PopWilliam, and a favor.

Hey Guys!
I know, I know-
Two posts, one week...You just can't believe it!? I'll admit, I'm kind of surprised myself. 

Today is one of my VERY favorite men's birthday! PopWilliam is the rock behind our family. He has taught me to stand tall even when I feel defeated. He has taught me to work hard for everything I have. And he has taught me to invest in my passions.  But, most importantly he is the light of Eli's life. Everything Pop does, E has to do. It just melts me into a puddle.
Here are a few of my favorite pictures from the years. 

One of my first pictures of Pop and Eli.

My Three favorite guys! 

For those of you that don't know, we live on the way to 'Pop's fishing hole'. In the summer, he stops and picks up Eli at 5am. He brings them a breakfast of Mountain Dew, crackers, and little debbies.  They fish until 9 or so, and then he drops E off at home. Eli usually comes in tells me all about their morning and sleeps until noon. And, you'll notice Sammi in this picture. She loves Pop as much or more than Eli does!

And, most days after Eli wakes up from his post fishing nap, Pop will come back and get him and they'll go froggin'. 

Pop and Eli both at 7 years old.

I've seen this picture hundreds of times. It sits on the mantel at my granparent's house.  But, this summer when I walked past- it caught me by surprise.  It was uncanny, like I was looking at a black and white version of Eli.  I picked up the picture and Poppa immediately started telling me the story about his shirt. I was a shirt that someone had hand made for him to have his picture taken in. He was very proud of that shirt! He said it had hawaiian prints all over the material.  I held up the picture to Eli and snapped the photo of his face without ever mentioning it to him. When I held the photo up to my picture of E, Pop said "see, I told ya he looks like me!". And oh my! Doesn't he? The hair texture, the same lips, same crooked smile. Same eye shape and even the way they're looking out of their eye. Exactly the same.

Oh, Eli Dogan- how I pray that you'll live life with the same kind spirit, but tough personality. I want you to stay pround and stand firm in your beliefs. I want to see you love like PopWilliam does. 

And, before I leave you-  I just wanted to take a few moments and share a story that has touched my heart. 

This is Aaron and Ashley Coleman. Aaron and I went to the same high school, and although I did not know him well, I always remember him being such a "good ol' boy." The kind of guy that's always willing to help someone out.

Aaron and Ashley got married in 2011, and have been trying to add the pitter patter of little feet to their family, ever since.

They made some big time life sacrifices in order to try IVF, and were able to conceive. After a little over 23 weeks, Ashley's water broke and Sweet Carter was born.  Carter was too perfect for this world, though. And the Lord called him home after only 40 minutes.

The video Ashley put together shows their journey as well as the love they share for one another.  I hope that you will take 4 minutes out of your day to try and make their dreams come true.

Please, take the time and watch their video and VOTE!

I just know that their nursery will only be empty for a short time.

This is the link to their video: 

http://haveababy.com/sher-believe-2014-coleman 

And, here is the link to vote: 

http://haveababy.com/vote-believe-video-journal-favorites

Vote on all your devices and pass the word. Let's make their dreams come true!!! 

Feel free to share this post as well as sharing their video links!

Dear Service Member,

    I see you. I see you when I wake up my son. I see you when I kiss my husband goodnight. I see you when I look at my phone and see my dad or Keith calling. I see you when my mom cooks supper for my family. I see you when I ask Faye to pick up snack for Eli's class.  I see you, because I know these are things you've missed out on or that you are currently missing out on. I know that these simple tasks that I take for granted are tasks that someone, somewhere is longing to do with you or has longed to do with you. When I pack Eli's lunch- I know there is a mom somewhere, sacrificing a peanut butter and jelly sandwich tucked sweetly in a monogrammed lunch box.  When I'm complaining about the mound of laundry, I know there is a soldier somewhere in a country far away, washing his fatigues.  When I complain about our President, Congressmen, or Senate and a decision that I don't agree with- I know that there is a dad somewhere, away from his kids-defending my right to vote. I know that when I don't want to get out in the cold and watch one more soccer game- there is a little boy hoping that his mother will make it back in time to see one of his games. When I get so angry at my husband for his laundry pile RIGHT NEXT TO THE HAMPER. I know there is a widow somewhere wishing to pick up her fallen husband's socks again. When I'm yelling at Eli to pick up his toys, again.  I can't help but think of the momma that just sent her son off to bootcamp. I'm sure she's wishing she could say 'If I have to tell you one. more. time.' just one more time. 

