Procrastination

It's been a while since I have updated here. I decided people might be interested in what has been going on since the last time.I decided at the beginning of the school year to try and get my national board certification. I began my entries with telling about how I have improved my career professionally and how this has impacted my students. Then came the math/science entry in which I chose to dissect cow eyes with my students. Needless to say, they loved it. Especially the second time we did it. Yes, I said second time. We dissected cow eyes twice because my first video of this lesson didn't turn out the way it needed to be. So, I dragged a friend to a slaughter house to pick up more cow eyes. (I ordered the first set of eyes from a biological supply company.). While we were at the slaughter house, a man asked me how I was going to cook the eyes because he thought I was planning on eating them. (ha ha!) After this I taught the writing lesson on taking a tour through the digestive system and then the history lesson on Civil Rights Leaders in MS. I even had a student shed a tear or two during the history lesson and video. This is probably the most fun I've had in my teaching career. Being forced to branch out of my comfort zone and stretch these young minds has been so interesting. Now, the typing it all up about what took place prior, during, and after each lesson has been NO fun at all. It has, in fact, consumed my weekends for the past 8 months. I plan on using this weekend to finish typing up my last entry and hopefully my wonderful husband will proof it. Spring Break will be used to pack and ship this whole thing. Daniel has been a real trooper during the whole process by taking care of many of my responsibilities around the house. Now, I guess I had better get back to work on all of this. Oh yeah, I've also been traveling back and forth to Tuscaloosa for wedding showers thrown for my sister. She and Stephen get married this coming weekend!!!

So, I just realized that I haven't posted an update in quite some time now. Well, let's see...what's been going on since August? The Today Show came to our school because they were doing a show on the prevention of Type 2 diabetes, and we walk with our kids every morning. They taped that and a portion of an educational seminar in my classroom on healthy choices. Some of my kids even got the chance to appear on TV. I was so very proud of them. Been going to showers for Rachel since she is getting married in TWO WEEKS! I know she is so excited. It makes me feel like getting married again (to Daniel, of course). We've just finished our first 9 weeks of school and I can't believe we only have 3 more to go! :) I had the best birthday a woman could ask for. My kids gave me so many gift cards and Daniel gave me such a wonderful gift of a quiet dinner for two at one of my favorite restaurants. I've put out halloween decorations and am awaiting the trick or treaters!

total conviction

total conviction
Friday night after a long day at work and a nice shopping trip with Rachel, I stopped by Subway to pick up a couple of sandwiches for Daniel and me. I was on the phone with Granny and Pop telling them about the Today show coming to our school on Monday and this man followed me into the Subway. He got in line behind me and was just as quiet as could be, waited in line so patiently and then I felt a strong feeling to buy his dinner too. I have never felt so strong about something in my entire life. As I ordered our sandwiches, I continued to feel this tug or maybe it was a slight tap on my shoulder, but it still seemed to say for me to buy this man's food. Keep in mind I have no idea who this man is. He looked as if he hadn't shaved in about two days and his clothes weren't name brand other than the Ugg female boots ( in September). Other than these things, this man didn't at all look homeless, but yet still I get the urge to buy his food. I was paying for our sandwiches and he told the young lady behind the counter what he wanted on his sandwich and I slowly walked out of the store without paying for his. Before I could get out the door, I noticed that he pulled out some $1s from his pocket and paid for his own. I had not paid for his and couldn't (still can't) get that off my mind. I have never felt more ashamed in my life. I felt like I had ignored God, I had ignored the call! I can honestly say that I will NEVER ignore HIM ever again.

life is good!

So, even though my throat is sore, my ears are stopped up and my head is stuffy, I still say life is good. Yesterday, Daniel and I went to the Wal-Mart on Hwy 18 for something our church does every year around this time. Buried Treasures Ministry of our church always hosts a Dress A Child day. Volunteers from our church go and help these children whose parents are incarcerated and can't buy them school clothes and other necessities. Last year Daniel and I shopped with this one family together, but this year's volunteers seemed a little slim so we were separated and shopped with different families. I am so amazed and thankful at the many blessings that our family has had bestowed upon us. Just when you think your life is tough or you're going through something so difficult, God always reminds us to count our blessings whether we think them to be large or small because there are families and other people out there who have it way worse than we do. Sometimes this is because of a rash decision that should have been a little more thought out or this is because they know no better way of life. These families that we shop for are so appreciative of what we did and it was so simple to just give two or three hours of our Saturday to shop for them. I just love showing God's love in this way.
Also, this morning our SS lesson was on being judgemental of people before we know the whole story. I just feel so blessed that God was not judgemental of me even when He knew the whole story. He loved me anyway; despite all of my flaws and I am so thankful for that!
With this being said, I say again... LIFE IS GOOD!

First week down, too many more to count!

So, I have my kids now...all 27 of them. Yes, I did say 27! They are so precious. Of course I can say that right now because the "honeymoon" period is still in effect as my principal would say. We have fully jumped right into things this week with the new math program and all of our other subjects. I told them Friday that we'd begin learning new things next week and for them to come prepared. One of them asked me today, "How about I go home now and call it a day?" This was around lunch time. :) Sweet dumplin'.

Back to School...

All week this week, we've been preparing for the students to enter our rooms with excitement. The day has finally come for them to arrive and learn! Last night was open house with the kids/parents. They bring their supplies and get to see where their classroom is. I must admit that even though I am not ready for my summer to be over quite yet. I am ready for this year. I am very confident that this year is going to be a fabulous one. With me preparing to achieve my National Board Certification as well as teach those young minds all there is to learn, I feel like this year will fly by! So... here goes!

What's your testimony?

I got an email from a lady in our Bible study with this clip in it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvDDc5RB6FQ Take a minute to watch and then take another minute to think about your testimony in this fashion. Pretty cool! I had chilly bumps afterwords!

