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What kid wouldn't love this??!

I just found a new site that absolutely rocks! The Secret is in the Sauce is all about getting bloggers together and getting them to comment on each other's blogs! And right now, they are offering an fantastic contest....where you can win the above pictured jumping castle! Would that not ROCK?! Go on over there and check it out! And tell 'em I sent ya, too!

Look what was in last Sunday's paper!

The following announcement:
The Rev. and Mrs. Robert M. “Bob” (MaryLynne Plumb) Copeland of Weber City, Va., will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with family June 14-19, 2008, on a Carnival Cruise.
The couple was married June 14, 1958, at Durham Chapel, Emory University, Atlanta, Ga., with Bishop Mack B. Stokes officiating.
They are the parents of Brenda and Dale B***, Suzy and Scott B****, and Christi and Chris S********, all of Weber City. They are the grandparents of Ked, Logan, Maria and Wesley B***; Kellie Katie and Keener B****; and Isaac and Adam S********.
The Rev. Copeland retired from the Holston Conference of the United Methodist Church. Mrs. Copeland retired from elementary education in Scott County, Va., and Monroe County, Tenn.

Pretty cool huh?!

We're home!

The cruise was AMAZING! I'll tell ya all about it when I'm not quite so tired! LOL Hope everyone is well!

Tomorrow is the day!!

We leave for our cruise!!

I *think* I'm packed....if I'm not packed, then I guess whatever else will have to be bought on the ship! We are getting up early tomorrow and driving to Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Saturday we'll drive the rest of the way to New Orleans. We'll board the ship and visit Cosumel and Progreso, Mexico and be back to New Orleans on Thursday. We plan on getting home sometime Friday!

There are 16 of us in all going: Me, Chris, Isaac, Adam, my parents, my sister Brenda, her husband Dale, their kids Ked, Logan, Maria, and Wesley, my sister, Suzy, her husband Scott, and their kids Katie and Keener. We embark on my parents' actual 50th anniversary, June 14. We're excited!!

So I'll see ya'll late next week with lots of stories and pics!!

Prayer request!

Anyone who might read this, please pray for my friend Carla's father, Charlie! He had a heart attack yesterday and is in Coronary Care right now awaiting a triple bypass surgery between now and Monday. I am especially concerned because we're leaving town on Friday. This is a man for whom I have great love and respect, and consider 'my' family! I'm very worried about him and am in constant prayer for he and his family. Carla's mom, Carletta, kept me as a baby and Carla and I were in each other's weddings. Please, please pray for him and the entire family!

I did a barium swallow today. It wasn't so bad, except that it upset my stomach....imagine that....and I've felt kinda yucky (fibro yucky) this evening. I took a pain reliever and a muscle relaxer but am having a hard time still going to sleep, I'm sure because I am worried about Charlie.

So again, please pray! I'll update you if I learn any more!

Wordless Wednesday--a new dress

For the cruise.....in yellow and black....for $15! We leave in 2 days!!

We're off to North Carolina!

Be back tomorrow evening! And then just a few days til we're cruise bound! Woooooohoooooo!

Behind, busy, burned

Those are three words to describe me! LOL We've been working on a yard sale at our church to raise funds to pay for our addition. We did pretty good considering that we've had record breaking heat the past two days! HIGH 90s with humidity....lovely weather to sit outside for two days! So yeah, I'm slightly sunburned too, but it certainly could be worse.

We leave for the cruise in less than a week! Wooooooo hooooooooo! I'm behind on laundry...imagine that?! Isn't that always the case?

We're also heading to Lake Junaluska Monday/Tuesday for our church's Annual Conference. My uncle who lives in Texas is coming too, so yay for getting to spend time with Neely!

I get to go for a fun-filled barium swallow on Wed. I'm sure that will be ever so pleasant! Why oh why do I mention that more things are giving me trouble to need more tests run? Sometimes I really wonder about that myself!

We took the boys to see Kung Fu Panda this evening since they really were troopers the past few days in the heat! It was really cute!!! If you have a chance, see it! I really liked that the hero was true to himself throughout, clumsy and big as he was. It was nice to see.

OK, that pretty much does it for tonight! Sorry I've been a slacker again the past few days! Thanks for reading!

Wordless (almost) Wednesday

Hey--6 minutes til.....I'm ahead of the game!

My beautiful niece Katie....I know I'm biased, but man.....if you could only watch her dance.....

Praise the Lord for warranties!

The transmission in Chris' car started acting up about 10 days ago. First it was just whining when stepping on the brake while in drive (like at a red light), then it started more stuff, and then by Friday it was slipping. He parked it and made an appointment to take it into the dealer today. Last night, we very carefully took it to a shopping center near the dealership so we would be traveling the majority of the way in light traffic. It was a good thing we did, cause Chris ended up driving it most of the short distance from where we had parked it to the dealer on the shoulder of the road cause it was slipping.

