The life and times of Leanne

Things about me

2012-01-21T17:13:00.000-08:00

I admit it - I'm a blogstalker. I stalk blogs from friends blogs. Tonight while I was blog-stalking I found this little survey...thought I'd add it to my blog too. :)

1. What is your favorite thing to search for on Pinterest? (Assuming you use Pinterest. Which you should if you don't.)

Clothing and food

2. Have you ever been outside of the country you currently live in? Where?

I have been to Canada, Mexica (well, sorta), and Ireland. I went to England once on the way to Ireland...I even have a passport stamp there (does that count as going there?)

3. If you could speak a second language fluently, what would it be?

Well, I use sign language. I'd love to be considered fluent (to know what anyone is saying at any time.) I'd also love to speak French, and since I live in Texas, Spanish probably wouldn't be a bad idea.

4. Are you a cat person or a dog person?

Either. Alan, however, is more of a dog person (and I use that term loosely where he's concerned!)

5. What type of house is your favorite? (colonial, ranch, tudor, etc.)

um...I just like the one I have now...whatever it is, I'm good with that!

6. What is your dream car?

Red Thunderbird (the ones made while I was in college...someday people...)

7. If you were vacationing 10 hours away - would you drive or fly? (and not because of money)

Fly. You get there faster.

8. Would you relive high school if you could? What would you do differently?

While that was a simpler time in life (eat and live on your parents' dollar, I wouldn't do it again. I think I made it through pretty well the first time. What would I do different? Probably not much...

9. If your significant other had an accent - what would it be?

Irish...oh wait -- he really does have one!

10. Would you rather not shower for a week or not brush your teeth for a week? Ew! :)

I'd rather neither, but if I had to choose, probably teeth...

11. Would you rather have all boys or all girls?

I hear all boys is easier in the teen years - but whatever I get I will be perfectly fine with...I just hope they come one at a time! :)

There you have it -- a little blog-stalking survey, complete.

This week...

2012-01-21T11:59:00.000-08:00

Let the record stand - I'm still a bad blogger -- but I'm trying!

Monday we were off school. Can I tell you how wonderful it is to sleep until your body wakes up?! Can I tell you how un-wonderful it is when you wake up at 8:30 and your husband has NO intentions of getting up?! :)

When we finally got up we made breakfast burritos, nothing special - just eggs and onions on torillas - but yummy! (insert bad blogger statement: I have no pictures of this).

We put on a roast and Mom, Allison, and Thomas came over for lunch. It was the first time they'd seen the house so it was fun for them to come visit. Thomas brought me some roses so we got to use the vase we were given as a wedding gift. (Wedding gifts are wonderful!) We had a great time eating, showing off our house and then watching Tom and Jerry with Thomas. I love that kid's laugh! (You guessed it - No pictures) I do, however, have a picture on my phone of what I did with the flowers as they started to die. I pulled off all the petals and filled the vase with the petals (like potpourri). As a matter of fact, I thought it looked so good that I posted it to pinterest. They don't look nearly as pretty at day 3 - but it would be a stunning centerpiece for a wedding (and maybe cheaper since it's just petals?). I will post it at some point.

After they left I ran a friend to the store and then Philip came over. We sat and drank coffee and ate dinner and looked at OLD pictures (like 2003 and on). It was fun for him to come over again and I have learned I LOVE having company -- however, I must improve at this pictre taking thing! :)

As the week progressed I worked and Alan worked on the house with our friend Jonathon. It's almost completely painted on the outside and the final closet fixtures were hung this week along with the back storm door. It's so fun to see it all come together!

For those who actually read this: We are still waiting on visa news. We haven't heard anything since we did fingerprinting just after Christmas. I had a dream (nightmare) last night that we tried to travel to Ireland but didn't have visa stuff complete. They let us fly there, and I woke up before we came back...not fun.

We are hoping February will be the magic month, but we will see! :)

I suppose that's all I've got for this week. I wish I could give you much more interesting information (and pictures...) but this is what I've got!

I pray you all have a great week and are immeasurably blessed by our amazing Lord!

Welcome 2012

2012-01-14T11:54:00.000-08:00

It's official:
it's 2012.
I've been married almost 4 months.
I'm a blogging failure!

I'm going to try to remedy that in 2012 - but let's be honest.
You aren't holding your breath (are you?!)

Let's run a quick cap:
September 17, 2011 - Alan and I get married! It was quite honestly the most wonderful day! Stress free for the most part, loads of fun, and I became Mrs. Duigan - perfection.

September 17, 2011 - Grandma (dad's mom) passed away from complications with her Alzheimers. While it was expected, it was still sad.

September 23, 2011
AM: Grandmother fell (2 days after her 94th birthday - don't tell her I told you!) and broke her hip. Mom and Allison stay at the hospital with her all day.
PM: Visitation for Grandma's funeral. Amy, Paul, Alan, myself, Dad, Aunt Sharon, Uncle Craig and other family members attend.

September 24, 2011 - Grandma's funeral. Grandmother gets up and walks - Amazing.

October 17, 2011 - Alan and I celebrate one month married!

October 31, 2011 - Alan and I move out of our 1 bedroom apartment and into...a trailer...just until the house is finished.

November 15, 2011 - Alan and I spend our first night in our newly rented house!

November 24, 2011 - Thanksgiving! Allison is sick so Grandmother stays at her new apartment. She was discharged from rehab just 6 weeks after breaking her hip! However, Buckner was shut down so she moved to the Atria in Carrollton. She's so close now...but no germs for her!

December 3, 2011 - First party at our house! We had the Annual Indian (Irish) Thanksgiving at our house. We had SO much fun!

December 17, 2011 - 3 months together!!!!

December 24, 2011 - Christmas Eve. Grandmother's first outing to church since her stroke in April. Alan's and my first Christmas together!

December 25, 2011 - Christmas!!!!

December 31, 2011 - Christmas with Amy and her family. Christmas dinner. New Year's Eve Party with little boys.

January 1, 2011 - New Year's Day! No better way to start a year than church!

Jan 14, 2011 - Today. A lazy Saturday with my husband. This week will see us together for 4 months. I love this man! I decided today to try to blog more. We'll see!

Let's face it - we all know people prefer blogs with pics....so, I give you - pictures!

Family pic from the wedding

Christmas shoot by our fantastic friend Kristina Glass

My personal fave!

Bridal Portrait (my fave!)

Wedding...in pics

2011-10-17T14:48:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures from the wedding...I should get the DVD of pictures from the photographer tomorrow and then I'll have LOADS more to put up! :)

Thursday night dinner at Spring Creek with the Irish (and Jenn)

Dad took the guys to shoot at his favorite shooting range....

We girls got our nails done (this was at the salon though you can't actually tell we've just had our toenails painted...)

Then the boys checked out Ham and Eggs in Lewisville -- check out the pancakes!

We had a wonderful rehearsal:

And the wedding was beyond exceptional!

All the kids made it down the aisle without a hitch...

And so did Dad and I!

David teased us about having triplets, which made loads of people laugh.

We said vows...

Gave each other rings...

Lite the Unity Candle I bought in Irleand 10 years ago...

And kissed!!!!!

Then we headed for the reception!

We danced and danced and danced (even though there were only 3 dances it took FOREVER!!!) (We also had cake and tossed a bouquet/garter. We chatted with friends and had a ball!)

During all of these festivities Alan's family and friends gathered at his Dad's house in Carlow, Ireland to watch the happenings on Skype! I love that they took a picture! :)

Truly - it was the best day of my life! :)

Sound of Music

2011-10-17T14:33:00.000-07:00

This summer I was in the Sound of Music at Sherman Community Theater. I had a blast as the chant leader for the nuns and Maria's dresser. Here are some photos from the end of the run:

Allison and Me

Crystal and her mustache

Mustaches all around....

The very sweet Nelson girls and me

My Sonic Loving friend Lisa

Steve -- his mustache is real! :)

I have others and perhaps someday will post them....but perhaps you shouldn't hold your breath!

Summer 2011

2011-10-02T13:40:00.000-07:00

This summer was a busy one! It started out with a 3 day trip to some training to work with hard of hearing/deaf babies. Then I came back and Donna and I had a puppy party! Donna has 5 dogs (2 poodles - Jett, and Lizette, a westie/poodle mix - Carly, a bichon/poodle mix - Kirby, and a lab - Cooper) and I have Mercy so we got together and let them play. What happens when they all think they're lap dogs....

They ALL lay on you!!! In this picture Kirby was busy barking at his imaginary friends and couldn't be bothered so you can see Mercy, Lizette, Jett, Carly, Cooper and me.

My sweet Thomas is in Karate and LOVES it when people come to watch his class. He's pretty good at it too! One day his favorite Aunt Leanne got to come -- though he really wasn't too interested in the post-karate photo session...

One afternoon when I was down we went and got the little stud a haircut -- itsn't he a cutie?!

Possibly the most anticipated part of the summer is 'Neals on Wheels' when my older sister, Amy, and her family come to visit. We usually are the end of their visit and end the visit with a trip to my Aunt Sharon and Uncle Craigs house in New Braunfels. This year, they switched it up and we went to Sharon and Craig's first. Mom, Allison, Thomas, and I loaded up and headed down. As always, I got bored within the first few hours so I started taking pictures!

Mom cooperated nicely (course, she was driving so she had little choice!)

However, Thomas and Allison were not so accomodating....notice the resemblence in Mother/Son behavior....

Self-portrait (notice NOW Allison chooses to be in the photo -- with her tongue hanging out...)

When we finally arrived Thomas tried out the beds and decided they were quite comfy. He loves staying at hotels! After we'd settled in a bit we loaded back into the car and headed out to Aunt Sharon and Uncle Craigs. Soon after we got there Grandma and Aunt Sharon got there. Grandma got some love from Thomas, but really, he just couldn't wait for Amy, Paul, Christopher, and Andrew to get there! Soon enough Team Neal arrived and swimming chaos ensued!

(This kind of chaos is the best kind!)
We swam, had hot dogs and hamburgers with all the fixings, potato salad, and homemade salsa for dinner. Amy and Paul stayed with Sharon and Craig so once the boys were in bed and T was ready to go to the hotel, Mom, Allison, Thomas and I went back and got a good nights sleep!

The next morning we got up and went to the Children's Museum in New Braunfels. It's mainly one large room with play sections set up. There was a train section and a store section and a home section, etc. The boys ran around (with a few minor issues) and played until lunch time.

Grandma, me, and Aunt Sharon

After we finished playing we headed out to lunch. We went to a place called Pat's Diner where Amy was excited to have a Dr. Pepper and Christopher was excited to....read the menu!

We swam again and had leftover burgers and such that night and I learned to make potato salad! Then we headed back the next day.

Other exciting things we did while the Neal's were in Dallas:
*Cousin Pictures - at a local park - at 9 am - in 95 degree weather --- joy.
*Ring bearer practice @ Prestonwood Baptist Church
*Ring Bearer tux fittings
*The Rosemead water park (sooo fun!)
*LOTS and LOTS of playing
*A trip to the Dallas Aquarium (more pics later)
*Amy, Gram, Paul, Allison, Thomas, and Andrew saw Cars 2 while Christopher and Aunt Elan (Auntie Lan?!) stayed home and played

A few more cute photos:

Christopher playing on Paul's iPhone at Starbucks (love the seriousness!)

Andrew checking his 'email'...

Christopher playing in the little pool while the 'big boys' saw Cars 2

It was so much fun to see the Neals and to know they'd be back in a few short months!

Carrollton Shower

2011-10-01T20:10:00.000-07:00

In July, Amy, Kathy, Allison, Laurie, and Ashton threw me a shower in Carrollton. Amy, of course, won the award for travelling the farthest to attend, followed by Laure and Ashton! It was a wonderful shower with many friends from different parts of life in attendance. The food was light and delicious, the fellowship was perfect, and the gifts weren't too bad either! :)

Amy, Kathy, Allison, me, Laurie, Ashton

Yummy food!

The sign in table...complete with PURPLE pen!

The favors....(for the Burleson shower Kathryn had these made. We had several left over so we used them again!)

Good friends meeting each other! (Cynthia Byrd, Danielle Eastman, Kathy Hass, Chrystal Coker)

Ashton and Laure -- Ashton was originally meant to be a flower girl (years ago...), now she's a bridesmaid!

Mom and Momma Wilson Wilson

Mom and Sue Ann

The CUTEST gift bag ever

Mr. and Mrs. coffee mugs (as a side note - we used these today for our 2 week anniversary! Thanks mom!)

A lovely frame

We recieved many other wonderful things. After the shower I was able to spend about an hour with the Irby's (whom I hadn't seen in too many years). Then I went back to mom's and we had a nice family dinner. It was a wonderful day!

Married...and lots of back-blogging to do!

2011-09-28T15:54:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to let the world know -- YES -- I did get married. I am planning to back blog (starting with the Carrollton Shower and moving toward the present). Please bear with me as I try to update and then once I'm updated I will work to blog at least once a week for those interested...

For your pleasure and enjoyment...here's a pic from the wedding!

Burleson Wedding Shower

2011-07-23T12:37:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago Jennifer, Kathryn and Kelly threw me a Bridal Shower at Jennifer's house in Burleson. They did a purple, black and white theme, even the cupcakes were purple and black!

Here I am with two of the three hostesses (Kelly woke up sick Saturday morning and was unable to attend)

(Kathryn, me, Jennifer, Hannah)

There were about 10 people there and we had lots of fun playing games, eating, and opening gifts.

(Val, Sherrilan, Mom, Angie, Sheila, Kris, and Jenna -- Amanda, Allison, Jennifer, and Kathryn stayed out of the camera's way!)

After playing a purse game and a 'How Well Do You Know the Bride' game it was time to open presents!!

My mom gave both Amy and Allison their first place setting of dishes...and she kept up the tradition with me!

Allison got us some tupperware.

Sheila gave us a picture frame (perfect for a Bridal Portrait -- which are done and are amazing!)

and some sheets!

Sherrilan gave us salt and pepper shakers and...

canisters. Allison suggested (well, teased) that they would be perfect for dog treats!

Angie gave us the essentials for a 'date night' - popcorn, ice cream scoop, coke glasses, and candy!

We were given 2 sets of these dishes (one from Kris and Jenna and one from the Huffman's) and are now please to say, we will have something to eat off of! :)

Val gave us this very cute basket with kitchen gadgets and the tea kettle! I was super excited about the tea kettle! (Alan says he'll be super excited over the ice cream maker and/or the coffee machine!)

Kathryn gave us these sweet wall hangings and a husband/wife Willow Tree Angel. I am so excited about decorating with them!

Jennifer and John provided us with silverware (to eat off of our lovely dishes with...) and

some pans...then told me that since I had these things they would be coming to dinner....here's hoping I learn how to cook before then! ;)

It was such a fun day and I was thrilled to get to see some friends I haven't been able to see in a while. I am so thankful and so excited to get to use the items we were given and to remember who gave them to us as we use them!

In parting...I was given one of these thingys...I think it's a dish rag -- but I'm a little unsure of what to do with it...

Jennifer, however, seems to have a handle on it!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-07-20T09:04:00.001-07:00

Wedding Planning

2011-07-07T08:34:00.000-07:00

I just want you to know, wedding planning is FUN! (and stressful!)

I have recently tied up some loose ends and in case you didn't know -- checking things off a 'to do' list is much fun!

Last week Mom and I went to check out 2 places for bridal portraits - the first was a fantastic venue! The McKinney Cotton Mill is amazing -- for fall and spring! It isn't air conditioned at all! We took a very warm tour of the place and loved it! I can see it being a venue for a later shoot -- just not my portraits! The other place we looked at was Thistle Hill. It's a historic home in Fort Worth. Lovely. This place is the winner as it is FULLY air conditioned!

I (finally) got jewelry and a hairpiece to go with my dress -- and both were at awesome prices!

Mom got her dress for the wedding! We had planned a whole day for this, but took care of it in 2 stops!

We planned out the program and picked paper so all we have to do is have it printed (and then assemble it...)

We got invitations for the rehearsal dinner. We literally walked in and I said, "Oh look - this is what I was thinking...Oh wow! It's only $10!" and bought them!

I now have all of the music I need for the wedding and can give it to the appropriate people. :)

Rings have been ordered...dress is at mom's...portraits are being planned...2 showers coming up...yep - things are rolling along!

In the next few weeks I will be visiting receptions at Prestonwood to see if the set up that I've created will work.

We still need to find cheap material or sheer curtains to go on the tables at the reception, we need to have the portraits done. I need to get a garter. There's a lot of little things left to be done.

But I feel very good that we've taken care of so much!

So good, that I'm taking a quick week long trip to Ireland at the beginning of august! I'm so excited to see alan and his family! :)

(The a button is broken on my computer - hence, little a's)

Thats all...perhaps after the wedding I'll return to 'good blogging'....perhaps!

Summer is here...

2011-06-06T08:45:00.000-07:00

I am always excited when school ends and summer begins. Here's what I'll be doing this summer.....

*Planning a wedding...there's so much to do and though it seems like we've got lots of time -- there's only 3 months and 11 days. WOW!

*Hopefully going to Ireland -- time for my summer visit! I so look forward to seeing my friends and future family members!

*Summer school - I am teaching one student, one hour a day, 4 times a week for 4 weeks. That equals about $500!

*Taking a certification test -- I need to take my generalist 4-8 test.

I think that's all...I mean, I know that's not all -- but those are the highlights.

Now, just because I know people read blogs for pictures...here's one from Mother's Day:

Frustration with the blog

2011-03-29T19:51:00.000-07:00

So the post below has no line spacing. Seems that no matter how many times I hit return, when I publish the post it runs all the lines back into one big paragraph. I just want to say a) that's annoying b) I do know how to use return and did when typing...just when I published they were taken out... c) that's annoying. ...and with that...I'm going to be done with blogging tonight...Good night!

Spring Break...the beginning

2011-03-29T19:37:00.001-07:00

On Friday, which I consider the official beginning of Spring Break, I headed to Grandmother's. We had a lovely BBQ dinner and watched CSI. Then, due to some issues with her TV we watched a movie on my laptop. Then we went to bed. It was wonderful to spend some time with my sweet Grandmother. On Saturday morning Grandmother and I had a lovely breakfast during which we discussed wedding plans and other such things. Then I got myself cleaned up and headed to Fort Worth. I got there in time to have lunch and hang out with Kelly and Val. We went and looked at wedding rings to go with my engagement ring, and did a bit of shopping. That night Val and I played Pokeno (I won sunglasses and some bracelets!). Sunday I went to Living Water Church. I love my church here in Sherman - very much...but Living Water is like going home. It's the people who I worshipped with for 8 years - they're family. I have a wonderful new family here in Sherman - and I am so grateful for them...but it was an amazing Sunday morning in FW! Sunday evening I got to spend time with the Tucker's. We hung around the house and chatted until about 10! Of course, Kathryn and I talked wedding (what else should a bride and her bridesmaid talk about?!). It was great to spend some time with them and to have them meet Mercy! Sunday night (later) I drove back to mom's house and took her to the airport on Monday morning. Then Danielle and I went up to Sherman to pack me for my week in Georgia. Sadly, by this time the little tickle in my throat that started Friday night has blossomed into a full blown allergy attack. I didn't feel too great Monday evening, and honestly didn't sleep great before my horribly early flight on Tuesday. Sometimes, though, good times override a bad cold! :) (Pictures to come.....)