     You're missing out on so much with your family so that I can enjoy life and liberties with mine.  I can not imagine having to kiss my husband goodbye for months, possibly years at a time. But, because your spouse has made this sacrifice, I don't have to.  I wish I could find words to express my gratitude, but everything I have in my mind falls short.  My life would be unfathomably different without you and the sacrifices you have made for me, without ever having met me. 

      I cannot say thank you to each individual person who has ever, or will ever fight for my freedom. But, I hope that this little blog will find a soldier, or the husband or wife of a soldier, or the son or daughter of a soldier, or the brother or sister of a soldier and that they will know- it has not gone unnoticed.  
      
       I will always try to instill an attitude of gratitude into each little boy and girl that passes through my classroom doors.  It is my prayer that they know about the real life heroes who are out there, protecting them from real life bad guys.

America will forever be the home of the free, because it is the land of the brave.


For all of this and so much more, I thank you.

**I try to take time to reflect on all that I have been granted, not just on November 11th, but everyday. However, this year- the word "Veteran" has gained an even more special place in my heart. Because this year, I have a soldier out there, training to defend the nation he loves.
     
Trey Abmeyer, I know that you are not a "veteran" yet. But, I wanted to take time to say- I could not be more proud of you.  I'm so thankful that Eli has such an outstanding role model! We love you and Hoorah! **

Get in my belly {But stay off my thighs}

I've been considering writing a book. It would be called "How To Eat Healthy and Save Money".

It would go like this.

Chapter One:

You Can't.

The End

It would probably be a best seller and Dr. Phil would want me to come on his show. He would tell the audience "This wonderfully accurate book was published by my son's company, Bird Street Books. And you're all taking home a copy."

And everyone would cheer. And I would basically have conquered the world. 

Or not.

Anyway- 

This weekend has been so hectic! After school Friday we had our last soccer game. We ended the game tied and had to go into a shoot out....and someone on our team tripped over the soccer ball and missed his shot. I won't name names, but I will tell you that after it was over that kid looked at me and said "Mom, it sucks that I fell...but at least I can sleep in tomorrow." 
Gotta love that competitive spirit. 

My little Soccer Star

However, He is a little Smarty Pants and met his AR Goal.

LR: Jax, Caleb, Owen, Eli, Dyson, Hayden

I love these boys like they're mine :)

I immediately left his soccer game, ran home changed clothes and jetted to Jonesboro to see Panic Era open for Saliva. Thank you, Hannah for keeping Eli!

And I took a selfie. And used Snapchat. 

Those two facts paired together pretty much mean that for a moment, I thought I was young and cool again.

The guys played great. If you haven't heard of them, you definitely need to check them out. (And pledge to their kickstarter account!!)
And, I would even say that if I wasn't sleeping with the lead singer. ;) 

#hottie

Ashlynn got these great pictures of the guys. In case you don't know them; that's Quinn singing (top left), Tyler Harris on guitar (top right), Tyler Green, playing drums in the center. Jason Long on Guitar  (bottom left), and Sean Duncan on bass (bottom right)

They are 5 very talented and hardworking guys!

these are the "band wives" Katie Green, me, and Ashlynn Long

I love getting to spend time with Ashlynn!

So glad Stephanie got to join us. I loooooove that lady! And, she has her hand on my newest band nephew, Peyton! Although, in this picture you cannot even tell Katie is pregnant. 

We didn't get home until 2:30 Saturday morning. 
We were back up at 7am to go play in a Softball tournament fundraiser for our school's backpack program.  
Our team was made up of random school employees and their spouses. We all got their without ever practicing together, had no idea who was playing what positions, many of us had never even met each other! We played 4 games total (3 of them we back-to-back-to-back). And ended up getting second place in the tourney! 

Chrisit, Laura, and I looking super tough!