We *thought* that it would be covered by warranty since the power train was under 7 years/70,000 miles and there are only 49,000 miles and 5 years on the car. But until we heard that it would be covered, we were kind of holding our breath--since we don't have an extra $1500 dollars just laying around!

So you can imagine our relief when they called and said that YES, it would be covered, and we only have a $100 deductible on the work!

We're also VERY thankful that this happened NOW instead of on the way to New Orleans, since this is the car we're taking on the trip! Once again, God has watched over us and provided our needs before we even knew them!

While I'm posting, would you please pray for my friend Cookie? She is having a hysterectomy today. She's also a coworker and was Isaac's wonderful teacher this year. She has three daughters and a dear hubby who are very concerned about her as well. Thank you!!

Getting excited about our CRUISE!

2 weeks from now, my family--sisters, nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, parents, hubby, kids, and I--will ALL be cruising the Western Caribbean! We will depart New Orleans on June 14, my parents' 50th anniversary. That is the entire reason that we are going on this once in a lifetime trip! We started talking about it several years ago and actually started planning it over a year ago. I can't believe after talking about it so long that it is almost here!

Isaac is really getting excited, and it thrills me to listen him talk to what he wants to do. We haven't been to a beach since he was 2 and I was pregnant with Adam, so he's very excited about hitting the sand! Adam is excited when Isaac talks about it but doesn't really talk about it unprompted.

We will be visiting Cozumel and Progreso, Yucatan. Originally we were supposed to go to Costa Maya, but it was hit by a hurricane back in the fall so Carnival changed the plans.

We went shopping for a dress for me yesterday and ended up buying quite a bit more, but isn't that often how it happens?! We got my dress at Dress Barn, and I've got a funny story about that! Chris told Isaac we were going to Dress Barn, and a few minutes later Isaac asked me, "Why do they call it Dress Farm?!" Then when we got inside the store, he said,"This sure doesn't look like a barn!" Chris deemed the dress I got as looking the best on me, and he even picked out a pair of shoes to go with it, as well as a excellently priced and flattering bathing suit! My hubby rocks!!

This is costing a pretty penny, but I really want to quit stressing about that and enjoy it...it is truly something that I never expected to experience, and am thrilled to get to do so with my favorite people!

Tired, but its a good tired!

Yesterday was my last workday. And work I did! Except for a break here and there to go to lunch with my coworkers provided by our principal and to pick Isaac up from basketball camp, I was working from a little after 8 am until after 8 pm. But I was DONE when I got in the car to go home!! And so I wouldn't be too terribly happy and comfortable while packing up, the heat pump to my room decided to freeze up and then leak water into my closet. That made for fun times! And the only way to remedy the situation is to turn it off til someone can come look at it. By the time I realized it, everyone in the janitorial and maintenance realms were gone for the day, so I had no choice but to shut it off and open the two windows in the room that WILL open. That did help with a breeze, but at best, it was 79 degrees in there! GREAT times were had by Christi, let me just tell ya!

But it is DONE. I didn't have to go back today! Hoooooray!

On Wednesday night, Chris went and got a new dresser/cabinet thing and bookshelf for Isaac's room. So today was spent cleaning, cleaning, cleaning out his room and putting it back together with the new furniture! Now, given the dust stirring of the past two days, my nose is so stuffed up it isn't even funny. And the antihistamines I'm taking to dry it up make my mouth super dry, and I'm super thirsty! I had to take a break in the middle of the day to go to see my nurse practitioner for a medicine check. I'm having some esophageal issues, so she's scheduling me for a barium swallow to see if I have to have my esophagus stretched. She also checked my thyroid levels again to make sure that wasn't causing the swallowing difficulties. We'll see what happens with those. Given Daddy's digestive issues all my life, I'd would say it would be the former, but given Mom's thyroid problems when she was younger, it is a good idea to keep a check on that too. So it is a toss-up! Take your pick! LOL

I really, really, really tried NOT to stress out about getting packed up and stuff at school. And I did a much better job at it than usual, I must say! But I still pushed myself pretty hard and have not been sleeping the best. Like last night: I had my nephews' baseball game on my mind all night. Tuesday night, I dreamed all night that next year's first graders were already at school on Wed. and wouldn't LEAVE so I could get packed and cleaned up! Neither of those make for the most restful sleep! This is where the fibro comes in and adds to the sleep and exhaustion issues. So I'm pretty spent tonight. However, it is a satisfied kind of tired. I find it reasonable that I am this tired, and feel it is justified. I'm not exhausted for no reason!

And that, my friends, is a good thing.

Wordless Wednesday--School's Out

One more workday for meeeee, then I'm freeeeee!!

