Thanks...

...giving. It's that time of year, my favorite time of year. Thanksgiving is by far my favorite holiday. Time to stop and remember blessings of all sorts. This year, I am thankful:

1. That I have a job, a home, a car, food, etc. Things that I take for granted daily, but that so many others near and far are without tonight.

2. For a family who never disappoints. They are loving and faithful and wonderful.

3. For new and old friends who are shaping my life in so many ways.

4. For dance.

5. For children who light up my life. :)

6. For a God who IS love, peace, joy, etc.

7. For the life God is shaping for me.

8. For restoration through Christ.

There are so many more things, but it's late and I'm exhausted. Have a great Thanksgiving, everyone! I'll be up early watching the parade and icing a cake. Oooh, can't wait!!!

One More Round

I joined a dance group. I danced all through school and quit after I graduated. I danced occasionally in college (Spring Sing, anyone?), but pretty much let all that training go to waste. Cut to 2009. I joined a Bible study led by an old friend from high school and they have a Christian dance group!!! So I signed up and have been dancing ever since. We are going to Dallas next weekend for a convention and to perform our dance.

Our dance is to a song called "One More Round" by BarlowGirl. It's a modern take on spiritual warfare, rather than swords and armor, it's about being in a boxing ring with Satan and winning through God's strength. This dance has challenged me in ways I never thought possible. Yes, it is physically challenging. Check out our feet after practicing from 7am to 4pm yesterday

This dance is much more challenging on a spiritual level. When I danced before, it never occurred to me that I could use dance to worship God. With this dance, every movement is a praise. The words of the song are almost a threat to Satan, saying do what you can, I'll keep fighting with the Lord behind me. God is revealing himself to me in so many cool ways lately. I never could have imagined that I would be dancing again, much less that it would reinvigorate my spiritual life. Exodus 14:14 "The Lord will fight for you, you need only to be still."

Oh yeah, if you're in the OKC area, we're having a Friends and Family Show this Tuesday night at 7:00ish. We're not 100% sure about the location yet, but call if you want to come and I'll find out.

Maybe it's time for a change...

...of cars that is. I've had some horribly bad luck with my beloved Nissan Sentra. Last May, someone hit me and totaled the one I had for three months. I loved my car, so I got the exact same one, same color, same make and model. I've had it for about a year and a half until last night someone hit me and spun me into a speed limit sign! Ugh. The damage isn't as bad as the last wreck, but the car isn't driveable (I ran up on the curb, so there's damage underneath), so it's on the way to the body shop to determine the extent of the damage. The cops told me to get a red or yellow car so people can see me. Starting to sound better and better.

Sentra #1

Sentra #2

Fall TV

OK, so we're now well into the new season of TV. A few thoughts:

Glee is awesome. Better every week. If you like music, were a nerd in high school, and/or love Jane Lynch (I fit all of the above) you will totally L-O-V-E this show. Really, pretty much anybody would love this show. It's fantastic.


FlashForward is also great. The whole world blacks out and flashes into the future and then a kangaroo hops around L.A. No, really. It's cool how everyones flashforwards interact and what they mean.

I've already quit the new Melrose Place. Ashlee Simpson was too much for me. Moving on.

The Office is back and kinda so-so. The wedding was fun and Kevin Malone offers good laughs, but I'm wishing for the season 3 laughs.

30 Rock rocks. Period.

The Big Bang Theory is quickly becoming the funniest show on TV. Jim Parsons was robbed of that Emmy!

That's all for now. It's almost the weekend!!

Want to feel better about yourself?

I just found this website: http://www.iamneurotic.com/. I went to laugh at how crazy other people are and then realized how many of those neuroses I shared. You can click a button if you agree. Here are some of mine that are absolutely ridiculous:

1. I eat my food in the same order every time. Fries are first always. When I eat Runts, the fruit candy, I eat them in the same order. When they introduced new flavors, I pretty much stopped eating them, too much to handle. *In case you were wondering, banana is first and strawberry is last, they're my favorite.
2. I eat my hamburgers in a round. I eat the edges first, then eat the middle. Also, I always take a bite from the top left of my sandwich first.

3. The shower curtain cannot touch me. That is the grossest feeling ever. I have to scrub clean again, even if I was getting out.

4. I can't use my oven during the week because I can't remember if I turned it off or not when I leave for work. It messes up my routine, so I pretty much just cook on the weekend.

5. My food absolutely, positively cannot touch. This one makes me the craziest. Why do restaurants insist on putting pickles with sandwiches and letting the pickle juice bleed all over the bread? Ew. My dad used to mix his meat, mashed potatoes, and corn together and it really bothered me. The only thing I mix is black-eyed peas and corn. Yeah, I don't know either.

