Happenings at the Honea House

Bring 'em on!

2010-08-05T22:09:00.004-05:00

The kiddos, the students, my "children" for the next 6 weeks or more! Tomorrow (Friday) I will meet them! School is from 8-10. I've heard it's crazy, especially that first hour, but I'm getting excited! I want to see what they look like, what they sound like...just that GLIMPSE of them.....I'm rambling.

When they leave, I'm sure it'll hit me that I actually have to TEACH these young'uns! lol Then I'll start breaking out in hives, but for this second....I'm tickled!

Gotta get in the bed though....5am is going to be here TOO soon.

YES WE CAN!

2010-08-02T22:29:00.002-05:00

Obama wanted change....so, how do you like the new look of the blog? lol

DIY

2010-07-25T18:52:00.002-05:00

I never seem to have the time to post here. Wonder why? Well....because I have become paralyzed by the NEED to check out all the terrific blogs around the www that are DIY-terrific!! And there are A LOT!!!!!

I have yet to DO any of those wonderful projects I've seen, though I have asked for a sewing machine now (doubt I'll be getting it any time soon though...especially since I have NO IDEA how to sew!).

Today I have spent hours on one person's blog ALONE trying to find great DIY gift ideas for Christmas/Birthdays/Etc.

Hopefully, before too terribly long, you'll be seeing my own DIY posts (but believe me the ideas will NEVER be original...I was not gifted with a creative bone in my body though I desperately wish I was!) lol

Happy Sunday- may your week be happy!

I have an Announcement!

2010-07-20T23:45:00.004-05:00

I am employed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yep, I interviewed today and was called less than two hours later to say that they wanted me. I will be an interim 4th grade teacher for TWO classes (two maternity leaves). I will be at Centerville Intermediate School in Hickman County. It takes me almost an hour to get there, so I'll be having some long days, but that's okay because I have a job until January anyway. lol

My husband is thrilled and I'm pretty happy too. :)

2010-06-11T00:29:00.000-05:00

Lyrics | Glen Hansard - Falling Slowly lyrics

100 Things I Hate

2010-06-05T15:02:00.001-05:00

100 Things I Hate

Melons, any and all
Arriving at destination realizing I’d forgotten something
Blisters from a cute pair of shoes
Allergies
When my kids are sick/hurt
Deciding what’s for dinner/where to go for dinner/what to wear= Decisions in general I guess :)
Cleaning my apartment
Everything/Everyone “going green” as though they really care
Dramatic/Overly emotional girls
Handling raw chicken
Missing movie previews
People saying, “I don’t NEED it” when they forego something they want when you are eating that second helping of “it”
Toilet paper rolled under, instead of over
Liberal mentality
Putting away clean laundry
Never having enough space for things
My non-creativity
Accidentally washing dry clean/hand wash only items in washer
Realizing I bought dry clean/hand wash only clothes
Finding that stain after it’s gone through the dryer
Running out of printer ink in the middle of printing
Bird poop
People talking during meetings/speech
Bad movie endings
Headaches
How much soda I drink
Running out of hot water in the middle of a shower
NAACP
Girls who cry/faint/go ecstatic over boy singers
PETA
Cancer
Spiders/snakes
The fact that Pluto is no longer a planet
Skinny Jeans
Political Correctness
Nancy Pelosi/Barack Obama
carpet in bathrooms and dining rooms
Big government
Cellulite
Having to get my car maintenance done
Feet
That I bite my nails
When there are specifications when creating a password
Divorce
People driving in the left lane when they are not passing anyone
Entitlement programs
Living in an apartment
Not having money for my kids to do dance/gymnastics/sports
People who don’t turn on headlights when it’s dark or raining
Not remembering to warm my car/defrost or deice my windshield until time to leave
Cold/hot leater seats
Whining
Jerry Springer/Geraldo -type shows
Women trying to be the “Best Mom” as society dictates
Being ignored
Children who help themselves to the food/drink at your home without asking permission or being offered first
Being sick
That I don’t have perfect vision therefore having to deal with the hinderance of contacts/glasses
Unexpected visitors
That you only get one life cuz once you’ve screwed up, you gotta deal with it
Tattling
Getting my hair caught in the hair dryer
That I basically have one way to style my hair no matter the cut
My weight
Licking envelopes
Waiting….for anything
Not knowing where a bruise/scratch came from
Red and blue lights in my rear view mirror
Trying on clothes
Shopping with kids in toe
Feeling like I need to throw up
A sink full of dirty dishes
Sticky fingers/faces
BIG girls who wear tight shirts
Eating because I’m bored/stressed/etc
Needing to clean on weekends
The amount of time I spend on the computer (doing stuff like this!)
People that make you feel guilty for saying “no”
How quickly my desk becomes a “catch-all pile of crap”
Food stuck in/ground into carpet
Mold
How quickly my babies are growing up
Never having cash on me so I’m stuck using my debit card for something less than $2
That I don’t feel beautiful in my own skin
Pink eye
Strep Throat
Rude people who work for the public
People who are rude to those that do work for the public
That I dont’ have a close relationship with my in-laws
Spam email
Dirt/crumbs/crayons/etc found under carseats and in hard to reach cracks in the car
Parking meters
Stepping in gum
Feeling bloated
Smoking and when those that do don’t have the courtesy to not do it around ppl that don’t.
Motorcycles that park in a regular parking spot on an overcrowded college campus parking lot when there are designated motorcycle spots available.
Trying to find the end of sticking tape or toilet paper
Burned popcorn (or any food for that matter)
Flies in the house
People who complain about their weight when they’re so obviously skinny

Sacrifice

2010-02-26T19:43:00.003-06:00

I know in life there are those things that we do because they are FOR the greater good of our family. That doesn't mean they are easy though.

I have been in school for the last 5 years. In that time, there have been a lot of nights and weekends where I've had to give up time with my kids and husband to work on assignments. Be that as it is, I was able to attend MOST of the activities that the kid's school offered for parents to be involved with....until now.

Student teaching doesn't allow me the time to go to "Favorite Gal Day" or the "Teddy Bear Picnic" or any of the other things that I have missed with my kids. My mom has had to be the stand in. I am thankful that my mom is a big part of my children's lives, but it doesn't make it easier to allow somebody to go in your stead.

Student Teaching!

2010-01-12T17:40:00.002-06:00

Today was my 2nd day of student teaching. I'm in my first placement, which is 2nd grade. I feel very lucky to have the cooperating teacher that I do. Right now, I'm mostly observing, taking notes, thinking about things I'd like to implement when I begin to lead teach, and helping the kids and my teacher whenever needed. :o)

Christmas Pics

2010-01-05T00:47:00.003-06:00

The girls at Maury Hills Church Christmas Program. Kylei was a sheep :)

shame on me

2010-01-05T00:32:00.002-06:00

Okay...so I'm a terrible, horrible, no-good, very bad blogger. I've been very busy lately trying to clean/organize around here that I've neglected posting. In a way that's a good thing cuz it means I've actually done what I said I needed to do...which is not spend so much time online and get things that NEED to be done, done.

We had a great Christmas. The girls were spoiled just as much this year as they have been every other year! Our big Santa gift this year was a Wii. Kylei asked Santa for it or books...bless her! She got both of course! How can you not give a child books?? :) John and I have been rocking out on Guitar Hero....but of course I'm the rockstar in the family. Bless him, John tries VERY hard to catch up to my skillz...but it just ain't happenin for him! lol

I turned 29 just five days after Christmas. I can't believe I have just one more year to be in my 20's. :(

I spend New Year's Eve shopping with my mom. It's her thing to take me shopping for my bday every year. We started in Cool Springs at the Galleria...couldn't find anything. Went to Ross's and TJ Max and got there 30 minutes before they closed. I found some lil ankle boots. Decided to try the mall in Columbia but they were gonna close in just a few minutes so we decided to go to Walmart...and wouldn't ya know....I found some very cute shirts AND THE BEST PART: THEY FIT!!! ...and were lots cheaper than anything we would've found anywhere else. I left with 7 new shirts, which is what I needed. I've been trying to update my wardrobe to look more professional for when I start student teaching, interviewing, and for the day when I am hired!

Speaking of student teaching...I start my placement (though I STILL don't know where that is) on Monday! I go Friday to MTSU for a meeting for student teaching so hoping I'll know something either before or on that day.

Satuday, I will take my last 2 Praxis exams...aagghh!! I haven't even begun to study for those. I will. I will. :)

The girls start back to school tomorrow. I think they're ready....or else they just aren't at that age where they dread school. I know it's coming, but for now, am very thankful that it's just a part of life that they accept without much anguish.

So, it's 2010. John and I didn't make any resolutions. I think we'll both just be praying that THIS is OUR year! So many promising things will be happening this year, starting with me graduating (hallelujah!!) in May!

I hope that everyone can put any hardships that 2009 brought them and be blessed this new year!

Since Thanksgiving

2009-12-21T00:18:00.000-06:00

I cannot believe I haven't written anything since Turkey Day...so much has happened!

Okay, where to start....

1. Took 2 of my Praxis tests that I need to pass in order to get my teacher's license. (took these Nov 14 so I may have mentioned this, lol)

2. Got Praxis results: PASSED!!!! both. Even scored in the top 15% of all test-takers on the P.L.T. (Principles of Learning and Teaching) and was congratulated by ETS and was sent a certificate of achievement. I'm very proud of this!

3. I finished all my classes for the semester....and just have to Student Teach now! That starts Jan. 11. YAY!!!! :0)

4. Tonight the girls are staying the night with my mom and John and I were able to finish Christmas shopping. It's so nice to have the day to just ourselves.

5. Oh! oops....should've mentioned this first, but Thanksgiving was great! We had a fun trip to Missisippi and it was great seeing some of the cousins and playing with the lil cousins!

Life is great right now! I'm glad to be on break and my girls are as well! They had fun Chrismtas parties and ....I don't know....I'm happy! haha

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas, surrounded by family cuz that's what truly makes this time of year special!! :D

Thank You!!

2009-11-26T10:08:00.005-06:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!! IF you are reading this, then you mean something special to me and I'm thankful for you. :)

I know this year I have so many things to be thankful for, but at the top of the list would have to be Christ. I'm thankful for the sacrifice he made for me and the hope that I have because of his love.

Love God, Love People....this is my faith mission now!

I hope that you all have a very good Thanksgiving. I hope you enjoy your family and friends and the time you share. I hope that your bellies are so full that you hurt. But mostly I hope you have the love of Christ as I have.

May God continue to bless us all!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOM!!

2009-11-06T13:42:00.001-06:00

Today is my mom's ____th birthday and I just want to say I love you!

Last-Minute Halloween Costume Ideas < $20

2009-10-30T11:58:00.003-05:00

Have you procrsatinated and don't know what to dress as for Halloween? Or maybe your just tired of spending a lot of money on Halloween costumes? Check out the video found here for cute ideas that don't break the bank, they're a green alternative, and provide family fun as well.

Costumes...Great for School

2009-10-30T11:34:00.003-05:00

This Halloween, scare up some fun with these history- and lit-inspired costumes:

Ten US History-Inspired Halloween Costumes
1. Put on a three-corner hat and cape, pull a cardboard boat around your waist, and pose as George Washington crossing the Delaware during the American Revolution.

2. Dress up as Benjamin Franklin with a kite and singed hair. Be careful around the French maids.

3. Pretend to hitchhike as Christopher Columbus with a sign that says “India or bust.”

4. Dress up like Abe Lincoln – with two tickets in his breast pocket.

5. Test people’s knowledge of US history trivia by putting on a turn-of-the-century suit, carrying some bags of fake money, and painting your nose purple. Yes, JP Morgan really did have a purple nose.

6. Try a scandalous costume for a trio: Marilyn Monroe, Jackie Kennedy, and John F. Kennedy.

7. Wear a suit and a Richard Nixon mask. Carry a hallowed-out pumpkin filled with film. You’re reenacting the “Pumpkin Papers,” in which future President Richard Nixon used to take down Soviet spy Alger Hiss in one of the Cold War’s most notorious espionage cases.

8. Dress up as Betsy Ross with a half-finished American flag. Include a rainbow flag, a pirate flag, and yellow smiley face among your book of samples.

9. Sport your finest 1920s-style outfit, a plastic Tommy gun, a cigar, and your best Al Capone accent. Rave about the merits of the 18th Amendment and Prohibition.

10. Roll up your sleeves and get ready to flex those guns. Rosie the Riveter is one of the best “girl power” costumes in history. (World War II: Home Front)

Ten Literature & Poetry-Inspired Halloween Costumes
1. Bust out the Photoshop to make an “oil painting” of yourself aged about 50 years. Frame it, put on your best Victorian-style outfit, and trick-o-treat as Dorian Gray. (The Picture of Dorian Gray)

2. Go on a hunt after your friend who is dressed as a white whale with bloodshot eyes. Chase the whale around the streets with a toy harpoon in hand. Rant and rave to strangers about catching the whale. (Moby-Dick)

3. Dress up like a grizzled old sailor, rave unintelligibly, and hang a fake albatross around your neck à la “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.”