Testing and Fun

2011-02-19T18:56:00.000-08:00

Today my boss and I took the practice test for Secondary ELAR certification. I don't like this test. It consists of 90 multiple choice questions and an essay. I can do the multiple choice (I got 78.75% on that part of the test today). It's the essay I don't like. It's hard. You have to read paired passages and compare the themes and literary devices used which support the theme. HUH? I know I've spent most of my last several years of teaching in a High School setting, but my students are rarely on grade level. Translation: I don't know what the heck I'm doing with this essay thing!

Today we weren't technically required to write the essay - so I didn't. I, instead, did most of the brainstorming and then started the essay. I then read the 4 sample essays within the booklet and decided I could write at least a 2. I then called it a day!

Both my boss and I were done with the testing by 12 so we went to eat at P.F. Changs. It was super yummy! Then we wandered Pet Smart, looking at all the puppies and kitties there for adoption. We also perused the toys and treats aisles before leaving.

We hit the road back to Sherman, but got stuck in traffic in McKinney. We realized it was McKinney Trade Days and decided it would be safe to stop since neither of us had very much money. We walked around and all was fine until we hit "Barkley Way", or something like that. This aisle was everything dog! Here's what Mercy got:

Her very own collar - complete with pink bling and id tag. Here she is modeling it along with her new hairbow and a dress that my boss gave her for Christmas:

In case you can't tell from those pictures, here are two more showing you exactly how Mercy feels about playing dress-up:

I'd say, this day wasn't all together too bad!

Saree...Finaly

2011-02-19T18:18:00.000-08:00

Several months ago (like October!) my friend Ananth promised me a saree. His wife was coming over soon and she would be able to bring me one straight from India. She called me and asked me for my sizes and color preferences. I told her my sizes and requested purple.

In November we had an 'Indian Thanksgiving' where I (yes, that would be me!) cooked a 2o pound turkey!!! Unfortunately Ananth and his family were unable to attend due to illness. So I didn't get my saree. Since then we have been trying to work something out, but there was alway something that keeps us from getting together!

Finally, last week I asked if they would be interested in coming to my house for dinner and to teach me how to wear the saree correctly....and they did! Tonight Ananth, his wife, his daughter, Philip, and Vinoth came over for dinner. The house was clean (even the bed was made!), I cooked dinner (well - I put it in the oven), and offered dessert!!! And, as promised, they brought the saree! It is GORGEOUS! I cannot wait for the opportunity to wear it! Here are a few photos...

My new beautiful, purple saree...

Expert saree putter-onner

...isn't it stunning?!

Thanks so much Ananth and family!

Kitty woes...

2011-02-18T19:36:00.000-08:00

Here lately my Gracie has been acting strange. I will probably tell you more than you wanted to know so if you don't care, now would be a good time to go read someone else's blog.

In October she started this thing where she will throw-up a hairball (gross right?!) and then continue throwing up until there was nothing but bile. It has been so sad watching her do this once every other week-ish since then. I tended to just say, "Oh, she must've gotten into the dog's food" or "guess something didn't agree with her."

She also seems to have been eating less, drinking more, and her little kitty poop could clear the room. Seriously folks, she has made my eyes water on more than one occassion. I have also had to get up in the middle of the night and spray air freshner in the bathroom because the smell was permeating my house!

Finally, I decided I should take her into the vet. I've been talking about doing so since December, so I decided on Wednesday (after another round of throwing up) that it was time. I took her in at about 12:30 on Thursday and went to check on her after school. Much to my frustration, they'd done nothing. Seems she wasn't feeling too bad - she went after the vet's hand!

They kept her overnight and tried again on Friday. She snapped at the vet (a different one) again so they had to sedate her. While she was sedated they gave her fluids, ran a bazillion tests (blood panel testing for kidney failure, and a host of other things), urinalysis, viral tests (feline lukemia and aids), an intestinal parasite test, heartworms test, and probably something else I'm missing! Each test run came back completely normal! I was so thrilled to hear this! They think that my cat has IBD (irrital bowel disease). I laughed a little at this as I have IBS (which is the same thing). They gave her a steroid shot (which I never got - in fact these tend to UPSET my stomach, but is intended to help hers!) while she was under. She came home with amoxicillan drops to make sure there's no H-pilori (the bacteria that causes IBS/IBD) and new food. My is now eating a perscription food that is meant to help with allergies, intestinal issues, etc. On this medicine they tell me she will a) eat more, b) drink less, c) poop less smelly. I'm especially excited abouyt (c).

She is also to get some 'cat-lax' twice a week. This is hairball gel stuff that helps break down the hairballs so there's less throwing up. I like this too.

All in all, my kitty is just fine! I am so relieved! Here are 2 pictures of my healthy baby:

"...Moooooooom, why are you always taking my photo? You know I don't like it!" (she's a bit camera shy)

"What're you looking at?! I will now blind you with my laser eyes...." (and when she does look, the flash hits her eyes funny...)

Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T23:30:00.000-08:00

Today was Valentine's Day. It was my first, and last, Valentine's Day as an engaged girl...and I only talked to my fiance on the phone for about 45 minutes. I did, however, get these beautiful flowers while I was at work

and I got to meet with Prestonwood Baptist about the wedding. I am so glad that next year I will have my Husband with me to celebrate this day! :)

Friends or Enemies?

2011-02-10T07:47:00.000-08:00

What happens when you're snowed in?!

2011-02-09T20:58:00.000-08:00

You sleep

You hang crosses

You hang the 'old people'

You hand your spoon cabinets

You sleep some more

You rearrange your pictures and hang your Irish 'Welcome' sign

You write a verse on your Irish 'Welcome' sign

You hang a wreath

and then you sleep some more

You also:

Take down Christmas decorations

Wash clothes

Wash dishes

Crave Ice Cream

Clean the kitchen

Clean the living room

Clean the bathroom

Clean the bedroom

Wish you could get out and go see someone....anyone!
Try to eat your food fast enough that the dog doesn't get it

Watch episodes of various TV shows on nbc.com, abc.com, and hulu.com

Surf the web, specifically Facebook and other people's blogs

Make plans to get out when (if) it thaws

Walk to the mailbox for fun

Watch movies

Read your Bible

Make Smore's

Clean up your picture files on your computer

Upload pictures to FB that should have been put up long ago

Play with the dog

and Grade papers

...and we're out again tomorrow...

Baby it's cold outside....

2011-02-09T20:09:00.000-08:00

If you live in Texas, you are quite aware of the weather...but if by some chance you didn't know:

Last week we were out of school for 4 (yes FOUR) days because of snow and ice. This week we were out today and will be out tomorrow. I think most of us have our fingers crossed that we get to go on Friday! (Keep in mind, Sherman was out a day in January too because of snow.)

What have I done with these mini vacations? Well, I was completely lazy the day in January. I think I spent most of it online looking at wedding type things. Last week I cleaned, watched episodes of various TV shows on hulu, hung my crosses and spoon cabinets, cleaned some more, drug my poor dog thru the snow, cleaned some more, and - of course - surfed Facebook endlessly. Today I chatted on Facebook and graded papers. Tomorrow...who knows!

Here are some pics from the snow days:

The corner of 75 and 56 on 1-11-2011

The field in front of Sherman High School 1-10-2011

Looking off my balcony 2-1-2011

Mercy on the balcony...see her little paw prints?! 2-1-2011

My car covered in snow (I later learned this was the worst possible parking place as its shaded almost all day - therefore, the snow/ice never melted!) 2-4-2011

The big tree across from my apartment 2-4-2011

The 'hole' left by another car 2-4-2011

The backside of my building 2-4-2011

I finally took Mercy out in the snow. She has on 2 sweaters!

She was interested at first, but then...

she got cold and decided she was NOT impressed with the snow.

Pretty snow! (It really looked like this most of the day! 2-4-2011

This is, sadly, how I entertained myself much of my 4 days stuck inside.

This is how Mercy entertained herself much of the time we were inside. (Please know, we did play with some of her toys and chew sticks too...but most of the time, she slept.)

This is where Gracie spent most of the 4 days. Typically her head was down and she was asleep!

looking down the staircase at the back of my building. My stairs are in the front and never get snow or ice. I'm quite thankful for this...but the back ones are always covered, which is pretty... 2-9-2011

The view out back 2-9-2011

Footsteps on the balcony 2-9-2011

My girls...this is as close as they get to each other...and they basically refuse to acknowledge the other. Sisters?

Weekend Travels

2011-01-31T18:21:00.000-08:00

Let me just preface this with: There are no pictures....

This weekend I came home after school on Friday and chatted with the Fiance for a bit, knowing it would be a busy weekend and we may not get to talk alot. Then I packed up and went to Gram's house. Thomas and I had a fun sleepover (though it was thankfully less eventful than the last). He woke up at 6:30 on Saturday morning ready to play! I kept him in the room until 8 and then we made little sausage biscuits. We got to spend the morning being lazy instead of wedding planning!

I went to lunch with Philip and Jey at noon. We went to an Indian Buffet called Our Place. It was yummy! Then I met mom for 2 photography appointments (one was at Starbucks...good choice!). Then I got to go to Fort Worth!!!

This was my first trip to Fort Worth in quite a while...and it was more than a drive in, go to bed, get up and leave kind of trip! I got there about 5 and hung out with Val and Ron till I went to bed. Felicia and Isaiah came to visit. He's sooo big now! Isaiah ended up spending the night and going to Brownwood with me to give his mommy a rest as she'd had some recent health issues. Isaiah is the opposite of Thomas! He stayed up till almost midnight and I had to wake him to leave!

Sunday morning I got me and Isaiah ready, and we were only 10 minutes late leaving! We drove to Brownwood (about halfway there Isaiah said, "Where are we going?!"). I got there just in time for church at Victory Life in Brownwood. I dropped Isaiah to the nursery and then met Mark and Reagan in the foyer. They had my engagement ring - the entire purpose for the trip! I was so excited to see them...and my ring! It fits perfectly now! :)

We went in to church, heard a great message, and then went to Underwoods for lunch. YUMMY! Isaiah and I shared sausage (his choice, not mine), mashed potatoes and potatoe salad. Then we got to go to some friend's house. They had ducks and dogs and parrots that really talked. This was great fun for Isaiah!

We loaded up, grabbed cookies and coffee (and talked to Liza) and then headed back.

Felicia picked up Isaiah and then I headed for mom's. I watched the end of Home Make-Over and then drove home where I crashed into bed!

Today - my arms are sore from driving so much -- but my hand has my ring, and my heart is happy! :)

What's new?

2011-01-28T14:59:00.000-08:00

So, since I got back from Ireland:

*It's been back to the Skype routine with Alan. Skype is truly wonderful! Without it I wouldn't get to see or talk to my wonderful fiance! However, truthfully...I'm ready to be done with it!

*It's been back to work. I got back on a Wednesday afternoon and returned to work Thursday morning. I worked as an itinerant teacher for 1 week and then found out I'd be moving to the elementary school till the end of the year. I am now the Elementary Deaf Education teacher at Crutchfield Elementary in Sherman. It's been a challenge and a change, but I do enjoy the kids and the benefits to my diet! (No more 1 hour lunch outings!) My boss has been extremely helpful to me and I appreciate her alot!

*It's been back to reality...which includes wedding planning galore (on the weekends)! The first weekend we scoped out places and wedding dresses. To say I was overwhelmed would be an understatement. Do you KNOW how much this stuff costs?! I also talked to bakeries, florists, more places, etc, etc. This weekend I'm looking at photographers.

*It's been back to decision making. We set a wedding date....then changed it. We originally wanted to get married on July 23, however, as we got into getting things together for the K-1 Visa we decided it would be wise to move the date...so we did. However, in moving it, we picked (and put a deposit) on a place! We will be getting married on September 17, 2011 at 3 pm in the Chapel at Prestonwood Baptist Church, Plano! I cannot wait to marry Alan and spend my life with him!

*It's been back to church in Sherman. I got to lead praise and worship at church this last Wednesday. It was a new and different experience. I've sung lead on songs before, but never led...like where you give the cues to musicians and such. Wow! It was a good experience...learning curve...and fantastic worship! :)

*It's been back to sleeeeping...well, on the weekends, sorta. What I really mean is it's back to sleep-overs with a special 5 year old. That's right, Thomas LOVES spending the night with me at Gram's house -- and I rather enjoying it too! In fact, when I finish typing this, it'll be time to talk to the Fiance on Skype, then pack a bag and head down for my weekly sleepover.

It's been busy, it's been stressful, it's been rough....but it's been wonderful! I can honestly say I love my life...and I love the God who's given it to me!

Psalm 118:24 (These) is the day the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in (them)!

Horse Riding Pictures

2011-01-10T12:45:00.000-08:00

Me and Bob the Cob

Collette giving me directions

Bob like to pull down really hard and try to pull you forward...

walking

walking a little faster

trotting over the jump poles

Collette and Bob's owner telling me what to do!

Then it was Collette's turn...

See Bob's hair blowing in the wind? He works harder for Collette!

Then it was Jennifer's turn. Jennifer is Alan's oldest neice. They went for a walk down the lane. Behind them are Matthew, the second oldest, and Tom, the youngest. Brian, the 3rd, came down with Chicken Pox and couldn't come.

Jennifer and Collette

Matthew and Tom

Ireland - New Year's 2011

2011-01-10T12:30:00.000-08:00

On the 27th of December, my new fiance (I never get tired of saying/typing that!) and I flew to Ireland. We landed in Dublin at 7ish am. His uncle picked us up and took us back to his house for tea. Then we headed to Carlow to see the rest of the family. When we arrived in Carlow I meet Alan's brother, Joe and his family. I also visited with his dad some. Then we went to Collette and Jimmy's where we would be staying. While I was there Collette took me out to ride Bob the Cob with her. Turns out, I'm not too bad! Some pics will be below. We also went to his cousin Lena's house, along with the rest of the family, for an after-Christmas party. They bought an engagement cake at the last minute and we had an impromptu engagement party too! It was very sweet of them! Then we relaxed and spent time with family until Sunday. We got up and drove to church in Galway, had lunch, then drove back for one more day. One Monday we drove back to Galway so Alan could work. On Tuesday I went into town and had lunch with my fab friend Lucia. Then Christine picked me up and took me to prayer at the church. After prayer a bunch of us went to Java's to celebrate our engagement.

I am truly thankful for my friends in Ireland! Then, Wednesday morning, I boarded a plane (after many tears) and returned home. When I landed, Mom and I got my suitcase and went to the Hyatt to see about having the wedding there. Since then, seems I've been in non-stop planning mode! More to come as things are set! :)

Engagement Dinner and Christmas Eve

2011-01-10T12:10:00.000-08:00

So, we got engaged! When we were leaving the Gaylord Texan, my sweet Fiance leans over and says, "By the way, we have dinner plans at 8!" That was news!! So I scrambled to get myself together (after a brief rest and a cup of coffee at mom's!)

We went to Sullivan's Steakhouse. When we got there this bouquet of roses was waiting for me!

I would love to tell you what we ate, but I can't remember! I know we talked a little bit about the wedding, but mostly talked of getting married and living out our lives honoring God.

We finished our dinner and got a complimentary dessert. Then they took a picture of us and put it in a frame from Sullivan's with all of their signatures on it. Then we went home, took the following pics...and I put on sweats! :)

Danielle let me borrow her dress, Amy let me borrow the sweater.

I love this man!

The happy, but tired, couple.

The next day my Amy and her family loaded up and headed back to Georgia. Mom, Dad, Allison, Alan, and myself loaded up and headed to New Braunfels to see Grandma, Sharon, and Craig. We went to dinner at a cajun restaurant called McAdoo's. We ate BBQ the next morning and then headed home.

Christmas Eve we went to a Candle-light Service at Prestonwood Baptist. It was so fun to sit and have light bouncing off the diamonds! Pastor Graham preached a good word and then they turned out the lights in the auditorium. Now, Prestonwood is HUGE so when they turned the lights out it had the potential to be really dark...but as we sang Silent Night, candles were lit one by one. This was Alan's first experience with a service where we actually lit candles. It was stunning! I wish there were pictures to show you! Silent Night is one of my favorite Christmas songs, but I was so overwhelmed with the beauty and the symbolism that I almost couldn't sing!

When we got home, we took a few more pics...

Then we served dinner to Ryan, his parents, Cindy, and her mom. We had wonderful fellowship on the eve of our Savior's birth.

Two days later, my fiance (I love saying that!) and I boarded a plane to go visit his family. We had a seven-turned-eight hour layover in Georgia, but finally got there!

ICE

2011-01-10T11:30:00.000-08:00

Group pic before we went in

Amy and Paul

Me and Alan

Linus telling the Christmas Story

In my spotlight (see - he knew what he was getting into!)

I get it from my mom...see!

In the doghouse already!

Nativity

Baby Jesus

Mom and Dad

Me, Amy, and Allison

Engaged!

2011-01-10T10:45:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday, December 21st I had to work in the morning. I sat in my 'office' at the admin building counting down the minutes until I could leave. My boyfriend was at my parents along with my older sister and her family. We were all going to go see ICE! at the Gaylord Texan.

When I got to Mom's I actually asked if I could lay down and nap with Amy's boys, but was quickly informed this was not going to happen. There was a mad scramble for camera's and this and that and finally we left. We got there and then at about 2:50 we were let in with 200 of our closet friends we'd never met. I must admit as we stood in a VERY long line, I did complain to Alan about the cost of the tickets and what else I could have done with them! I think I made him nervous!

So we get in and it was really cool! This year's theme was Charlie Brown Christmas. (I'll post pics in a minute from that.)

People have asked if I knew anything was up. I admit that I noticed Alan was being weird with his gloves and that I had thought of the possibility. But earlier that morning, as I sat in the office I thought about the whole week. I didn't think he'd propose in front of my whole family and so I couldn't figure out when he would do it. So, I dismissed the idea of it happening here and decided he must be planning something in Ireland.

So, when we got to the end, the Nativity all in ice, and my sister said, "You're turn for a picture!" my initial thought was, "another one?!". So I turn toward Alan and prepare myself for a picture. This is when I notice the little box in his hand. Please note the look on my face that says, "NO way!" On the video (which is on my facebook profile) you can actually read my lips as I say, "SHUT UP!"

So, he pulls the box out and I realize what's happening...

I say, "SHUT UP!" because he totaly fooled me and then start to take off my gloves...

He got down on one knee and asked if I'd marry him...

I said YES! and kissed him...

It was super cold in there so there was a bit of work for cold fingers to get the ring out of the box and on my hand...

Then there was some more kissing...

and picture taking (I love that he's looking at the ring in this one!)

Somewhere along the way my sister pulled the hood off of my head so you'd know it's really me!

People actually stopped for the whole thing...then cheered and applauded for us! Then as we were taking pictures here, and out of the exhibit, people would chase up down and ask if I said yes and if they could see the ring!

In matching ICE! sweathshirts in front of a Gaylord Texan sign.

in matching sweatshirts in a sleigh...