Tuesday Toot

If you want to learn more about the Tuesday Toot, please visit here!

I'm not very good at tooting my own horn, but I'll try! I have done nicely at re-organizing my papers as I get ready to end up the school year. I have successfully sorted my science, reading, and math papers, and have filed all but reading. I still have history and seasonal stuff to do. I plan on going through them quickly tomorrow morning as soon as I get to school so I can concentrate on getting things stored. I'm not stressing about it. I can't promise I'll say the same thing tomorrow at this time, but I can try! I have tons to do still, but I have much more built in storage in this classroom than my old one, so that should make it easier!!

In other tooting news, I have to let you know that my nephews' baseball team won again today, and that I got to see it! I finally worked up the nerve to ask my principal if I could leave early since I only had 5 students left and my coworkers were more than willing to help me out. So Isaac and I got to watch them win again! They play tomorrow in a tiny town that is quite a distance from here, so we won't be able to see that game, so I was especially glad that I got to see them today!

Did you have a nice weekend?

I did! I had to work today, though. But it wasn't too bad!

I got to watch my niece Katie perform again on Saturday night, which I always love to do.

I also got to see some friends from college on Sunday. You can read more about that here!

Did you do anything special? Did you get today off?

A hodgepodge

I couldn't decide what to write about so I'll just write it all.

First, I didn't get to watch Grey's Anatomy last night because I was watching my nephews kick some butt at a district championship baseball game. Till after 10. 30 minutes or so from home. With my two children and mom. So we were out late! But it was SOOOOOO worth it to get to see them play so well! Now I'm trying to convince their coach, who is one of our P.E. teachers, to talk our principal into letting me have educational leave for 1/2 the day on the last day of school so I can go watch 'em in the regional game! hee hee Aren't I awful?!

And what a Grey's it was! I sat here and cried, but it all came out all right. It was a healing cry. It was a stress relieving cry. I'm all good now! :D

Let's see...what else was there??! Oh yeah, don't whiners just get on your last nerve sometimes? Those people who constantly have the worst life ever? Can't be happy for ANYTHING, even if they have a good family, good job, roof over their head and their health? And they STILL find crises and tragedies to go on and on about? How about when they've done this the entire time you've known them---almost 5 years now?? Yeah. Gets on my nerves too. Had to get that out safely and without chewing someone out!

Chris irritated me tonight. I got over it, but how come sometimes men feel the need to keep irritating their children when they are already whiny?? Why do that? Why not just leave well enough alone? I just don't get the male logic on that one. I don't *think* that any men read my blog, but if ya do, please fill me in on this one, cause it has been a bone of contention for years now, and I'd really appreciate some insight!

OK, I think that is it. No, one more thing. Pack Rat on Facebook is evil. EVIL I tell you! It sucks you in and you become very addicted! Bad bad bad!!

Ok, that really is it! Good night!

my baby graduated from preschool this evening!

He did wonderfully on his part! He got a tad bored since he was at the beginning part, but he still sat nicely for the most part!

Now, mind you, he'll be right back in preschool next year since he has an October birthday. But that is okay! I'm proud of him still!

Know how God speaks to us through others when we need it most??

I haven't taken the time to visit Mel's World lately, but please, considering my last post, visit what she has to say today! It is mind boggling sometimes how God answers us through others and has them say exactly what we need to hear! I'm going to copy and paste (since we can't visit blogs at school) what she said and share it with several of my coworkers who also feel knocked down right now!!

Thank you, Jesus, for Your Powerful Word!!

I don't wanna!

I really don't want to go back to work tomorrow. Now, granted, I remember and understand that is my last full week with my students and that it is going to be chock-full with fun activities. But I DO have a reason for not wanting to go!

On Friday, I attended probably the most frustrating meeting concerning a child that I have attended in the 12 years I've been teaching. In this meeting, a child's father wanted to deny his child any access to special education services. Basically, the child has a diagnosis that the parent doesn't like. So for some reason that I cannot even begin to fathom, he thinks that removing him from any and all services is magically going to make him able to do the work that he is struggling to do. This child, folks, is just NOT going to be able to do it. It is not going to happen, and this father is doing him such a disservice.

We, the others in the meeting, tried to explain to him why this was not in the child's best interest, but he basically had his stubborn mind made up. He claimed that he was going to go home and think about it, but we all knew that this probably means he's going to come back with the same plan. And there is nothing anyone can do to change his mind.