4. Put on a collared shirt, a tie, a long coat, and a red hunting hat. Carry a record under your arm and collect candy as Holden Caulfield. (The Catcher in the Rye)

5. See who gets the Scout Finch reference when you walk around barefoot with a banged-up ham costume and knife slash through the back. (To Kill a Mockingbird)

6. Put on a straw hat and some ratty old clothes, pull a cardboard canoe around your waist, and try your luck as Huckleberry Finn. Don’t be afeared to use *some* Antebellum Missouri slang. (Adventures of Huckleberry Finn)

7. Pay your dues to George Orwell by dressing up like a pig brandishing a liquor bottle and insisting that “two legs are better than four.” (Animal Farm)

8. Put on a long, plain dress and plaster a scarlet “A” to the front. Get your friend to dress like a priest. (The Scarlet Letter)

9. Dress up like Lady Macbeth and try to scrub imagined bloodstains off your hands. Rinse, repeat. (Macbeth)

10. For a truly terrifying Halloween costume, give your kid brother face paint, some tattered rags, a conch shell, and a (fake) pig head on a stake. Don’t let him see that you’ve got glasses. (The Lord of the Flies)

11. You'll need tights and Renaissance garb: Hamlet. Pace the streets emoting: “To be or not to be?” and “Methinks it is like a weasel.”

Durham Halloween Party

2009-10-28T10:46:00.004-05:00

Not So Scary Halloween Party

2009-10-28T10:30:00.005-05:00

Every year for the past few years, Maury Hills Church hosts this community event. It gets bigger and better each year.

This year there was a costume parade, pictures for those that dressed up, Live Band, hotdogs/chili/drinks/cotton candy/CANDY, "trunk or treat", haybale maze, pumpkin decorating, storytelling, hayrides,and inflatables. If you come and don't have, then you just don't know how to! We had 400+ come this year.

The Duncan small group always goes all out in their costumes and this year was no exception (our preacher and his wife are a part of this group too) with a Michael Jackson/THRILLER theme. The undead even danced the THRILLER moves. It was great! There's video proof floating around Facebook. LOL

Here are a few pics of my own from this evening:

Kylei is a Hobo (her sign reads TRICK OR TREAT!) and Savannah is a Senorita

Michael Jackson comes out of his coffin for one last Dance Routine!

The undead dance likes there's no tomorrow!

Some zombies and others during the Costume Parade

SMURF HOUSE with all the Smurfs and their antagonist

Savannah on a Sugar High I think! LOL

Kylei is also a lil hyped up!

The girls on the fence...Daddy's there too!

Eating!

My baby needs a whole hand to tell her age!

2009-10-28T09:46:00.006-05:00

Savannah is 5 today! I cannot believe it and don't expect it to feel true for atleast another six months or so. lol

There's not going to be any big plans today though because we celebrated her birthday this past Saturday with a Tie-Dye themed birthday bash! It was a lot of fun and Savannah had a great time! Thank you to all who came. :)

Here are a few more pics from the party:

My family

The Tie-Dye crew (minus Luke who didn't want his pic taken)

SILLY FACES = Stick Your Tongue Out

Peace Emma!

Ollie loves Tattoos! haha

Me and MY Melanie

Wade and his "had to have" orange balloon :)

Kylei, Savannah, and Catherine

Vannah is for Peace and Ice Cream

THE BIRTHDAY GIRL!!

Some party-goers gabbing: Wade, Tara, Luke, Lori,Carol (and Baby Brian)

Papa and Vannah playing after the party

Family Tradition to set the balloons in flight. 4 + 1 = 5 (for Vannah's age)

Fall Break

2009-10-19T12:58:00.001-05:00

For the last 2 weeks my children have been on Fall Break. Needless to say, I didn't get much of ANYTHING done. My husband fussed, but I felt like they should have a real break and be able to go and do stuff, so we went and did stuff.

Today and tomorrow are my days of Fall Break....but guess who's at home catching up on housework?

Wah-Wah-Wah.

RHS Class of '99 Reunion

2009-10-18T10:50:00.002-05:00

It's hard to believe sometimes that I've been out of high school for 10 years. On the other hand, I can believe it. I've been married for 8 years and have two children now. Things seem a lot different in my life than they did 10 years ago and though I've gained a lot of wisdom since through experience and more education, I still don't feel 10 years older, though I'm certain I look it!

At any rate, a big THANK YOU to Charlene Sands Russell for putting together a reunion for our class. It was unfortunate that many couldn't/didn't make it, but it was still great to see those that did!

Maury Hills Church Anniversary Weekend

2009-10-03T13:10:00.003-05:00

Join us as we celebrate 8 years together! Don McLaughlin of the North Atlanta Church will be with us. He'll speak Saturday night (that's TODAY!!) and at both services on Sunday. We'll also have uplifting worship and our normally exciting children's ministry!

Schedule: Oct 3-4

Saturday Night Praise, 6:00 pm
Sunday Worship, 9:00 & 10:30

101 Unity Drive
Columbia, TN 38401

Call me if you have any questions 931-309-8871

**This is me personally inviting you (if you're local) to join us. Tonight (Saturday) will be worship, praise, and Donuts/Cider afterward.

**I will be at both services on Sunday. 9:00 I'm in the Children's Ministry and at 10:30 I'll be in the worship hall.

LET ME KNOW IF YOU'RE COMING SO I CAN LOOK FOR YOU!! I love this church and I know you will too.

An Inconsistent Truth

2009-10-03T09:43:00.003-05:00

Global warming and climate change - is it real or the biggest scam and swindle in history? Hosted by award winning radio host Phil Valentine (99.7 WTN-you can hear him at 4pm CST) and from director Shayne Edwards, this documentary film explores all sides of the science and gives a voice to the over 31,000 scientists that signed the Oregon Petition declaring it to be a hoax. It investigates the true motives of the UN and those who signed the Kyoto Treaty.

Barbie gets a Makeover

2009-10-03T09:42:00.000-05:00

Savannah Barbie - I'd buy her!
Create your own FACEinHOLE

Halloween Short Film

2009-10-02T19:32:00.001-05:00

I created (and I use that term loosely) a short animation of my family for you Halloween enjoyment. See it here and enjoy!!

Swine Flu vs Bird Flu

2009-10-02T19:01:00.001-05:00

"FLU UPDATE"

What is the difference between Bird Flu and Swine Flu?
For bird flu you need tweetment and for swine flu you need oinkment

Now aren't you sorry that you subscribe to this blog? :p

Batty about Fall

2009-10-02T00:43:00.003-05:00

Well, Fall or Autumn if you prefer, is here (officially for a little over a week I think) but the weather has finally caught up!! Everybody enjoys this season. It's beautiful with all it's oranges, reds, and yellows; it's cruchy leaves; brisk days; and the scarecrows and pumpkins that begin to creep into our neighborhoods just bring back all sorts of warm memories. Even more than the Christmas season, it has a sense of home and comfort that just appeals to me on so many levels. So, happy fall yall! Hope we all remember to count our many blessings and enjoy this season while it's here. :)

Super Lindsey

2009-10-02T00:28:00.002-05:00

You have to check this out!! It's a video featuring yours truly and it RoCkS!! LOL

The Power of Imitation

2009-09-30T21:15:00.001-05:00

"Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery" but should we be flattered by it all? Or should we be ashamed of ourselves?

Children Learn What They Live

If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn.
If children live the hostility, they learn to fight.
If children live with fear, they learn to be apprehensive.
If children live with pity, they learn to feel sorry for themselves.
If children live with ridicule, they learn to feel shy.
If children live with jealousy, they learn to feel envy.
If children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty.
If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence.
If children live with tolerance, they learn patience.
If children live with praise, they learn appreciation.
If children live with acceptance, they learn to love.
If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves.
If children live with recognition, they learn it is good to have a goal.
If children live with sharing, they learn generosity.
If children live with honesty, they learn truthfulness.
If children live with kindness and consideration, they learn respect.
If children live with security, they learn to have faith in themselves and in those about them.
If children live with friendliness, they learn the world is a nice place in which to live.

By Dorothy Law Nolte

This video runs parallel with this lesson and I hope you'll take a look.

Goofing Off

2009-09-23T20:42:00.002-05:00

Funny Random Thoughts

2009-09-18T16:13:00.001-05:00

Stolen from a friend...who stole from a friend.

1. I wish Google Maps had an "Avoid Ghetto" routing option.

2. More often than not, when someone is telling me a story all I can think about is that I can't wait for them to finish so that I can tell my own story that's not only better, but also more directly involves me.

3. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.

4. I don't understand the purpose of the line, "I don't need to drink to have fun." Great, no one does. But why start a fire with flint and sticks when they've invented the lighter?

5. Have you ever been walking down the street and realized that you're going in the complete opposite direction of where you are supposed to be going? But instead of just turning a 180 and walking back in the direction from which you came, you have to first do something like check your watch or phone or make a grand arm gesture and mutter to yourself to ensure that no one in the surrounding area thinks you're crazy by randomly switching directions on the sidewalk.

6. That's enough, Nickelback.

7. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.

8. Is it just me, or are 80% of the people in the "people you may know" feature on Facebook people that I do know, but I deliberately choose not to be friends with?

9. Do you remember when you were a kid, playing Nintendo and it wouldn't work? You take the cartridge out, blow in it and that would magically fix the problem. Every kid in America did that, but how did we all know how to fix the problem? There was no internet or message boards or FAQ's. We just figured it out. Today's kids are soft.

10. There is a great need for sarcasm font.

11. Sometimes, I'll watch a movie that I watched when I was younger and suddenly realize I had no idea what the f was going on when I first saw it.

12. I think everyone has a movie that they love so much, it actually becomes stressful to watch it with other people. I'll end up wasting 90 minutes shiftily glancing around to confirm that everyone's laughing at the right parts, then making sure I laugh just a little bit harder (and a millisecond earlier) to prove that I'm still the only one who really, really gets it.

13. How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?

14. I would rather try to carry 10 plastic grocery bags in each hand than take 2 trips to bring my groceries in.

15. I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.

16. The only time I look forward to a red light is when I'm trying to finish a text.

17. A recent study has shown that playing beer pong contributes to the spread of mono and the flu. Yeah, if you suck at it.

18. LOL has gone from meaning, "laugh out loud" to "I have nothing else to say".

19. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.

20. Answering the same letter three times or more in a row on a Scantron test is absolutely petrifying.

21. Whenever someone says "I'm not book smart, but I'm street smart", all I hear is "I'm not real smart, but I'm imaginary smart".

22. How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear what they said?

23. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars teams up to prevent a dick from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers!

24. Every time I have to spell a word over the phone using 'as in' examples, I will undoubtedly draw a blank and sound like a complete idiot. Today I had to spell my boss's last name to an attorney and said "Yes that's G as in...(10 second lapse)..ummm...Goonies"

25. While driving yesterday I saw a banana peel in the road and instinctively swerved to avoid it...thanks Mario Kart.

26. MapQuest really needs to start their directions on #5. Pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.

27. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.

28. Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever.

29. Whenever I'm Facebook stalking someone and I find out that their profile is public I feel like a kid on Christmas morning who just got the Red Ryder BB gun that I always wanted. 546 pictures? Don't mind if I do!

30. Is it just me or do high school girls get sluttier & sluttier every year?

31. If Carmen San Diego and Waldo ever got together, their offspring would probably just be completely invisible.

32. Why is it that during an ice-breaker, when the whole room has to go around and say their name and where they are from, I get so incredibly nervous? Like I know my name, I know where I'm from, this shouldn't be a problem....

33. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you've made up your mind that you just aren't doing anything productive for the rest of the day.

34. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after DVDs? I don't want to have to restart my collection.

35. There's no worse feeling than that millisecond you're sure you are going to die after leaning your chair back a little too far.

36. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten page research paper that I swear I did not make any changes to.
37. "Do not machine wash or tumble dry" means I will never wash this ever.

38. I hate being the one with the remote in a room full of people watching TV. There's so much pressure. 'I love this show, but will they judge me if I keep it on? I bet everyone is wishing we weren't watching this. It's only a matter of time before they all get up and leave the room. Will we still be friends after this?'
39. I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello? Crap!), but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times and goes to voicemail. What'd you do after I didn't answer? Drop the phone and run away?

40. I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then not seeing anyone of importance the entire day. What a waste.

41. When I meet a new girl, I'm terrified of mentioning something she hasn't already told me but that I have learned from some light internet stalking.

42. I like all of the music in my iTunes, except when it's on shuffle, then I like about one in every fifteen songs in my iTunes.

43. Why is a school zone 20 mph? That seems like the optimal cruising speed for pedophiles...

44. As a driver I hate pedestrians, and as a pedestrian I hate drivers, but no matter what the mode of transportation, I always hate cyclists.

45. Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.

46. It should probably be called Unplanned Parenthood.

47. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.

