Jobs Galore!

Sal and I have been looking at living room furniture for about a month now and finally found something that we both liked this weekend. How blessed we are that we were able to purchase new furniture. I took a picture of it with my phone but will have to wait until it arrives to take a picture with the camera so that I can post it! New LARGE purchases always make me a little nervous but I'm excited for it to get here!

We also treated ourselves to Trans-Siberian Orchestra tickets for December 30! After the furniture and the tickets we told each other Merry Christmas, Happy Anniversary, and Happy Birthday! YIKES!

So now the work begins. We're turning the playroom into a gameroom which is a little sad I must say. There is no longer really a need for one room devoted to the playroom rather now they've moved into the need for a "gameroom". We'll move our loveseat into there and give our couch and tables away. We want to have the carpet cleaned and I'd love to put a fresh coat of paint on before the furniture arrives. All of this on top of....we have already begun tearing off wallpaper in the kid's bathroom and have bought new flooring for it so that project needs to be finished. We need to paint both kid's rooms and Sal mentioned recarpeting them this weekend and then there's the "gameroom" that will need some paint and other work! I guess we won't be bored this winter, huh? I just pray we get it all done and still like each other at the end of it!

Have a great week all!

Six Random Things

My friend Melissa has tagged me and now I need to post six random things about me. This could be hard because I know there are many more than six but I'll try! Here goes!

1. When I was little we had a pet pig. We raised pigs and this was the runt of the litter. We raised him in the house and his name was Arnold.

2. I can't stand to drink something in a restaurant without a straw. I start thinking of all of the lips that have touched the glass and it grosses me out!

3. When I was little, I wanted to own my own full-service gas station just so I could use the squeegie thing to clean windows. I still love cleaning the windows!

4. I am a list person. I will add things I've already done to the list so that I dcan feel that sense of accomplishement when I cross them off. Weird, I know!

5. One of my favorite meals is scrambled eggs, bacon, and fresh tomatoes with toast! YUM!

6. If I think too deep about how God has blessed me with my children, I will cry. They are both such miracles and there was a point in my life that I never thought I'd be a Mom. God is so good!

OK - That's my beginning of randomness. Now I tag Penny and Megan.

The Pole and other Stuff

I've been intending to blog since last Wednesday. I guess good intentions mean nothing withoug actions, huh? Anways, last Wednesday was See You at The Pole, a time for middle school and high school students across the nation to gather at their school's flag pole to pray for the school, the teachers, students, etc. Jonathon wanted to go and so I took him bright and early since I had a meeting that morning at Central Office. What happened after we arrived will forever be grained into my soul. When we arrived, there was one other young man at the pole, alone. Mind you, well over 800 students attend this school. I made the comment that he was all alone and fully expected Jonathon to do the "cool" thing and wait in the car to see if more people showed. I was wrong. Jonathon asked me if he could leave his things in the car while he went to the pole, so I waited. He went to the pole, introduced himself to the other young man, and they talked for a little while and then they began to pray. I was so moved. They remained there for some time and I saw a young girl approach them. A short while later Jonathon returned to the car and I just looked at him as he said, I can't believe that we were the only ones! I asked him about the young girl and he said she asked what they were doing and he explained that they were praying for their school, etc.. She had no response then but I know that those words will impact her at some time. I expressed to Jonathon how proud I was of him as he stood at that pole praying while students and teachers walked past. I told him that he took a stand for Jesus and that even though there were only 2, that God would bless that time there. I told Sal later that day that even though Jonathon's at an age that it seems he does so much to drive us crazy, he also does so much to make us proud. He loves the Lord and I know that and my prayer has been that the Lord would lead him to a closer relationship with Him. Without nagging Jonathon or guilting him into it, he actually had a devotional on his own this morning. Something tells me he'll get so much more out of it because he CHOSE it rather than being guilted into it. He's growing up before our eyes and I am so glad that he's learning to take a stand for his Jesus at a very young age!

I will be gone for the next few days while my Dad has surgery. Sal will be "single-parenting" until Thursday. I can't wait to hear the stories of homework, hairstyles, taxi driving, and the brownie uniform! I know that if anyone can do it though, Sal can!