I did something in the meeting that I've never done. I was so frustrated, that as hard as I tried, I could not stop the tears from falling. I tried very hard to control my emotions, but it was just breaking my heart. This child is so precious, he tries so hard, and I can just see how frustrated he gets without his needed accommodations. I was not demonstrative in my tears flowing, but I know that everyone in the meeting saw. I left the meeting and went to one classroom with someone else in the meeting and cried. Then I went to look for my students (since this took place while I was supposed to be teaching) and cried on 2 other teachers and our guidance counselor. I was already planning on taking 1/2 day off to go to the aforementioned retreat. I am very thankful for that, because I felt so defeated at that point that I don't know how I could have taught.

But I just don't want to go back there tomorrow. I don't want to know that the dad has come back to do what he wants without considering the years of experience that were urging him to reconsider. I don't want to have to look at this child tomorrow. I don't know how I'm going to do so without weeping again. I feel like I have failed him, though I know I have done all in my power that I can do.

But between that and disagreeing with a coworker over her decision to leave a child out of a field trip, I'm emotionally wrought out. I'm tired. I don't want to go through any more. I want the year to be over already. I want to sleep late and pee when I wish, and not have to worry about what I'm not doing right by my students for a while.

If you pray, please do so for me....I know that this will be okay, but I just simply do. not. want. to. do. it!

I'm off for some spiritual enrichment!

Be back tomorrow!

It is either feast or famine....

with me blogging lately!

Ask any elementary school teacher, this time of year is SO stressful, that you barely can even stand yourself! I keep getting all upset over the most senseless things. I KNOW that it is not worth getting torn up about, but actually stopping myself isn't easy.

I am finding myself barely having energy to get through the day and dealing with home stuff to get the boys to bed before I drop myself. My sister called around 10 last night and was amazed that I was already asleep! But I gotta do what I gotta do to stay sane and healthy.

Right now, I should be putting away laundry or starting another load of clothes, but the quite house is beckoning me to take a little nap instead (Chris took the boys to see Ironman)!

Laundry....nap......laundry......nap.......heck, no toss up, I'm laying down for a few!

My wonderful weekend

I'm thrilled to have a good one to write about! I got up at a decent hour (for once, I'm only a tad ashamed to admit!) and went to Wal-Mart to pick up presents for my mom and Chris' mom and a few other odd things. I had the boys with me, and I am PROUD to say that they kept up with me and didn't whine, and didn't even get upset when we didn't take the time to go look at toys! I did prepare them beforehand, but still....pretty impressed with how well they did!

We got home and all got ready to go, and we took the boys to the in-laws, who were in for the weekend. Then we went to see Keep on the Sunny Side at Barter Theatre! I've wanted to see this play since the first time it ran several years ago. It was well worth the wait! This play would be enjoyed by anyone, anywhere, but people from Scott County can appreciate it so much more. Heck, they even had the accents down pat! And it was funny to listen to the other theater-goers try to get the family ties and history straight. This is something that Chris and I have grown up knowing, and honestly, not giving our attention. To see this and KNOW the places to which the actors referred, and to know other little inside scoops just from living here, was very nice.

I regret that I didn't make it to "The Fold" as it is called around here before Janette died. And I regret even more that I didn't get to see Johnny and June Carter Cash perform there. Mom and Dad went to the Fold one weekend because Dad had been asked to fill in on Sunday at the Carter family church. And it just so happened that it was the night of a surprise appearance by June and Johnny!

I ran into Janette one day in town. We were in the same antique shop, and I couldn't think of anything profound to say, so I just said, "I know who you are!" She smiled and introduced me to her companion, who just happened to be Tom T. Hall's wife!!

The only 'downer' of the weekend was that Isaac got sick with strep throat!

By the way! Robin...check out this page....recognize anyone?! Turns out that we attended college with one of the resident actors at Barter!

I did get some very nice Mother's Day gifts today. Isaac wrote an ABC book about me, which I will always treasure! Adam made me an apron, a card, several paper flowers, and a magnet! The fact that I got an apron is quite funny since I am NOT the cook around here, but hey--I wore it today to get his bologna and cheese sandwich, doesn't that count?!

Mommyfest 2008!

I love a good blog party! I have found some fantastic blogs to read and lives to follow doing things similar to Mommyfest, so I'm up for some more fun...how about you??

To introduce myself to those new around here, my name is Christi. I am the proud wife of Chris for going on 10 years, and the proud mama of Isaac, 7, and Adam, 4 1/2. I also teach first grade, so I'm a surrogate mama of sorts to a group of kids 10 months out of the year! I love my job and really feel as though it is my calling--but that's not to say I don't enjoy the break during summers!!

I am also a follower of Christ. This certainly doesn't mean that I am perfect, but rather that I admit my imperfections freely and ask for His help to overcome them. And I do this daily. Hourly. Multiple times an hour. I am trying to do better about not worrying and turning my concerns over to Him and NOT taking them back, but this, too, is a daily struggle!