48. Even if I knew your social security number, I wouldn't know what do to with it.

49. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, hitting the G-spot, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey - but I'd bet my ass everyone can find and push the Snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time every time...

50. My 4-year old son asked me in the car the other day "Dad what would happen if you ran over a ninja?" How the hell do I respond to that?

51. I wonder if cops ever get pissed off at the fact that everyone they drive behind obeys the speed limit.

52. I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lites than Kay.

Different Types of POOR..check it out

2009-09-13T19:02:00.001-05:00

The Ant and the Grasshopper

2009-09-11T10:32:00.000-05:00

THE ANT AND THE GRASSHOPPER

This one is a little different... Two Different Versions!
Two Different Morals!

OLD VERSION: The ant works hard in the withering heat all summer long,
building his house and laying up
supplies for the winter.

The grasshopper thinks the ant is a fool and laughs and dances and
plays the summer away.

Come winter, the ant is warm and well fed.

The grasshopper has no food or shelter, so he dies out in the cold.

MORAL OF THE STORY: Be responsible for yourself!

MODERN VERSION:

The ant works hard in the withering heat all summer long, building his
house and laying up supplies for the winter.

The grasshopper thinks the ant is a fool and laughs and dances and
plays the summer away.

Come winter, the shivering grasshopper calls a press conference and
demands to know why the ant should be
allowed to be warm and well fed while others are cold and starving.

CBS, NBC , PBS, CNN, and ABC show up to provide pictures of the
shivering grasshopper next to a video of the
ant in his comfortable home with a table filled with food. America is
stunned by the sharp contrast.

How can this be, that in a country of such wealth, this poor
grasshopper is allowed to suffer so?

Kermit the Frog appears on Oprah with the grasshopper, and everybody
cries when they sing, 'It's Not Easy Being Green.'

Jesse Jackson stages a demonstration in front of the ant 's house
where the news stations film the group
singing, 'We shall overcome.' Jesse then has the group kneel down to pray
to God for the grasshopper's sake.

Nancy Pelosi & John Kerry exclaim in an interview with Larry King that
the ant has gotten rich off the back
of the grasshopper, and both call for an immediate tax hike on the ant to
make him pay his fair share.

Finally, the EEOC drafts the Economic Equity & Anti-Grasshopper Act
retroactive to the beginning of the summer.

The ant is fined for failing to hire a proportionate number of green
bugs and, having nothing left to pay
his retroactive taxes, his home is confiscated by the government.

The story ends as we see the grasshopper finishing up the last bits of
the ant's food while the government
house he is in, which just happens to be the ant's old house, crumbles
around him because he doesn't maintain it.

The ant has disappeared in the snow.

The grasshopper is found dead in a drug related incident and the
house, now abandoned, is taken over by a
gang of spiders who terrorize the once peaceful neighborhood.

MORAL OF THE STORY: Be careful how you vote in 2010.

Church sponsored Social Meals, Part I

2009-09-11T09:22:00.002-05:00

This is a blog by a friend in Myspace World. I "met" him in a Myspace forum for Church of Christ members. Please read it, think about it, and then see my other post (Part II) to see my reply to it.

I encourage you all to think about this issue (and others like it), read what you can on issues such as this, and then post your thoughts either here or at the other post.
_____________________________________________________________________

Church-Sponsored Social Meals

by (took name out)

As I begin this short article, it needs to be noted what this issues is not. The issue is not “eating in the building.” Those who say that this is the issue are either ignorant of the arguments, or being deliberately dishonest. No one denies that Christians may eat in the building. Thus, I call on those who have represented the position as opposition to “eating in the building” to repent.

Further, the issue is not regarding meals for the purpose of benevolence to needy saints such as you see in Acts 6.

The issue is not eating food that is incidental to the purpose for which the church has assembled. The church may be assembled and a child may eat cheerios, a baby my take a bottle, a diabetic may eat something to maintain their internal milieu, there is no opposition to this. Yet the fact that something may happen incidentally to the an authorized purpose, this does not provide authority for the church to provide for, or assemble for this purpose.

The opposition is to the church coming together for, or making provision for, a common meal for social purposes. The issue is a matter of purpose, not incidentals.

.. ..

We oppose the practice of church sponsored social meals on the very same basis as our opposition for mechanical instruments of music in worship to God. There is no precept, approved example or necessary inference which authorizes the practice of the church making provision for such meals. This was commonly understood among brethren before the 1950’s and 1960’s . Brother B.C. Goodpasture wrote the following in the gospel advocate.

There is a difference between spiritual progress and religious hurrah, but some people seem not to know it. When a church gets caught up in the hurrah of church sponsored youth camps, banquets, ball games and institutionalism, it would be good to remember Paul’s statement, “the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17)....

(Goodpasture, Gospel Advocate 8-1-1935). ....

Brother Goodpasture further noted twenty some years later.

It is not the mission of the church to furnish amusement to the world, or even its own members. For the church to turn aside from its divine work to furnish amusement and recreation is to pervert its mission. If the church will discharge its duty in preaching the gospel, edifying its members, and helping the worthy poor, it will not have the time or the desire to amuse and entertain” (Goodpasture, Gospel Advocate, 1948, p.484).....

There are numerous other quotes throughout the brotherhood periodicals prior to the 1950’s and 1960’s decrying the practice. The reason is because there is no precept, approved example, or necessary implication to provide authority for such.

Another issue in regard to this is noted in 1 Corinthians 11:22,34. Note at the outset that is not our sole opposition to the practice of church sponsored social meals. We noted about that the opposition is primarily one of a simple lack of authority. This fact is then underscored by Paul’s condemnation of the practice. In 1 Corinthians 11 and beginning in verse 17 Paul deals with an issue that had arisen in the church in Corinth. The church there had perverted the Lord’s supper in such a way as to shift the focus from the memorial of which it was instituted, to a common meal. Paul provided the solution. Common meals are to be eaten at home. In other words, The church has an obligation to make provision for the spiritual supper, the home is to make provision for common meals. Paul notes “ What, do you not have houses to eat and drink in or do you despise the church of the living God and shame those who have nothing.” (1 Corinthians 11:22). In the same context Pal noted “ if anyone is hungry let him eat at home…” ( 1 Corinthians 11:34). Consider this question, If Paul wanted to say “eat common meals at home” what better way could he have said it?

.. ..

I have dealt with this issue very briefly in this article. If you would like to study the position I believe to be biblical in more depth, I encourage you to read the Garner-Jones debate at www.garnerjonesdebate.wordpress.com

Church sponsored Social Meals, Part II

2009-09-11T09:19:00.002-05:00

MY THOUGHTS AND REPLY:

I can't help but think that you believe YOU and what you do or don't do, is what gets you into heaven. In fact, it seems that you put this "rule" as equal to having faith in Christ as to what saves you. When you do that, surely you can see that this is never God's intention.

I suggest a closer look at Galatians and what Paul is trying to tell them then...I believe it would be the same speech he'd have to give you and others who think this way, the same exact speech and yet you have it at your fingertips and supposedly live by its teachings.

Gal 2:21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

YIKES! No law- NONE should be at the level of the fact that Christ came and died for us!

I LOVE verse 17 of the same chapter: But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid.

What about 3:2-3 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are you so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?

and v. 5 He therefore that ministereth so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain. He therefore taht ministereth to you in the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?

I'll admit for a CoCer to actually swallow this and accept it is HARD. It has been for me. I just wasn't raised this way. But I think we've gotten it wrong. I love Galatians....it has helped me TRULY realize that I'm free in Christ!!!!! CoC has made me believe for far too long that I had to do things just right or it's over and done with. No wonder I felt I could never say that I KNEW FOR CERTAIN I was going to heaven....there was always that "what if" factor.

We say we're free in Christ but don't live it b/c we truly don't believe it. The folks of Galantians struggled with the same thing and Paul came to teach them them differently.

I believe you love God with all your heart but I also think you and I need to study more and come to understand the absolute brilliance of what Grace means.

CoC is VERY guilty of downplaying grace for fear people won't be baptized. BUT grace is what it's all about. We can't forget that vital part of God's gift to us! Or it was all in vain.

I love you. I am still working on this myself. I still thank God for His grace and then pick up my burdens and wonder if I've done enough. I hate that I'm finding it hard to shake that mentality. It's soooo much to carry.

I hope you pick up the Word and read through Galatians with new eyes.

Growing So Big

2009-09-10T14:16:00.003-05:00

I'm sorry, but had to show off an adorable pic of my girls. :)

Savannah, age 4.5
Kylei, age 6

~DEATH~

2009-08-21T11:44:00.000-05:00

WHAT A WONDERFUL WAY TO EXPLAIN IT

A sick man turned to his doctor as he was preparing to

Leave the examination room and said,

'Doctor, I am afraid to die.

Tell me what lies on the other side.'

Very quietly, the doctor said, 'I don't know.'

'You don't know? You're, a Christian man,

and don't know what's on the other side?'

The doctor was holding the handle of the door;

On the other side came a sound of scratching and whining,

And as he opened the door, a dog sprang into the room

And leaped on him with an eager show of gladness.

Turning to the patient, the doctor said,

'Did you notice my dog?

He's never been in this room before.

He didn't know what was inside.

He knew nothing except that his master was here,

And when the door opened, he sprang in without fear.

I know little of what is on the other side of death,

But I do know one thing...

I know my Master is there and that is enough.'

Pre-K

2009-08-20T20:03:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow will be the conclusion of the first full week of Pre-K for Savannah. She is LOVING it!! Today she came home all excited to tell me that she got a green smiley face again (green is the best you can get and she's gotten it all week) and she sang a song she learned today, along with the hand motions. SO CUTE!!

I know if you're on Facebook or Myspace you've probably seen these pics, but I didn't want to leave anybody out on here that hasn't seen them yet! lol

I'm on the Fast Track

2009-08-11T16:12:00.003-05:00

Kylei has been in school a week now. Today was her first day of having homework. It's was just a lil Math worksheet. She got right on it when we came home. Savannah goes to Pre-K from 8:15-12:45 tomorrow. She is super excited about it. So am I! I cannot wait to hear how it goes! Not to mention, I'm hoping to get some things done around here while both girls are at school.

I only have about 2.5 weeks before I start back and I need to get some things in order.

Yesterday was my brother's 26th birthday. I can't believe he's that old, lol.

Life just goes by way too quickly after you reach about the age of...oh, say FIVE.

Why??

2009-08-07T11:02:00.001-05:00

Why would the YMCA host a bake sale? Really?!

It's bad enough that they have popcorn there on Fridays.

Help a girl out!

I'm Losing It!

2009-08-04T19:19:00.002-05:00

Weight that is! I HAVE LOST 6 LBS!!! And truth be told, I haven't followed the meal plan exactly like I should have, usually not getting enough fruits and veggies in and YET I've still lost weight!! I am so excited!

I KNOW that if I eat the way I should using the PPVVVFFFSSD, Fat that I discuessed here that I will lose it even quicker.

The best thing is that it's not even a diet! Diets just don't work. It's just eating right...basically what we've always known but just told to me in a different way and with the right motivation (looking in the mirror for me usually works, especially naked...ooh, or trying on clothes!)

So this post is dedicated to the 6 lbs I've lost: Goodbye and Good Riddance!!!!

Video of the Year (IMO)

2009-08-04T13:03:00.004-05:00

I imagine most of you have seen the YouTube video of a wedding party dancing down the aisle to Chris Brown's hit "Forever".

Savannah and I agree that this is the way to "walk" down the aisle! How much fun is that? And certainly memorable!!

Today I discovered that a company made a divorce spoof of this video. I thought I'd share them both. It's just really great. Makes ya wanna get up and dance!!

http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/hiphopmediatraining/163912/wedding-dance-couple-divorce-in-spoof/

Kylei Goes To 1st Grade

2009-08-03T08:54:00.004-05:00

Today is Kylei's first day of 1st grade. Savannah was just as excited. Maybe it's because she will be going to Pre-K next week.

Kylei looks so much older than she did this time last year.

1st day of Kindergarten

1st day of First Grade

In the car heading to school. Hope you have a wonderful day, Bug!

P.S. Don't know if you can tell from the pics, but she fell about 4 or 5 days ago and hit her nose on the wall and it's still a bit bruised.

Dare to Ask for What You Want

2009-07-28T19:36:00.002-05:00

That was the theme for today and oddly enough I saw it on a poster in the school office. I went to Richland School today and talked to the principal. She was very welcoming and seemed pleased that I had come in. She did inform me that she has 3 teachers retiring in December and 1, possibly 2 retiring at the end of this year. She also said that in the next 2-3 years she was fairly certain other teachers that have been working for 35 years or so were probably on their way out and that she'd be doind even more hiring! So, I was thankful to hear that even if it doesn't happen this year, the possibility is even greater that it could be in tne near future.