Clarissa is supposed to get her cast off on Friday! PRAISE THE LORD!!! She's so cute because the first thing she wants to do is to take a bath! I thought that was so funny!

Take time to laugh, ponder, and praise our Creator this week! God Bless!

Thank You

It's been a while since I've blogged and to be quite honest, tonight I sit kind of blank. I have really spent time pondering some things as of late and I'm frankly, just blank. However, in my blankness, I am reminded of all the things and people in my life that I need to be grateful for, good and bad. So to them and those, I say thank you!

Thank you to Facebook (yeah, I know, that's a funny one to start with) for allowing me the opportunuity to connect with some friends from the past. Our lives have taken many different paths but through one social networking tool, they've been allowed to cross again. I'm thankful for that!

Thank you to my husband for simply loving me, laughing with me, making me laugh, parenting with me (even though sometimes we don't have a clue what we're doing), griping with me, and dreaming with me.

Thank you to those people, who have called themselves friends but have invested nothing into the relationship, it is from them that I gain the desire to be a better friend to those that do invest.

Thank you to my children for being cool kids, even though sometimes we don't see eye to eye!

Thank you to my church, for believing in and calling a Man of God to minister to our youth. I am so moved to see the unity and support of our students by people of all ages.

Thank you to my co-worker who tells me more often than I deserve that I am a great teacher. I do so appreciate those words and they drive me to become that!

And finally, thank you to my Lord for loving me, forgiving me, being patient with me, and leading me to the people that I need to surround myself with. It is when I am where I am now.....blank.....that I believe HE can speak so clearly to me.

Thank you!

Catching Up

Wow! I have been intending to blog about the first week of school and here we are already into the third week! So much for good intentions!

I do believe that we have all settled into our routines. Jonathon had a first week of adjustment but with a small change of schedule, he has now made the middle school adjustment look like a breeze! On top of his buddies from his elementary school, he is making new friends daily. He tells me every day that I pick him up that he loves it and that he had a great day. (don't get me wrong - given the chance to stay home over going to school.....he's choosing home!) Clarissa of course LOVES school and LOVES, LOVES, LOVES her teacher. I've really seen her mature some already this year. She's been a trooper, having to be at school in a wheelchair and missing out on some fun activities, but she maintains (usually) a pretty good attitude. I, once again, have been blessed with a pretty good group of students. I again have some kiddos with some pretty sad stories but I am convinced that God has me where I am because of kids like those! I love the kids I work with and they are making teaching fun and exciting. Man, they're so bright! I'm really looking forward to what the year will hold! On top of school, we're settling into the routine of gymnastics, church activities, youth activities, and somewhere in there, trying to find time to be a family. Sucha busy time of year!

Off the subject...yesterday I was on my way home from school and while stopped at a traffice light I noticed that I was sandwiched in between some bumper sticker believing folks! Some of the ones that caught my attention and really got me to thinking: You can't be BOTH....Catholic and Pro Choice - My thought was "You can't be BOTH.....CHRISTIAN and Pro-Choice! Jesus is Coming....Look Busy - This one really got me! Are you kidding me?? I found that one a little bothersome. Jesus knowss our hearts. I don't believe He called us to "pretend" he called us to be his workers. I don't think we need to look busy, I think we need to BE busy! And then there were those bumper stickers that have been torn and tattered over the years. You know, the ones that are half on and half off and you can't read the full message. I kind of chuckled when I saw those and thought they were in a category all of their own and what it said about the people driving those cars......I once had an opinion but I've been to busy to keep it up! Thank goodness the light turned because I was beginning to get too involved in the bumper stickers!

That's about all for now. Sal leaves this morning for 2 days in Dallas and the kids and I will try to survive our whirlwind without him! Happy Wednesday to all!