The ring

The center stone is probably a 1/2 carate (I'm actually unsure!) There are 4 little stones on either side that create a square baquette, and then on either side in the band...It's currently in Ireland being remade b/c it was 4 sizes too big and can't be sized. I should have it back by the end of the month.

My sister took this because she was amused at the difference in when she got engaged and now! We spent at least an hour on our phones responding to Facebook and text messages! My phone was sooo inundated with messages I had to restart it several times!

So folks...I'm engaged!! I'm so excited that I get to marry my best friend! I get to marry a Godly man who loves me very much! Thanks sweetie for the best Christmas present ever! :)

updates...

2010-11-18T14:20:00.000-08:00

So, instead of backblogging...which I may (or may not do) at some point...I'm just gonna do some updates!

*Mercy has gained weight and is not playing with toys! This is very exciting b/c she slept...all the time...for 2 months.

*I'm in a musical here in Sherman. It's called Beautiful Star and runs from Dec 3-19. I'm really excited to be back on stage!

*My brother in law is conducting in New York this May and I plan to sing in his choir!

*In just one short month The Boyfriend will be back! He's coming for Christmas and then we'll go over to Ireland for New Year's.

*I am going to be an elementary teacher. Next week I move to the elementary school for a few weeks. I'm excited to have this opportunity!

*Next week we get 3 days off! I can't wait! Philip and I are doing Thanksgiving for our Indian friends too!

That's all...

My House

2010-10-24T16:56:00.000-07:00

So, I have a one room apartment in here in Sherman. Some days I wonder why I did this to myself, others I just wonder if I'll ever get everything hung up and put up. Either way - here are some pictures of what it's looking like....

The bathroom

My new bookshelves in my room

My dresser top

The whole effect...(the frame on the far left is now filled with pics of me and the Boyfriend)

The TV with the new shelves beside it

New shelves under the bar where Ratfink keeps watch

My game/hat cabinet in the dining area with pictures of the boys and the first bouquet of flowers the Boyfriend sent me...

I am by no means finished...most of the pictures have yet to be hung, and I have stuff that won't go into the storage on the balcony until I clean out some of the school stuff....but it's getting there! :)

Back Blogging: Pictures of Me and Alan

2010-10-23T13:00:00.000-07:00

Instead of trying to go back and put this in the right place, I'm just going to post it now!

This summer when I was in Ireland, our friend Daniel O'Brien took some pics of me and Alan. Here are some of those pics!

We started off in Barna Woods....

Then we headed to Furbo Beach...I know there are several of these, but the sky is simply amazing!

I love the way he's looking at me in this one...

Finally we went to Connemara Coast Hotel

This is one of my favorites!!

Many thanks to Daniel for much fun and great photos! Oh, and in answer to the most common question -- these are not engagement photos...they were just taken for the sake of having decent photos of the two of us since we are soooo far apart...for now.

Back Blogging: Pictures of Ireland - Summer trip 2010

2010-10-23T12:42:00.000-07:00

Instead of trying to figure out where this goes, I'm just going to go ahead and blog it!

I went back to Ireland this summer. I got to stay for a month!!! The first 2 weeks I worked in the office preparing for Kid's Camp. The third week was Kid's Camp. Sadly, I don't have any pics from the first 3 weeks!!! I was so busy working that I didn't take any pics! However, in the last week I took the following:

Me and Alan on the way to Nurney to visit Jimmy and Collette

Sunday after church

Jimmy and Collette's Church

Inside the church

a pretty cathedral in Nurney

The Courthouse...story goes there was this one and another that were similar, but different sizes. The smaller was meant to go here in Nurney, the larger in another nearby city. The plans got mixed up, however, and the larger is now here...

Underground jail cell...in Ireland...

The sky on Monday afternoon as I wandered around Nurney

The streets of Nurney village

This is where we ate when I first met Collette back at Spring Break. We ate here for lunch on Monday...it's a lovely cafe!

Tuesday night was date night. We went to a fancy restaurant down off of Shop Street where I had duck. For those of you who don't know - duck does NOT taste like chicken...

When we finished out meal we went for coffe at Java's - our favorite coffe shop.

Me and Darren

Darren...you can see he's thrilled....

Some pics Darren took on my last night in Galway

Out the window on the way home...

Look closely...there's a bird on the chair...for some reason, I found this picture worthy - though in part, I find it a bit unsanitary...

...and that, sadly, finishes up my photo-walk of my trip....

Leaving on a jet plane...well....maybe....

2010-10-09T15:30:00.000-07:00

So last Sunday we went to the Fair and then I drove Alan to the airport. We had to look up the gate and all that en route as we'd forgotten to do it before going to the Fair. We get to DFW and I head for the wrong gate (even though we'd looked it up minutes before!). We FINALLY manage to get to the right place, get into the airport and get ready to check him in. We scan his passport at the kiosk and it directs us to an agent. We figured since it was going across the ocean they wanted to double check and went on up.

The lady looks over the ticket, punches a few keys and informs us the intinerary is no good. Remember how I flew Alan in on American the Saturday before?! Well, according to the fine print at the bottom of the page when you book a ticket (you know, the stuff NO ONE reads?!) it says that if you don't fly every leg of your intinerary, it cancels the ENTIRE thing. Basically, Alan had NO flight home. They sweetly offered to sell us a one way ticket for the same flights that were on his original ticket for $1400. That's $1000 more than the original round trip ticket!

I was pretty irritated by this point: with myself and the airline. We chose to call customer service and try to get the ticket back. I talked to 2 people low on the customer service totem pole who were very upset that this would happen and tried all they could to help. They then, of course, had to transfer us to a supervisor. This woman got an attitude with me and basically refused to do anything. Finally I told her thank you and hung up.

We then decided to go back to Mom and Dad's to use the internet because it costs at DFW. On our way back, my wonderful sister called a pilot friend of her's who suggested we look into lastminutetravel.com

This website is wonderful! We found a ticket for $450 that left the next morning! (There was actually one that left that night, but it got in later than the one leaving Monday morning). We quickly booked it, took a huge sigh of relief and went to get Starbucks. We sat around with Dad, watched TV, made dinner plans and just enjoyed the fact that we were getting to spend a bit more time together. About the time we needed to leave for dinner we realized we'd never gotten a confirmation email concerning the ticket so we got online to check. We then found out that because we'd used a foreign credit card, the transaction had been rejected. Augh!!!!!!!!

So, we headed for dinner. When we arrived, I stayed outside and called American Airlines to try and book through them. Found out they couldn't accept foreign cards over the phone so we tried to do it online, but I couldn't find the right flights. Finally I gave up for the moment and ate dinner. (We ate at Buffalo WildWings and T drew an awesome pic for Alan of him with his suitcase, me, and T!)

When we finished eating we headed back home and then I called American again and we booked the ticket on Allison's credit card because it's the right nationality! Then, for real, he FINALLY had a new flight home.

We stayed up talking, enjoying the extra night Continental had given us. The next morning we got up and got ready and headed to the airport, somewhat prayerfully - hoping nothing would go wrong! We had some trouble getting checked in, but he got checked in and had boarding pass in hand. We sat together for a bit more, and then off he went through security.

I must admit it was almost nice to see him go through security, just because he had a ticket and a way home! However, it was, as always, sad to see him go!

Just as notes of interest:
His flight from DFW to JFK went smoothly. Due to heavy rain his flight out of JFK was a bit delayed and he landed an hour late in Shannon. He then had to drive straight to work in Tubbercurry (which is 3 hours from Shannon). He got there, his boss took one look at him and basically sent him back home on the premis of an errand. I left the airport and went to work...

State Fair of Texas

2010-10-09T13:48:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday was an interesting day to say the least. I will blog it in 2 posts, because the first hald of the story is super happy -- but the second was more...um....tense? stressful?

So...Sunday morning me, Alan, Mom, Allison, and Thomas all loaded up and headed to the State Fair of Texas. We had 3 free tickets and wanted Alan to get to see it. We made good time on our drive, until we got to the Fairgrounds...then we sat in traffic for a good 30-45 minutes. Eventually Allison drove my car to parking while Alan, Thomas, and I went on into the park. We stopped on the way in to take these really cute pics of Thomas.

You can see the excitement oozing out of him, can't you?!

Then we headed over to see Big Tex. We had some random guy take a picture of the 3 of us, but after this one, he was done.

So I took a pic of just Alan with Big Tex.

(One of my friends has commented that his legs look really long!)

Then it was my turn....

While we were taking pictures Big Tex kept randomly talking about things coming up, some people who won the Wheel of Fortune, and other stuff. While taking my pic he started talking again and it startled Thomas so we decided to be done for a bit. We walked away and called Allison to see where they were. Then we ran into my co-worker Kristi and her crew (her, her husband, her mom, her 3 kids and her 2 German exchange kids...whew!). Then mom and Allison joined us so we got one last picture with Big Tex.

Then we headed over to the ginormous Ferris Wheel. The line was thankfully rather short so we didn't stand in it for long. While we did, I remembered to take pictures (I'm feeling like such a blogger success - now if only I could get things posted in a timely manner!)

Thomas and Alan waiting in line

Looking straight up

a side shot

Thomas was actually a bit unsure of the Ferris Wheel until we saw that we would be in a BLUE car! Then it was all ok!

We got to go around 2 times. Once slowly and once more quickly. It was a beautiful day and the view was great!

After this my camera died so I will have to get mom's pics at some point. We finished up the Ferris Wheel and then we went to have Corny Dogs. Allison, of course, opted for a hamburger instead...and I must admit - it looked might tasty! Then Alan and I had fried food (I mean, what a trip to the Fair without it?!) He had a Fried Snickers and I had a Fried Peanut Butter Cup Macroon. Oh my word....it was SOOOOO good! SOOO worth it!

We knew we were running out of time, but we wanted to ride the big slide with Thomas so we hurried over and did that before we left. Thomas loved it until about 1/2 way down. I'm pretty sure he was happy to be off! Mom has a fantastic pic of it that I'll have to post sometime! Then, we hugged Mom, Allison, and Thomas goodbye and left to head to the airport. For just 2 short hours we had loads of fun! :)

Trip to New Braunfels

2010-10-02T18:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday morning we got up and took T to school. We ended up being about an hour late, but meh, stuff happens! We hit the road to New Braunfels and enjoyed good converstation and just being together! We arrived at my Grandma's assisted living home about 3 and bounded right on in. She was playing Phase 10 with some other residents and was thoroughly surprised by my visit! I walked in and introduced myself to her friends and then we went back to her apartment where she got to Alan. My Grandma has Alzheimer's so I think she was a bit confused by who he was, but we had a great chat! She knew he was from Ireland so we talked alot about that and about how school was for me. My Aunt Sharon and Uncle Craig came up after a bit and we stayed there for a good hour or so. Then me, Alan, Aunt Sharon, and Uncle Craig left and showed Alan around New Braunfels. After a good drive around we went to dinner at the Gristmill in Gruene, Tx. I love this restaurant! It was such a lovely day that we decided to sit outside! We enjoyed just sitting out and talking. I enjoyed getting to watch my aunt and uncle get to know Alan. We even remembered pictures!

This one was taken when we first sat down...so pretty behind us! But the sun was setting into Aunt Sharon and Uncle Craig's eyes so we switched tables.

This one was taken at the end of the meal, from out other seats.

Aunt Sharon and Uncle Craig

After dinner we went back to Sharon and Craig's. Alan and I went swimming for a bit, but it was pretty cold (especially for me) so we got out and just sat around talking. Just before we got in the pool we heard these two little splashes. Frog's in the pool! We stayed up talking till about 10 and then we all went to bed!

This morning we went to breakfast with Grandma. We went to a little restaurant in town called Frizenhause. I tried to convince Alan to buy some Lederhosen, but that was pretty unsuccessful (and they were pretty expensive!). After we finished eating we walked around a Farmer's Market close by. We bought peaches, cucumbers, and some treats for Mercy.

We then dropped Grandma back to her apartment. I decided we should take a few pics to commemorate the trip. I handed my camera to Aunt Sharon who said, "alright you 3, up against the wall!"

This is what she got:

After a bit of giggling we were able to get a 'for real' picture of Grandma, me, and Alan

Then, in keeping with our attempts for 'non-hugging' pictures, we took this one...I think we look more deformed than anything, but there ya go!

Finally, I decded we should have a pic of all of us, so a very nice woman who works at the place took this one. I LOVE the look on my Grandma's face. For the life of me I have no idea what we were laughing at...but I love it!

After picture taking and goodbye-ing we went back out to Aunt Sharon and Uncle Craig's to pack up. While Uncle Craig made some yummy salsa, Aunt Sharon, Alan, and I got to fish froggies out of the pool. One got away, sneaky little thing, but the other was captured, bagged, and ready to be thrown into water elsewhere! Here are some photo's of our frog-capades. What's (luckily) not captured on camera is my sweet boyfriend chasing me with the little froggie...

The one that got away...

This little guy got caught!

Look Mom!! Kermit!!!!

and just as we left....a picture of the Boyfriend...I love this guy!

Alan's Week in Texas

2010-10-01T22:00:00.000-07:00

So...it's been a busy week. I know, your shocked I pulled him from place to place, right?! Well, don't be! So Sunday we hung out at mom and dad's for a good bit of time. Then we headed up to get him settled in my new apartment. Can I just say, it's wonderful to have him sitting next to me in the car?!

Monday morning we went to the vet and dropped Mercy off to get fixed. I was a bit of a basket case, which kinda made Alan laugh. Then he went to work with me. He got to ride around and see what I do (sorta). After school we visited Mercy. They asked if I was her mother and I really thought he might laugh out loud! Then we hopped in the car (typically referred to as the Conversation Capsule) and headed down to Burleson to see Jennifer and John Huffman and crew. It was fun to just hang out a bit. We decided to leave their house around 9:30, which really would have put us back in Sherman at a reasonable hour, except I forgot my purse so we had to drive back and get it which made us get home at a not so reasonable hour!

Tuesday Alan came to work with me again. When I finished at my first school of the day we had a bit of downtime so we went and got him a SIM card so he could text/call me when we weren't together. We then went to Panera for lunch with 2 of my co-workers. I think he was a bit overwhelmed by our girly chatter! That afternoon, after work, we went to Mom and Dad's again to see Thomas play T-ball. Then we all ate dinner together.

Wednesday we worked (he went to IHOP while I was at the my first stop of the day) and then we had dinner at Kristi's. It was a hopping event to say the least! Thursday was work again for me, but we got a rent car for me to drive so Alan could go down and shoot guns with Dad. (Dad has some antique guns that he'd been itching to have a good excuse to take to the gun range, so off they went). He came back up after school, we loaded everything up and went to Grandmother's for dinner.

We are spending the night at mom and dad's tonight and heading to New Braunfel's tomorrow to see my aunt, uncle, and Grandma. Looking forward to a nice overnight trip!

Alan's here!!!

2010-09-26T15:30:00.000-07:00

So yesterday morning Alan left Galway very early in the morning to make his flight in Dublin. His flight was on Continental from Dublin to Newark, leaving Dublin around 9 am and landing in Newark around 11 am (don't you love changing time zones?!). We knew he had an extremely long lay over in Newark (until about 9 the next morning) so he went to the Continental counter and asked if he could somehow catch an earlier flight. They told him, "No" his ticket was too cheap. So he asked about flying stand-by and they told him, "No" his ticket was too cheap.

Well, I decided that if Continental didn't want his money to fly in sooner, that I would see what I could do with miles. I called American Airlines and used my frequent flyer miles and got him on a flight in last night! We were so excited that he got to come in early! That meant he'd be here all day today!

We sorta had planned to go down to Burleson and go to LifeGate this morning, but that didn't work out so we went to church with Allison. After church we went to eat at Los Cucos with Mom, Dad, Thomas, and Allison. After lunch, in effort to rememdy my lack of pictures from previous trips, I insisted we take pics. We took our traditional 'couple' picture,

and then we took a picture of us doing something other than hugging because our friend Reagan always teases us that we only ever hug.

PS - did I mention I'm sooooo glad he's here?! For a whole week?! Yeehaw!

Grandmother's Birthday

2010-09-25T23:28:00.000-07:00

Today we celebrated my wonderful Grandmother's 93rd birthday. I can't believe she's 93!! She lives by herself with her dog, Molly, at a retirement center. She is absolutely wonderful!

Mom, Dad, Allison, Thomas, Mercy, and I went to Grandmother's. We then went to eat at Spring Creek and then went back to her house for cake and presents. She got a new DVD player and some other stuff. I gave her gift certificates to spend time with me once a month, which is wonderful because I always enjoy spending time with her!

The cake

My beautiful Grandmother, her flowers, and her cake

Blowing out the candles!

Dad and Mercy watching football

Thomas playing on the floor.

Me and my wonderful Grandmother

Me and my goofy sister

Allison and Grandmother

VeggieTales Live

2010-09-24T22:00:00.000-07:00

On Septmeber 24th, Allison, Danielle, and I took Thomas to see VeggieTales Live. The theme of the show was "Sing Yourself Silly". It started at 7, but we all got there pretty early so that we could get good seats. So what do you do while waiting?! Take pictures! :)

Allison and Danielle ready to see VeggieTales!

me and Danielle ready for the show!

Thomas prepared for the show by reading (and re-reading) his book.

He also got to pick out a few souveniers. He got a new shirt (see the picture above to see him sporting his shirt), some VeggieTales Silly Bandz, a CD, a DVD, and the light up wand. This picture was, "Show me your wand, Thomas..."

The stage

Videos shown before the show

Peas!!!!!

The show's started! Sorry for the fuzzy quality - it was a 'No Flash' zone!

'Gourds just wanna have fun'

Thomas loved the show! He sang the opening theme song, the Hairbrush song, the Water-Buffalo song, and Gourds just wanna have fun for the rest of the night! After the show, we stopped at Sonic and then headed home to Gram's house to eat there. We all had alot of fun! :)

Fine Indian Cuisine...and loads of laughs!

2010-09-21T19:06:00.000-07:00

On Sunday I went met Philip and Jey at Clay Pit in Dallas. Clay Pit is an Indian food restaurant that Philip and I ate at many years ago with our friend Kunal. Jey wanted to eat there, so Philip and I were glad to put this dinner together. Jey was so excited he even agreed to break his "I never eat before 8pm" rule and we met at 6:30!

We had wonderful food! Chicken Korma, Fish Coconut Curry, and Lamb Biriyani. When eating Indian food, one has the ability to choose how spicy the food is. We ordered the Korma and the Curry at a 3 (a medium heat) and the Biriyani at a 5. We had Naan bread (mine was cream cheese Naan, the boys shared some plain Naan) too. The Biriyani by itself was quite spicy, but when you added the yogurt and the cream cheese Naan, it was quite tasty! :)

When we'd finished eating and got ready to leave I remembered I had my camera with me. We decided we should take some pics to commemorate the evening. Here they are:

First, a picture of Philip and Jey -- sometimes a flash isn't so wonderful!!!

Then it was time for a picture of me and Philip. Suffice it to say, it wasn't as easy as it looks! Here's Take 3 (the first 2 had my eyes closed...so we moved locations - but it was too dark)

This was Take 5 where we moved back to the old location and convinced my eyes to stay open, but it was still dark....