She said she was impressed with my resume and wrote down when I'd be graduating. She asked if I knew where I'd be doing my student teaching. Unfortunately, I live in a different county and have been told they always keep you in the county you live in. I did inform her that I was hoping to substitute some before January in her school. She said that would be great and as how she's not the type of pricipal to sit in her office, she'd get to see how I am in the classroom.

After talking some, I was able to tell her who my family is and she goes to church with my grandmother and she went on and on about her. My grandmother was a teacher as well as one of my aunt's. She noted that teaching was probably in my blood. :)

All in all, I was VERY pleased by the exchange and I'm just keeping my fingers crossed and praying that I do great this year in school and that at the end of it all, I will be asked to teach there.

************

I went to Step & Sculpt class tonight and this is always my hardest class and it didn't let me down. Dovie (my friend and instructor) kicked my butt! I was so worn out and SO glad when the class was over. :) I'm always glad that I went and did it though when it's all said and done. Zumba tomorrow- yay!

************

The girls go to school tomorrow for a 1/2 day. It's so hard for me to believe that BOTH my girls will be going. Savannah told me today that she is REALLY EXCITED! I am so glad. Kylei's looking forward to it too. :)

So good luck to all the parents and theh kids that are heading back to school. Hope this is a good year for us all!

~Queen Bee~

Thoughts and Happenings

2009-07-27T16:13:00.002-05:00

Today I had to take Savannah to the Dr. to get her shots updated and for a physical before she starts school. We still go to Dr. Chen in Pulaski and I had forwarned her about the shots but that we'd be going to get ice cream later. She was totally fine with that. Our appointment was at 10 a.m. but of course we weren't seen until about 11:30! But Savannah and Kylei played in the waiting room. When we got into the room, the nurse held up five fingers to signify to me how many shots she'd be getting today. Good gracious! I remember Kylei only getting four and now they've upped it on my baby. I have to hand it to that nurse though she is quick and makes it as painless as shots can be. She gave Savannah a pinwheel and told her to blow it while she was giving the shots and that Vannah shouldn't feel them...and she didn't until the 3rd one. Vannah started watching her put the needle in instead of focusing on the pinwheel. She started whimpering and wasn't as okay with getting the last two after that, but she never cried any tears, just that lil pitiful whimper. I don't care how old they get, it's never fun watching them get shots.

Of course we went to Reeve's Drugstore and had lunch and ICE CREAM! The girls got theirs in cups and we walked around the square and out further while they ate. It was nice to get some walking in today since I BOMBED this weekend on what I ate. But we had a wedding Saturday, then a Baby Shower on Sunday and John took me to see a movie that night. Anyway....we walked past the library and they were having a sidewalk sale of some of their books. I spent $2.40 and got the following:

Abel's Island (children's book)

Black Americans: Their History and Contributions (copyrighted 1969-lol)

I Can Be An Archaeologist (children's book)

People Who Have Helped the World: Father Damien (The man who lived and died for the victims of leprosy)

The Whipping Boy (children's book)

What Does a Witch Need? (children's)

The Mystery of Stonehenge

Pantomimes Charades and Skits (children's)

and the following paperbacks:

O Pioneers!

One Step at a Time (Scholastic book)

Children of the River (From Cambodia to America- Sundara's journey has just begun)

Don't You Dare Read This, Mrs. Dunphrey

The Light in the Forest (story of a white boy raised by Indians

The Orphan Train Adventures: A Family Apart

The Babysitters Club: Mary Anne Saves the Day #4

I Am the Cheese

SO...it's a very eclectic list of books but ones I think are great for my kids when they get older and perhaps for the classroom depending on what grade I'll be teaching.

In other news:
My dad called me last night and had run into a teacher at Richland who informed him that she would be the new assistant principal there starting next year. Dad began telling her how I will be graduating in May and would love to work there and how we'd recently heard about the various openings they will have about that time. She said that many people are hoping for those jobs and told Dad to pass it along to me that she suggests going Now to talk to the principal and let her know my school situation and that basically I'd like my name in the hat. AAGGHH! I'm very thankful for the advice but I'm extremely stressed about doing this. I don't know this principal and to be honest am just not sure how to initiate this conversation. I am hoping to get by their tomorrow for this lil impromptu introduction. I know that I need to try and sub some over there this semester (since I won't be able too when I start student teaching in Jan) but between classes, homework, kids, family, working out, and trying to finish up those things I need to do before graduation...I am clueless how it's all going to work itself out.

Less stressful subject:
I cannot wait to go to Zumba tonight. I feel so guilty for blowing my diet this weekend that after that hour-long class, I think I'm gonna stay and so some more cardio on the elliptical or treadmill. I am desperate to get this weight off as quickly as possible, so I'm willing to do whatever.

The girls go to school Wednesday for half a day, but I am not in anyway prepared for that...well not in the supply-list/uniforms bought kinda way! Why doesn't money grow on trees again??

I am excited about what this year will be like for Kylei and Savannah though! Kylei will be in the 1st grade and that's the real deal in my opinion. They have homework and tests now! And Savannah is going to love Pre-K; I just know it! She's going to come home so excited to show me all the cool things they're learning and doing and I cannot wait!! :D

Hump Day

2009-07-22T21:21:00.003-05:00

So, yesterday (Tuesday) was one week since I've started working out and eating healthier. So, it's been 8 days now of no caffeine as well. Whoo Hoo!! I'm excited to say that last night was the first time I didn't get a head ache so I'm hoping that means my body is over its withdrawals! lol

I've never been a very patient person and it's getting a little tough already to not really see results. So, I've decided that every Friday morning before I go to my Zumba class that I'm gonna weigh myself and see if I can see from one week to the next if I'm losing weight. I weighed myself at home last Friday but will be weighing at the gym this Friday so I don't know how accurate it all will be.

I'm still working on trying to get in all the fruits and veggies in a day that I should and to drink the recommended 64 oz of water. That will be my next goal.

John and I talked a little tonight about him possibly getting a 2nd job, something on the weekends. I'm a lil upset that it's come to this. I don't want him away from us on the weekends and I don't want him resenting the fact that he's working all the time either. He brought it up though cuz we're just making it, but with buying healthier foods and such, it's hurting us. I sure wish some of the accounts he's been working on would commit and sign a contract -then we'd be fine. ugh.

School will be starting soon for the girls. I have mixed emotions about that.

Anyway, hope everyone has had a great hump day. May the rest of the week be excellent!

The Gospel

2009-07-19T15:12:00.003-05:00

I don't know if you've thought much about it, but if you had to explain what the gospel is to another, what would you say?

I'd like some comment back because I'm curious if the answers I'd recieve parallel with what I've often been taught and thought as well.

Thanks.

Family News

2009-07-18T12:24:00.002-05:00

John went yesterday to visit his grandmother in the hospital after she fell and broke her hip. He ended up staying all day and all night with her. His cousin was there as well. They were asked by the doctors to stay because of all the pain medication she was on before and after surgery, she had no clue where she was or what was happening to her and was scared to death. She kept wanting to pull out her tubes and IVs and wanting to get up and walk. When John and Judy wouldn't let her, she claimed they hated her. It was a rough night. He got home about 10:30 this morning and crashed.

His mom will be arriving in Nashville around 2pm today. They won't allow the girls up to the top floor to see Grandmother because they are still concerned about children contracting the Swine Flu.

Today is the day we were supposed to take the girls to meet John's parents and let them stay a week in Louisiana with them, but with John's grandmother's fall, this isn't going to happen. Kylei was very upset. She had been planning all the things she wanted to do with Grammy. I have to admit I was a bit upset too. I had plans of my own while they were gone.

But for now, I just ask for prayers for our family, especially John's Grandmother and Mom.

Exercise Program

2009-07-17T15:09:00.002-05:00

MY EXERCISE ROUTINE for next week:

Monday: Zumba 8:45-9:45 am or 6:30-7:30 pm

Tuesday: Step & Sculpt 5:30-6:30

Wednesday: Zumba 6:35-7:35

OR (in case of church conflict)

Ellipt./TreadM/Bike 8:45-9:45

Thursday: Basic Step & Sculpt 5:30-6:30

Friday: Zumba 8:45-9:45

Saturday: Step 9:00-10:00

H20

2009-07-17T14:01:00.003-05:00

I started reading back through some of my older posts. I was curious about something, but anyway, I looked back through my Bucket List and realized that I'm finally doing one of those -DRINK MORE WATER THAN ANY OTHER DRINK. Yay!! I'm also working on that last one- Lose weight and look Hot. It's gonna take awhile, but I'll get there.

Yay!!

Day Three

2009-07-17T13:36:00.003-05:00

...of getting my weight under control.

This morning at 8:35 a.m. I went to the gym with my friend, Dovie, who has been helping me in this endeavor and we took a Zumba class. (How's that for an early morning wakeup) Zumba is a Latin-infused cardio dance. It was a lot of fun but it sure got me hot and sweaty! :)

After class, Dovie and I went to Wal-Mart where she helped me by showing me what to eat, what not to eat, and she gave me advice that she learned from L.A. Weightloss which is the PPVVVFFFSSD method.

P=Protein
V=Vegetable
F=Fruit
S=Startch
D=Dairy

Every day you eat 2 servings of Protein, 3 servings of Vegetables, and so on.
And you drink at least 64 oz water a day. You need to add some fat to your diet, but not a lot. So eat red meat or pork ONCE a week and on that day, do NOT have it with potatoes.

So...all that starts today. John is probably going to have a cow when he sees that I bought about $100 in groceries. We all knew this, but it's not cheap to eat healthy. Those fruits and fresh veggies cost $$. But I feel it's worth it, and I think we can afford to do it if we stop going out to eat so much.

Dovie also gave me a pedometer right before we walked into the gym (8:25). As of right now (1:44), I've taken 11,207 steps!! Can you believe it!? You are supposed to take atleast 10,000 a day so I'm definitely okay today.

The classes at the gym have been really great. The worst part has been my leg calves...they've been taking a beating and barely allow me to walk in the mornings or if I've been sitting awhile. I know it'll get better soon though.

Bad part of the day: I weighed myself. I am about 10 lbs heavier than I thought I was. :( It's a darn good thing I'm working hard to tackle this weight now, cuz it's B A D !!

_________________

Side note: John's grandmother (nearly 90) fell yesterday and broke her hip. She is having surgery today so please pray for her and our family.

Inside is a Skinnier Me and I'm trying to find her

2009-07-15T21:28:00.003-05:00

Once again, I'm back at it....trying to lose this weight. I started back to the gym yesterday. A friend of mine from school is helping me out. I took her step & sculpt class last night. It almost killed me. I wanted to cry. I had to rest often. I did not quit. That's going to be my biggest hurdle- not quitting. I'm proud that I stuck it out and finished. I wish I had been able to go straight through and it disgusted me to realize just how out of shape I've become. I am not only working out, but I'm trying to stop drinking caffeine as well, especially sodas. For the past two days, I've had only water. It's so hard! I get headaches and am ill-tempered.

Today I woke up feeling sore, but worse of all was stuffy/runny nose and sneezing my head off. I almost didn't go to the gym tonight, but I did. John and I went and we had plans to do a 15 minute workout on the elliptical and then do laps in the pool there. But we went too late to go to the pool, so we came back to the apt and went to the pool here. John and I did laps for awhile (I kept thinking about myself as a child when I could swim ALL day and beg for more...I miss that girl). We then worked with the girls on swimming and today they did! They swam!!! I am soo proud of them. They're gonna need to keep practicing but in all, they did amazing!!!!!

Tomorrow night, I go back to the step/sculpt class. I can't say I'm looking forward to it, but I know I'll be there.

If anybody has some really good, but healthy recipes (and are ones that are easy to cook and buy for) I'd love it if you could pass them on.

I think tomorrow morning, I'm gonna go to Pulaski and do some line dancing with my Mom and Dad. Then tomorrow night, go back and kill myself at the gym again. :)

Wish me luck.

Big 8

2009-07-07T18:41:00.002-05:00

July 7, 2001 John and I married and it was one of the best days of my life. Eight years later, we've been through it all- highs, lows, sickness, health, children, jobs, and moves. We've kissed, hugged, fought, cried, laughed, danced, and made love. We are what married life looks like. I'm happier today though things have certainly changed a lot throughout the years, but I'm grateful that our vows have lasted and we're living and loving.

Happy Anniversary John! I LOVE YOU!!

Highs and Lows

2009-06-27T14:34:00.004-05:00

Summer is certainly here and in a BIG way...it has been sooo hot! John and the girls have been to the pool once so far, but I don't have a swimsuit yet and can't go. Shopping for a new suit is not on my TOP 100 fun things to do, so who knows if I'll be swimming this year. I'm just not sure it's worth it. Any ladies with me on this one?! ugh.

I have 3 days left of summer classes and then I'm done for a little while. Of course, I have lost my jump drive that contains ALL my school work. Isn't that lovely? No. No, it's not. ugh.

So, John and I have been trying to get a jump start on the cleaning/organizing that we've planned for when I'm out of school this summer. It was going pretty well, but today we needed to get a lot done b/c John brought home a carpet steamer. Well, it hasn't. Lazy Saturday sounded better, but now I'm stressed and ill. ugh.

