia at work! DQ!

My wonderful friends Amanda Abner and Emily Williams

Ashley Foeste and Ella!

Loftis family reunion time.

I got this pic in a text message from my mom when she was watching him for an afternoon. Again, what a ham! 

This was an end of the school year party at Ms. Matthew's house. All of the teachers were swooning. 

First family trip to KC Missouri. Everett was only a month old. He did amazing in the car.

Alex's first Father's Day! With Papa Steve.

Snagged this pic on Father's Day morning to wake up Big Al!

One of my absolute favorite pics from this summer. I took this pic and made it into a coaster.

Cousin Robyn holding Everett! I was so proud of her. She's not really a baby person but she did great with him in the pool!

It's so hard to believe that we are going back to school in a week. I have to go back for meetings but the students don't arrive until the 16th. Don't get me wrong, I'm excited. At the same time, I don't want this magical summer to end with my little man! 

Summer 2012, you were an eventful one. Thank you for that.