This has to be somewhere around Take 10 -- Tada!!!!!

Then it was Jey's turn for a picture with me...notice we moved to a different, better lit location and my eyes are open....sorta...

Then silliness ensued. The product? CLOSE UPS!

Somewhere in all the silliness Jey begged me not to post some picture (that has now been posted on both FB and the blog!) and I got this picture.

We then decided Philip should do it too...

We had to give him a few pointers....

...but he finally got it! Namaste Philip!

Then, at the very end, I decided I should have a picture of just me...so here I am! :)

What a fun time! :)

Doesn't happen often....

2010-09-18T18:20:00.001-07:00

I don't often have extra time in the morning before I leave for work...but here's what happens when I do!

Pouty lips...or is platypus lips?!

eh...wha?

Kissy lips

a cross between the pouty, platypus, & kissy?

meh...

arms length....

Say whay?!

....and a good one - just for fun!

Maybe it's better when I don't have extra time?!

Back Blogging: Day w/Thomas

2010-09-18T18:00:00.000-07:00

One day this summer I got to spend some quality time with Thomas. To be honest, I can't remember why - just know mom & Allison were busy doing something else, so I kept up with T. First we went to the eye dr. so I could see about getting new glasses. He was so good and looked at the magazines while I talked. Then we went to the mall and played at the play area. (Well, he played - I sat!)

First he expertly jumped from bug to flower and back...

Then he rested a bit & just sat on the toys...

Then we took a picture....

But he had an even better idea......To take a picture of me! :)

Then he played a bit longer and it was time to go home. On the way out of the mall we stopped into a toy store (he asked if we could look). He found a puzzle that was only 5 dollars so his wonderful aunt bought it. We went home and worked it as soon as we could!

I love special days with T-man! :)

Mercy

2010-09-08T15:37:00.000-07:00

So, yesterday I went to the pound with some friends and found this sweet girl:

We found out they were gonna put her down this morning....so I rescued her. I needed a name for her and wanted it to match Gracie's, so she's Mercy.

She seems to be settling in well:

Though perhaps a bit spoiled from the get-go:

She's smaller than Gracie - right now - and we have a vet appt (for free!) on Monday! Crazy - maybe - but happy - definitely!

Sherman or bust....

2010-08-05T14:51:00.000-07:00

SO....I'm moving to Sherman.

I got a job in the Deaf Ed dept as an itinerant teacher. I know I'll have HS ELA and something else, but that's all I'm for sure of right now!

My original plan was to try to move this weekend. In case you weren't aware, original plans rarely work! As I looked for a place to live, I struggled to find something I liked. Finally I found the Villas of Parkhaven. They had a large one-room apt for 'the right price'. Unfortunately, they didn't have any available. So, I waited a few days and pondered what to do. Then on Mon I took mom up to look with me. She liked them so much, she agreed waiting would be best. Then they offered me a 'Corporate Apartment'. (Translation - fully furnished) They let me have it at discounted price until the next one room came available at the beginning of Sept. Unfortunately (again) it was a small (606 sq feet) apt. I decided I liked the place enough, I could do that so I signed and payed. So now the plan was: move to corporate on Sun and stay through the 4th. Then move to new, little apt for the rest of the year.

Today I got a call from the apts. They have a LARGE one room that will be vacant by the 28th! New plan: live in corporate apt starting Sun, but only until the 28th! Then move to new LARGE (711 sq feet) apt! I'm a happy girl! Until I look around the house I'm in now...and then I wonder what I'm doing on the computer at all!!!

You can see the new apt floor plan here: villasofparkhaven.com I'll be in the Radison!

Ireland Trip

2010-07-17T10:37:00.001-07:00

Well folks...I'm home! What a fantastic trip! For two weeks I worked in the office getting props and other things together for the kids camp drama team. In the evenings I rehearsed with the drama team and then would go to dinner with Alan.

The third week I was there was kids camp. We had 230ish kids ranging between 5 and 12 years old. The girls learned dances, did arts and crafts, and learned to draw. The boys learned survival skills, played soccer, and made bows and arrows. Both boys and girls had a sports section of the day and attended the Children's Church show. I had a group of seven 7-year-old boys. They were really great!

As soon as camp ended Friday, Alan and I headed to Carlow (south Ireland) and spent a few days with Alan's aunt and uncle. On Saturday we literally did nothing...and it was wonderful! Sunday we went to church and I met some of Alan's cousins. We also watched the World Cup. Monday Alan had to work so I stayed he left Sunday after the match and I stayed. Jimmy, Collette and I went to lunch in Carlow and then I wondered around the shops. Then we went to Athlone and met up with Alan.

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday I slept late and went into Galway city. I learned to take the bus from Yasmin's house to town and back. Tuesday and and Thursday I shopped. Wednesday I visited a coffee shop called An Tobar Nua. It's a Christian ministry/coffee shop/cafe. I spent several hours there online and reading.

Yesterday I flew home and now I'm at Gram and Papa's! Amy, Paul, their boys, Allison, Thomas, me, and mom and dad are all here! Loads of fun! :)

*pictures to come! :)

IRELAND - trip 4

2010-06-19T07:22:00.000-07:00

I LEAVE TOMORROW!!!! I'm headed back to Ireland for 4 whole weeks! It's time for Christian Camp of the Arts again! I'm headed over a week earlier than last year to help get stuff ready, learning the dramas I'm in, and learning dances. I'll be there doing that kind of thing for 2 weeks. Then, the first week of July is Camp!!! (We're praying for 300 kids, so please join us!) Then I get to play for a week. I'm planning to go to Carlow and spend some time with Alan's family. I'm hoping this includes a day of riding horses! I also plan to spend alot of time with Alan...of course.

Anyway, with any luck I'll catch some computer time and blog what's happening - but I wouldn't count on it...last year I was there for 2 1/2 weeks and took about 20 pictures - most of them the 3 days I was there post-camp! We'll see! :)

Here are some prayer requests:
* Safe, on time flights
* 300 kids
* safety for all kids and workers during camp

Thanks folks! And now...back to cleaning!

Dentist round 2

2010-06-18T19:49:00.000-07:00

Sigh...no one told me it was going to make my whole mouth ache!

I went in this morning to have 3 cavitites filled. I was pretty ok with it until my butt hit the chair in the little room. It's probably a good thing they didn't take my blood pressure!

The cute little tech put the laughing gas on me and some topical cream on to numb where he was gonna shoot novacaine into my gums, and then we just sat there. I'm here to tell ya, that gas can make you feel WEIRD! While I was just waiting I would breathe it through my nose like I was supposed to until I felt too weird. Then I'd breathe through my mouth for a few minutes to diminish some of the feelings.

Then the dentist came in! I went to inhaling deeply and quickly so that stuff could have full effect! Funny thing is, my ortho back in high school taught me to alleviate the stress by controlling my breathing through my mouth. So I'd inhale and get all tingly with laughing gas and then they'd put their hands in my mouth which would send me to breathing through my mouth. Anyway, they successfully filled 3 cavities.

The part I'm unhappy with is how badly my mouth hurts right now. I mean I know they did stuff in there, but OUCH. I'm feeling some tylonal, and some sleep coming on!

A trip to the dentist

2010-06-17T19:41:00.000-07:00

To most, a trip to the dentist would be nothing more than a simple cleaning, and then going on your merry way. For me, it is TORTURE!

It seems when I was a child I had a rather traumatic time with the dentist as a 4-5 year old. I've always heard mom talk about how when she picked me up from school she couldn't tell me we were going to the dentist or by the time we got there I'd be running fever and shaking from fear. I am happy to report that I can recall a successful trip to the dentist in college, however, I'm sad to say that's the last time I went! Seems having a fear of dentists will keep you out of their office for some time!

Well, with all that's happened with Waco and being unsure of a job for a while, I made both eye dr and dentist appts for this week. Eye dr was sooo easy! Today was the dental appt. I woke up thinking, "It's ok....it's just the dentist!" I even got there and was ok. As I sat down I got pretty nervous, but was ok. Then they took me back and started talking x-rays. That's when I reverted to deep, controlled breathing (something I'd learned from my orthodontist in high school). Then they brought out the films on the stick that they wanted to put in my mouth. PANIC TIME! I am happy to report that they did eventually get the x-rays they needed...but it wasn't easy!

Then they cleaned my teeth, and after the x-ray fiasco, that was pretty easy. Unfortunately, they also found 3 little cavities and so I have to go back tomorrow to have them filled. For the sake of money, I've opted for only the laughing gas...we'll see how this goes!

Coming up...

2010-06-12T11:45:00.000-07:00

Seems I'm in a blogging mood these days...so I suppose I'll run with it! Thought I'd give you some updates!

Today - Cleaning. The end of the school year and an upcoming move demands it!
Tomorrow - Church in the morning. Then I am headed up to the metroplex to go see Wicked with a WONDERFUL friend! We've seen several shows together and I am excited to share this experience with her! (I even have a new dress to wear!)
Monday - eye dr at 10:30
Tuesday and Wednesday - probably heading up to the metroplex again to see my wonderful nephew and family.
Thursday - Dentist appt at 8:40, work 11-6
Friday - work 11-6, lundry
Saturday - pack for a month in Ireland
Sunday - leave for Ireland!!!!

In Ireland my schedule will be something like this:
June 12-July 4 - prep for camp (learn dances, drama team practice, etc)
July 5-9 - CHRISTIAN CAMP OF THE ARTS!
July10 - rest!
July 11-16 - Play time! Plan to visit Carlow (Alan's family), and whatever else suits!

I am hoping that when I come home on the 16th that Alan will be with me and will get to stay for week b/c Amy and Paul will be in with the boys. That takes us through the end of July! WOW! There ya have it!

(Somehow I don't think you should expect to hear too much from me for a while! ;p)

...and counting

2010-06-11T18:53:00.000-07:00

I leave for Ireland again in 9 days. I am headed back over to work Christian Camp of the Arts 2010. This years theme - Wild West! I am so excited to have the opportunity to work this camp again. I can't wait to see my awesome boyfriend and amazing friends! Please be praying that all flights go as scheduled and that we have all the kids we need. Just thought I'd let you know...and YEEEEE-Haw!

Camp Teen Challenge

2010-06-11T18:14:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I know - I never post anything....but this week I worked at a camp for Visually Impaired students from ages 13-22.

Wow! I don't even know where to start! I am so grateful for this experience! Things I want to remember:

*Students blossom in unimaginable ways when restrictions are removed! This week ALL of the kids had some kind of vision issue. In addition, several of the adults working the camp wore glasses or contacts, or had vision impairments of their own. All the rest of the workers refused to see these kids vision as a problem or a hinderance, but as a unique characteristic that made them just exactly who they needed to be. With loads of encouragement and support, these kids blossomed!

*No vision = no fear! These kids accomplished feats at higher heights than I ever would dare! They climbed rock walls to a zip line and sky surfed. They went fishing (even touched the fish!) and played Beep Baseball (the bases and the balls beep different sounds). They shot bows and arrows, and diced veggies. I'm telling you - they were amazing!

*Role Models make allllll the difference! Many of the staffers at this camp had overcome impairments and disabilities of their own. Several of them have physical deformities, but they were so honest and open with the other kids. One staffer had a prosthetic leg, several had deformities with their hands, one had broken his back ealier in the year. These were the kids hoisting the students to the top of the tower for the zip line. These were the life guards with their legs dangling in the pool. They talked with the kids, told them about their life experiences, and showed them THEY CAN!

Now, you may be asking what was I doing at this camp? I was there to work with the 2 deaf/blind students. One of the students was a high functioning 15 year old boy. We mostly just interpreted the group events and helped others communicate as needed. Then we had a 22 year old with multiple issues. She had never made it through a week of camp before, but this was her last year. I fell in love with this wonderful young lady. She snores louder than anyone I have ever heard in my life, and is the first to drill, zip line, or splash in the pool. She LOVES to eat (especially ice cream), and when she builds that trust relationship with you - she seeks you out for a hug, a goodnight kiss, or a snuggle.

This week was truly fanstastic, and I hope I have the oppotunity to work something like it again someday! :)

The job story...

2010-05-04T19:36:00.000-07:00

So, because I only want to type this once in one place, here ya go:

The story goes:
My principal has been out this year b/c her granddaughter was diagnosed with cancer. She was not on campus from about October to March. During her absences we had no principal for a while, then we had a substitute principal (the woman who was principal before mine), and then finally, someone from Admin was sent to 'watch over us'. Appearantly Admin thinks that if your principal is out, your campus goes to pot.

Anyway, they sent this woman from Admin who decided, at the end of the 4th six-weeks to 'review' our report cards. Her definition of 'review' appearantly is the same as mine of 'going over everything with a FINE toothed comb'. She found, on another person's report card, where 2 letters were reversed. Well, on mine she found a several empty boxes and wanted to know why they were empty. For each section of boxes, my answer was the same, "I don't know why those are empty, I don't even know where in the report card system to find them." So we started looking for those areas on the computerized system. She showed me one area and then she had to take up a search for this one area where the boxes weren't filled in. This is when we discovered other kindergarten teachers had been taking grades for kindergarteners. There were assignments (some tagged daily, some tagged test(!)) with letter grades (E, S, NI, etc). She asked why I didn't have that in mine and I honestly answered, "I didn't know I was supposed to!"

The Admin/principal looked at me like I'd lost my mind. She asked if my principal had covered the grading policies at the beginning of the year. I said yes, but that it was never specified that it applied to kindergarten. I explained that my previous kinder experiences had not required that, and since it was specifically mentioned, I has assumed we didn't take grades here either. She asked how I'd been documenting student progress. I explained that when it's time to complete the report card check-list I brought the student's up and had them complete the variety of activities, and that I send home IEP progress reports every 6 weeks. She informed me that 'this will probably lead to more discussions' and dismissed me.

The next day she asked me to come to the office and informed me that due to this 'breach in district policy' I was no longer employable by Waco ISD. I was told to either resign, or be non-renewed. I explained calmly that this was unfair, that I hadn't known about the district policy. I was basically given a 'sorry 'bout yer bad luck' speech, asked to sign that I would be non-renewed (UM, NO!) and left. I called my supervisor (Lead Deaf Ed) who knew NOTHING of this and talked with her. I also talked to ATPE, who told me I should just resign. Therefore, I did. I am now searching for a job.

FYI: Districts ask if you've resigned in lieu of non-renewal these days.

I went to a job fair in Arlington on Monday. It's where I got my Castleberry and Granbury jobs. I left resumes with 32 out of 64 districts. By the way - that's ALOT! Today I completed 2 applications online. Key phrase at job fair: "Have you completed our online application yet?!" Tomorrow, will fill out more, and then to a job fair in the afternoon.

Anyway, that's the story...

:)

What a week!

2010-04-11T18:23:00.000-07:00

This week was quite eventful! On Tuesday night I was up an hour in the night with IBS in a way I haven't been in YEARS! I went to school on Wednesday, but my 'Get-up-and-go' had definitely got up and gone without me! That is until we came in from recess...

That's when I found out one of my students was VERY sick! I ended up at the ER with him and his mom, moved to Scott and White in Temple with them, and stayed till about 1 in the morning! He was found to have fluid on his brain and his sodium levels were very high. They decided to do surgery to put in a shunt to help drain the fluid. The surgery would be early the next morning and mom asked me to come. So, I went home, slept till 6 or 6:30 and went right back down. I spent the whole day with them. (My students surgery went VERY well and the shunt was actually not needed! They let me go with him down to the OR to interpret until he went to sleep. It seems to have really helped!) I finally left about 10:45 Thursday night after a rough period.

Friday I taught, worked at Morrison's and then went to see my student. He had been moved out of PICU and onto the floor. He had another CT scan, but I went on to Austin to get ready for the Round Rock job fair.

In case you didn't know this about me, I HATE job fairs! They are crazy, somewhat organized free for all's that annoy me....but I went. I dropped of my resume with 15 campuses and talked with the AI coordinator for the district. She said they'd be scheduling interviews at the end of April, early May so to expect to hear from them then if I was one they chose to interview.

After that big excitement (sarcasm is TOTALLY dripping) I stopped back by the hospital. My student's sodium was still high so, while the neurosurgeon had dismissed him, the pediatric docs were keeping him. They are still working to bring it down. Came home, talked to my sweet boyfreind for a bit and then went to dinner with a friend from HS. We went to Fuddruckers...it was good! Then home and to bed.

This morning I went to church, came home, ate, and took a nap! Then I went to see my student. We got him up and he walked around a bit and played with me and ate and even talked to me! This made my heart happy! As I left he hollered, "I love you!" at me! I love my job!

Now I'm going to work on Perspectives. I'm 2 weeks behind...sigh. Time to get caught up! :)

And...there you have it...

A day with my nephew...

2010-04-05T21:14:00.000-07:00

So, today was probably one of thebest days I've had in a while, but was also sad. Early this morning out family cat, Smokey, had to be put to sleep. She was 17 years old and her poor body was shutting down on her due to hyperthyroidism. But after that rough start, the day soared!

Since I was out of school today, Allison brought Thomas over and we played. Then we went to Gram's school to sharpen some pencils the Easter bunny brought him. It was fun to get to see Gram, meet Gram's class and get those pencils sharpened. As always, I'm in blogger failure with a lack of pictures...

After we left Gram's school we went to the park. Thomas got quite frustrated with me for being in a dress, but I had intended to drop off a resume at Gram's school and felt I should look nice...so, no sliding for me...but we had a good time. After playing for a good hour we went to California Pizza Kitchen for lunch. We had yummy cheese and chicken pizza and talked. He cracked me up b/c he sat like a big boy and talked to me like a big boy. Sometimes it's hard to believe he's only 4! We played several games of Tic-Tac-Toe and had a good ole time!

After lunch, of course, comes nap time. Both Thomas and I napped for a good 2 hours. Then we headed to Kohl's to go birthday shopping. Now, I am fully aware his birthday was in February and it is now April, but in February I was in Thoroughly Modern Millie and couldn't come to the party. Then I went to Ireland...and this is actually the first time I've seen him since his birthday...sad, I know. SO we went to Kohl's and he got some new PJ's and some outside toys for digging, etc.

Then, because he was sooo good (and b/c Gram and I were CRAVING it) we went to Starbucks! After Starbucks we went back to Gram's and got T ready for his first baseball practice! Then I got to watch the first half of that. How cute!!

Finally I had to go home and get ready for work...What a great day!

Things I want to remember from Perspectives...

2010-04-01T20:02:00.001-07:00

So, I am taking a class this semester about missions. It is a non-denominational class that challenges your perspective of world missions. Tonight's speaker said somethings that I want to remember, so I thought I'd throw em out here for y'all to chew on too!

*When you don't know what to do -- go deeper! SO many times in life we are stuck at a crossroad and find ourselves saying, "What next God?!" In those moments, instead of panic - seek God! Go deeper with Him - He'll show the way!

*The River: The speaker talked about being on a plane. She looked out the window and saw a river that was winding. (Sorta like pic here, but not exactly...)