John's parents are going to have the girls for a week in July. They'll be leaving in about 2 weeks, so HOPEFULLY John and I can get a lot done that week. Crossing my fingers! :)

We went to see the 3D movie UP on Wednesday night with the church. I had heard it had some sad parts, but hello?! It's a little heavy for a kid movie. I was shocked. Hoping to see MY SISTER'S KEEPER soon. I know I'll be a blubbering mess, but am excited to see Cameron Diaz in a new and challenging role.

Well, I'm gonna see if I can get mine and my family's butts in gear and get some more things done here.

What Time Is It? It's Summer Time!

2009-06-14T18:03:00.002-05:00

A pat on the back if you know where the title comes from! haha

My mom bought tickets for she, Dad, Kylei, Savannah, and me to see HSM 2 at the STAAR theatre in Pulaski. If you've never been to one of their productions, I suggest you check them out. Most productions are played by children and teenage actors and while they are amateurs, they put their all into it and you can just see how much fun their having. Even if you're not into the theatre arts so much, I recommend going or buying tickets for a friend or family member(s) that are. Not only is that just sweet, but the STAAR theatre is hoping to be able to take money made and begin restoring the old Opera House that their stage is under. I've never seen it personally, though I'd LOVE too, but they say it's not beyond repair and have this as a 10 year goal. I think it's an amazing chance to see some grand piece of Pulaski history again and even be able to use it.

School's IN for the Summer

2009-06-11T15:17:00.004-05:00

Obviously I've been busy because I have not posted here in quite a long time. Sorry bout that.

I am currently in my 2nd summer class, and was very fortunate that my first was fun and pretty cool. I made an A so that made it even sweeter. haha

Now, I have about 2 more weeks left of my last summer class and it is also going well. I'm so relieved and happy about that. Some summer classes can be murder! I cannot wait until I actually have a small summer vacation, even though I have big plans to clean and organize the apt. It needs it badly!

I am proud of myself. I have been hoarding old clothes hoping that at some point I can make some money with an awesome yard sale. However, that hasn't happened but the garbaage bags of clothes/toys just kept piling up...and we SO don't have the space for that.

We recently finished a series on LOVE at our church. Our small groups were encouraged to do one or more service projects and one we thought would be great was to give our old or outgrown clothes and toys to the Hope House.

Even though it kinda hurt to just give away ALL those clothes (especially the kids' clothes), I asked God for help and together we got rid of about 8-9 large garbage bags and about 6 WalMart sized bags of stuff. I am actually excited about this and am ready to just keep tackling stuff and getting rid of all the junk that just gets in the way and takes up space....but unfortunately it's gonna be a big project and I am still in school. So I will be pleased in about 2 weeks! lol

The girls just finished VBS week at 2nd St Church and they had a blast! I had a lof of fun on Monday when I went, chatting and laughing with old friends. Even though I'm not a member there anymore, the people from this church mean the world to me and I miss them terribly! You'll always be home to me; you're my family!!

Happier at Home

2009-05-12T23:08:00.002-05:00

My husband and Savannah left Sunday to go to Louisiana. They've been gone for 3 days now and I started getting cranky and snippy yesterday. It never fails that when he's away (especially if he's in LA), I get ill and jealous and just a big grouch. We (I) fight more when he's away than if he's here.

I hate it, and yet it just flows out of me.

Lord, Help me to be content with situations in my life and to think before I speak, and to use kindness instead of harshness.

Happy Mother's Day!!

2009-05-10T10:18:00.003-05:00

My wonderful Mother (and Nana!)
I couldn't function without my mom; she is truly wonderful. She is so generous and helpful to me, and I wish there was a way I could pay her back.

The moment I found out I was pregnant with Kylei, I was a Mom. I LOVE being a Mom even though at times I could pull my hair out. My girls mean the world to me. I love you Mom and I love you Kylei and Savannah! Thank you for giving me my most rewarding job ever! *muah*

blogging it up!

2009-05-04T19:45:00.002-05:00

I don't know if any of you know (or care!) but I have another blog where I talk about education. It's what I'm studying in school and in a year, I will be an educator, Lord willing.

It's a little spastic there as it is here, except atleast everything is themed around EDUCATION. If that's something you'd like to read or comment on, stop by:

educationstimulation.blogspot.com

Saturday, May 2 TRAINS IN MINIATURE

2009-05-04T14:55:00.002-05:00

Friday, May 1 SLEEPOVER

2009-05-04T14:39:00.004-05:00

Fancy Nancy Party

2009-05-04T09:35:00.002-05:00

Kylei turns 6 in less than two weeks and she wants a Fancy Nancy themed party. (If you're not familiar with Fancy Nancy books and you have a girly daughter, you MUST go to the library and check these out!)

Everything must be FANCY! Well...that's the problem. I need fancy stuff, lol.

I thought about going to Goodwill and seeing if I could find linens or pretty cake plates/trays/tiered dessert trays, etc. I also need fancy clothes for me too, cuz we have to dress up fancy of course! :)

I don't know if any of you have anything (even if I didn't mention it) that I might could borrow that you think would work or if you'd want to lend it, BUT if you do and would, please let me know. I'd appreciate it!!

Any ideas are welcome as well...creativity is so not my thing.

Thanks!!

Colorful and oh so Good!

2009-05-01T16:43:00.004-05:00

Today I made CRAB SALAD. I don't know where my mom got the recipe but she gave it to me, and I love it! I thought some of you might want to try it too. :)

1.5-2 lbs imitation crab meat, cut small chuncks/shredded
1c celery, finely chopped
1c white onion, finely chopped
6 oz chopped black olives (you can buy the cans of chopped olives)
4T salad dressing (not mayo)
1c shredded cheddar cheese
1c frozen peas

Mix all together. You may want to add more salad dressing.

Perfect eaten with Ritz crackers.

ENJOY!!

Finally!

2009-04-30T17:55:00.002-05:00

I AM DONE WITH THIS SEMESTER!!! WOO-HOO!!! I took my last final this morning and I am done....at least until May 11. Then I will have a whirlwind of a summer with 2 classes, a wedding, and a birthday party. Whew! It never stops does it? There are always a million things going on at once.

But regardless, at this moment, I am tickled to say "The End" to this semester.

MachoSauceProductions

2009-04-17T13:40:00.001-05:00

I LOOOVE THIS GUY!

Think Outside the Box & Turn Off Your TV

2009-04-17T12:42:00.002-05:00

National Turnoff Week April 20-26

Worried your kids are watching too much TV? Did you know that American children watch nearly three hours of television every day? Or, that children spend more time each year in front of the television than they do in school? Yikes! Well, unplug the TV, the computer, and the video games (adults too!) and explore the magical world of books. Give your children the chance to learn and create, and to spend time with theh most important person in their lives....YOU!

Thanks for the info Books-A-Million.

I know my family will unplug (as much as my school work allows me too). I often wonder just how much more my family could get done if it wasn't for the TV. Or, how close we would be. I doubt there'd be the age-old "I'm booooorrred!!" because we'd have to learn how to entertain ourselves.

Sidney Wood once said, "An educated man is one who can entertain a new idea, entertain another person, and entertain himself."

Take my Son

2009-04-17T08:36:00.001-05:00

Take my Son

A wealthy man and his son loved to collect rare works of art. They had everything in their collection, from Picasso to Raphael. They would often sit together and admire the great works of art.

When the Vietnam conflict broke out, the son went to war. He was very courageous and died in battle while rescuing another soldier. The father was notified and grieved deeply for his only son.

About a month later, just before Christmas, there was a knock at the door.. A young man stood at the door with a large package in his hands.

He said, 'Sir, you don't know me, but I am the soldier for whom your son gave his life. He saved many lives that day, and he was carrying me to safety when a bullet struck him in the heart and he died instantly. He often talked about you, and your love for art.' The young man held out this package. 'I know this isn't much. I'm not really a great artist, but I think your son would have wanted you to have this.'

The father opened the package. It was a portrait of his son, painted by the young man. He stared in awe at the way the soldier had captured the personality of his son in the painting. The father was so drawn to the eyes that his own eyes welled up with tears. He thanked the young man and offered to pay him for the picture. 'Oh, no sir, I could never repay what your son did for me. It's a gift.'

The father hung the portrait over his mantle. Every time visitors came to his home he took them to see the portrait of his son before he showed them any of the other great works he had collected.

The man died a few months later. There was to be a great auction of his paintings. Many influential people gathered, excited over seeing the great paintings and having an opportunity to purchase one for their collection.

On the platform sat the painting of the son.. The auctioneer pounded his gavel. 'We will start the bidding with this picture of the son. Who will bid for this picture?'

There was silence.

Then a voice in the back of the room shouted, 'We want to see the famous paintings. Skip this one.'

But the auctioneer persisted. 'Will somebody bid for this painting. Who will start the bidding? $100, $200?'

Another voice angrily. 'We didn't come to see this painting. We came to see the Van Goghs, the Rembrandts. Get on with the real bids!'

But still the auctioneer continued. 'The son! The son! Who'll take the son?'

Finally, a voice came from the very back of the room. It was the longtime gardener of the man and his son. 'I'll give $10 for the painting.' Being a poor man, it was all he could afford.

'We have $10, who will bid $20?'

'Give it to him for $10. Let's see the masters.'

'$10 is the bid, won't someone bid $20?'

The crowd was becoming angry. They didn't want the picture of the son.

They wanted the more worthy investments for their collections.

The auctioneer pounded the gavel. 'Going once, twice, SOLD for $10!'

A man sitting on the second row shouted, 'Now let's get on with the collection!'

The auctioneer laid down his gavel. 'I'm sorry, the auction is over.'

'What about the paintings?'

I am sorry. When I was called to conduct this auction, I was told of a secret stipulation in the will. I was not allowed to reveal that stipulation until this time. Only the painting of the son would be auctioned Whoever bought that painting would inherit the entire estate, including the paintings.

The man who took the son gets everything!'

God gave His son 2,000 years ago to die on the cross. Much like the auctioneer, His message today is:

'The son, the son, who'll take the son?'

Because, you see, whoever takes the Son gets everything.

OR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, THAT WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH IN HIM, SHALL HAVE ETERNAL LIFE...THAT'S LOVE

Jesus Loves Me

2009-04-13T00:56:00.000-05:00

A pastor once stated, 'I always noticed that it was the adults who chose the children's hymn 'Jesus Loves Me' (for the children, of course) during a hymn sing, and it was the adults who sang the loudest because I could see they knew it the best.'

'Senior version of Jesus Loves Me'

Here is a new version just for us who have white hair or no hair at all. For us over middle age (or even those almost there) and all you others check out this newest version of 'Jesus Loves Me'.

JESUS LOVES ME

Jesus loves me, this I know,
Though my hair is white as snow
Though my sight is growing dim,
Still He bids me trust in Him.

(CHORUS)

YES, JESUS LOVES ME.. YES, JESUS LOVES ME..
YES, JESUS LOVES ME FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO.

Though my steps are oh, so slow,
With my hand in His I'll go
On through life, let come what may,
He'll be there to lead the way.

(CHORUS)

When the nights are dark and long,
In my heart He puts a song.
Telling me in words so clear,
'Have no fear, for I am near.'

(CHORUS)

When my work on earth is done,
And life's victories have been won.
He will take me home above,
Then I'll understand His love

(CHORUS)
I love Jesus, does He know?
Have I ever told Him so?
Jesus loves to hear me say,
That I love Him every day.

(CHORUS)

He is Risen!!

2009-04-12T14:08:00.004-05:00

What a beatiful Easter afternoon!!

Today is a great day. We are reminded of Christ's great sacrifice for us and better yet, that He is alive today and we are forgiven. Hallelujah!

I've had a lot put on my heart lately about my life and issues I need to be confronting and asking the Lord to help me with.

Our church is starting a new series called 40 DAYS OF LOVE. I want you to think about this scripture:

I John 4:7-12

7Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son[b] into the world that we might live through him. 10This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for[c] our sins. 11Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

How often do we see God as something other than love? I have; I think of Him being all powerful, something to be feared often times.

We've all heard and know that the greatest commandment is to Love God, Love People. Why do we so often forget that LOVE is the center of everything God wants us to be and do? Why is it so difficult?

LOVE is an action, not an emotion. I am guilty of this thought sometimes too. I forget that I have to choose to love someone, even those that don't choose to love me back. That's "loving your enemies." I have to choose my actions. I have to choose to think better of people instead of gossiping. I have to choose to pray for people I may be upset at, and I have to choose to ALWAYS do what's right for them regardless of my prejudice or bias. THIS is following the true commandment of God. Why? Because he loves me and does this everyday for me, and I am not worthy.

I John 4:19 says, "We love because he first loved us." How simple that is.