It was a LONG, hot day- but a fun and exciting one as well.

Here we are with 'our' trophy. Or maybe it was one someone found in a storage room... ;) 

We were there from about 9 am-5pm. After the games, Eli had decided to spend the night with Faye so, Quinn and I went to eat with our friends Ben and Laura. 

We ate at Brothers bar and grill in Kennett. If you haven't tried it, you need to! It's Delish!!!

After we got home and took showers, we decided to lay on the couch and watch a movie. Pretty sure we were both asleep by 7pm. No joke! We didn't get up until 9am today. We both needed that! 

Today, I spent two hours looking up costume ideas for this weekend. Then, made a healthy meal plan and went to walmart.

Seriously, ya'll- it is EXPENSIVE to eat right. If you've seen Quinn in the last few months you have probably commented on his weight loss. He has lost around 40 lbs since the beginning of summer. I've always thought he looks great, but now he has a lot more energy.  I'm *trying* to join him in this process...but, dang ya'll I LIKE LOVE FOOD.  He has started exercising and just making better life choices in general. Ya'll, the man eats grapefruit. Like, as a meal...gag. If I ate grapefruit, I'd be skinnier- but, it would be from throwing up the grapefruit. 

But, after playing softball ALL day yesterday- I got up today feeling like I was 114 years old. (I literally walked around Wal-Mart with one of my shoes untied because I was afraid if I bent over to tie it- I wouldn't have been able to get back up.)

That made me really want to get in shape. Like, a different shape than round. So, I made a Quinn-approved shopping list...spent half my salary on healthy food and half my day googling items I needed from Wal-Mart. (For real, did ya'll know Spaghetti Squash was a thing?!) I mean squash, I've heard of. Spaghetti, I've definitely heard of..... but a spaghetti squash... looks like neither spaghetti nor squash. Weird. 

$$$$$$$$$$

I better be skinny soon.

I guess, I'll move the heating bad from my computer chair to the bed and dream of the oreos I skipped right over at the store. I hope they don't hate me.

Oh! And since you read all the way to the bottom without falling asleep, here is a picture of Eli as a reward. 

You're Welcome.

Missouri Amendment 3...Just Say NO!

Hello readers!
I have missed both of you.
Sorry, I took an unplanned blogging hiatus. Don't worry- My life didn't get boring or anything. I just entered what I refer to as the back-to-school-soccer-bandgigs-crazy-vinyl-grades-teaching-assessing-never-sleep-never-sit-down-barely-pee portion of my life, also known as first quarter. I'll catch you up real quick. School started. I have a precious, smart, funny class full of Rockstars. Eli outgrew me and started second grade. He was a wonderful teacher again this year. When he isn't hunting, fishing, or farming- he is reading up a storm. Quinn's band (Panic Era) has started playing gigs again. (They're opening for Saliva this weekend in Jonesboro...Be there!) Oh! And we now have a class pet. Readers meet Charlotte. She is a six month old chilean rose hair tarantula. My rockstars and I looooooove her.

I might have skipped an embarrassing story (or thirty.) But, there will be a time and post for those.

This post is a serious one.
I want to take a minute and talk about a serious issue that could greatly affect my life, your life, and most importantly the life of our children. This issue is, of course Missouri Amendment 3. This will be presented to you on the upcoming November ballot. I was challenged to share my thoughts and opinions on this amendment with three people. And since, I'm pretty sure I have at least two readers on here and I plan on telling my momma...that should cover me. ;)
I'm sure you can guess that I want you to vote NO. This is an amendment I definitely do not want to pass. But, I'm a facts kind of person and I would like to share some information with you about this amendment. First and foremost- I love my job. I love going to work each day. Hanging out with first graders is fun, exciting, and hectic. Which pretty much describes everything I love in all aspects of life. Watching children learn and grasp new concepts makes my heart grow. If there is ever a day that I get tired of seeing their little faces light up because they realized that they KNOW something new, I'll hang up my cardigan and find a new path.

This bill is being presented by some people as an issue of tenure. That is the least of this issue. Teachers who are in this job for the right reasons could care less about tenure. I'm not in denial, I am very aware that there are teachers out there who are just hanging on until retirement, but those people- are living their own kind of hell.