She said that as she looked she said, "You know God, if I was making rivers, I'd make em straight." She said that God gave her some insight thanks to that river. You start where the river starts (in about the middle of the screen) and move along. Later in life (maybe 10 years or so) you find yourself almost where you started (see in the middle where it looks like it might meet) and you think you've failed. It isn't failure at all - you're much further along in the journey! Maybe this doesn't really make sense to you, but it spoke volumes to me as I am in Waco (which I left purposefully) and as I find myself in the same situation once again...searching for a job. Some days I feel like a failure...but, praise God, it isn't failure - I'm further along in the journey!

*Don't miss the quiet place of the journey. Tonights speaker talking about when Jesus sent out the disciples and they came back all pumped up b/c they'd been healing people and stuff. Jesus says, "Let's go to a quiet place." The next thing that happens is the feeding of the 5000. Um, that's not quiet. She proposed that perhaps the quiet place was the journey there. She said to imagine the disciples talking about how they're going to a quiet place to rest and then suddenly they get there and they missed the rest! Don't miss out on the quiet place that IS the journey!

*Where your treasure is, there your heart will be. She talked about putting yourself into the will of God and letting Him give you a LOVE for that task. I immediately thought of my time at Granbury High School. I went into it not wanting to be there. I even came home and said, "Dear Lord, I don't like this job. Either make me love it, or get me fired." Sometimes we don't really WANT to do what we've been called to. We have to ASK God to give us a love for that...and He will. He gave me a love for my high school students and the other students in that school that I actually find myself missing high schoolers! Those who know me well should find themselves laughing here, but it's true. My treasure is was my students, my heart soon followed.

*To the untrained eye, overflowing with unseen things looks identical to having nothing. Really thought this quote hit home for most missionaries. It may look like they've got nothing, given it all up, but to overflow with the things of the unseen...wow!

*"Why do what others can and will do when there's so much that needs to be done that others can not and will not do. --Count Zizendorf

Anyway, maybe one or more of these will bless you like they did me. I hope they were somewhat clear....thanks for reading! :)

Back on the Island of Saints and Scholars

2010-03-08T09:43:00.000-08:00

Hello all! Well, I'm back! I'm on the Island of Saints and Scholars! I am so excited to be back! I left yesterday from Houston at 2:25 and landed this morning in Dublin at 9:25. Alan picked me up in Dublin and we came back into Galway. We first went to the offices where I got to see Christen, Yasmin, Joanne, Breda, and Reagan. Then we met up with up with Lucia. Alan dropped us a Arribca while he took care of some other business.

Here in a bit we're up to the offices for a dance rehearsal for the parade. Tomorrow we will head out to Carlow to visit his family. On Thursday the team from LifeGate comes in and we'll go to the airport to help collect them and their things. Then back to Galway to settle into the houses, etc. They have a full schedule for us, including organizing things, evangelising in the square, and the parade. We also get to go to Kylemore Abbey and the Cliffs again!

Sadly, or not so sadly depending on who you are, I will return home on the 19th. I fly into Houston at 7:30. I will collect my car and head back to Waco. On Saturday I preform in the 3:00 matinee and then I will go home and CRASH!

There's the update!

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday

2010-02-03T14:49:00.000-08:00

So, basically, I've worked and rehearsed this week.....

Alan went to the Texas Sports Hall of Fame on Monday. Just so you know (Amy) I gave him the camera, but he says there weren't really any picture opportunities....In fact, he says he was the only person there other than the workers. He also says, though, that it was interesting.
While I was at rehearsal he went into Cleburne and read at Starbucks.

Tuesday during school Alan had the most fun he's had yet. He did laundry with an American washer and dryer. After school we went to Starbucks for coffee with Anne Broaddus. We had a really great time just chatting. Sadly, we didn't take any pictures (I'm sure you are shocked by now!). Alan stayed at rehearsal most of the night with me...I think he gets a kick out of watching me on 'stage'.

Today we went to Chipotle for lunch. Sooo yummy! I would love to say he checked out something majorly interesting, like the Rangers Hall of Fame, or the business school at Baylor, but instead he sat at.....you guess it....Starbucks and read! Once again, I'm sad to report there are no pictures of this incident. We really must work on our picture taking skills!

Tonight Alan is coming into rehearsal with me and then he is to be picked up by our friends James and taken to cleburne for the next couple of days. He's going to help out with the Ireland garage Sale at Lifegate. he will be staying with James, who plans to feed him Lucky Charms for breakfast...

I am working tomorrow and going to my missions class and then working Friday morning, but taking off Friday afternoon and going up to Burleson to meet up with Alan. We are planning to have a date night Friday night. We will, for sure...I promise...take pictures of that! :)

:)

The weekend....

2010-02-01T16:30:00.000-08:00

Saturday morning started nice and early. I had rehearsal at 9 in Cleburne so I dopped Alan off at the Starbucks on Baylor campus and headed out. My friend Tammy picked him up and took him to the Saturday morning session of World Mandate. Alan says it was wonderful, but I was, of course, at rehearsal!

After rehearsal I came back into Waco and met up with Alan at the breakout sessions. (He went to Uncle Dan's for lunch with a guy we met at World Mandate that's been to Ireland on several missions trips...thanks to Mike for taking the lunch shift!) We came back to the house where I napped for about an hour and then back to the evening session, which was amazing! Then, we crashed at our respective places.

Sunday morning we went to Lifegate Church in Burleson. This is the church I went to Ireland with last March and will be returning with in a few weeks. It was a great service. After church we went to lunch with Jennifer and her kids, James, his girlfriend, and his daughter, and Pastor Chad, Amber, and their kids. James kept us laughing with stories of things that happend in Ireland last year.

After lunch we spent a lazy afternoon with Jenn and John. We mostly just sat around and talked...and then Jenn made me chicken and dumplings!!! John made us peppermint mochas, and home we came. Here are some pics (haha, I rememebered again!) from the afternoon.

Taken by Koby, Jennifer's 4 year old son!

Jennifer and Flash the dog...also snapped by Koby

Alan, Koby, and Hannah jumping off the fireplace hearth and onto the rug.

Here's a video of the three of them jumping...it's really dark...it was my first video attempt on the new camera...cut a girl some slack!!! :)

Pictures....

2010-02-01T14:48:00.000-08:00

Me and Alan and Thomas at Mom and Dad's

Me, Alan, Thomas, and Allison

Dad, Mom, me, and Alan

Last Thursday night at the apartment...

Mini Rolls!!!!!!!! Alan brought me 30 Mini Rolls! They were soooo good!

Thursday and Friday

2010-01-30T17:01:00.000-08:00

Thursday wasn't really an eventful day. It rained all day! Alan made his first visit to Starbucks and Barnes and Noble while I was at school. After school we hung out at the apartment and I 'made' dinner (basically I threw it in the microwave and 'viola' we had dinner!). Then it was off to the first night of Perspectives. Perspectives is a interdenominational class about missions. Throughout the semester of Thursday night classes we'll cover the Biblical, historical, cultural and strategical perspectives of missions work. It's gonna be alot of fun!

Friday my class went to the Mayborn Museum for the 'Exploration Tour'. Alan joined us for this trip. It was a lot of fun...Here he is with the iguana (yes...I remembered to take a picture!)

Friday night we went to World Mandate, a missions conference here in Waco. It was really good and, thankfully, was over about 10:30 so I was in bed and asleep by 11!!!!! And there ya have it! :)

Brownwood or bust....

2010-01-28T14:30:00.000-08:00

Tuesday after school Alan and I hopped into the 'Conversation Capsule' (otherwise known as my car) and headed to Brownwood for Bible Study at David and Angie's. Bible study was FANTASTIC and it was great to see everyone. We even got to see Christina, a friend of mine from high school! We stayed at Angie and David's Tuesday night and Wednesday morning David made Alan (and me and Angie) and HUGE breakfast. Biscuits and gravy, eggs, hash browns, and bacon. It was super yummy! Then Alan wandered around campus some and spent some time talking to Angie while I got cleaned up and stuff. I was able to go see David at his office (he's a chiropractor) and then we had lunch with David and Angie at Humphrey Pete's where we introduce Alan to chicken fried steak....sooooo good!

After lunch, Alan and I headed down to Austin to have dinner with my Bible Study group from last semester. Cheryl made fajitas (another fantastic meal!). We sat and talked and laughed and even convinced Alan to lilt for the girls! Again, I'm a terrible blogger and have no pictures of the trip....

I promise to improve my picture taking in the near future...but at least now you know what we've been doing! :)

Lost, lost, lost.......

2010-01-28T14:14:00.000-08:00

So Alan's adventures continue...

On Sunday night we went over to Grandmother's for ice cream and coffee. I'm sad to say I'm a 'bad blogger' as I have NO pictures! Then we came back to Waco and I went to Julie's to catch some sleep and Alan stayed at my apartment.

Monday Alan came to school with me for the day. It was a wonderfully easy day for me with 2 of my 6 kids absent. (He still thinks I'm a nice teacher!!!!) After school we went by one of my students' houses and then by Morrison's before heading to Cleburne for my rehearsal. Now, earlier in the day Alan had run down the road to Schlotzsky's for lunch and made it there and back with no trouble, so he decided he'd like to go on into Burleson to see Jenn and John whilst I rehearsed. I gave him my phone with the navigator and off he went. Seems the Navigator on my phone is missing a new road and he wound up a little lost. Luckily Jenn called and guided him there.

They got to visit a while before he had to come back and get me. Due to the problem with my Navigator on my phone, Jenn and John let Alan borrow their Garmin to get back. He made it back to the theater with no problems and then we headed to Waco. On the way back Alan decided I was allllll together toooooo tired to drive him to the apartment and then back to Julie's, and since he had the Garmin, he'd just drop me at Julie's and use the Garmin to get to the apartment. We wound up talking until about 1am and then he left. I went into Julie's and went to bed thinking nothing of Alan driving to the apartment...after all, he had the Garmin. Well, at about 2:30 am I got a call from Alan. He was L-O-S-T....in Waco. My first question: where are you. Now, I've been lost before and my dad's asked me that and my answer was always, "I don't know"....I know realize why this answer frustrates my father! Alan replies, "I don't know!" and I think - well how can I help you?! (Keep in mind - it's 2:30 am and I've been asleep for at least an hour!) Anyway, finally I figure out where he is-ish and guide him back to the apartment.......wow...what a night!

Somehow, I didn't think about the fact that he still had to get BACK to Julie's....that was an adventure too! Turns out, the Garmin missed the part where we came to Waco...so finally, later Tuesday morning we got it working and it has been guiding us place to place ever since. We do, however, have to give it back on Sunday and I have a sneaking suspicion I'll be getting a Garmin for 'Valentine's Day'.

And that folks...was Monday....

Alan Arrives!

2010-01-24T15:11:00.000-08:00

I am pleased to announce that Alan is here!!! He landed safely at about 11 pm and we got to Mom and Dad's about 11:45. Mom and Dad were happy to meet him, but then they went to bed while Alan and I stayed up talking till about 1:30...sadly, I was the one who was seriously tired today, not Alan!

Thomas stayed at Gram and Papa's with us last night and was SOOO excited waking up to find Alan here. He got out of bed and his first words to Alan were, "Wanna go play with the trains?!" Next thing I know they're playing in the playroom on the floor!

At one point I went over and stood by Alan. Thomas just stopped and stared at me. In reality, 'stared' doesn't really explain the look. The look truly said, "What're you doin?!" So I said, "Thomas, who did Alan come to see, you or me?" Without missing a beat Thomas replied, "ME!" And back to trains they went!

Alan and I went to 2 church services this morning. We went to the 9:15 at Prestonwood with Allison and the 11:00 at Parkway Hills with Mom and Dad. Then we went to lunch at Christina's for some good ole Tex-Mex. We all had a really nice time. Here's a pic of Alan and Thomas:

After lunch Thomas invited us to check out Allison's new apartment so we went over there for a bit and then back to Mom and Dad's. Since people have been asking for pics of me and Alan -- here ya go! :)

After taking the pic above, I decided we should catch a picture of the train track that Thomas and Alan built this morning...

Since then, I have had a nice nap, while Alan dozed through the football game. Alan has now helped Mom and Dad get some stuff out of their (scary) garage and in a minute we will head to Grandmother's. After a short visit with Grandmother we will head back to Waco so that I can go to work tomorrow.

Check back again soon to catch pictures of all that we get to do while Alan's here. :)

Wild West Shoot-out....or fundraiser?

2010-01-23T14:00:00.000-08:00

Today we had a fundraiser for the Ireland Mission Trip in March. Jennifer, our fearless leader, rounded up all us cow-pokes and threw us in JJ Mocha 'Jail'. (Just for the sake of clarification - it was PRETEND jail!) She told us that we had to post bail of $100, and if we all raised $125 or more that we could 'arrest' Pastor Chad - the pastor of Lifegate Church (the church with whom I am going to Ireland). We all got started raising money right away. By the end of the fundraiser my friends and family had donated enough money to pay for my entire trip! What a blessing!

Here's Jennifer all Cowboy'd up!

5 1/2 days and counting

2010-01-17T16:27:00.000-08:00

For those who don't know...Alan Duigan will be coming to visit me for 3 weeks in 5 1/2 days. Alan and I met 10 years ago when I was in Ireland for the first time, however, we didn't have anything to do with each other for 9 years. When I was back last March we met again and became fast friends. By the time I went back over the summer I was thinking I had a bit of a crush on him and by the end of my 2 1/2 weeks there I was sure! We have continued to talk via Skype since July (that's 6 months folks) and now he's coming to see me! On Jan 23rd he'll arrive rather late. We have a BUSY time planned! Here's a little bit of what we'll be doing!

Jan 23 Alan arrives at 11:10 pm
Jan 24 Time with my family
Jan 25 Waco/rehearsal
Jan 26 Waco/Brownwood
Jan 27 Brownwood/Austin
Jan 28-30 Waco
Jan 31 Burleson
Feb 1-3 Waco
Feb 4-6 Alan in Burleson working Ireland Garage Sale
Feb 6-7 Fort Worth
Feb 8-11 Waco
Feb 12 Alan flies home

I promise to take loads of pics and post at least once a week! Yeehaw y'all!

this week

2010-01-17T16:19:00.000-08:00

So, this week my dad fell at work. I got a text at work that said, "So, did you hear about Dad?" come to find out, he'd fallen from a ladder at work. He was 6 feet up working on installing some stuff in the ceiling at his new office and the ladder slipped out from under him. About halfway down he hit an OLD security monitor (which is like a TV screen) and broke his bottom 5 ribs and bruised his lung. He spent 5 days in the hospital. I went up on Thursday and sat with him. That was, however, his worst day in terms of pain. After Thursday he quickly improved and today he came home. His biggest concern was whether or not they would get him discharged in time for the big game. He made it home and yelled at the Cow'girls' throughout the game. I am so glad he's home and doing alright!

The power of prayer folks...the power of prayer! :)

Header

2010-01-01T18:50:00.000-08:00

Amy just taught me how to make a header....visit my page lots now to see it many times!!!!!!! Thanks Amy! (Now we must go look at jewelry............toodles)

Playing Catch-up

2009-12-29T20:12:00.001-08:00

So it's been a while...and I know you all are just dying to know what's happening in my life. As always, I'll back up...

I made it through November and got my car back. When I got it back from the dealership here in Waco I was not pleased. I took it to Sykora in West and left it with them for a week. During that week they replaced at least one piece, checked all the things I never managed to get the dealership here to check, and recleaned the entire car - inside and out. When I got it back it looked brand new and beautiful! I was so excited to be back in my car! Of course, the Wednesday I got my car back from it being stolen (and repaired) someone was shot and killed in my complex. Don't worry - I don't feel 'unsafe' or anything. I don't even know which building it was in and I wasn't home when it happened. No, I am not moving either...that would require boxing things up and REmoving them...not happening!

Fast forward a few weeks and we have Thanksgiving. I had the whole week off, so on Tuesday I went to Brownwood for Bible Study at Crosslines. I was a 'Crossliner' before there was Crosslines! We used to meet in the back room of Angie and David's house! Now they have a coffee shop and that's where the Bible Study meets. I was highly fortunate to get to spend some one on one time with Angie on Wednesday morning. I also got to go see Jill, Paul, and Meredith Underwood (Sarah wasn't home). I even got to meet Bruiser, their dog! Then, late Wednesday, I drove from Brownwood to Fort Worth. I stopped off in Fort Worth to see the newly married Kelly Conway Mickler. It was good to have Starbucks with my good friend. Then onto Mom and Dad's!

We went to Grandmother's for Thanksgiving on Thursday. As always, it was wonderfully yummy. I would also like to say that my 92 year old Grandmother (she'd kill me for posting her age!) cooked the entire meal on her own! I mean, yeah the turkey was pre-cooked, the pie was frozen, and the bread was brown and serve, but goodness! I am sooo blessed to have her in my life! I will also say that I was most thankful this holiday season for the Christian heritage within my family. I am grateful I was brought up to know Jesus and all that He has done for me.

On Friday we hit the sales. Allison stayed up really late and went to Toys R Us with a friend, but Mom and I let them have that little privelege all on their own! Then about 10 we all headed out to Target, Wal Mart, Kohls, and Best Buy. I got some great deals on sweaters (of which I had few) and presents for the nephews. I think I must have headed back Friday because on Saturday I started working for Morrison's Gifts.

Morrison's is owned by Morris Mebane and his daughter, Sally Dickenson. Morris was the pharmacist who filled ALL our prescriptions as kids. We went to church with him and his wife, Lucy. Additionally, Allison and I were flower girls in Sally's wedding 25 years ago! When I moved back and went to visit them, they asked if I would be willing to work the holiday season. Of course I was and so I did! I worked just about as much as they could schedule me! During this time I also sang in Columbus Avenue's Waco Christmas Celebration, babysat, auditioned for Millie, and taught. It was busy!

Real quick highlight on Millie...while I wasn't cast in the roles I wanted, I was cast and will be performing Feb 12-Mar 20 (with 2 weekends off to be in Ireland!). I will get to tap!!! I'm so excited!

Anyway, so for 3 weeks I was either singing, dancing, or working (or a combination of the 3) as well as teaching! However, we all survived and then it was Christmas break!!!! It's hard to believe it's already been a semester!

Mostly, I've worked through Christmas break! On the 23rd I worked until 3 and then met Aunt Sharon and Uncle Craig at the apartment. They brought Grandma to me so that I could take her up to Mom and Dad's with me. (Grandma has early Alzheimers so it was a real blessing for her to be with us!) Grandma and I drove up to the 'rents and enjoyed some family time. I had the joy of sleeping with my 3 year old nephew, Thomas. That was an experience. Picture this: soundly sleeping at about 5:30 am, when suddenly the little boy asleep to you is crying (loudly) about wanting Cheetos. A now only half coherent aunt is TRYING to figure out why her nephew wants Cheetos when his mom comes in and says, "Don't worry, he's dreaming. You can have Cheetos when you get up." And cue the sleeping nephew. I'm thinking "00000000000000h - k" and lay down to go back to sleep. Just as I fall almost back to sleep, he starts crying for his Aunt Leanne (who keep in mind is curled up right next to him!). Learning quickly from the child's mother I reassure him I'm right there and he goes back to sleep. Ok, so now it's 6 and I'm thinking, PLEASE sleep kid -- I know you like to wake up at 7, but with this hours disruption I'm gonna need to sleep till 8!!! So, I'm almost back to sleep and would you believe -- he cries for cake! Again, I assure him he can have some when he gets up (good thing he didn't remember any of this or he'd have had cheetos and cake for breakfast!) and FINALLY we all go back to sleep. At about 7:30 he wakes up. I stumble out of bed to the TV praying it's on Disney. It is so I stumble back to bed and go back to sleep. At some point Gram came in and got Thomas, but I slept till about 8:30 and don't remember her getting him. It was an interesting sequence of events that left me (in my partially coherent state) a little frazzled, but I quickly recovered with sleep! It was truly a really funny morning.