Well, there it is. I got a good laugh out of other people, I hope you get a good laugh, too (even if it's at my expense). We all need it!

The past week(s)...

I've gotta show the blog some love. Things that have happened in the past few weeks:

1. I went to my first dance class in way too long. I've missed it. More updates on that soon.
2. The Emmys. NPH was hilarious as always, but the winners stunk except Kristin Chenoweth and Tina Fey. John Cryer, really? I LOVED him as Duckie in Pretty in Pink, but Two and a Half Men is a joke. And not a funny one.
3. I won a $100 Wal-mart gift card at school yesterday! Yesssss!
4. Fall TV started. Ahhhh... Reviews forthcoming.
5. My kids are doing well, we're still having some small issues, but I'm seeing improvement.
6. I've caught up with a lot of friends from high school that I've missed dearly. So much fun!

Can't think of anything else...things coming up in the future: Meagan's wedding, Fall Break, conferences next week which means a half day of work!

OK, Emmys best and worst dressed:

Best dressed: Mila Kunis in Monique Lhullier. I loved the merlot color and cut. It was daring. Close second: Lindsay Price in bright purple. The color was gorgeous!

Worst: Kim Kardashian, don't get me started on why she was even invited. Ick.

OK, I know...

I'm getting bad about neglecting this here blog. But in my defense, I haven't really done anything worth blogging about lately. My schedule has been Work. Eat. Sleep. Repeat. Maybe things will pick up soon...

Happy Thoughts

This school year so far has been...difficult. I have a great class, they just need a lot of guidance. I've got some great stories. If you want to hear them, call me. I'll share. I'll just tell you that one of them ends with me in the faculty men's restroom. Yep. I needed to get out of school mode and think happy thoughts...here are some.

One of my former students, who had a rough time last year, rode up on his bike to see me today. I missed him at the beginning of school, but it sounds like he is in a school better suited for his needs. It was so good to see him smiling and happy.

10 babies at CHill tonight. When I walked in there were 4 teenage girls, 10 babies (2 under a month old) and all but one were crying. It took 5 of us to burp one of them, but we made it and my girls were awesome! And D got his new "school" clothes and he looked adorable!

I can wear jeans to work tomorrow.

I have new movies to watch this weekend. I love Netflix.

My Office calender has been on June since March. I'll give a hint as to why. Starts with a J... and ends with an ...im Halpert.


Fall TV is a week away. Yessssss. Glee is up first. This show makes me, well...GLEEful!




Tomorrow is FRIDAY! Have a great weekend everyone!

Sunday night...wow

It's already Sunday night? Oh my. This weekend flew by. Friday night, TT, Meshlia, and I had a swim party. We watched Bedtime Stories, such a cute movie! TT sacked out about 30 minutes into the movie, but Meshlia and I held out 'til the end.

The rest of the weekend was kind of a blur, catching up on sleep and work and getting ready for tomorrow. Tomorrow kicks off our first whole week of school. So much to do, so little time. Those little 5th grade fingers are going to be writing furiously...they just don't know it yet! Mwahaha...

First week

My classroom is done! For the most part. I still have some organizing to do, but it's pretty much done!
Today was our first day with kids and it was good. I have some, let's say, boundary pushers...but, we'll figure out where those boundaries are real quick.

I was so tired this afternoon that on the way home I pulled my car into the gas pump going the wrong direction three times, then I came home to start eating dinner and nodded off a little, spilling my hot rice all over my arm where I now have some lovely rice shaped blisters. Needless to say, a three hour nap was in my near future. Now, I've finished my work and I'm going back to bed. Gotta love the first week of school.

Becky, I heard you had over 30 kids today. I'll be thinking about you tomorrow. Good luck! It's Friday! Woot!

August

So, August has been kind of blur so far. I went to Altus to see my grandparents, then spent a few days dog-sitting for this guy:He asserted his dominance in the house by doing things like this, so I stopped giving him treats. Who's the boss, now, huh? I showed him.

These next pictures are for Nancy and anyone else who cares about my classroom.

My classroom progress, day 1: Reading corner: check.

Front wall: check.Other walls, not so much. We're getting there.

And just because. Sweet Tekira and Quavy. And lastly, a funny story about my boy, D. I took him the bathroom at church tonight and we went in the stall that locks and then sticks, trapping you inside. I worked at this place for like 4 years, but tonight that fact slipped my mind. D figured out that we were locked in and scooted his tiny, little body under the door, knowing full well that I was still trapped. He took off down the hall running and laughing at me and by the time I got out he was all the way down and around the corner. He turned and saw me and burst into a fit of giggles. Toddlers. I have to be at school at 5:30 in the morning for a trip to Tulsa, so I'm off to bed. Not sure why I stayed up this late.