Being around kids day in and day out for little pay with no enjoyment invested= Major Suckfest. Luckily, I hope to never be in that position.
This bill will take away the option of local control. Which is pretty much a foreign language to anyone who is not in education. If you aren't in education-Let me break it down for you: (If you are in education, you may go back to grading papers, or get something out of the fast finishers bucket, Mrs. Dogan will be with you in just a moment. ;))
Public Schools are officiated by elected members of a committee or team, usually referred to as a School Board. YOUR School Board is generally made up of members of the local community. These people can be former educators, parents of children in the district, spouses of educators, people who are INVESTED in the education and future of YOUR students. The kids in these schools are not just a number on a sheet of paper to your School Board Members. They are sons, daughters, nieces, nephews, grandchildren- the issues that that effect YOUR children MATTER to the members of YOUR board. YOU get to vote and decide who serves on that board. If we take control away from a local board- that control goes to people in Jefferson City. I don't know about you, but I don't personally know anyone in Jefferson City. And I highly doubt that anyone in Jefferson City knows of Eli Dogan. I doubt that those people care what challenges may come up in his education in the next 10 years. I'm 99% sure that Little Johnny that sits at my yellow table has any connections in Jefferson City.
But, I'll tell you this: MY local School Board knows him. They know the family he comes from, they know the needs he has, and they will do anything in their power to help me, help him.
I don't think anyone in Jefferson City is going to be able to sit down with me and discuss issues that I may have with my curriculum, or seek me out at ballgames to see how my year is going. But, my local board members have and they will continue to do that for me, for Eli, and for little Johnny.
That is something you will lose if you lose local control. I don't want to see that happen.
Another thing that will happen if this bill passes:
We will begin to implement a One-Size-Fits-All Approach to education.

It is absolutely insane to expect every child to be able to learn, perform, and test in the same manner as his or her peers.
How can I individualize instruction just to turn around and standardize my assessments?!
Right now, the average student in Missouri will take around 25-30 standardized tests during their public school career. IF amendment 3 passes, that number jumps up to nearly THREE HUNDRED standardized tests.

 I can only speak for myself, but I would much prefer for the world to be operated by students who are critical, hands on thinkers than by students who excel at test taking. And besides that (educators, you may come back to the group now)- I have only been teaching 4 years, but in those 4 years I have NEVER had a room full of students who are exactly alike. I have students that come from wealthy households and students that probably don't eat a meal other than what they are served at school. (PS: The "meals" they are served at school are already regulated by the government (and quite poorly at that, in my opinion.))
Room 8 at Masterson Elementary has been faced with many precious souls, each of them unique and different. I imagine those students from the bottom of the bootheel, are quite different from those babies living in inner city St. Louis or the kiddos in Kansas City.
 How can teachers be expected to yield the same results from all students when some classrooms have a 1:23 student computer ratio and other schools are functioning on a 1:1 ratio?
They can't. You cannot fairly compare districts state wide when those districts are not equally funded, equally equipped, or equally trained.

And taxpayers, if I have lost you somewhere along the way on my rant I hope your ears will perk back up when you read this: Standardized tests are a far cry from cheap. And where will this extra funding be acquired? You guessed it, from you and I. This bill is projected to cost upwards of ONE. BILLION. DOLLARS. And we get to foot the bill. Higher taxes for Lesser Education? I don't know about you, but that's not what The Dogans will be voting for. So, I'll leave you with this quote and hope that you will research this thoroughly before heading to the polls.

And, I want to remind you: this bill will NOT be defeated if we do not exercise our right to vote. Staying home and doing nothing is NOT standing up for the future of this country. Our children are the most valuable asset you can invest in. I want to send them out into this world with as many skills as I possibly can I encourage you to do the same!