I live in Southwestern Virginia. This is my chosen home, as my father is a retired United Methodist minister and we moved every 4-5 years. I'm proud of my Southern accent and will only get more country sounding if you make fun of it!

As I said, I'm far from perfect. I've got a temper, I really enjoy a good nap, and my house is not the cleanest on the block. But I love my family and try my best to be loyal to my friends, and I hope you'll come back by to read my thoughts!!

If you happened on this post and would like to know more about Mommyfest, you can visit here!

Friday's Feast

Appetizer

When someone smiles at you, do you smile back?

Yes, unless I just don't see them! I love to smile at people and see their reactions!

Soup

Describe the flooring in your home. Do you have carpet, hardwood, vinyl, a mix?

Carpet everywhere but the kitchen, bathrooms, and entryway. Bathroom/kitchen are vinyl and entryway is parquet. (I think that is how you spell that!)

Salad

Write a sentence with only 5 words, but all of the words have to start with the first letter of your first name.

Can creepy crawlies complete crosswords? HA! That wasn't easy to do on a teacher's Friday drained brain!!

Main Course

Do you know anyone whose life has been touched by adoption?


Yes, a college friend and a couple at our church are the first that come to mind!

Dessert

Name 2 blue things.

my couch and Smurfs

Join in the fun! Visit Friday's Feast!

Wordless Wednesday--Flip Flops

I'm so glad that sandals weather is here....the closest I can get to barefoot in public!

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Not that I did anything related to it today, but hey....thought I'd share the wishes anyway!

I am in a list making mood. So here is a list of things that I did today:

Woke up around 6 when Adam padded in to get in bed with me.

Left the house around 7:10 to be at school at 7:15 for bus duty. Got there 6 minutes late.

Greeted students warmly until 8 am.

Taught school til 3:05, then tried to work on the project I have due tomorrow for my technology class til 3:25. Didn't get very far.

Went to a training on using PALS online from 3:30 til 4:40 or so. Shot the sh*t with coworkers til about 5.

Drove home, then walked to drugstore to pick up supplies for students' Mother's Day project.

Ate a yummy dinner prepared by my sweetie.

Surfed the 'net while watching the news with said sweetie.

Re-loaded my iPod, and on suggestion of the sweetie, took a walk BY MYSELF!

Got boys in the shower, then listened to I. read while A. played on computer.

Got A. to bed, including preparing clothes for him tomorrow, while I. played on computer.

Wrote a card to my friend who is in basic training in Oklahoma.

And then sat down to surf a little before going to bed. Have to be back at school for bus duty at 7:30, and will be in the building til class is over somewhere around 5:30-6. Then I will come home and eat, and I've GOT to go to Target to get some much needed stuff. Chris has a meeting at church at 7, so I'll have the boys with me on the trip to Target. Hopefully this won't mean a meltdown in the toy department!

Before I finish surfing, I also need to try to get an idea of some technological plans I can institute to help educate my first graders in the areas of reading, science, and mathematics tomorrow. Just cause I wanna use my SMARTboard!

So there you go. I feel productive today!

How do you pronounce it?

Time for a fun game! Except for one word, I love to hear how others pronounce words according to where they live and what they are used to hearing!

Now, the one word that I will argue with you vehemently is Appalachian. You see, I LIVE in the Appalachian mountains, about an hour south of Appalachia, Virginia. And though you can lecture me on what the dictionary says or what newscasters say, but I'll tell ya: I AM from here, and what the natives say is right, in my book! So for my purposes, it is App-uh-latch-uh. No long a in the place!

Now that that is settled, how do you pronounce these words??

POINSETTIA: poin-set-ee-uh or poin-set-uh
EITHER: ee-ther or aye-ther
PAPRIKA: pap-ri-kuh or puh-pree-kuh
ROUTE: root or rout
GALA: gey-luh or gal-uh
CONSORTIUM: consor-shee-um or consor-tee-um
VASE: vayse or vahz
MISCHIEVOUS: mis-che-vus or mis-chee-vee-ous
KILOMETER: kil-uh-meter or ki-lom-i-ter
PATRONIZE: pay-tronize or pah-tronize
COMFORTABLE: comf-terble or com-fer-ta-ble
ASSOCIATE: ass-o-see-ate or ass-o-shee-ate
ORANGE: awr-nj or ornj
CARAMEL: care-a-mel or car-mel or kahr-uh-mel or kahr-mul
BONUS SPELLING QUESTION: CATSUP OR KETCHUP?

Put it in your comments or post your own game and leave me the link!!