One I got up, I think I lazed around as late as humanly possible before taking a shower! After showering came the which church, what time debate. However that was remedied by the snow. Allison and I went with Thomas to Prestonwood at 4:30, while the rest of the family stayed home in the warmth. It was a great service, and the snow was pretty - but it was COLD! So we went home, had out 'traditional' tamale dinner and then cleaned up. We taught Thomas to say 'presents' in Mom's famous way. The p and the r sounds get drawn out as long as possible and the whole thing causes lots of spit. Thomas, of course, thought it was good fun and we all got a good giggle! He was so excited! This year was really lots of fun. After cleaning up we had a very short 'papparazzi' session and got into the business of opening gifts. Thomas made out like a bandit! And he was so excited about every gift! It was alot of fun to see him get excited about what other people were getting, as well as his! He was also truly excited when someone opened a gift FROM him and thanked him. Christmas is another ball game when seen through the eyes of young children!

(Just b/c I know your wondering: I got a new small digital camera with case and memory card, an exhaustive concordance with Hebrew/Greek dictionary, a key chain, a Michael's gift card, a beautiful necklace, socks, and money.)

Christmas Day I spent time with the fam and then drove home so I could work the 'after Christmas' sales. Worked Saturday and then decided I wanted to end the year with a Sunday at Living Water. So...I drove up to Fort Worth where I stayed with Val and Ron. We had our little Christmas and I got a Starbucks gift card! Then went to church at LWC on Sunday. Was soooooo great to be there! After church we ate at Joe's. It was the regular Sunday group..and i got to play with Isaiah a little bit! After lunch I had Starbucks with Woody and then went to see Jenn and John in Burleson. Jennifer made me dinner (always a treat) and I just hung out for a bit. Then back home to Waco so I could work Monday, today and tomorrow. Tomorrow after work I am heading back to Fort Worth for another night at Val and Ron's and then working the Armed Forces Bowl game at the Amon Carter stadium New Year's Eve Day. It is a fundraiser for the Ireland trip. After the game I'm headed to Mom and Dad's to see Amy, Paul, Andrew, and Christopher and have round 2 of Christmas. I'm excited to see Amy and Paul and the boys.

I will come home on Sunday and then back to work with inservice on Monday. Also on Monday I start rehearsals for Thoroughly Modern Millie AND Amy, Paul, the boys, Grandma, A. Sharon, and U. Craig will converge upon my apartment for a visit! WOW!

Anyway, that's about it - if you took the time to read the entire dissertation above - KUDOS to you! :)

....and to all a goodnight!

Some days....

2009-11-11T20:04:00.000-08:00

So today at SCHOOL was pretty awesome! My screamer stopped screaming for the first time this week! After school we had a meeting, but I was let out early so that I could go get my car! I was really excited to be picking up my car! I went to the rental place and dropped off the rental (where I found out insurance only paid through Nov 3 even though they KNEW my car was still at Bird Kultgen. They've told me this is 'normal', insurance just needs to update it....so I called my agent!). Despite insurances little glitch, I was still excited. Then I get there and see it and all those bad feelings came back. But, still, I pay and get in and find 4 miles till empty. My car has been sitting at Bird Kultgen's lot for 3 weeks and they couldn't find time to put gas in it. I mean, it's a dealership, I know they have a gas pump there somewhere! 4 miles! So, after I'd just put gas in the rental to return it, I had to go FILL up my tank. Then I drove to West to drop my car off at Sykora. Great place that Sykora! I now have a rental...that I got with 1/4 of a tank. Sigh - this is the gas day.

Anyway, so most of the evening I was dealing with my emotions related to the car. I wanted to cry when in it. There's all this change in it that they moved around and stuff and so I told Sykora to get rid of it. I know that's silly. Surely that money would buy me a coke or 2, but it grosses me out! I also asked Sykora to make my car SMELL better. They shampooed the carpets and seats and then rolled the windows up and left it...blech.

Ok, so deal with that, go sing Chritmas music (I love Christmas music) and then come home. Go to get ready for bed and find I have no water. Call the office and find it's complex wide. Now, I'm going to bed, praying for water in my house in the morning so I can shower for work. Some days, the best thing you can do is go to bed and pray.

Dear Lord, make it all work out. Amen

Halloween Pics!

2009-11-09T17:57:00.000-08:00

Here are some pics from Halloween....finally.....

Amy and Michael, Carlos (the newsie) and Marnie (the bee), and me

Self-portrait

me and Marnie

Me in my Grandma's dress and my Grandmother's hat.....

And one I actually stole from someone else's FB profile - but it's funny...and it's fitting for Halloween! :0

In other news, my student who was int he hospital is back at school and healthy! Thakns for the prayers!

Hanging pictures...

2009-11-03T19:19:00.000-08:00

So, tonight my friend Andrew came over to help hang pictures. Well, we started by eating spaghetti and corn, and watching Three and A Half Men. When we finally started working, we started with the 'big picture' over the fireplace. In this phase I hit my elbow on the corner of the frame. It hurt....badly. It still hurts, but I'm planning on it getting better soon! Here's the finished product of that venture...I had to take the pic at a weird angle b/c it reflects things badly! Anyway - there it is!

Then we moved on to spoon cabinets. These have always been such a pain for me to hang, but Andrew quickly came up with a system that worked and have them up in no time. They span the 2 walls in my dinig area (3 on one wall, 2 on the other). Please note they are hung with space between them. This is so I can add cabinets as needed!

Then it was time to deal with the crosses! In Granbury I had a 'cross wall' and really wanted one here, but I didn't really have a good place. So, I changed it up a bit. I hung 3 of them above the bar space between my kitchen and living areas. Then the rest of them on the wall behind the couch. (I did leave one purple one to hang in my bathroom b/c all my bathroom stuff is purple, but all the rest are out here.

While I was deciding which crosses should go where, Andrew went into the guest room (which up until tonight was the 'box' room -- well, it still is -- all the boxes are now shoved into the closet...) and set up the bed and moved the bookshelves and cabinet Grandpa made into their new 'homes'. I don't have pics b/c my phone won't pan out far enough and I don't currently have a working camera (sad, I know). Then we hung the crosses and then he said he could do one more project, but then had to leave. So I decided to hang the family picture collection. They're old, but they're good! I need to get new ones, but it's hard to get a full family shot with all of us running different directions all the time! Anyway, here's the final result of that!

And there you have it! Now all I have to do is unpack the boxes in my closet (please pray we don't have any cold weather before I get them out again -- all my warm clothes are stuck behind them!), and hang the rest of the pictures...my beauty and the beast poster, 1 Corinthians 13 frame, the mirrors, and the 18 pics of me, Amy, and Allison.

Will keep things updated as I get more done around the apartment...

Time Change Blues

2009-11-02T19:45:00.000-08:00

How is it that when I fly to Ireland, I don't jet lag....but when we 'fall back' one silly hour my body suddenly is thrown out of whack!? Anyone care to explain this strange phenomenon? It's 9:47 and I have now deemed it 'late enough' to go to bed....goodnight all.

Musings on Cain and Abel....

2009-11-01T20:31:00.000-08:00

Disclaimer: this post is comprised completely of my musings on the story of Cain and Abel....it's totally falls into the category of RELIGION, so if you don't want to read my 'religious musings', you won't offend me, just please pick a different post!

So, I'm doing a Bible study called Fatal Distractions. I, first of all, must admit that I just completed the entire last weeks worth of 'homework' in one sitting b/c I didn't attend the study on Friday so I just didn't do it throughout the week. One part talked about Cain and Able. That story fascinates me. Really - it does. There are these 2 brothers: one cultivates the land, the other works with the animals. One day they both bring an offering to the Lord. Cain, the farmer brings 'an offering of the fruit of the land.' His brother, Abel, brings an offering of the firstlings of the flock and of their fat. First of all, how did they know to bring an offering? What compeled the 3rd and 4th human being to bring a gift to their creator? If it was so inherint in them to bring such an offering, why isn't it inherint in us?! Why do we struggle so much over a 10th of our earnings?!

So, they both bring offerings and God accepts Able's firstlings and fat, but rejects Cain's fruit. And now, for the age old question....WHY? I've heard different reasons different people give:
*Abel's was the firstlings (the firstfruits), Cain's was just part of his crop
*Abel's involved blood, and from the beginning blood was required in all offerings and sacrifices until the ultimate blood sacrifice was made (His Son).

Now...here's where I start to wonder....
At this point God hasn't given the command for anyone to bring in their firstfruits. Nor have the people been directed in what kinds of sacrifices and offerings are acceptable. Additionally, why would the firstfruits of the fields not be accepted when one of the offerings was for the firstfruits of the fields (once the specific offerings were put into place...YEARS later in the wilderness). So what was the real reason? Was it the condition of the heart? Was it really that Cain just brought some part of his crop and God wasn't pleased with it? Was it that Abel's involved blood? Whatever it was...the rejection hurt Cain more than words could express - it made his countenance (his face) fall....just like it does us today. Imagine the last time someone uttered some small insult which truly cut you to the quick. Now compare that with how Cain felt...THE GOD of All rejected his gift. Gah! The hurt! The deep, heartfelt pain and sorrow....Then Cain got ANGRY. How often is this our reaction too?! Someone rejects or hurts us and we get MAD. 'Hopping mad'....we spew, we spit, we give the cold shoulder....I imagine Cain did the same.

But even then, God is gracious enough to meet with Cain and talk to him. He tells him (in Leanne's paraphrase) if you do a good job next time, won't you smile more?! That's like getting in trouble at work and getting fired but the boss saying, "If you do good at your next job, I bet they'll keep you." But then, he gets the warning of a lifetime - a chance to escape what's to come! God tells him that if he doesn't do a good job, sin is waiting for him. It's crouching at the door and it desires him. Wow! Visualize that! Sin is CROUCHING at the door, waiting for him, DESIRING him. God tells him to master it. (I'm pretty sure my next words would have been, "Oh yeah -- how?!" but that's me.)

The next verse says, "Cain told his brother." Um...told him what? That he was mad? That sin was waiting for him? That he had to do a better job? What did he tell him?! Then it says that while they were in the field Cain rose up against Abel and killed him. (Now someone please please please correct me if my thinking is off...but...) So Cain goes to Abel and something happens that causes him to want to kill his brother. The more I think about it, the more I think Cain may have gone to Abel to try to reconcile. To confess and apologize. If this is the case, did Abel have a "I'm better than you attitude" or did he say, "yeah, yeah, yeah - now let me tell you what you need to do better?" or, when it came down to it - did the anger stemming from rejection just overpower him? Additionally, that brings to mind something else I recently heard in context of a different story - "Sometimes we confess our sins, we just confess them to the wrong person." Should Cain have taken it up with God first and repented before trying to reconcile? I know I'm asking a lot of questions, but I think that as I dig in, I'm either getting way toooo deep, or I just really want to understand it!

Anyway, he kills his brother and then God comes and asks where his brother is. I can hear the sarcasm and resentment and anger dripping from the statement, "I do not know. Am I my brother's keeper?" Or in more 'hip' language: "How should I know? Am I in charge of him - of where he goes and what he does. Go ask him yourself." Um, so even if he went out with good intentions - whatever happened that caused him to kill his brother also seems to have quadrupled the anger issue. God, of course, hands out a punishment as murder never has been and never will be ok. He tells Cain he is cursed from the ground - it will no longer be easily and will cultivated by him. God takes away the thing that he loved so much it caused a problem.

(Wow - that was kinda profound...God took away from Cain that which he loved so much it created the problem...maybe therein lies the reason for the rejection...he really loved the ground and the time spent cultivating more than he loved God....what do we love more than we love God? Reminds me of a saying I heard long ago - what you comprimise to keep, you will loose in the end...wow...)

Then, I don't know if he realized he the error of his way as he cried out in the next part of the story - or if he had the same kind of self centered moment we all do when punishment is given: but that's too hard to bear! Based on the words - I think he was having a bit of a pity party. But again, God is abounding in loving-kindness and he promises Cain that anyone who hurts him would incur a greater punishment. It reminds me of when he kicked out Adam and Eve...he gave them a promise that the woman's seed would crush the head of the serpent that decieved them. In this moment of great sin he makes a promise that no one will harm him.

Then it says that Cain departed from the presence of the Lord. Adam and Eve were driven from the garden, but it doesn't say that they were driven from his presence...just from the perfection of the garden. Here it says Cain left God's presence. Wow. That's hard to imagine! And that makes me ask -- is Cain in Heaven!?

Anyway - that's all for now -- I seem to have hit a wall of tired -- enjoy, feel free to comment, or just read, pray, and search the word yourself.......

Good night all!

Things you never think about...until your car is stolen...

2009-11-01T17:10:00.000-08:00

*If my car was stolen tonight, would I miss the CD that's in the cd player, the jacket in the backseat, etc

*Do I have any money, receipts, etc in the car that might give away tooo much information about me?

*Who are you and why are you just hanging out in the parking lot of the complex?

*Did I lock my car? Did I really lock my car? Am I positive the car is locked? I better go back and check one more time (even though I heard it honk at me the previous 6 times).

*...must...take...note...of...where...car...is...parked....

*better check that it's locked one more time

*is that sunshade really that important?

--you get the idea...and btw - I have to go check to make sure my car is locked...ya know, just in case...

Sleep well - and may your cars stay put!

Halloween: A thespians favorite night!

2009-11-01T08:56:00.000-08:00

Halloween is not my favorite night, most anyone knows that. I admit in the past I've sat at home and not answered the door. Party pooper, maybe.

I'm a huge advocate of fall festivals at churches and such. I love seeing kids dressed as fairies, pumpkins, etc. But the vampires, brides of Chicky, haunted houses, etc...I could certainly live without! I'm not denying that it's Halloween - I just prefer the 'less scary' avenues of fun...

However, yesterday Marnie and I werer talking and she said she and Carlos were thinking of going to Zoo Boo...oh, and you could wear a costume. Well, anyone who knows me at all knows I love a chance to dress up! So I agreed to go...just so I could dress up! I will admit it wasn't as 'look at the animals aren't they cute' as I'd hoped. The different buildings were turned into haunted houses. I do, however, use that term lightly, as the people were dressed as scary things, but they mostly just jumped out and said, "boo!" or "AHHHH!" They made me jump, and the kids scream, but they weren't THAT scary. However, I did think MORE THAN ONCE -- why would you purposely bring your kid to something like this? Why would you want to PUSH them into a haunted house and have someone jump out and yell at them? Wouldn't the churches trunk or treat or fall festival with games be more fun for them!? Maybe I'm just a boring old person...but...anyway....

I went to my closet and looked through my 'vintage' clothing section. Yes, I have a vintage clothing section in my closet! I have several of Grandma's old dresses, a flapper dress that actually belongs to a friend of mine, and several of Grandmother's old hats and gloves. So, I perused the section and decided on a blue dress of grandmothers, to be worn with a white hat of Grandmoter's. I curled my hair, did my makeup, and was pleased with the result. It was really alot of fun getting to wear things that belonged to my grandmothers...made it more than just 'dressing up'.

We went to boo at the zoo and it was fun to see all the kids dressed up. I actually got several compliments on the hat and dress, and only one "what're you supposed to be?" We went to Chili's afterwards and then I came home, finished reading a script and went to bed!

Things I learned from tonight:

*it's easier to curl my hair with hot sticks when I have the 'yellow' gel

*safety pins = miracle workers

*character shoes come in handy at times other than shows

*the best costumes can be found in your own closet

Here is a not so great picture -- more to come...

Student

2009-10-27T16:09:00.001-07:00

I was just informed that one of my students has been diagnosed with viral menengitis. This sickness is scary enough without the further complications this baby has! He has been sick most of his 5 years of life and last year had a kidney transplant. I have worked very hard with this sweet kiddo since school started to get some of the behaviors and such under control and he has come sooo far! I, in the meantime, grown to love this baby! The good news is there are antibiotics to treat it and he will be ok. It's just scary for him and his family. I am hoping to go see him Thursday and take him a card from the school. Please keep him and his family in your prayers! He needs a COMPLETE healing!

Insurance, Body Shops, and Toll Tags...oh my!

2009-10-27T15:28:00.000-07:00

So, if you've been on my facebook you'll notice my status says that I wonder how long it's gonna be before it all goes back to normal...it stems from my conversations today with those who are 'helping' me with my car.

Started with a call to Bird Kultgen, where my car is currently. Last week when I went to see it I asked them to a) keep me informed, and b) look over every inch of the car and make sure all was ok. So I call today for an update b/c I haven't talked to anyone since Friday and they tell me it's been sent out to have the carpets shampooed. I said, wait a minute? The new carpet needs a shampoo (the insurance adjuster said the claim would include new carpet and seats). The Bird Kultgen guy says, "No, the estimate didn't include new seats or new carpet." Well, throughout the conversation I find out that the estimate was ONLY to pull out the seats to dry them and then put them back in and to pull the 'scuff plates' (these hold the carpet down) out and make sure the carpet dried and then put them back in. Then to shampoo and clean the seats, carpet, etc, and to replace the driver's seat cushion trim. That's it. Keep in mind the adjuster told me they would write the estimate for NEW seats and NEW carpet. The driver's seat has a hole burned into it by a cigarette!!! Grrr. So I was pretty hot about all that and then I ask the guy if they've looked over the things I requested. I mean, I want them to go over it with a fine-toothed comb, but I specifically asked them to check the steering column, the cd player, and the speakers on the passenger side where I could SEE water in them. His reply was no b/c they couldn't fix anything without an insurance estimate. I told him I understand they can't fix it...I don't want them to fix it - I want to know if there's a problem with it! He said, again, that he'd look over it.

So I get off with him and call my insurance agent and the claims lady and then I called my car dealership (where every one of my cars and my parents cars have come from since the place opened) and talked to MY dealer. I asked him to call BK and light a fire under the body shop guys tushie so that he'll actually look over these things. He, of course, said he would.

So then my insurance agent calls. My agent is a friend so he was pretty unhappy with the way the adjuster treated me, but also explained that these guys do this day in and day out and forget to see it from my point of view. So, he advised me to kindly remind the guy to look at it as if it were HIS car. So he straightened me out and helped me know how to better deal with the people when I finally get a hold of them! Then he helped me file a property loss claim. Good news on that is that I can file for EVERY LITTLE THING that was taken. Since that inculdes pictures and an album I can file for every print and every page and every piece of paper that was taken.