Like I said, we are starting this journey of Love with my church family. For the next 6 weeks my preacher will be discussing Love and we have small groups meeting of that same subject. Why 40 days? Because that's the shown amount of time it takes to make something a habit. Love sometimes is something we have to practice and make a habit. This is a good habit!!

I'm looking forward to this series. I want to take this time to ask for prayers on my behalf as I try and LOVE more. I apologize for any wrong I've done against you or others. I am not perfect and realize I won't be, but I must seek to do better and grow closer to my loving God.

If anybody is interested in hearing more about this study or being a part of it, I'd love to share it with you and get you in with a small group too if that's somthing you'd like. The series was sort of kicked off today, but doesn't actually start until next week. My small group is meeting this Friday at 6:30.

If you'd just like prayers as you seek out how to be more loving and want to know more about God's love, please ask.

HAPPY EASTER once again and LOVE to all!

Gift giving suggestions

2009-04-10T16:25:00.003-05:00

Help!!

John's brother is graduating from Veterinary School on May 11. The only thing he's told anybody he wants are some (expensive) anatomy books. We can't afford that. I want to get him something nice. I mean, it's not everyday a family member becomes a Doctor!

So, here's where you come in....I need suggestions. I really don't know what $$ limit I have so throw out any and all thoughts.

Thanks!

Fun with my Hunn

2009-04-09T22:22:00.002-05:00

Yesterday was such a pretty day, and my honey was home and the kiddos were not....so what do parents do when the kids are away? We PLAY of course!!

John and I went and played 2 games at Galaxy Lanes. I won both games- not cuz I'm great, but because (bless him) John is just that bad. LOL

Then, because he is a sore loser, we hopped on some go-carts. I tried, but yes, he beat me (though I had plenty of excuses to him as to why I didn't win...and none of those were my fault, naturally, lol)

We then unselfishly took the time to get some things for the girls for Easter....though we played a little in the stores too. We forgot how much fun it can be with just the two of us acting silly!

We rounded the night out with a movie. Because I'm an awesome wife :) we watched the new Fast & the Furious. I secretly enjoy those movies though, so it wasn't a huge sacrifice.

I really needed yesterday, because I have just been over the top stressin' and just hanging with my husband, being goofy and just enjoying each other's company was just what the Dr ordered.

THANKS BABY; I LOVE YOU!!

Queen Bee

Leprechaun Trap

2009-04-08T22:09:00.005-05:00

I know, I know.....this is a post that should've been about 3 weeks ago. Bare with me; I knew I would get it posted eventually.

Kylei had to make a Leprechaun Trap for school, and so I bought some supplies, her daddy helped make the trap work and we all put it together. Kylei supervised some of it (was bossy!) about where things should go, and she wrote signs and helped create the colorful rainbow, and on and on. This was a project that took many man hours! lol Maybe one day I'll get a video of Kylei showing how it works, because her daddy helped make a secret trap door- very cool!

There were 3 signs: "Kylei's Gold, FREE Gold (with arrow), and KEEP OUT!

The really cool rainbow...picture does NOT do it justice.

The finished product!
Takes making a mess to make a masterpiece

Can you tell?! LOL

Relationship Advice

2009-04-05T18:06:00.003-05:00

So, it has hit me that in one week, Easter will be here! I bought the girls some Easter dresses a few weeks ago, but today I suddenly realized I haven't thought or bought a thing *for* the Easter Bunny to bring. (Speaking of....like the new layout?)

I sent John to the store seeing as how we desperately need groceries and I'm supposed to be doing homework (SO not in the right frame of mind for that right now...). I asked him to pick up some Easter stuff. He agreed, but said if I'm not satisfied with what he gets, it's my fault. Deal.

Anyway, not that this has anything to do with Easter, but I saw this, thought I'd post it, and would love to hear your comments or any advice you would add. Enjoy!
___________________________________________________________

Dating 101: The Best Relationship Advice I Ever Got
Nine women spill the secret words of wisdom that keep their relationship blissful.By Sara Anderson for Redbook

#1. Polite Fight
"On my wedding-invitation RSVP cards, I left space for guests to write their favorite wedding wisdom. The tidbit that rings truest after almost nine months of marriage is: 'Attack the issue, not each other.' How it works: If my husband and I disagree about something, we stay focused on the issue and skip the personal put-downs." -- Melissa Gitter Schilowitz, 31, Metuchen, NJ

#2. Fit to a Tee
"My grandmother insisted that I learn how to play golf. 'If your husband loves to play, you can go along and spend hours together,' she said. So I took lessons, and now my husband and I hit the links once a month. We both love the game and are thrilled to share a hobby, even when we spend half an hour looking for my out-of-bounds balls!" -- Aimee Borders, 27, Houston, TX

#3. Tabletop Trick
"My aunt told me that if I'm running late when it's my turn to make dinner, just set the table. That way my husband thinks he'll be eating any minute, so he doesn't start complaining, which buys me some time. It's a silly trick that sounds straight out of the 1950s, but I have to admit that I've tried it a few times in the three years I've been married -- and it works!" -- Dawn Clayton, 34, Holdrege, NE

#4. Boob-Tube Brilliance
"Because my husband is such a remote-control freak, my mom suggested that we have 'my turn' TV nights. That means three nights a week I get to hold the remote and watch whatever I want, and on the other nights it's his turn to hold the remote and watch whatever he wants. Now when he starts flipping through the channels, it doesn't get on my nerves like it used to." -- Angela Clayton, 27, Odenton, MD

#5. Pop the Question
"My sister-in-law passed this helpful hint on to me, and it has served me well for our five years of wedded bliss: 'Marriage is not mind reading, so ask your spouse what he/she wants and believe what he/she says.'" -- Clare Graca, 27, Dallas

#6. Nix the Nit-Picking
"Before I said 'I do,' my mom (who's been married to my dad for 55 years) told me to take out a piece of paper and write down the top three things that bugged me about my husband-to-be. Then she told me to forget the things on that list and forgive him for not being flawless. Once you make a commitment this big, she explained, you can't let petty things get in the way. In our eight years of marriage, my husband and I have had two kids, tackled cross-country moves and started two businesses -- and so far, so great."-- Rebecca Hart Blaudow, 31, Jacksonville, FL

#7. Space Smarts
"Always have separate closets, my best friend told me. It may seem silly, but I listened to her and made sure to find a one-bedroom apartment with two closets (mine being the larger, of course). Now my husband and I each have our own private space, and we respect that: If he wants to keep his shoes in one huge heap or leave his dirty clothes in a pile on the floor, the mess doesn't bother me a bit!" -- Patricia Bontekoe, 26, Lake Hiawatha, NJ

#8. Agree to Disagree
"Before we got married, my minister told my husband and me, 'You are two imperfect people making an imperfect union, and that's wonderful.' This advice made me ditch my belief that in a happy marriage, the couple always agrees. My husband and I have learned to appreciate our differences (yes, even differences of opinion!); in fact, we encourage them because we realize now that those differences are what makes each of us unique and special." -- Beth Swanson, 28, Chicago

#9. Comic Relief
"Before I headed down the aisle, my stepfather told me to always laugh and never take myself too seriously. After four years of marriage, I know that this trick works. My husband and I often play practical jokes on each other and always try to crack each other up, even in the middle of an argument. Hey, if one person laughs, a fight tends to fizzle, doesn't it?" -- Lisa Giassa, 31, Bogota, NJ

Anti-Pop Advice From the Experts
You've probably heard a few of these pieces of marital pop wisdom before. If so, these marriage experts say to promptly forget 'em.

Love means never having to say you're sorry. "Oh, please! In marriage, love sometimes means having to say you're sorry even if you don't know what you did or you didn't mean to do it." -- Trisha Taylor, psychotherapist, Houston, TX

Always be totally honest. "What are you going to do, tell him that he's just too short and you can't stand his mother? Sometimes you need to temper the truth." -- Tara Fields, Ph.D., marriage, family and child therapist, Marin County, CA

Children come first. "This is bad advice if it means your husband always comes second. Of course you should love and care for your kids, but you should never lose sight of your couple-ness. The best thing a child can have is happy, fulfilled parents who are deeply in love." -- Mary Pender Greene, chief of social work services, Jewish Board of Family and Children's Services, New York

Always keep the peace. "No, no, no. If you don't face a hot issue head-on, you'll stockpile negative feelings. And before you know it, 20 years go by and you're still fighting over the same thing because you never resolved it in the first place." -- Rebecca S. Ward, M.S.W., psychotherapist, Little Rock, AR

Never go to bed angry. "Forget it. Often a couple needs time to calm down before they can rationally wrap up an argument. And that may take a few days, so in the meantime, get some sleep!" -- Gilda Carle, Ph.D., psychotherapist, New York

Help support a school

2009-03-27T19:01:00.003-05:00

I just saw this when I went to Kylei's school's website. She attends Joseph Brown Elementary.

What if Joseph Brown Elementary earned a penny every time you searched the Internet? Or how about if a percentage of every purchase you made online went to support our cause? Well, now it can! GoodSearch.com is a new Yahoo-powered search engine that donates half its advertising revenue, about a penny per search, to the charities its users designate. Use it just as you would any search engine, get quality search results from Yahoo, and watch the donations add up!
GoodShop.com is a new online shopping mall which donates up to 37 percent of each purchase to your favorite cause! Hundreds of great stores including Amazon, Target, Gap, Best Buy, ebay, Macy's and Barnes & Noble have teamed up with GoodShop and every time you place an order, you’ll be supporting your favorite cause.
Just go to www.goodsearch.com and be sure to enter Joseph Brown Elementary as the charity you want to support.

I'm asking for your support. We all know that just about every school could use the money. I know this one could.

Thanks for your help,
Queen Bee

Are you the Spouse you should be?

2009-03-27T17:35:00.004-05:00

I just read my preacher's blog and he had this posted. It is such a powerful testament, that I had to pass it on. I believe he will be using this as a part of his sermon on Sunday. I hate to miss it, but will be at my childhood church this weekend for their HomeComing. I am delighted to be going, but definitely think I will need to get a copy.

Robertson McQuilken was the president of Columbia Bible College and Seminary (now Columbia International University) from 1968 to 1990. He was a renown NT scholar, author and speaker. He was married to his wife, Muriel for 53 years. In the 1980s, during the middle of his tenure as president, Muriel’s health begin to decline and she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Over the course of the next few months and years things got progressively worse and her health deteriorated to the point that she couldn’t speak, reason, clothe herself, feed herself or bathe herself. So in 1990, Robertson stood before the student body and resigned his position as president in order to go home and care for his wife of then 40 years.

This is not the entire speech, but a short clip.....

Apparently Robertson McQuilkon wasn’t just a student of the Bible, he was a follower. The two most powerful statements to me were "I'm a man of my word" and "I don’t have to do this. I get to do this.”

Pity Party for One please

2009-03-21T13:31:00.003-05:00

Last night, John informed me he went ahead and purchased the plane tickets for he and Savannah. They are flying to see John's brother, Matt (yes, my kids have two Uncle Matt's, lol), graduate from Veterinary School at LSU. The graduation is May 11. I can't go because I start summer classes that day, and Kylei will be in school too, so she can't go. It breaks my heart that my baby will be going on her first plane ride without me. I feel bad for Kylei too b/c she won't get that experience at the same time. I have a feeling she'll be disappointed when she finds out. :(

I have felt pretty miserable the last week, and things don't seem to be gettting much better. I slept for about 12 hours last night, and am home alone now, trying to feel up to writing lesson plans and do other homework assignments. Meanwhile, my family is at my parents' house enjoying a lovely cookout without me.

I guess today is just a pity party blog. Sorry if you're still reading.

Friends are the Family you Choose

2009-03-19T14:42:00.002-05:00

This past Saturday was a wonderful day. No kids, no husband, didn't work on school stuff, didn't sit in front of a computer or t.v. Nope! I was out with my friend, Carol, and her (and now MY) friend, Gina. ALL DAY!!! Ah....it was so great!

I honestly don't know what people, especially women, do without good friends. I truly believe we need them to stay sane (even if it means acting INsane!) We talked and laughed, and were just crazy all day. We shoppped, We ate. It was just terrific.

Of course, one (ahem, CAROL!) made Gina and me sick.

And I've not felt great since that night......but I'll not complain (too much....) because regardless, it was well worth it. We can't wait to go again!!

I hope we all remember to take time for our friends. It's SO hard sometimes. I almost backed out of going because of all the work I needed to be doing, but am so glad I didn't. :)

Loving my Friends,
Queen Bee

Wedding Dresses Extravaganza

2009-03-10T21:02:00.002-05:00

Today was a day with the girls! My BFF, Vannessa, is getting married in June, so we (she, all bridesmaids, her mom and her aunt=6) headed to Huntsville to dress shop! And can you believe it- we found the PERFECT dress for V as well as the dresses and color for the bridesmaids. Sorry boys- Tyler and Matt- but they're "watermelon".

Next, Off to the mall where we found dresses for Savannah (flower girl), Kylei (wedding coordinator, lol) and Natalie (daughter of the bride). THEY ARE SO PRETTY and we all cannot wait to see them in them...what pretty princesses they will be!