Hiatus

OK, when my dad told me today that it had been awhile since I blogged, I knew it was serious. Here's a few things that I've been doing, I'll even make it a little game for you:

I saw... with...Seriously, others may tell you that they have the best baby ever. Nope, E wins hands down. (Perhaps I have a slight bias) He is so laid back and sweet. He got in his pj's and snuggled up and slept through almost the whole movie.

Then I went to Tulsa to see this...

with...

I have had the soundtrack to Wicked for years and to say that this cast even came close to my girl Idina is a pretty big compliment. It was phenomenal. And the teachers had fun enjoying their last few weeks of summer.

And then I did some of this.. Yeah, I don't know either. It was a silly night at the Hill.

I saved the best for last.

There's a reason that God loves little children, isn't there?

So there's an update. Not a whole lot, but school starts in a couple of weeks, so I'm rushing a bit to get ready. Here we go again! I'll try not to go so long next time...yeah, right.

Ugh

I know I'm not usually all that serious on this blog, but I was outraged back in February by the Chris Brown/Rihanna incident. This morning, Chris Brown posted an apology video hoping that he could be seen as a role model again. The whole situation left me a little discombobulated: the support he got from other celebrities, how quickly she reunited with him after the incident, and his lack of visible remorse all left me scratching my head. This confusion was not eased when I got to school. One of my kids asked a questions about it and so we talked about it for a few minutes and tried to make sense of the whole thing. About 90% of my class were huge Chris Brown fans and while most of them agreed that he had made a mistake, I had a couple of male children who told me that they were glad that he was smacking Rihanna around because she had it coming for talking back to him. We discussed why it was wrong and what could have been done to have a better outcome. That situation has stuck in my memory and has challenged me on many occasions. Why do celebrities have as much influence as they do? Is it a lack of parenting? Teaching? Lack of spiritual guidance? His sentence was 5 years probation and some community service. How do we teach our children (males especially) to respect each other when they see their favorite singers, athletes, and actors behaving badly and having next to no consequences for their behavior? I don't have a solution, just needed an outlet to vent.

I Dreamed a Dream

I had a dream last night that Michael Jackson came to my door and gave me a T-shirt to thank me for being such a fan (which, really? I have your greatest hits album, but that's it, man.) I then spent the rest of my dream convincing my grandparents that he was still alive. I woke up very confused. I have a feeling the gossip rags will start up with the MJ spottings sometime in the next week or so. I can imagine the headlines now: Michael Jackson, Elvis, and Tupac spotted playing poker with Martians and the pig headed girl! Pictures inside!
I think the MJ media circus is getting into my head, now it's affecting my dreams too?!? I need my news shows back, pronto!

Prayers

I just wanted to ask anyone who reads this to say a special prayer this week for all the kids at Capitol Hill. Many of the kids are dealing with things so huge that it's hard to imagine their pain. If you have a free minute in traffic or waiting in line at the grocery store, just remember them in prayer. Thanks!

Best friends

Last night at the VBS kick-off these two were all over the place. They raced each other on the obstacle course, which was pretty hilarious. They ended up on the same side and when they got to the top of the slide, we cheered for them to slide down and they both wanted to wait to slide down together. This is what I got for "Cheese!"

Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days of Summer

I have spent more time at the pool this week than I think I did all of last summer! On Sunday night, this lively crew came over for a swim: After swimming, we watched Bolt and Nikki, Moo-Moo and I stayed up 'til 3 a.m. looking at old yearbooks and talking. It took a little jolt (read: three cups of coffee at 10 p.m.) for me to keep up, but we made it and had a great time. Then, Monday morning, Eddie and Max came over to swim. I forgot to take my camera to the pool, keeping up with the baby and the 6 year old was enough to keep me busy, but we splashed and played until we were worn out. This one lasted about 5 minutes after we got out of the pool.

Max just chilled and watched a movie. I'd like to go to bed right now and catch up on sleep, but my lovely neighbors are having a drum circle next door. Seriously, that has to be what they're doing. My pictures are vibrating on the walls and every time I think that maybe it will be quiet, they start a new song. It's been going on for two hours. I can't even hear my own music because theirs is sooooo loud. This video is pretty funny...maybe next time I should just knock on the door and ask if I can join the party. Nah. (For the record, I only watch Antique Roadshow with my grandma.)

Hmm...