Then I called NTTA to cancel the toll tag I had. I learned that because it's a hard case I owe them $25. I calmly and kindly explained that I didn't loose the toll tag, it was TAKEN. I explained that my car was stolen and the toll tag with it. I said the car was recovered, but the toll tag was gone. He checked with his supervisor (kuddos to him for checking) but was informed it's still 'my fault' it's gone and I have to pay for it. I told him that was stupid, and he agreed, but of course had no say. So I payed it and then he said that I didn't have to pay to get a new one. That was good news! That also makes the $25 the replacement cost and I'll be filing that with the stolen property claim!

Sigh...I still tear up when talking about how 'they' were in my car. I really and truly have a hard time thinking that I'm going to climb into the car 'they' took and drive it back to the parking lot from which it was taken. Somehow this doesn't seem smart! I'm just sayin! Anyway - that's that...

Insurance, body shops, and toll tags......oh my!

Dude -- there's my car!

2009-10-26T18:57:00.000-07:00

I am forever destined to be the 'back-blogger'! I am ALWAYS blogging what's happened days (or weeks or months) ago! Sigh...

So, after I posted about the tragedy of my car's disappearance Thursday morning I got a call from a lady in Waco PD's theft recovery. She was a real joy, let me tell ya...She told me she'd found my car, which was greatly exciting to me! To make a long story short, I had it towed to the local dealership so that the body shop could look it over. I went out there to see it and found some of the criminals belongings in my car. I'm not gonna lie - I was repulsed and ticked off! I found out they took my leather jacket, my toll tag, a pillow (but left the case), and my scrapbooking materials, plus pics and an album. They also left the windows down, which anyone who lives in TX right now knows this was a bad idea! There's some water damage on the passenger side. There is also a cigarette hole burned in the driver's seat.

Crime Scene Unit came out and collected the criminals belongings and insurance came and did their thing, although I wasn't real impressed with the insurance guy at all! Unless the body shop finds other major damage, insurance will be replacing the seats and carpet, but that's it. (I'm still hoping and praying they'll total it...)

I'm still in a rental b/c the body shop has to do their thing before I'll drive it. In the meantime, I compulsively check to make sure my rental car is still in the parking lot, try not to leave ANYTHING in the car when I park it, especially for overnight, and am working on forgiving the individual responsible.

OH! They did arrest a man. He was wanted for something else (I googled him and he was on Waco's most wanted and he was also wanted in Belton). Anyway, they arrested him when they found the car, but not for my car, for the other charges (whatever they were). He should have been arrested for my car by now as I turned in the desire to prosecute on Saturday.

So, that's that. Perhaps in a few days I'll update something that happens tomorrow....Night y'all!

Dude....where's my car?!

2009-10-21T16:30:00.000-07:00

That was surely the question of the day yesterday! So here's how it went down:
I came home from work around 4:30 on Monday afternoon and parked my messy, but well loved Ford Fusion in a parking space near my apartment. I closed the sunroof, got out, locked it and headed up to the apartment. I camped out in the apartment ALL evening and ALL night. Got up Tuesday morning and got ready for work in my carefully planned outfit (I had a new shirt) and headed out the door. As I got close to the parking lot, I hit the unlock button on my keyless entry and looked for the headlights (just like every morning). Funny thing - I didn't see the headlights. So I kinda looked around and hit the unlock again. Still nothing. I thought, "Sheesh, where'd I put my car?!" Then I hit the lock button twice (because it honks at me if I do that) and...nothing. Now, I started to worry a tad. I kinda paced the sidewalk looking and realized I REALLY didnt see my car. So I went to the little red alarm button....you know, the one you tell kids not to play with. I hit it. Nothing. I hit it again...and again, and again and again (you get the idea) as I walked around the corner. Nada. Now I was totally freaking out. I hit it one more time for good measure as I walked up to a space and looked at it and thought...this is where I parked. Where's my car. Then it hit me. My car was gone. Stolen gone. Not like, some stupid teenagers thought it'd be funny to move to a new spot to annoy the owner...no...more like, some stupid teenagers thought it'd be funny to hot wire and drive my car away!

So I called mom in tears who, with a rather level head, told me to call the police. So I did. Ah...now that was a gem! Went something like this:
them = "Waco 911, what's your emergency?"
me = "I need to report that my cars been stolen'
them = "let me transfer you upstairs"
upstairs = "hello?"
me = "I'm calling to report that my cars been stolen"
upstairs = "what happened"
me = "my car was stolen...."
upstairs = "I understand...what happened?!"
me = "I don't know! Someone took my car. I parked it here last night and it's not here now!"
upstairs = "do you have the license plate number?"
me = "no, i don't know it - it's attached to the car."
upstairs = "the VIN number?"
me = "funny story, it's attached to the car too"
upstairs = "do you have your insurance card"
me = "um...nope, it was IN the car...but hang on I can find it online"
---find VIN---
upstairs = "please hold, we have to make sure it was towed"
(WHAT?! - I LIVE here...why would they tow my car!?"
upstairs = "well, i can't find where it was towed....could it have been reposessed?"
me = "no, I make my payments on time" (of course I checked just to be sure -- it's current)
upstairs = "well, where do you live?"
me = "{gives address}"
upstairs = "was there any glass?"
me = "no"
upstairs = "was it locked?"
me = "yes, I ALWAYS lock my car"
upstairs = "are you sure?"
me = "well, honestly, now that you ask, no - I have no idea what was going thru my mind yesterday at 4:30 - but i do know that I get out of my car and lock it almost immediately every day when I get home from work. I can only imagine I did it yesterday too!"
upstairs = "well, what kind of car was it"
me = "{explains cars appearance}"
upstairs = "i'll get this out and have them start looking. {gives me case number and ends conversation}"

Yeah - Waco police impress me.....NOT. (Sorry if you are one!)

So, later I get to thinking - my car is a MESS! I practically live out of it -- who'd want that?! I had a jacket and a couple of dresses in the backseat. I had the CDs in the player (which I might add were Mary Poppins, a few praise and worship CDs, part of the New Testament on CD, and a Breathe of Heaven audition trax. In the truck, which they couldn't see, was ALL, and by all I do mean ALL, of my scrapbooking stuff, including 3 albums (2 HS and one College) and a load of pictures. Sigh..really - what makes my car so intriguing!? OH! And on top - my Eeyore antanea ball from Disney World. Seriously people!?

So for now I'm in a waiting game...praying they find my car and my stuff. Sigh - Waco loves me...

Catching up!

2009-10-13T14:51:00.000-07:00

So, I'm trying to catch up on blogging so that perhaps I can turn into a good blogger in the future. I'm not really holding my breath...and therefore, I hope you aren't either. However, i did think I would post about being back in Waco.

So, I accepted the job on a Monday and started work the next Monday. The first Monday was just an orientation meeting. It was really boring, and it is the only meeting I think I learned anything at! The next week started new teacher inservice. This was quite possibly the most boring week of my life! We spent a day learning about guided reading (hello!! I went to college!). We spent a day learning about parent involvement (hello!! I've been teaching for 8 years!). We spent 3 other days learning about something, but appearantly my brain slept through it! Anyway, the next week was inservice at the school. This meetings were about as useful, though slightly better as I could ask questions about specific things that might, or might not happen on campus. The most important question: Can we wear jeans on Friday. The answer: YES!

I spent a lot of time working in my classroom this week as well. On Wednesday I was MAJORLY stressed and a WONDERFUL person sent me flowers to 'make it better'! Check out my facebook to see pictures! They were beautiful!

The next week kids came! Here's where it gets good!

During the week before school started most of th eteachers in the building (if not ALL) stopped by my room to welcome me. They also all left with a, 'Good Luck!' Then we had Meet the Teacher and I met my 'problem child'. Now, let me interject that I have 6 kids....5 boys. Each boy has a different behavior issue, but A takes the cake by far. When I met him, I left MTT thinking GOOD LUCK to myself! By Sunday, I was a BASKET CASE! I finally, while driving down the road in tears, prayed and asked GOD to help me. I told Him that if He'd help me, I'd tell everyone HE was the One helping me. He has done exceedingly abundantly beyond what I'd dreamed!

Lots of people said I wouldn't be able to get anything 'academic' accomplished in the first semester. I'd be working on behaviors so much that academics would take a back seat. Well, I'm happy to report we completed our first academic activity on day 3. And by the end of the 6 weeks my kids had learned several things, including (but not limited to) their 5 senses! My 'behavior' child who throws fits has gone from throwing multiple fits a day to maybe 1 a week! Praise God - He is good! :)

Outside of teaching, it's been interesting being back in Waco. Things are the same, yet different. Some places are the same....others are soo different. The hardest part for me has been finding a church. I had fallen so in love with Living Water there at the end of my stay there that now I'm having a hard time. I've visited a couple of places, and while they aren't BAD, they don't seem to be what I'm looking for.

I have seen some 'old friends' as well. Marnie, Wendy, and Andrew have been great! It's also been nice to spend some time with Stuart and Amanda. All in all my experience here so far has been good....I have rediscovered that I am allergic to Waco, but we're working through that! :)

That's about all for now.....more later!

Welcome!!!

2009-10-13T14:48:00.000-07:00

Welcome my newest nephew: John Christopher Neal.

Born October 12, 2009

10:32 am

21.75 inches

7'15"

Mommy (Amy), Daddy (Paul), brother (Andrew), and baby (Christopher) are all doing well! :)

Praise God for His sweet blessings!

How I got to Waco....

2009-09-30T20:52:00.000-07:00

This is an old 'note' from Facebook that I wrote just after I accepted the job in Waco...it tells how I got here....perhaps tomorrow I'll take the time to do a very generic update of life in Waco....

So, after much prayer and consideration, I accepted a job in Waco ISD today.

For those of you who don't know the story, it goes like this: Granbury has an HUGE financial deficit...like in the millions...and will be making budget cuts. In the deaf ed world, your program is based on numbers - and ours dropped. (Doing the math yet?!) That equals a budget cut of personel, which to make legal, is called a RIF - Reduction in Force. In normal everyday terms this is, You're fired with no real reason except that we don't want to pay you anymore. Sadly, it's completely legal and in every contract. Why me? Well, because there are only 3 of us to pick from: one has been there forever and the other has three certifications to my one. So, I'm the lucky one that's being effectively let go. The problem with the RIF is that it is a legal process and it takes a while, so they couldn't tell me exactly when I would no longer truly have a position -- it could be tomorrow, or it could go on until December (DECEMBER PEOPLE!). So, I of course started looking for something else.

Back in June I applied to 2 consortiums plus at least 5 other districts and I had one interview in one district, and had one phone call from another, but neither of them panned out. I went to Ireland and thought, my phone can ring here too! But it didn't. I even applied for a job in Ireland and THAT didn't pan out. I came back, updated stuff and started looking outside the teaching profession and still came up with nothing. Somewhere in there I decided that I didn't care if I was teaching or not as long as I was doing what God wanted me to do, so I started praying God would put me on the path He wanted me on and that He would open the doors He wanted open and close those He didn't.

Last Monday Waco ISD's deaf ed program called and wanted to interview me. I drove down Tuesday for a 20 minutes interview at the end of which they told me they weren't even sure if they needed someone. 5 minutes later they called me back and asked me to get all my paperwork finished up, HR was telling them they would need someone. SO I got all my stuff in and continued to pray God would close the doors He didn't want me walking thru. Friday morning they offered the job, but before I could call back Granbury ISD SpEd called and requested a meeting with me.

*sigh*

The meeting with GISD was basically, we are still doing the RIF and you are still our choice so find a new job if you can. Awesome - door closed, door open. Easy decision, right?! Well, anyone who knows me knows it was anything but easy for me! I prayed all weekend that if this wasn't where He wanted me that He would close the door. We get to today and guess what - it's still open so I took the job - and I'm totally ok with it!

Tomorrow mom and I are going to look for me a place to live, but I won't be able to move till the beginning of Sept b/c of the 30 day notice I need to give my current landlord. I'm really excited about the various opportunities for personal growth, as well as the opportunity to touch a whole new set of lives. I'll tell ya what, though - God is GOOD and FAITHFUL! I know this is giong to be an amazing time for me! It'll be fun and exciting for sure - but feel free to pray for me! At the interview I was told I would get the upcoming 5 year olds, of which there are a few strong-willed kiddos! YIKES! You know you always hear that God doesn't called the equipped, but equips the called?! I'm sure banking on that! :)

So, I have a meeting there next Monday, meetings the week of the 10th and the 17th and school starts the 25th. Sometimes towards the end of August/beginning of Sept I will probably have a 'Leanne's Moving' party in both Granbury and Waco for anyone who feels led to help pack/load and unload/unpack. Additionally, if you are in Waco and would like to help out by allowing me to stay at your house during one of the upcoming weeks, call or message or something! That's better than the possible one hour commute! So -- all that to say -- PRAISE GOD I have a job! Thanks to all who prayed with me and for me through all this. Please continue to pray that God will continue to show me HIS way and that I WILL walk in it!

..............soooooooooooooo..............that's how I got here....stay tuned (hopefully I'll be motivated in the next day or so....) for an update of 'Life in Waco' and other stuff.....

Night!

Ireland Pics...finally....

2009-09-30T20:13:00.000-07:00

So...finally -- my pics from Ireland in July. Remember, please, that I was VERY busy when there...and have been since returning, so there aren't a ton...but they are super amazing memories!

Enjoy!

Alan, Darren, and one of the youth guys sleeping on the chairs...appearantly, this happens quite often on Sunday afternoons...

Baby Zoe.....Lynia was pregnant with Zoe when we were there in March, so what fun to get to see her now! Somewhere, on her father's camera is a great picture of me and Zoe....

The 2 previous pictures were taken my first Sunday there....Almost 2 weeks later I remembered I had a camera!!!! The rest of these were taken in my last 5 days in Ireland!

When camp is over and the church back in order, everyone goes to Eddie Rockets and hangs out.

'The lads'

Lucia, my super amazing co-teacher.....Sarah, one of my fantastic hostesses, and Abigail.....what a sweet girl!

Me and Joanne. I stayed with Sarah and her housemates the first week, and Joanne and her housemates the second. Love these girls!

Me and Ms. Abigail. She was a baby my very first trip to Ireland many years ago....she is such a sweet girl!

Reagan and Sinead and Joanne....I think Joanne missed out on the epicness....

Me and Mary -- she drove me to the airport when I left.

'Abi - grab a face,' says Reagan. Photo = end result

Elisabeth finally gives me a smile! She eyed me for 2 weeks before she FINALLY smiled at me!

Me with the Sanfords. Pastors Kevin and Heather, Matthew, Hannah, Abigail, and Elisabeth

An attempt at epic...appearantly, I'm no good

Eyre Square in the Summer

This super amazing alley I walked past. I totally want to live here!

The city....

epic Aiden....

Ok, this picture really is totally awesome! Mark and Aiden

My last night there Mark, Aiden, Sarah, Reagan, and Sinead all walked around the city with me. We ate at this great potato place and then had some Java's (see the cup in my hand?!). Aiden took the pic.

And that, my friends, is the end of this amazing picture walk. On Facebook, somewhere, there are a few more pics of camp and stuff that I made it into....but I don't have them. Someday I hope to get the DVD of camp and then I can add some of that. Anyway, Ireland was fantastic. I'm not gonna lie...I'm counting down days till I can go again. 5 months people....5 months!

So...Ireland - for real

2009-08-27T17:01:00.000-07:00

Soooooo, it's been way to long and I now am for real going to tell you about Ireland...in a Reader's Digest Condensed Book version:

So, I went to rehearsal on Thursday, June 25 and then we went out to eat. I got to Mom and Dad's around 12, took care of some stuff on the computer (itinerary, etc) and then slept for about an hour or so on the couch. Then I got up and got ready and Allison (what a wonderful sister) took me to the airport. I caught my 6am (yes, that's early!), landed in Chicago and got to the next flight without a problem. Got on my flight to London and slept very little. I mostly read. Landed in London at 11pm (London time) and had to go through customs. (Side Story: they wanted my address in England...I told them the airport b/c I was only in London overnight! They took it!) Finally got to the terminal I was to fly out of and found a place to rest around 12. I rested some, but not a lot. Airport sleeping is hard! Finally around 4 I got up and cleaned up and waited in line to check in for my flight to Shannon. Got checked in and got on the flight and got to Shannon all on time! I did, however, sleep the ENTIRE way to Shannon! Joann met me, and 2 of her friends that were on my flight and took us back into Galway. She dropped me at Winterton (Sara, Reagan, Rachel, and Sinead's house). Reagan and Sara were getting ready to head in for the church so I went with them. I hung out with the drama team for a bit, then took a nap in the creche (nursery) with Zoe baby and then hung out some more. Finally at around 10 I begged Alan to take me back to Winterton for some SLEEP. I slept well and then got up for church. The drama team had another rehearsal so I got to spend the afternoon with Yasmin. We chatted most of the time, had some amazing tea and turkish delight, and then watched a movie. Towards the end of the movie EVERYONE (well, lotsa people) come over and we all had tea together. It was loads of fun!

That, however, ends the 'easy' part of my trip! On Monday morning Lucia Evans (winner of 2006 Your A Star, amazing dancer and singer, and most of AMAZING friend) met at the church to start learning our dances. She already knew one of the dances (Spinning Around) so we worked on Jesus, Your My Super Hero. Then we did Spinning Around. What a great day! We got it all done! Then I went to work on other stuff in the church for Camp. I worked hard! Tuesday I worked in the church all day. Wednesday, Lucia and I met again and met with the choreographer and learned the other 2 dances. Thursday and Friday we polished in the mornings and I worked on other stuff in the evenings. The drama team practiced every night too, so most nights we were out LATE! Interesting fact about Ireland: it doesn't get completely dark until REALLY LATE, so if your out at 10, it feels like 8 b/c it isn't completely dark!

On Saturday we worked at the church some more and Chip Brim was there to speek. I also moved from Winterton to Christen, Yasmin, and Joann's house for the week of Camp b/c some girls from the north (Ballymeena - sp?) came down! Sunday we had church and what an AWESOME service it was. I learned so much! After service we had the arduous task of turned the church into a camp. We had a little break and then went to work. When everyone chips in to help, it makes it sooo much easier! Around 10, however, my stomach decided to react to dinner (a spicy Italian from Subway) and I went home, took some medicine and went to bed!

Monday morning dawned and we met at the church super early for final notes. Then it was ON! OH IT WAS SO BUSY! We came in every morning and prayed/praised for 30 minutes. Then we had morning notes. After that it was time for games until camp offically started. It opened with a quick morning show and then off to class. Lucia and I had the Sr. Infant's first. We work on Jesus Your My Super Hero. We had one more classes before break. We had a 10 minute break for snack and then back to classes. Two more classes and then time for lunch. After lunch we had Super Church, followed by another class and then the closing show and time to for the kids to go home. (This schedule may be wrong somewhere, but I can't remember exactly!). After the campers left we had a wrap up meeting where we gave out way-to-go's (which earned you a candy bar) and then we had to clean up and get ready for the next day. After all that, the drama team would rehearse for the next day while I did whatever was needed around the church. Seriously - I worked hard!