#MONoOn3

Thank you, Kennett Humane Department

I know that most of you have read or at least heard about the article that was posted on the Examiner earlier this week, claiming that KHD has been moving dogs to Malden in order for them to be euthanized via gassing.  First and foremost, I would like to say that I do NOT believe their numbers are correct. But, that information is not even relevant to the point I want to make.
The Examiner is NOT a newsworthy site. I assume that the people who read and believe that bs site are the same individuals who read and believe the information on Topix. (and boy, do I love a website where adults can go and discuss the paternity of a seven year old child.) (assholes) That, too is a topic for another blog post.
You don't have to read or believe the things I put on here. This is also not a newsworthy site. Just a blog by a girl who likes to make people laugh and sometimes put things out there that I am currently pondering on. I don't usually take the time to research stuff before I put it on here. This is just MY blog filled with my thoughts and opinions. That's the beautiful thing about Daily Dose of Dogan...it's just an insight into my world.
IF the numbers reported by the precious (I use that term lightly) Gila Todd.. look at it this way- if 100 dogs did have to be euthanized (by whatever means) there were hundreds, possibly thousands of dogs saved by KHD in 2013. The dogs that are euthanized are dogs who were diseased ridden or deemed vicious. Tena Petix is a wonderful woman who worked hard to save dogs LONG before she became ACO of KHD. Tena has connected Kennett with sites throughout AMERICA in order to make connections to rehome dogs.  She has taken animals into her own home and the homes of her children and friends in order to administer medications that they need. My own Sammi girl is a former KHD resident. She works on her days off, she works when she would rather be with her children or grandchildren. The fact that people feel the need to question whether or not she knows what she is doing is absolutely absurd.  Tena has compassion for animals that most people lack for humans.
 In my opinion, if someone doesn't like the method they use to put animals down, feel free to adopt those animals and pay for it to be put down in a different manner. Tena has a job to do, promise you she tries to save every animal she comes in contact with, but that absolutely is NOT feasible.That same logic could be applied to the hospital staff.  You cannot expect a doctor to save every patient he or she sees. Their job is to do their best to help each patient in the best way possible.
Furthermore, sharing that stupid article or any false information will only result in hindering donations and funding for KHD.  That is surely not a way to help animals. It sucks that animals have to be put down via EBI, gassing, or any other method. But, it is far more inhumane to bring a litter of parvo infected puppies to the pound that are contagious to the other animals than it is to put those puppies down and save the rest.  I am SO thankful that I don't have to make the call- but I am even more thankful that there are educated, caring people like TENA PETIX who take on that duty every day.
Before Tena took over KHD the conditions of the pound in Kennett were a far cry from wonderful.  I hope and pray that funding won't be affected and that things won't go back to once was. It is far less humane for animals to be living in conditions that are as sorry and pathetic as the humans who put them into those situations.
As a result of these naysayers, Malden is no longer accepting out of town animals. I guess Mrs. Todd would like for us to round up the diseased ridden and dangerous animals and rehome them to her address.  She could probably use some one on one time with an angry dog.
Ultimately, I say this: if you don't like the way things are handled- haul your happy ass up there and make it better.  They could always use an extra set of hands.

{not} Cleaning

I don't like cleaning. It's no joke. Call me lazy, spoiled, or whatever else you'd like... But, at least I'm honest. There are a million things I would rather do that clean base boards or mop the floor for the millionth time. 

And yet, I hate having a dirty house. I need to trade in 1/2 my ADHD for some OCD, for real. I love when my house is clean. I get mortified at the thought of people seeing my house dirty.  I don't like for Quinn to come home and the house to be a mess. 

But, I hate cleaning. 

 

I know, people think "you're a teacher. You're off all summer..your house sould be spotless." And I know people think that because, I used to be one. And all school year long, I keep a running list of things I will get finished over Thanksgiving break, or Christmas break, or spring break, or summer break..... And in my 3 years of teaching- I've probably crossed off half of those things. I just can't find enough hours in the day. I mean, I probably could find the time...but, I'd rather fill that time with water park trips or taking Eli to the park, or going the the river or the lake, or hanging out with my friends, or making plans for the upcoming school year, or fitting in all of the appointments that I can't make during the school year, or watching tv, or sleeping, or doing practically anything else besides organizing the closets or going through the stupid Tupperware cabinet.  (Does anyone else have a random cabinet filled with mixed matched bowls and lids...how does that get so messed up so easily?!) 