The Next Chapter

Tomorrow begins a new chapter in the life of our family. Jonathon begins middle school and Clarissa will begin 2nd grade. Jonathon is relatively excited but those nasty nerves did creep up some tonight. I know he's going to be fine. He has several friends going to the same middle school and has walked his schedule several times. I am excited about this phase in his life. As I've said before, it's been quite interesting watching it develop. Girlfriends (or should I say girlfriend), friends, activities - it's all a part of this phase. I remember praying for all of these people in his life right now the night he as born....I just had no idea it would come so soon. As much as I feel a bit nervous and teary eyed for him, I can't because I'm so excited to see how he's going to soar in Middle School. Below is his sling bag that he will be carrying from class to class. It looks so collegiate............

Clarissa will probably never forget the start of her 2nd grade school year. She is wearing a bright pink cast. We learned last week that she has bones fusing together in her foot and the orthopedic surgeon is trying to prevent surgery by using a cast for at least 6 weeks. She has gotten pretty good with her crutches and will be in a wheelchair while at school. Even though she gets tired and her armpits are sore....she is super extra excited about starting school! She has mentioned a few times about being scared because her brother won't be there but I kind of think she's just trying to make him feel good.

So, the clothes are ironed (thanks to Sal), the school supplies all packed and ready to go, lunches are being made and prayers have been said - the morning is on its way. With every new chapter in life comes many changes. I know my kiddos are going to do a lot of changing this year but one thing that will never ever change, is how very much I love them and how very proud I am to be MOM to both of them! Happy Back to School to everyone!

Unusual things about me

I received this email and thought it might turn into an interesting blog activity. I've been so busy that it has taken me a little while to complete as you can tell by the publish date (today is really 8/23)

So here goes....
1. Do you like blue cheese? On a good salad, absolutely!

2. Favorite T.V Series? Is American Idol a series??? Law and Order SVU

3. Do you own a gun? No, only nerf guns here!

4. What flavor do you add to your drink at Sonic? lemons

5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointment? yes

6. What do you think of hot dogs? They're ok every now and then - love 'em on the grill!

7. Favorite Christmas movie? The Polar Express

8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Juice or Water

9. Can you do pushups? only if my life depended on it and even then......it's a good thing I have eternal life!

10. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? my wedding ring

11. First boyfriends name? Dakota

12. Favorite hobby? my computer

13. Any Birthmarks? no

14. Do you have A.D.D.? no

15. What's one trait you hate about yourself? My stubborness

16. Middle name? Diann

17. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment. I should be in bed - I'm thirsty- I'm tired.

18. Name 3 things you bought yesterday: shaved ice, PTA memberships, yearbook

19. Do you like your job? yes, 9 days out of 10!

20. What happened to #20????......beats me!

21. Current Dislikes? chapped lips

22. Favorite place to be? home w/ my family

23. How did you bring in the New Year? I think w/ friends but I really don't remember!

24. Where would you like to go? Alaska

25. Name three people who will complete this? who knows?

26. Do you own slippers? yes

27. What shirt are you wearing? a yellow one

28. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? yes

29. Biggest Pet Peeve? chewing gum and sounding like a smacking cow

30. Favorite color? Red or Hot Pink

31. Would you be a pirate? No

32. What songs do you sing in the shower? I usually don't sing in the shower

33. Kids? 2

34. Favorite boy's name? Jonathon

35. What's in your pocket right now? I don't have pockets right now

36. Last thing that made you laugh? Jonathon tickled me

37. WHAT HAPPENED TO THIS QUESTION??? It's looking for #20.

38. Worst Injury you have ever had? tore my Achilles tendon

39. Do you love where you live? for the most part

40. How many TVs do you have in your house? 3

41. Who is your loudest friend? Pam

42. How many dogs do you have? 2

43. Does anyone have a crush on you? he better, he's been married to me for almost 17 years

!44. Favorite Candy? Whatchamacallit

45. What is your favorite book(s)? Besides the Bible? I guess it would be The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

46. What is your favorite store? hmmmm....I really don't know

47. Favorite Sports Team? Texas Tech football!

48. What song(s) do you want played at your funeral? It is Well

49. What were you doing 12 AM last night? sleeping

50. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up? I should stay in bed longer!

Feel free to copy and paste on your blog or an email! Now yo0u know a few unusual things about me!