Member of the Family!

For those of you who do not know, Daniel has become the newest member of the ACB family! We are so excited. Most of all I think he is loving his job/career now because he feels like this is what he went to school for. All the countless prayers have been answered. I never doubted they would, but got a little concerned there towards the end. Now, all I have to say is that God is good!!!

check out the website: www.acblaw.com

Summer is over!

As I sit down with my large java, I wipe a tear away because the sadness of summer being over has set in.
Although I am sad that my days of sleeping in and watching the humming birds fight over who gets the last drop every morning, I must say that my summer has been one of great travel, great friends and great fun! It all started with a "trip for school" with Gail and Stephanie. Of course we ended up staying at the Beau Rivage... just a few miles away from our meetings. We were lazy by the pool and drank chocolate drinks...merely relaxed! Oh yeah, we learned a few things also. You know, the important things like how to teach kids to make homemade ice cream in a Ziploc bag and how to name your child Miata Porche' when he/she is born! As we returned from that trip, Daniel and I left almost immediately for yet another beach trip-this time to Gulf Shores to celebrate our 2nd anniversary! So much fun and learning there also. We learned that there SHOULD be a weight limit for two piece bathing suits or at least a sense of decency like when you can't see the sides to the bottoms you are wearing because of the "rolls"... enough said. We also took note of the fact that being drunk doesn't necessarily mean you LOOK COOL! Especially when you are passed out in the sand. All in all, that trip was successful for what it's purpose was: relaxation with spouse & people watching. Not long after that, Stephanie and I boarded the plane for Houston! We went to Sea World, Schlitterbaun, and the Alamo and had a blast I might add. (all in San Antonio-mind you)
Not only have I traveled this summer, but man did we have so much fun for the 4th!!! My family went down to Wiggins, MS to an ATV offroad park. We hit every mud hole we could go through and even some we couldn't quite make it through. We got stuck, got dirty and then got out and did it again. Madz, Stephen, moma, poppie and Daniel and I had a blast with all the caked on mud. I also managed to shop until my feet couldn't shop once more (or my pocket book for that matter). I have grown to know my best friend on an even deeper level. Probably more than either one of us ever expected, but I believe that is why God put her in my life. I do wish He'd put her a little closer in distance. I have also grown closer to a college buddy. Well, sort of. Rachel and I didn't know each other in college, but she is engaged to one of Daniel's buddies from Millsaps, and through the planning of their wedding we've become a little closer each day.
I have successfully done what a normal teacher does in the summer... sat on my tush, shopped, baked myself by the pool and traveled!

Now, Back to School! Pray that the 5:30 mornings don't kick my hiney too bad. :) Oh and the 5K on the 1st Saturday after school begins! (yes I have lost my mind)

Fun times in ALABAMA!!!

Who would have "thunk" I'd have such fun times in Alabama since I'm such a STATE fan!?! So, I went to visit my sis for two days really just to get my hair did and ended up purchasing a fab and fun new purse, gettin a funky new do and a far out relaxing massage!!! We also went bowling with Rissie and Shane and I got to meet Stephen's fam. Well some of them anyway. Can't believe how much alike Stepho and his bro. look. They are both cuties and both have REAL cute better halves! Although I had such a good time while with my Madz, I sure am glad to be home!
A little sad that Spring Break is almost over!

9 more weeks to go then.....

SUMMER!!!!!!!!!!

Weiner dog tanning bed

I think we have the silliest weiner dog on Earth! When she gets cold, she tries to find the warmest place in our house to rest her long body. Usually it's in our bed or she will snuggle in her own bed by the fireplace. Here lately we have noticed Noel in a most unusual warming place; the bottom of the table in the foyer! She climbs up there and will rest her head on the post of the table, but surprisingly she does not bother any of the decoratives on the table. All she is interested in is the SUN! :)

God is neat!

I tell you what! It really is neat to learn about God on such a level that Daniel and I have started. We recently began a couples Bible study where most of the other couples are older than us. They give such insight on the things we have discussed that Daniel and I really have to force ourselves to go to sleep after we get home. It is so neat to grow and learn in Christ with my partner in life and very best friend! Isn't God good!?! Woo hoo! I feel like shouting right now. Watch this video instead...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_e4zgJXPpI4

Good night!

Ahh, the warmth of a Christmas Tree!

So, Daniel and I had a bit of a spat over the Christmas tree we have decorating our front yard simply because he didn't have it up in the amount of time I had planned for him to have it done. I am still learning the whole manly "in a minute" meaning of 45 minutes or longer depending on what he is doing.
Anywho, our tree is up outside and looks magnificent. I was under the impression for the longest time that Christmas decorations both inside and out were to help you and your neighbors get in the spirit of the season. Tonight, I have been proven wrong on this issue. I now know that a simple Christmas tree anchored in the center of the yard with PVC pipe, string, tent pegs, and a few hundred lights are not to bring beautiful decoration into your neighborhood, but to keep the furry Peter Cottontails that scamper about warm on cold nights. We came home tonight from visiting with some good friends of ours and their new addition to find a bunny rabbit in the center of our tree. At least he is not eating my pansies anymore!

Yippee!

Carols by Candlelight is officially over for me (until next year)! I am so very tired but still so very much in awe of all the blessings the Lord has bestowed upon me.
Now, maybe, I can finish Christmas shopping and relax!

What is Joy?

Today in Sunday school we discussed this topic. What is joy? Of course, everyone has a different definition, but all mean the same thing. Joy can be something as simple as a smile to someone who rarely receives a smile from a stranger or joy can be simply a hug.
Think about it. What is joy...to you?
Try to share the joy you have with others, not only in this season of giving, but in every season; because after all, Jesus didn't just give to us one time a year.