Here are my answers:
POINSETTIA: poin-set-uh
EITHER: ee-ther
PAPRIKA: pap-ri-kuh
ROUTE: rout
GALA: I honestly don't say this word much, but if I had a choice, I'd go with gal-uh
CONSORTIUM: Another word I don't say much! But I'll go with consor-shee-um
VASE: vayse
MISCHIEVOUS: mis-chee-vee-ous
KILOMETER: ki-lom-i-ter
PATRONIZE: pay-tronize
COMFORTABLE: Took me several pronunciations to hear the difference, but I guess I say comf-terble
ASSOCIATE: ass-o-see-ate
ORANGE: awr-nj
CARAMEL: kahr-mul
BONUS SPELLING QUESTION: KETCHUP

The cat came back...how about the other pets?

Would you like to know about them?

As I mentioned yesterday, I've had Francie since before I met Chris. Sally came along in the spring before we were married. Actually, we had another dog, Lucy, before that, but she was tragically run over in Chris' parents' driveway. So when we got home from that trip, we found Weimeraner mix puppies advertised on a local TV channel, and went to pick her out. She doesn't look like a Weimeraner at all....she's all black and has hazel eyes. She's 10 years old now, and likes to lay in her dog house! She's showing her age with some arthritis. She is SUCH a good dog!

Next to come along was Joe. My former neighbor was here to visit her parents one weekend when they found Joe at a local mill. She took him to the vet and basically was not going to leave town until she had a home for the cat! So we took him! But when we had Isaac, he decided that babies were too noisy and basically went to live with the neighbors....incidentally, not the same ones where Francie had gone this week! He will still come in the basement to sleep during the day and rarely comes in the house. Sometimes if we get home at an unexpected time he'll still be upstairs sleeping...but now that is even more rare since Gunnar is here!

Next to come along was Nixie! The parents of a former student raise Boxer pups, and had a runt of the litter that they weren't going to sell. So guess who got her?? She is very small for a Boxer! I had a Boxer growing up, and had always wanted another, so this was a dream come true for me. She has all the energy of a Boxer with the brains to match....she's a tad goofy! LOL

And last to come along was Gunnar. ANOTHER neighbor's daughter had gotten the cat for her son when they were getting ready to buy a house. Unfortunately, the house fell through, and she couldn't keep the cat at her apartment. So the S. family to the rescue! He's a lazy tom cat, and loves to stay in the house!

We also have various fish. We have some black skirts (not sure what the real name is, and I'm too lazy to ask Chris right now!) and we have 3 bettas: one here, one at Chris' school, and one in my classroom. I suppose they'll all be home for the summer soon!

So now you know all about the menagerie that we keep around here!

My cat is gone...edited....no, she's not!!

and it doesn't look like she's coming back.

I've had Francie since before Chris and I met. We found her at the preschool where I was teaching in 1997. She was MY cat. She tolerated the rest of the family, but it was me that she adored. She used to run and jump on my lap and put her paws on each shoulder and lick my face when I came in. It was in one such time that I told her that we were going to marry Chris (she and I, that is) after our second date. She used to sit on the side of the tub while I took a bath. She watched Isaac like a hawk when he was a baby and someone other than Chris or me were here watching him. I worried that she wouldn't like it when we had the boys, but she just took them over as babies of hers, too.

One time I had a candle burning on my dressing table, and she jumped up and caught her tail on fire! When we moved to our current house from the one where we lived when we first married (where my parents now live), she kept disappearing to go over there as it is less than a mile from here and not across any major thoroughfares. One time I was at mom and dad's house and Mom said for me to open the door to let HER cat in, but it wasn't her cat at the door, it was mine!! So I scooped her up and took her back home with me!

I hadn't even let myself think about her being gone until this evening. We noticed that she hadn't been around on Wednesday, when I brought some Frontline home for all the cats and she didn't come to eat that evening. And then Chris got to thinking that she hadn't come around in a few days, which isn't like her....she's all about the canned food that we give her at night! I asked Chris this morning something about her being gone, and Chris hugged me, and I told him that I didn't have time to get upset about her then! (I helped take 74 first graders to a play, McDonald's, and a park today!) But tonight the tears are flowing! And as much as Chris loved to fuss about her, he loved her too. I keep hoping maybe she's gonna show back up, but in my heart I know she is gone. And my heart hurts thinking that she is laying out there somewhere!! I would just like to be able to bury her!!

I know I have two other cats and dogs and various fish, but SHE was MINE. And I miss her!


UPDATE: Chris went looking for her while I was posting this, and the little scamp was down at the neighbors!! She apparently was hanging out down there cause he'll feed her! I've cried all over again thankful that she is okay!! And now we know where to look for her should she go missing again!

An answered prayer, maybe?

I have been interested in looking into a Master's in Reading for years. I finally worked up my nerve today to go talk to the Superintendent of schools to see if there might be an opening in the county in the future as a Reading Specialist, and if there would be any funds available to help pay for my schooling. He said that yes, there were going to be openings, and that yes, he would be able to help out with paying for school! How awesome is that??!