Next stop- FOOD. So we went to a German restaurant...my first. It was really good. I tried escargo for the first time ever and absolutely LOVED IT!! Too bad it's an appetizer that ain't cheap!

From there, drinks and desserts!! Nothing beats that after a long day of shopping. We had so much fun today!

We've got less than 3 months before The Big Day, and now I'm so excited for it!

Now, if I could just lose a buttload of weight before then, things would be perfect.

Date Night

2009-03-06T20:05:00.002-06:00

Milestone Day: Kylei and Savannah are spending the night with their dear friend, Emma, tonight. While they've spent the night away from home countless times before, this is the first "friend" sleepover (read: not relatives). They (all 3 of them) were very excited about today, and have been for the last week!

John and I are taking advantage. We went out to eat tonight (so amazing the difference when it's just the two of you), and thanks to Emma's sweet mommy's generous nature (for keeping the kiddos AND lending us the movie), we're going to watch Fireproof. I know, I know, we're like the last two people on the planet to see it. Oh well. :)

Today was an overall great day for our whole family. John took Kylei to school this morning. He helped out with the school book fair for about an hour, and then the school had "Special Guy Day" where they kids brought (duh!) their special guy and they sang songs and ate goodies and stuff. Kylei was tickled that her Daddy was there. Meanwhile, Savannah was at her Nana's getting spoiled as usual.

FYI, I just got a text message from the sleepover crew. "They r comparing the size of their butts" LAWL!

From District Attorney to Governor?

2009-03-04T17:26:00.005-06:00

Are you conservative? Do you know that next year we get to vote in a new governor (Thank you God!)?

Funny story:

A couple of days ago, I was taking Savannah to my Mom's before I headed to class. Like I do every morning, I was listening to 99.7's Ralph Bristol (amazing man) on the radio. Every day he posts a poll that you can log into and put your opinion. Well, this day he was saying that the poll had the names of the GOP candidates that are running for Governor of TN in 2010, and he wanted middle Tennessee to go and vote on who they think would be the best for the job. He began rattling off the names...and I'm thinking, "There is no way I'm gonna know any of these people..." when suddenly Bristol says, "..and Memphis prosecutor, Bill Gibbons." WHAT?! Did he...?!" See, I KNOW BILL GIBBONS! How, you might wonder...he's from Memphis of all places? Well, he is married to my dad's first cousin, Julia S. Gibbons. He's family!

So, I of course berate my family for neglecting to tell this kinda news. sheesh.

Knowing already that he's on the GOP ticket is the first good thing. I then went to google him (cuz although he's family, I don't really know what he believes politically) to see what he's saying and doing. So far, I like what I see. I will of course follow him and the other candidates before the election. Family or not, I want the best person in office.

So, back to my first questions....I will urge all you Tennesseeans to do the same. Find out what you can about those seeking the governor spot, and God bless you...go vote when the time comes.

Queen Bee

Stolen Post

2009-03-04T15:39:00.003-06:00

I took this from a blog I read, who had taken it from another, so I feel comfortable reposting as well, as I agree with the previous posters, in that we truly miss a lot these days. Take a look...

He played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time approx 2 thousand people went through the station,most of them on their way to work.

After 3 mins a middle aged man noticed there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds and then hurried to meet his schedule. 4 mins later the violinist received his first dollar: a woman threw the money in the till and, without stopping, continued to walk.

6 minutes, a young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again.10 mins: a 3 year old boy stopped but his mother tugged him along hurriedly, as the kid stopped to look at the violinist. Finally the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children.Every parent, without exception, forced them to move on.

45 minutes; the musician played. Only 6 people stopped and stayed for a while.About 20 gave him money but continued to walk their normal pace. He collected $32 in 1 hour; he finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition.

No one knew this but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the best musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth$3.5 million dollars.
Two days before Joshua Bell sold out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged$100.

This is a true story.

Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organized by the Washington Post as part of an social experiment about perception, taste and people's priorities. The questions raised: in a common place environment at an inappropriate hour, do we perceive beauty? Do we stop to appreciate it? Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context?

One possible conclusion reached from this experiment could be: If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments.... how many other things are we missing?

"How many things are we missing?" really is the question. Words escape me now in how to communicate the presence of a divinity out there but this shows there is one. Maybe it takes the hindsight from something of this magnitude to awaken some people but maybe, just maybe the pure at heart 3 year old slowed his mom down just enough...

Pay attention!

All Twisted in Knots

2009-02-28T12:46:00.001-06:00

The girls were given gift cards by my dear friends, Jessica and Nathan, for Valentine's. We went last week to see what they wanted to buy. We decided that it would be best to pull their money and buy a game. I was rooting for Twister, but Savannah had just played Twister (affiliated) Hopscotch at church and she spotted it sitting on the shelf. That game is fun I guess. The girls have some trouble with it.

I was invited to a consignment shop the other day. It was the day before "everybody else" would get to browse the racks and shelves. My friend had put stuff in the consignment, so she and others that did as well, get first pick. Each of these people could invite one guest, so I went the other night. If I hadn't just spent $35 on A TON of books at Goodwill earlier in the same day (great bargain!!), I would've spent a lot more at the consignment, but as it was I still came away with some nice clothes for the girls....not that they really NEED any more....but as I'm standing in line to purchase these items, what do I see? TWISTER- the original for $3. Of course I grabbed it and was so proud of myself for getting my way after all and for cheap! lol

Here are some pics of the kids and my big kid, John, all playing! I think it's hilarious. I love all the "oldies, but goodies" that are still around.

Savannah

All three, though you can't see Vannah

They stood side by side and started, LOL

Kylei's still left in the game

I love games, so nothing quite beats the famiy sitting around playing together!

~Queen Bee~

Okay Class...

2009-02-26T20:57:00.002-06:00

"Mission: Observation" commence!

Okay, I have to do lots of classroom observations as a part of my curriculum, and today was cool, because I was able to go into a friend of the family's Resource/Pre-K Special Ed room. She was really awesome and let me work with the kids that came in for Math and Reading.

Hopefully next week, I'll get to start working on my Case Study for Reading. I'll be spending some quality time with a boy in the 1st grade who is a struggling reader. I'm looking forward to that. The more time I spend at the school and actively participating with the children, the more excited I get about my future in this field. It's really a great feeling, because there were times I had doubted if I'd be happy doing this, but kept persevering, hoping something would "click" and I'd just know. I THINK IT'S "CLICKING"! :)

The Chick Manifesto

2009-02-21T19:23:00.002-06:00

I know that some of my readers here are avid readers of books in general, and if you're looking for a blogger who also loves to read and write witty reviews and whatnots, please visit my friend, Taren's blog http://thechickmanifesto.blogspot.com/. I also have a link on my sidebar. She's gearing up for many contests in which a lucky winner may receive some books. There's one going on now, so go check it out and enter!

Much love and inspiration,
Queen Bee

Any cereal eaters out there in blog land?

2009-02-20T21:02:00.002-06:00

This is shameless, but Kylei's school is collecting box tops in order to raise money for her school. So if you, your spouse, or your kiddos are big cereal eaters, we'd love to have your box tops. I think most come from General Mill's cereals if that helps. Kylei and I appreciate it!

We have until March 31 to get all that we can.

Thanks so much!
Queen Bee and Princess K-B

Building Character > Scoring Points

2009-02-19T23:17:00.002-06:00

Touching story-thought I'd share. Sorry it's all jammed together.

February 18, 2009

Amid the grieving, a rare act of sportsmanship, coach never considered any other option.

It didn't matter that his DeKalb, Ill., High School basketball team had ridden a bus two and a half hours to get to Milwaukee, then waited another hour past game time to play. Didn't matter that the game was close, or that this was a chance to beat a big city team.

Johntel Franklin scored 10 points in the game following the loss of his mother.Something else was on Dave Rohlman's mind when he asked for a volunteer to shoot two free throws awarded his team on a technical foul in the second quarter. His senior captain raised his hand, ready to go to the line as he had many times before.
Only this time it was different.
"You realize you're going to miss them, don't you?" Rohlman said.
Darius McNeal nodded his head. He understood what had to be done.
It was a Saturday night in February, and the Barbs were playing a non-conference game on the road against Milwaukee Madison. It was the third meeting between the two schools, who were developing a friendly rivalry that spanned two states.
The teams planned to get together after the game and share some pizzas and soda. But the game itself almost never took place.
Hours earlier, the mother of Milwaukee Madison senior captain Johntel Franklin died at a local hospital. Carlitha Franklin had been in remission after a five-year fight with cervical cancer, but she began to hemorrhage that morning while Johntel was taking his college ACT exam.
Her son and several of his teammates were at the hospital late that afternoon when the decision was made to turn off the life-support system. Carlitha Franklin was just 39.
"She was young and they were real close," said Milwaukee coach Aaron Womack Jr., who was at the hospital. "He was very distraught and it happened so suddenly he didn't have time to grieve."
Womack was going to cancel the game, but Franklin told him he wanted the team to play. And play they did, even though the game started late and Milwaukee Madison dressed only eight players.
Early in the second quarter, Womack saw someone out of the corner of his eye. It was Franklin, who came there directly from the hospital to root his teammates on.
The Knights had possession, so Womack called a time out. His players went over and hugged their grieving teammate. Fans came out of the stands to do the same.
"We got back to playing the game and I asked if he wanted to come and sit on the bench," Womack said during a telephone interview.
"No," Franklin replied. "I want to play."
There was just one problem. Since Franklin wasn't on the pre-game roster, putting him in meant drawing a technical foul that would give DeKalb two free throws.
Though it was a tight game, Womack was willing to give up the two points. It was more important to help his senior guard and co-captain deal with his grief by playing.
Over on the other bench, though, Rohlman wasn't so willing to take them. He told the referees to forget the technical and just let Franklin play.
"I could hear them arguing for five to seven minutes, saying, `We're not taking it, we're not taking it," Womack said. "The refs told them, no, that's the rule. You have to take them."
That's when Rohlman asked for volunteers, and McNeal's hand went up.
He went alone to the free throw line, dribbled the ball a couple of times, and looked at the rim.
His first attempt went about two feet, bouncing a couple of times as it rolled toward the end line. The second barely left his hand.
It didn't take long for the Milwaukee players to figure out what was going on.
They stood and turned toward the DeKalb bench and started applauding the gesture of sportsmanship. Soon, so did everybody in the stands.
"I did it for the guy who lost his mom," McNeal told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "It was the right thing to do."
They may not remember our record 20 years from now, but they'll remember what happened in that gym that night.
? Dave Rohlman, head coach of the opposing DeKalb team on what his players will take away from this experience.
Franklin would go on to score 10 points, and Milwaukee Madison broke open the game in the second half to win 62-47. Afterward, the teams went out for pizza, two players from each team sharing each pie.
Franklin stopped by briefly, thankful that his team was there for him.
"I got kind of emotional but it helped a lot just to play," he said. "I felt like I had a lot of support out there."
Carlitha Franklin's funeral was last Friday, and the school turned out for her and her son. Cheerleaders came in uniform, and everyone from the principal and teachers to Johntel's classmates were there.
"Even the cooks from school showed up," Womack said. "It lets you know what kind of kid he is."
Basketball is a second sport for the 18-year-old Franklin, who says he has had some scholarship nibbles and plans to play football in college. He just has a few games left for the Knights, who are 6-11 and got beat 71-36 Tuesday night by Milwaukee Hamilton.
It hasn't been the greatest season for the team, but they have stuck together through a lot of adversity.
"We maybe don't have the best basketball players in the world but they go to class and take care of business," Womack said. "We have a losing record but there's life lessons going on, good ones."
None so good, though, as the moment a team and a player decided there were more important things than winning and having good stats.
Yes, DeKalb would go home with a loss. But it was a trip they'll never forget.
"This is something our kids will hold for a lifetime," Rohlman said. "They may not remember our record 20 years from now, but they'll remember what happened in that gym that night."

"Reading is to the mind, what exercise is to the body"

2009-02-17T17:44:00.004-06:00

As parents, we are our children's first (and best!) teachers. We teach them to talk, to walk, to go potty, to feed themselves, to dress themselves, to use their manners, etc.

We are CONSTANTLY teaching!

One of the best things we can do for our children to set the foundations for their learning to read, write, and all other literacy type skills, is to READ to them. Read all the time to your children. Point out signs on the road. Read cereal boxes. Let them look at the menu when you go out to eat and tell you what they want to eat. Let them order. Allow them to help make a grocery list and point out things at the grocery store. Read, Read, Talk, Ask them questions, Read, Read, Talk, Ask them questions.....

There are days when we are so busy and have a million things to do and is easier to just turn on the tv. We have to fit in time for our kids, to give them that extra attention. They are learning from us no matter what. So what is it they are learning?