Just a few things that made me say "Hmm..." today:

A man with the greasiest, nastiest mullet I've ever seen running his fingers through his hair dangerously close to the buffet line at Furr's.

A fully grown man-boy (we're talking like 45) wearing nothing but a wifebeater and Star Wars pajama pants cutoffs at Wal-mart. Yes, you read that correctly, he summer-ized his 10 year old (they were from Episode 1!) Star Wars pants.

A lady at Redbox swiped her card backwards and instead of turning it around like the picture showed her (!!!) she proceeded to burst into tears and physically assault the poor Redbox machine.

My People magazine with this on the cover: This makes me feel cold inside. Stop the show already!!!! What is wrong with you???

Today wasn't all about "hmm...." moments, I got to have some great talks with a few CHCC kids, spend some time with this sweet boy:

and eat at Furr's with my grandparents for the first time this summer! Summer rocks.

Don't Stop Believin'

A-mazing! I was fine until 1:31. I challenge you all not to start wiping your eyes at 2:30ish.

Not sure why, but I've been a little like this guy lately: Little things like people getting in my way at Wal-mart or not using their turn signals are really bothering me lately. So, in order to combat my cranky old man syndrome, I thought, why not list some of my favorite things! Here goes:

1. Junior Mints: Sometimes I keep them in my desk to help me get through the day. My half-birthday's coming up if anyone feels inclined to order one of these babies. Just sayin'

2. This clip: I almost choked on my dinner watching this because I was laughing so hard. If you loved Saved By the Bell like I did, this is a must for you. http://www.latenightwithjimmyfallon.com/blogs/2009/06/zack-attacks-late-night-signs-on-for-the-reunion/

3. This. That's all.

4. This song.



5. This picture from forever ago. Annie is gonna be in the 6th grade, ya'll!
On a more serious note, I've been reading 2nd Corinthians and have been reminded of what Paul says in Chapter 12 about his weaknesses. In verse 9, Paul tells us what the Lord told him when he asked to be freed from his earthly restraints. He says, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Human nature makes us weak. It gives in to sin and causes problems (like severe grumpiness). But our Father is sustaining. He is power, light, fulfillment. It's time to tell my human nature to get over itself, something more powerful is at work in me.

That's a wrap

It's that time of year again. TV season finale time. Cliffhangers, shocking deaths, returning characters! Oh, I just can't take the excitement. My favorites so far: (SPOILER ALERT!)

Chuck: It's getting better and better. And it is now officially renewed for next year! The best ending so far this year. Also, best use of a STYX song in a montage.


The Office: Um, I would be lying if I told you I didn't tear up a little. Emmy voters, meet John Krasinski.


30 Rock: Clay Aiken is Kenneth's cousin? Awesome. Clay Aiken takes me back to the good ol' days. Also, Elvis Costello!


My not so favorite:

Bones: Huh? Nope, try again. It was all a coma dream?

Oldies but goodies

Cousins. We were riding horses at Mary's in Blanchard.
Dancing at Angela's wedding. Brad's with me and Braden's with Jordan.

Tabby and Braden

Tekira at Vacation Bible School

Deshandre at VBS TT at VBS

OK, it looks like I'm hurting Quavy. I'm not, he doesn't like normal pictures.

If you don't believe me...example 1:

Example 2:
The Lord has blessed me immensely.

Fun, fun, fun

This weekend was fantastic! David, Takiea, and Christina came over to swim on Sunday afternoon to celebrate Takiea and Christina's graduation from 8th grade. The water was COLD! David just went right in (which is a HUGE change from last year when he had to be carried like a baby in the pool, then puked in the water!)
He didn't want his hair to get wet. Seriously, he freaked out.Christina and Takiea and their celebration cake.

Josh at church on Sunday during his senior celebration.
And just for kicks...this little one was running wild on Sunday!
School's out! Now I'm off to Altus for a garage sale, so I'll be back to bloggin' soon!

He did it!

Jose graduated Friday night! A year early! I am so proud of how hard he has worked to get here. He already has a couple of jobs lined up to start next week. We had a great time, graduation was a little long for Max (and me, let's be honest) so we went outside in the lobby and played for awhile.

Jose and his mama

The brothers (don't worry, that hand signal just means '09)
My favorite eldest child Maricarmen (I promised her that Eduardo wouldn't replace her)
But, it's been hard. I mean, how can you not love that face?
We were getting a little antsy during the ceremony...

Senior Sunday is tomorrow, so I'll have pics of De and Josh (yes, Josh is back! He was in Arkansas this year and is back now for good! I only cried a little when I saw him, I'm no softie). Also, Takiea and Annie graduated from 8th and 5th grades respectively, so I'll have pics from their "party" also!