Plus, when I'm off..Eli is off. And cleaning with your kid at home is like brushing your teeth while eating Oreos. 

I have spent a great deal of time this week going through stuff and getting rid of crap that we don't need. And I swear, when I go to bed at night... The Hoarding Fairy stops by and drops off a new load of crap. I had big plans to dedicate this entire week to getting my house cleaned and organized before we go back to school, but... I must have sold my motivation in the yard sale this week because I cannot find it anywhere. 

So, we will live another day not being able to find stuff (matching socks are so last year, anyway), avoiding opening the hallway closet (it is a board game avalanche waiting to happen), and testing the laundry pile on the couch (I wonder if it will touch the ceiling before it falls over). But, we will make memories. And we will be happy and healthy. And if you don't like that... Don't come visit. We live here. It may look like a mess to you, but it's filled with laughter and funny stories waiting to happen.

And besides, the windows are too dirty for people to see inside, anyway. ;) 

  I guess, I'm off to clean.

And by clean, I mean drink wine and spray everything with febreeze. 

😘 

Jeana's Bachelorette Party!

I went to Nashville this weekend to celebrate my friend Jeana's bachelorette party. We had such an amazing time! Ashley (Jeana's sister and MOH) planned everything and it was great. I left Friday evening with Christie and Apryl. 

We made it to Nashville around midnight. I had decided that I wanted to make some tumblers for everyone, since we were going to do the Pedal Tavern. It's BYOB but since it's a traveling bar, you can only use plastics. Of course, I'm the world's best procrastinator, so we stayed up until a little after 3 am gossiping... While I put the cups together. Thankfully, Apryl and Christie were good sports about it. 

 

I love the way they turned out. 

The theme for the bachelorette party was "Sparkly". I was stressing over what to wear. And thankfully, I found a dress in my closet that cost a whopping $.97 at Rue21! I bought it in 2011 to wear for New Years but I couldn't fit into it then. I tried it on Friday afternoon and it fit perfectly! SCORE. I was stoked. 

 Mal, I seriously need Selfie lessons. 

So, we got up at the crack of 8 and got ready for the pedal tavern. If you haven't heard of this, YouTube it! It is a bar that is pedal powered. So much fun!! We had 13 girls in the party plus a family of three and the "Driver".  If you go- ask for Kyle. He was super fun and made the trip that much better. 

 

 

 

We made stops at several bars around Nashville. 

The beautiful bachelorette! 

Buying her a shot before she ties the knot! 

 

Such a fun group of beautiful women!

After the pedal tavern, Ashley had planned a few hours to swim. We ordered pizza and it was the best food I ate all weekend! 

 That's Ashley!  

After swimming, in true Fe style...I had to take a nap. Someone was nice enough to snap a pic of me. 

 And send it to Quinn. 😂 I feel like the blog has too many posts about me taking random naps. 

And then, it was time to get ready for party games and dinner. 

Ashley did a great job decorating. 

 

 

 There was an awesome photo booth... 

 

  

 

 

I don't get to hang out with Apryl often enough, but anytime I get to we have the best time! She's beautiful and talented. I just love her. And her daughter, Swayze (is that not the cutest name ever?!) is a living doll baby! 

Ashley also put together "hangover helper" boxes with all of these goodies inside! 

 

 

Then, we hit the town! Everyone looked great in their sparkles. 

 

 

 

 After dinner we went to The Flying Saucer, and a few other bars before finishing the night at a super classy place.... That won't be named on the blog. 😳😉

After a few more ummm...'adventures' I made it back to our room at 6:30. 

The ride home on Sunday was a fun one! I was glad to be back to my boys. 😍

 While this was going on, I was missing Eli's swim meet. I may or may not have sat in the bathroom and cried! 

 

 

 

Mom, Faye, and Magen kept me updated all day. I hated to miss it...but between mom, Nady, Faye, Magen, Hannah, Uncle Paul, and PawPaw.. I don't think he missed me too much. Plus, he was racking up the ribbons. 

 

He also managed to talk them into buying new jammers, new goggles, and an iTunes card. I'm sure he was super ready for me to come home. 

Umm, no. Not at all.