I never feel like I have time to do anything besides homework and some other chores around the house (although, those keep falling farther and farther behind too!), but I've made a resolution to get back to the way things were. Remember when you had your firstborn? You didn't think about ANYTHING else most of the day. That baby was your #1 priority and you talked, and cooed, and played, and made silly faces.... We have to get back to that.

Just one more rant, and then I'm done...About the time you notice your baby trying to talk (usually about 9 months or so), STOP the baby talk. Use grown up words and use lots of them.

Okay. Now go read to your children. ;)

Peace,
Queen Bee

Not St. Valentine...St John!

2009-02-15T18:19:00.002-06:00

Because of loads of homework and studying that I needed to do this weekend, we opted to celebrate Valentine's Day a day early, on (uh-oh) FRIDAY THE 13TH! Not unlucky for the Honea ladies though!

John came home with nearly identical white boxes tied with pretty pink ribbon. The girls each got a Pandora bracelet with a heart charm. Very nice! (almost too nice knowing my girls and their track record of keeping up with things)

I received a pretty rose trinket box, but what was inside? Beautiful diamond earrings! :-O
Each one has I LOVE YOU lasered on it. Not that you can see that, lol although John said he looked at it under a microscope and it really is there. :D

We all went out to La Fuente for supper too.

I was going to post some pics, but for some reason my Picture Manager that usually allows me to fix things like red eye (which me and the girls ALWAYS have) wouldn't let me fix it and save it. That's frustrating. But if it starts working, I'll be sure to update this with those pics.

John is really working hard to provide for us and help out whenever he can, and I love him so much, with or without Valentine's or the presents he spoils us with. Lindsey, Kylei, and Savannah are very lucky ladies indeed. Ahhhh.... :)

Love,
Queen Bee

Insightful

2009-02-14T11:34:00.001-06:00

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aLzfDxfbwhzs

This is one tiny spec of insight into what we've gotten ourselves into this term.

Young Politician in the Making....

2009-02-10T21:40:00.002-06:00

....or atleast I'm crossing my fingers

Love Month

2009-02-01T11:42:00.003-06:00

Yes, my honey is starting the "Love Month" off the right way....steam cleaning the carpets! haha

Ya know you've been married awhile when this gets you all excited.

Wishing all the romance you can take this month,

Queen Bee

Randomness in Pictures

2009-01-31T18:02:00.006-06:00

January came and went so quickly. Here are some random photos of what we've been up to around the hive:

Sunset picture - had to take it for Exp. Physical Science. I have to do this for 14 weeks. This is the first one I've gotten.

Savannah put on my boots and strutted her stuff!

Kylei LOVES to read!!

Sassy Savannah

Kylei made a Valentine out of bendaroos

(Savannah later destroyed it-glad I got a pic)

For my class, Experimental Physical Science, I have to take a pic of the moon each night and then estimate the altitude and azimuth. Sounds like fun huh?

Look out February, here we come!

God Bless!

Queen Bee

100 DAYS

2009-01-31T07:55:00.004-06:00

January 26 was the 100th day of kindergarten at Kylei's school. I don't remember celebrating this milestone when I was in school, but evidently it's a big deal now. All the kindergarteners were to bring 100 small items and they were going to count them this day. This will make them a part of the 100 Math Club. They were also given 100 words (sight words, number words, color words) to be able to read, and if so they'd be a part of the 100 Reading Club.

Kylei came home with her sheet they used to spread out her 100 items (each circle was to hold 10 items), a hat they made that had 1 0 0 on it (there's no pic of this) and a really cool t-shirt that you can see she's wearing.

I can't believe it's been 100 days and that she's over half-way through with kindergarten. As every parent can attest, your children grow up fast. I've heard it goes by much faster once they're in school. It almost breaks your heart. But it's been amazing to see how much she's learned in the past 100 days and I know it will just get more amazing as time goes on. Kylei is a very intelligent child and enjoys school.

Next year, I'll have both of them in school. Kylei in 1st grade and Savannah in Pre-K. That will be very interesting. ;)

Baby, Take a Bow

2009-01-30T18:32:00.003-06:00

I hate that I haven't had much time to write here, and really, I shouldn't be now, but I'm so tired of having my head in a book and thinking...my head literally hurts.

But enough complaining, a few nights ago, the girls were having to entertain themselves (bless them). They are actually pretty good at that most days, and it doesn't hurt that they got a few crafty things at Christmas.

One of those was a multi-activity booklet thingy and one of the things it consists of allows the girls to color and make their own lil puppet show. They had a great time doing this and I managed to squeeze in a little time to watch them and take a few shots. :)

The Purpose of Life

2009-01-24T17:33:00.002-06:00

The Purpose of Life

Rick Warren (REMEMBER HE WROTE 'PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE') .

This is an absolutely incredible short interview with Rick Warren, 'Purpose Driven Life ' author and pastor of Saddleback Church in California

In the interview by Paul Bradshaw with Rick Warren, Rick said:

People ask me, What is the purpose of life? And I respond: In a nutshell, life is preparation for eternity. We were not made to last forever, and God wants us to be with Him in Heaven.

One day my heart is going to stop, and that will be the end of my body-- but not the end of me.

I may live 60 to 100 years on earth, but I am going to spend trillions of years in eternity. This is the warm-up act - the dress rehearsal. God wants us to practice on earth what we will do forever in eternity.

We were made by God and for God, and until you figure that out, life isn't going to make sense.

Life is a series of problems: Either you are in one now, you're just coming out of one, or you're getting ready to go into another one.

The reason for this is that God is more interested in your character than your comfort.

God is more interested in making your life holy than He is in making your life happy.

We can be reasonably happy here on earth, but that's not the goal of life. The goal is to grow in character, in Christ likeness.

This past year has been the greatest year of my life but also the toughest, with my wife, Kay, getting cancer.

I used to think that life was hills and valleys - you go through a dark time, then you go to the mountaintop, back and forth. I don't believe that anymore.

Rather than life being hills and valleys, I believe that it's kind of like two rails on a railroad track, and at all times you have something good and something bad in your life.

No matter how good things are in your life, there is always something bad that needs to be worked on.

And no matter how bad things are in your life, there is always something good you can thank God for.

You can focus on your purposes, or you can focus on your problems. If you focus on your problems, you're going into self-centeredness, 'which is my problem, my issues, my pain.' But one of the easiest ways to get rid of pain is to get your focus off yourself and onto God and others.

We discovered quickly that in spite of the prayers of hundreds of thousands of people, God was not going to heal Kay or make it easy for her.

It has been very difficult for her, and yet God has strengthened her character, given her a ministry of helping other people, given her a testimony, drawn her closer to Him and to people.

You have to learn to deal with both the good and the bad of life. Actually, sometimes learning to deal with the good is harder.

For instance, this past year, all of a sudden, when the book sold 15 million copies, it made me instantly very wealthy. It also brought a lot of notoriety that I had never had to deal with before. I don't think God gives you money or notoriety for your own ego or for you to live a life of ease.

So I began to ask God what He wanted me to do with this money, notoriety and influence. He gave me two different passages that helped me decide what to do, II Corinthians 9 and Psalm 72

First, in spite of all the money coming in, we would not change our lifestyle one bit. We made no major purchases.

Second, about midway through last year, I stopped taking a salary from the church.

Third, we set up foundations to fund an initiative we call The Peace Plan to plant churches, equip leaders, assist the poor, care for the sick, and educate the next generation.

Fourth, I added up all that the church had paid me in the 24 years since I started the church, and I gave it all back. It was liberating to be able to serve God for free.

We need to ask ourselves: Am I going to live for possessions? Popularity? Am I going to be driven by pressures? Guilt? Bitterness? Materialism? Or am I going to be driven by God's purposes (for my life)?

When I get up in the morning, I sit on the side of my bed and say, God, if I don't get anything else done today, I want to know You more and love You better.

God didn't put me on earth just to fulfill a to-do list. He's more interested in what I am than what I do. That's why we're called human beings, not human doings.

Happy moments, PRAISE GOD.
Difficult moments, SEEK GOD.
Quiet moments, WORSHIP GOD.
Painful moments, TRUST GOD.
Every moment, THANK GOD.

God's Blessings on you today.

(Thanks to Karen)

Snip, Snip

2009-01-23T19:22:00.007-06:00

Wednesday, when John was at home with Vannah, he took her to get a hair cut. This was much needed. Savannah's hair gets tangled very easy and it's always a battle to get her to brush it. I think it looks much healthier and we didn't take off too much.

This first pic is just a good one of both my girls ;)

Gun Control Does NOT Work

2009-01-23T18:59:00.005-06:00

A man defends himself and his home from burglars, and not only gets sentenced to life in Prison for it, but may get SUED by the criminal??!!

If any country needs a Revolution; it’s Great Britain!

But wait, is America headed for the same?? We just elected Barack Obama as our president, and this is his views on the subject: (I'm sorry about the quality of the "computer generated" narrator)

Unworthy to be called Yours

2009-01-23T15:54:00.002-06:00

"The single greatest cause of atheism in the world today is Christians, who acknowledge Jesus with their lips and walk out the door and deny Him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable."

I have seen and read this countless times before, but this morning, it really convicted me. This is me. Not all the time. Not every day. But much more than I'd really like to admit. But this is my confession. My repentance. I am a Christian...who sometimes denies Christ by my actions. I am too much in this world. I am sorry, Father. I do love you and need my actions to show that I belong to You, and I've failed. Please forgive me.

____________________________________________

The above was written by me back in July of last year. Again, I feel convicted and want to tell the world and God that I'm sorry for letting you down. I'm praying for strength. I'm praying for wisdom to see the situation as it is AT THAT MOMENT, and change my actions quickly and accordingly.

I want to be a better person. I want people to SEE Christ in me. And somehow I need to do that without being prideful about it, which may be just as much a challenge as the first. I am asking for your prayers.

When I Say, "I Am A Christian"

2009-01-23T15:48:00.002-06:00

When I say..."I am a Christian"-Maya Angelou

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin'.
I'm whispering "I was lost,Now I'm found and forgiven.

"When I say... "I am a Christian" I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumbleand need Christ to be my guide.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weakAnd need His strength to carry on.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failedAnd need God to clean my mess.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not claiming to be perfect; my flaws are far too visible
But, God believes I am worth it.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I still feel the sting of pain. I have my share of heartaches
So I call upon His name.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner who received God's good grace, somehow!

Human Milk for Human Babies

2009-01-23T15:42:00.003-06:00

"Imagine that the world had invented a new "dream product" to feed and immunize everyone born on Earth. Imagine also that it was available everywhere, required no storage or delivery -- and helped mothers to plan their families and reduce the risk of cancer.

Then imagine that the world refused to use it.

Towards the end of this century of unprecedented discovery and invention, even as scientists discover the origins of life itself, this scenario is not, alas, a fiction. The "dream product" is human breast milk, available to us all at birth, and yet we are not using it." -- UNICEF

Trying to Understand...and coming up short

2009-01-23T15:32:00.002-06:00

This is a blog post I had on Myspace and is something I'm still asking myself. I want to clarify one thing and say that I know that Christians are not perfect. I am not perfect and I sin. But these are some big issues that have been coming up a lot lately in the world, and I feel should be out there for others to see and think about in their own lives.

I cannot tell you how absurd it is when I hear someone admit to believing in God, and then having no shame in saying that homosexuals should be allowed to change marriage from being between one man and one woman to whomever you choose. It is absurd to say you believe in God, and then say you see no problem with abortion. It's absurd to me to say God is real and alive, and then believe it's okay to "steal" my money and give to others or invest it for my future.
I understand to a degree why some believe it's okay to steal from the rich to give to the poor. Here is the problem with that. Some poor people aren't doing enough for themselves. God said that if we don't work, we shouldn't eat.
I understand that though some poor are working and trying to make it, times get tough. I fall into this category myself. As Christians we are told to take care of these people, and I am fine with my time and money going towards causes such as these. I believe it is the servant attitude God commands of us to do such acts. Money is not always the answer. Time sometimes is required of ourselves. Often a caring, listening ear goes a long way in serving others. But regardless what we do and use, it should be left to us to do...not the government to say how our money should be used. As Christians, how is this being a servant, if we aren't the ones actually serving? It means more to us when we serve and it means more to others when they see we care enough to do so.
Have you ever listened to Dave Ramsey talk about credit cards/debit cards? He says to spend cash more often, because you will actually see your money being handed over. You will feel that pinch in your pocket much more than if you hand over plastic. The government is taking our money, but they're using plastic. They are not thinking as much about how this money is being used- if it's being used as sparingly as needed or if it's being used in a way where it's stretched. And it NEVER teaches or helps the underlying problems in those that are poor.
So....in regards especially to abortion and gay "marriage" and also being a believer in Christ, where is the line? Have you drawn a line in the sand that states that while you believe in a God, you don't believe in his commandments? Do you not believe He'll keep his promises? Do you believe in God, but not Hell and Heaven?
I really do want to know. It's unfathomable to me. This is not a republican thing, nor a democrat thing. This is something I've noticed in both parties.
So, speak. Possibly enlighten me.