Please pray for me as I continue in this journey! Two people told me after I told them about the fibromyalgia that I need to look at getting out of the classroom to reduce stress and take better care of my body in this. I hate the thought in one way, but in another, I have been thinking the same thing myself somewhat. So maybe this is God's nudging!!

I'll keep you posted!

Saw the rheumatologist today

He took about 4 or 5 vials of blood. He seems to think that it is fibromyalgia, and that I need to continue doing what I'm doing and hopefully it won't get worse.

I'm taking it in. Feeling kind of resolved and kind of numb. Not sure how I feel about it yet. So if you could pray for me, I'd really appreciate it!

Mothers.....listen up!

Now, I know you didn't give birth to your children so you could get free stuff, but since we are often overworked and under-appreciated, how about some contests since you did give birth and and have the stretch marks to prove it?

Mosey on over to the fantastic contests at 5 Minutes for Mom by clicking on the button above! These ladies know how to do contests right, so I'm sure you're going to find something you'd like!

And bless you for giving birth to your heart in human form!

A winner! A winner! It's time to choose a winner!

I had my sons pick a number between 1 and 336 to choose a winner. If, for some reason, the number poster who Isaac chose does not respond, then I will go to the one that Adam chose!

Isaac chose #280, who was alison! Alison, I sent you and email and hope to hear from you soon!

Thank you all so much for all your comments and participation! I am going to try my best to visit each of your blogs, though it may take me a while!!

It's Bloggy Giveaways Carnival time!

**I'm stickying this post...scroll down for newer posts! Thanks!**

I can't believe it is that time again! One of my favorite events in blogdom! And I let it slip up on me, so I don't have any fantastically grand plans, so how about a grab bag?? And for sure it will contain some sort of gift card....either to Wal*Mart, Target, or Starbucks! And some more goodies to boot! Edited to add: sorry, ya'll, I can only afford to ship to the continental U.S. at this time!

All you have to do to enter is leave some sort of comment...anything at all.....and I'll randomly choose a winner next Sunday, April 27 by 11 pm! Couldn't be any easier, huh??

Don't forget to check out the full list of participating blogs here!

Get ready for a FANTASTIC time! Thanks for stopping by, and please don't let it be a one time visit!

I had a dream about ya'll!

I dreamed last night that I was at our local drugstore picking out the things to include in my grab bag! It was very realistic! Isn't that funny?!

I messed up days ago and am still paying for it!

I did a dumb thing on Saturday. I was getting ready for Chris' cousin's wedding shower and didn't take the time to stop and eat something. By the time I did, it was too late--my blood sugar had gotten so low I had a huge headache and was nauseous. I ended up leaving the shower early to go lay down at Chris' parents' house, where I barely spoke to my father-in-law, brother-in-law, and nephew and laid down for about an hour. I don't know if I then got a touch of something on top of that, or that affected my body so but somehow, for whatever reason, I've felt like crud ever since.

I went to Sunday School and most of church yesterday. Slept the rest of the afternoon and most of the evening, and pretty well all night, too. I determined yesterday evening that it probably wouldn't be the best thing for me to try to work, so did a very rare thing for me....I took a Monday off. See, we send home folders w/homework on Mondays, and I just hate to get that routine off, so I usually drag myself in unless I'm dying or one of the kids is really sick. I didn't even get up and go to school and leave plans like I usually would. I called a coworker and asked for her to lay some stuff out for me and asked for a sub who I knew could handle it without great directions. In other words, I must feel pretty bad.

I've slept all morning. I got up around 1:15 and have eaten something and determined that daytime tv stinks, and now I think I'll lay back down til my friend and coworker brings Isaac home around 4. I've got to work on picking up the house and figure out what I'm going to do for a webquest for class tomorrow night. Any ideas? We have to stay til 7:30 tomorrow night to make up for a class we missed, so won't a 12 hour day be a great way to jump back into the land of the living tomorrow?!

If you read this, please comment, cause I feel so lonely sometimes with no comments! *insert pitiful look here*

The name game!

One of my friends' blogs had this today and I felt like playing along!

The Name Game.....

Here's a fun little name game to play. I'm not going to tag anyone, but copy and play along. Let me know in the comments if you do.