During the week God taught me so much about me! I have seen the positive effects of working the camp in the last week even! Also while there I had the chance to attend 5 church services and nightly prayer meetings. Man - I learned loads about God and where I stand with Him. Let me tell you - He is MIGHTY and AWESOME and WORTHY and He WANTS us to love, honor, and worship Him. However, it's our choice - what will you choose?! I choose JESUS!

Ok, back to the trip. So, Friday rolls around and we have to set back up for church so we finish camp and start 'strike'. Funny story: towards the end of the 'strike' time, Sarah came through saying Meetin in 5 Minutes. My reply? "Thank you, 5!" She turned and looked at me like, what?! Sigh - theater...what can I say?! Anyway, had meeting...then went to EAT at Johnny Rockets. Great place --- good times!

Then, as everyone else left, Sarah, Darren, Padraig and I stayed and had more ice cream and loads of laughs. Seems the boys are the kings of puns. We laughed sooo hard! Then we went back to Christen, Yasmin, and Joann's and sat around chatting for a long time. Finally Sarah and I made ourselves a pallet and went to sleep. I got up on Sat and did some laundry and got ready. Then Darren came and drove me out to Pastor's house where I helped Reagan bathe and feed the kids. I got to put them all down for the night and then just hang out. When Pastors Kevin and Heather got home, I had an amazing time to just sit and talk to PH. What a blessing! Then it was Sunday again and we went to church. After church there was a party for Yasmin's mum's birthday so I got to go to that. It was a BEAUTIFUL day and we had a great time. Sunday evening Christen, Yasmin, Sarah, Joann and I hung out again!

Monday and Tuesday I spent the day in the city center. I did ALOT of shopping. Monday night after prayer Reagan, Sarah, Sinead, Aiden, Mark and myself had dinner at Couch Potatoes and then walked along the canal down in the City Center-ish area. We had loads of fun and it made me sad that the next day was to be my last. On Tuesday, Lucia met me and we shopped for an 'Irish' outfit. We never found one and went to lunch at McDonagh's! AHHH, sweet fish and chips! It was heavenly! Reagan, Sinead, and Aiden met up with us. After lunch Lucia had to go teach so off the others shopped with me. I randomly walked into a shop called Monsoon's and found the most amazing GREEN skirt! I scooped it up and proudly showed it off as my 'Irish' skirt. After a while I went back to the church (Aiden drove me as it was raining) where I packed up and met Mary Moylan (sp?) who drove me to the airport.

I got checked in and headed to my gate. I cried about leaving...CRIED PEOPLE!!!!! Got on the plane (cried a little more) and took off to London. As I watched Shannon, Ireland disappear I thought, I WILL BE BACK! Got to London and had booked a room at a B&B. The taxi FINALLY came and took me there. It turned out to be a BAD situation so I went back and spent another night in the airport. I worked on my music for the show I was in, I read, I slept a little, then got up and cleaned up and checked in. Went and got on my flight to Chicago. I slept most of this flight and did little else. Got to Chicago, practiced my music and slept some more and then landed in Dallas. I must admit I was glad to be 'home', but desperately missed my 'new home' and all my friends. Went to mom and dad's, slept a bit, and then went to rehearsal. That's how you know your home and the 'vacation' has ended....you go back to "I can't, I have rehearsal!"

So that's it...will post pics and then blog about the happenings SINCE the trip next!

Ireland Trip #2 -- post a

2009-07-18T09:08:00.000-07:00

So, I'm back from Ireland...again. This time was just as amazing, but a completely different trip! I went over this time to work at Christian Camp of the Arts. It's a one week day camp that is completely focused on teaching kids in Galway all about Jesus (kinda like a VBS, but all day). I had wanted to go back and help pretty much since I had learned about it when we were there in March. In fact, a few times I sat down to write an email to Christen (who was in charge of the drama team) to see if they needed any help. However, every time I tried to write it, God told me not to send it. So, I didn't. About a month later Christen emailed me and asked if I would be interested in coming and teaching a dance class at the camp!!! She said I would have to come for 2 weeks so I could learn the dances one week and then be there the week of camp. Of course I said, "I'D LOVE TO COME!"

The interesting thing about it is that from the time I said I'd come to the day I left was about 2 weeks! God helped me throw the trip together in record time! He also allowed me much favor! See, I am in HMS Pinafore at Irving Community Theater (we open next weekend!). We had been in rehearsals for a week before I decided to go. When I decided to go I had to tell the directors about the trip and I was worried! But they left me in the show!!! They allowed me to go for 2 1/2 weeks and stay in the show! They pulled back the one night off the cast was to have specifically to put me into my places, etc. The cast was great about it! No one ever complained or anything. It was great! :)

I've been back a few days now and have spent lots of time thinking over the last 3 weeks. It's been a whirlwind of activity - but it's been so great! I'm glad to be home, but miss my friends over there. I can't wait to go back again! I need to get off the computer for now and go get cleaned up (we've got family stuff going on) so I will be more specific about the things that happened on my trip later. Just wanted to put out a teaser to keep ya coming back! :)

Ireland Again

2009-06-25T14:46:00.000-07:00

Hey all! Just a quick note to say that tomorrow I am heading to Ireland again! I'm going to work at Abundant Life's Christian Camp of the Arts. I will be there for 2 1/2 weeks!!! I am sooo excited! Please pray that the trip goes well! Thanks so much!

Leanne

unless

2009-05-30T07:14:00.000-07:00

This is a song that was written for the AG missions push this year. The words have really spoken to me so now I am posting them for you!

Its so easy to get caught behind stained glass walls that we never hear the distant cry, miss the gospel call. He has called us to a purpose much greater than ourselves. We must be His hand and feet and reach somebody else. How can we turn away? We just might be the only hope they will ever know!

Unless someone goes, unless someone cares, unless somebody sacrifices all to share the love of Jesus. Then how will they see? How can they believe that he came and died to make the sinner free? How will the lost and dying know, unless someone goes?!

I know its hard to comprehend there are those beyond this land who have never even had the chance to hear salvations plan. They are brothers, they are sisters with a purpose yet to find and if we ignore the Fathers voice they may never realize. Oh Lord consume us now! Ignite a passion in our hearts and help us understand!

Unless someone goes, unless someone cares, unless somebody sacrifices all to share the love of Jesus. Then how can they see? How can they believe that He came and died to make the sinner free? How will the lost and dying know, unless someone goes?!

Just think if someone had never taken time to reach and touch the emptiness within your heart and mind!

Unless someone goes, unless someone cares, unless somebody sacrifices all to share the love of Jesus. Then how will they see? How can they believe that he came and died to make the sinner free? How will the lost and dying know unless someone goes!

--please think on this! And please forgive typos, I did this on my phone!

Highlights of Church

2009-05-27T20:43:00.000-07:00

Tonight I went up to church. I stopped off al Philip's first to take him his Will and Grace seasons I borrowed like a year ago. He fed me dinner too...well, I made a bologna (seriously - why is that word pronounced baloney?) sandwhich. Thanks Philip!!

Then I went to church. Debbie text me on the way up that there wouldn't be Praise and Worship b/c she wasn't going to be there so I mozied on in at like 10 till. That's when I found out Josh and John would be doing P&W and I promptly got recruited to sing with John. Oh the experiences we have! Anyway, finished singing and headed over to Amy and Wade's for the college/career group that I sorta made myself a part of.

Josh talked tonight. He basically talked about how we, as Christians, get way too caught up in RULES. We tend to see ourselves as 'good' or 'bad' dependent on what rules we are, or are not following. How does this make us different from the Pharasees and Saducees in Jesus time? They were Rule Followers, not God Followers. He challenged us to make sure we followed the most important commandment: Love the Lord your God with all you heart, soul, mind and strength. And love your neighbor as yourself.

Stop trying to make sure you follow all the rules and follow God! Which, again, ties in (for me) to what I listened to last week. I listened to a teaching CD that Rachel Koontz made at some point. She talked about how God revealed to her that we only have one responsibility in this life and that's to BELIEVE. If the Bible says it, BELIEVE it. Well....the Bible says that if we seek Him, we'll find him -- so seek Him. In doing so we'll learn to love Him, our neighbor, and ourselves. We'll stop trying to follow rules and follow Him. So, as I continue in this week I plan to seek Him, love Him, and follow Him!

That's all -- hope it makes sense for you like it did me....
Night all!

Memorial Day Weekend (and leading up to it)

2009-05-26T18:50:00.001-07:00

Catchy title, right?!

So, I have been looking forward to this weekend for a LOOONG time. Since things got REALLY stressful at school it's been, "Just make it to Memorial Day Weekend! It's a 3 day weekend and I'll get to relax!" So it finally got here and I did relax a little...but not nearly as much as I would have liked!

But first, let's back track a bit....so I auditioned for Singing in the Rain and was cast in the chorus. Due to a series of events I decided not to do the show - but am excited to go see it. I have kept up the tap lessons, though - I mean, Plaza is doing Millie next year!!!

I auditioned for Kiss Me Kate a little over a week ago and got called back. Waiting on the casting now. Also auditioned for Oliver. Did really well until the end and blew it. Wasn't paying attention and sang the wrong words and then got flustered and couldn't get it together. Oh well! This coming Sunday I am auditioning for HMS Pinafore with my new friend Emily Bennet. Now...there's a story in and of itself...but I better get to the part that leads up to that part!

2 weeks ago I text Philip b/c I needed him to be 'human gps system' and he informed me he was in the hospital. Seems he'd gone in with some kind of internal bleeding....so I went to see him and found out he'd gone in and they'd found his blood level to be WAY low. SO they gave him 2 bags of blood and it went up a little (like 2 points). It was at a 6ish when he went in and it went up to an 8ish. So they gave him 2 more and nothing changed. On Thursday afternoon he got to go home. They told him they thuoght he was anemic and they'd let him know. 12 hours later he was back with all the same symptoms. They admitted him, gave him more blood and eventually decided to do an upper gi and a colonoscopy Sunday morning. So Sunday morning they take him in and find that he has an artery in his stomach that is bleeding out b/c the ulcer's been rubbing against it. They try to stop the bleeding and can't so he goes into surgery.

So, 2 Sunday's ago I sat at the hospital for a LOONG time while they looked for the bleeeder, stopped it, cut out the ulcer and put him back together. When they told us he was out of surgery and ok I left b/c I had 2 other places to go that evening. So, I left the hospital with promises to go see him the next day. (we'll come back to Philip in a bit...)

I left and headed to a graduation party for someone I'd never met...however her parents and grandparents are long time family friends. I was really going to see the Lawson's and Vicki, but got there and made a new friend. I get there, they all know I've been at the hospital all day, ask about Philip and I tell them the story (reader's digest version) and then they decide I should meet the lucky graduate. As Emily comes over, Mom informs me that she thinks we're long lost sisters and I kinda go, "Uh-huh" in a 'whatever mom' way. Then we meet.....and, as they say....the rest is history. Oddly enough, we may be long lost sisters....or something like that. She is looking to move to NYC (free lodging on my next trip!) and she loves shows and she loves travel and we totally understand each other. So, anyway....I tell her I'm auditioning for HMS Pinafore...she should come. And she's gonna! :) YEAH! Additionally, there's a small chance David will be involved with it too. This could be lots of fun ---- if I get in! :)

Finally, I headed over to Kiss Me Kate auditions where I sang really well, but didn't think I read well....appearantly I read well enough to get called back. Those were Sunday and we'll see how that goes.....

So now to this weekend (I really should update more so that they aren't so stinking long....)
Friday and Saturday I spent ALL my time at Burleson High School helping Frances Lea with her dance recitals. She's the lucky lady who has been teaching me to tap. I told her a few weeks back I would help.....but man was I clueless of what was to come!

I had to be there for 2 1/2 hours Friday night for the 'kids recital' dress rehearsal, sat morning for the adult dress rehearsal, sat afternoon for the kids recital and sat evening for the adult recital. Man was I pooped! Luckily Jenn lived close enough to feed me inbetween stuff on Sat. So finally that was over and I went to bed. Sunday I had church in the morning (of course!) and it was AMAZING. Then I went ot lunch with the lunch group and then went to Philip's to hang out. (He was let out of the hospital on Saturday.) Then I went to Kiss Me Kate callbacks. I think i did well, but I also think I was maybe out-sung. I will know for sure later this week. Then I went to Greg and Laura's anniversary party. David and I stayed until about 1 and went back to his house where I CRASHED. Monday I slept until, like, 10:30! It was sooooo awesome! :) Then I helped clean the pool, got lunch, layed by the pool, got in the pool (it was cold so I got back out!), went out to Burger's Lake with the church (got in the lake, but it was cold too so got back out), went back to David's and went to see Star Trek. It was a super movie!

Today I had to work, of course, but there are now only 4 1/2 days with students! We do have a work day next Wednesday, but then it's SUMMER! I am planning to lay by David's pool ALOT. I also would like to go see Amy and her family, but we'll see about that. I may be helping Frances teach some classes this summer, as well as taking tap and ballet and maybe jazz.....we'll see. I may also help out with some stuff up at the church. Michelle (the youth pastor's wife) is due soon....as is David's sister.....so I may get to play with some babies! We'll see.

Alright people....there ya go - updated. No pictures or anything (well, there are - but go to my facebook or myspace and look at the headshot pics...I don't want to take the time to upload them! :))

Hope y'all all have a fantastic night! :)

Thank You Plaza

2009-04-21T22:46:00.000-07:00

Tonight was the Plaza Thank You Party. It was alot of fun. After school I went to Amanda's. She did my hair and make-up. I wore a black dress with white striping. I got it about 7 or 8 years ago and had two straps added to make it a halter if I want. I went strapless, but decided to go halter before the YCTIWY scene! It was classy! David wore his suit with a white shirt and black and white tie (who knew he owned one of those?!)

So, I went and ate a little and then we went in for the show. The show was a recap of the last years worth of shows (from Apr/May to Apr/May). I was lucky enough to preform 3 times! I got to do the dancing scene from You Can't Take It With You, Green Eggs and Ham from Suessical, and Strongest Suit from Aida. In YCTIWY Aaron Siler (aka Kol) went down to his undershirt like in the show and did the lifts, right when I wasn't expecting it! Guess I'm glad I decided to go from strapless to halter before this scene! As for Suess, I got an email from Aaron this morning saying we were doing Solla Sallew so I'd run through it a few times. We get there and surprise - we're doing Green Eggs and Ham. It was pretty funny b/c no one remembered the words or the dance! It was fun though! Strongest Suit was fun as usual. Courtney is AMAZING! For Sound of Music (which is the other show I've done with Plaza) the kids did So Long, Farewell. It was cute.....and the best part was: I didn't have to change anyones clothes!

After all the shows had been recapped, they announced the new season. It's a really good season of shows! Here's the list

Will Roger's Follies

Thoroughly Modern Millie (!!!!!)

Steel Magnolias (Carnigie is doing 1776 at the same time)

7 Brides for 7 Brothers (!!!!)

Cheaper by the Dozen

Into the Woods

Smoke on the Moutain Homecoming

Bye, Bye Birdie (Summer Camp Show)

Over the River and Through the Woods

Christmas Carol

(This may not be the actual order...it is late!)

It was a good night! Here is a picture of me and Faith and Christine...more to come later as people post them on Facebook and I steal them! :) Night y'all!

Happy Birthday to me -- and a song

2009-04-20T21:37:00.000-07:00

So - I also thought that before I go to bed I'd let you know I had a good birthday! I got an electric kettle, a sticker (from Thomas), 2 photo shoots, a book, a beautiful mug, some piggies, 3 cakes, and TICKETS TO RENT AND MARY POPPINS! Woohoo for me! I also got a birthday dinner with good friends and good times!

After I hit post for the last one another song popped into my head -- here's the line:
now - there's 2 ways to interpret this:

"Every step I took, He took too"
-He's walking with me ALL the way...

"Every step I took, He took two"
-He's walking ahead of me to prepare the way...

LOVE IT - and for real now....NIGHT!

on being an adult

2009-04-20T21:03:00.000-07:00

I have some tough decisions to make this week. I told my Mom I wished she could just tell me what to do. She said that, of course, she couldn't. I told her it'd be easier that way and she commented, "I think I tried to do that for you as a kid and you didn't like it." Which started my musing.

Ever notice how there are things people try to do for us when we are a young that we hate. For instance: taking a nap. At a young age (5ish) my mom made me take naps. I remember hating it, struggling not to fall asleep. At that age, or maybe younger, my mom would sit outside our door with a spoon for a spanking should we get out of bed. Fast forward to 17 and I LIVED for Sunday afternoon naps. Now, why is it as a child I wanted NOTHING to do with the nap and as a teen (and adult) I LOVE it.

Now, don't get me wrong - I'm glad I have free-will to make choices I want to make...but don't you think sometimes it'd be easier if you had a 'designated decider'? When it's time to decide what's for dinner, just go to your DD...when needing to decide what to wear, who to hang out with, what to and not to do, etc. I need a DD this week!

However, as much as I'd like that, I know that there is no such thing. And as I sit here, giggling to myself about my 'designated decider' position, I realize the impossiblity of it. You see, God created us to make our own decisions. He created us to NEED that. As a child we are not capable of making wise decisions so we have parents who help us through and teach us the meaning of hard work (being forced to do the dishes), getting along with others (being locked outside until the bickering stops), how to rest our bodies (nap time), etc. That way, when we are adults (sigh - and I certainly are one), we CAN make wise decisions.

Fortunately, I have parents who taught me all of these things, and more. They taught to believe in myself and that I CAN make the right decision. What's more, they taught me about a Loving Father to whom I can take my hard decisions and trust that He will show me the 'right' way. That way, even if I end up hurting feelings or something, I can know that I know that I know that I did the right thing.

So -- tonight as I go to bed, I just wanted to share my thoughts -- being an adult is hard. It would sometimes be easier with a DD (see above if you've already forgotten)......but there's always tomorrow -- and I know MY best is yet to come.

Below are the words to the song that has help me up for the last few days...

Oh no, You never let go through the CALM and through the STORM
Oh no, You never let go in every HIGH and every LOW
Oh no, You never let go, Lord, You never let go of me!

--What I like about this is that I know right now God's holding onto me...but when it's all said and done, guess what?! He'll still be holding on to me...That's good!

So - I don't know if any of my musings make sense or if they are simply the ramblings of a tired person......either way - those of you who read this and don't think I write often enough (*cough, cough, philip, cough, cough*)....at least it's something to read that may give you a small amount of insight to what's happening with me!

Night

Philip made me do it!

2009-04-13T21:55:00.000-07:00

Philip says I need to update my blog so here's some interesting information:

Aida is almost to the end of the run! WOW! I am always amazed at how quickly they go by!

Wednesday is my 30th birthday! Holy cow!

Tomorrow I am auditioning for Singing in the Rain and hoping to put my tap lessons to good use!

As of Sunday, David and I have been dating for 6 months...

---That's all I got right now! Sorry Philip....I'll come up with more later! :)

Stupid blog....

2009-03-24T20:44:00.002-07:00

So, in the blog below - which finishes up the trip to Ireland, the blog title is like forever above the blog. I don't know why - but it is. Just scroll down, mumbling under your breathe the stupidity of it all, and then enjoy!

Nevermind....I fixed it! :)