1. Your rock star name (first pet, current car)......Missy Bravada

2. Your gangsta name (favorite ice cream flavor, favorite type of shoe)......Moose Tracks Sandals

3. Your Native American name (favorite color, favorite animal)......Orange Cat

4. Your soap opera name (middle name, city where you were born)......oh heavens, Gay Kingsport

5. Your Star Wars name (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 of your first name......Stach

6. Superhero name (2nd favorite color, favorite drink)......Blue Coke

7. NASCAR name (the first names of your grandfathers).......Robert William

8. Stripper name (the name of your favorite perfume/cologne/scent, favorite candy)......Mango Melon Reese's

9. TV weather anchor name (your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a city that starts with the same letter).......Sandt St. Louis

10. Spy name (your favorite season/holiday, flower)......Christmas Sweet Pea

11. Cartoon name: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now)......Cantelope Jeans

12. Hippie name (what you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree).......Biscuit Dogwood

13. "Adult Film" star name (first pet, first street where you lived)......Missy Holston Terrace


Is it me, or are all of mine weird sounding??

Now, it is your turn to do it...Remember, let me know in the comments if you play along.

How's Your Spelling?

Your Spelling is Good

You got 9/10 correct. Your spelling is generally pretty decent. You are prone to a few mistakes, but the mistakes you make are pretty forgivable.

How's Your Spelling?

Wordless Wednesday--Cruise!

Only sixty some days til we go!! Woo hoo!

Just watched The Memory Keeper's Daughter

on Lifetime. I loved the book, but the movie, as is often the case with books turned into movies, left much of the story out...and therefore lost much of the beauty of the book. Entire subplots were left out, so therefore you missed out on the significance of many of the things going on. It was a movie that probably looked great to someone who hadn't read the book, but sadly lacking to those who had.

Another thing that bothers me is that this story was supposed to have a setting of Lexington, KY, but was filmed in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Why couldn't it be filmed in Lexington, or at least in the same COUNTRY? I understand that it is often cheaper to film in other countries, but you miss out on part of the story when you don't know anything about the area where it was supposed to have happened. Another one of the 'filmed on location' movies that was NOT was Cold Mountain. This movie was set in the Appalachian mountains, but was filmed in New Zealand!

A movie is in the works for a book set in one of my hometowns (remember, I'm a preacher's kid....never lived in one place for more than 5 years growing up!), Big Stone Gap, Virginia. If this movie is filmed elsewhere, it will lose SO much of the local flavor that Adriana Trigiani so lovingly weaved into the story. I KNOW some of the people that she based characters on in the story! I was in the drama that she refers to, and my husband is assistant principal at a school that she refers to as well. And Jack Mac, an important character in the four book series.....I hugged the REAL Jack Mac's neck at a mutual friend's funeral this past summer. So it would be a real travesty for this movie not to be filmed in the town on whose local oddities and idiosyncrasies it was based.

If you'd like to learn more about Big Stone Gap and the movement to film it there, please visit Film Big Stone Gap in the Gap!

1. I love springtime in the mountains! I love to see the different trees and flowers blooming!
2. Omlettes and bacon are foods I love to eat for breakfast.
3. It seems I'm always searching for someone's clean socks or underwear!
4. A new tv episode is a great way to end the day.
5. I think I need a haircut!
6. Bacon or ham pizza is what I've been craving lately.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to watching a movie with the family, tomorrow my plans include a wedding shower and a baby shower, and Sunday, I want to take a nap!

Wordless Wednesday--We Are Marshall

Just finished watching this movie, and I can't stop crying!!

Posted today....

...at my other blog! Go visit there if you wish from my profile!!

How about a Random Thoughts With Christi post?!

Here we go!

First, I am addicted to a new online game. It is called Fashion Story. I have conquered it in online mode and it isn't available for Mac, so I am sad.

Today was a BEEEEEEAUTIFUL spring day! I'm ready for it! Except for finding my clothes. That I haven't done, and I'm woefully low on clean clothing right now...so might have to go searchin' in the morning!

I am so blessed to work with some wonderful Christian women!! On Friday, my coworker L. called me all THRILLED because her mother had just accepted Christ as her Savior! It was an answer to many, many years of prayer! And then after hearing about L.'s mom, K's daughter went to the altar yesterday at church and accepted Christ as well! How awesome is that?! And L. and I had a fantastic conversation with requests for prayer with T. during a break time....God is so good, and He has blessed me with so much. I so need to focus on that instead of the things I cannot control that I have been letting get me down lately. God has those things in control, too, and His time is perfect! He has a plan, and I just need to let go and trust Him!

OK, that was a small sermon. I digress.

I am thinking seriously about trying South Beach Diet again. I figured out that it is basically what I was doing last year when I lost about 10 lbs. So I know it works, and I'm not hungry, I just need to get my self in the mode and GO! Cause it is only 67 days til our cruise.....EEEEEEEK! And that means me in a bathing suit with my skinny sisters! EEEEEEEEEEK! OK, that should be motivation enough right there, huh?

Ok. So. Well. Keep typing....keep typing...thoughts will come.......I got nothin'.

So I guess I will end it there! Have a grrrrrreat (a la Tony the Tiger) week!

*~*~GUESS WHAT?!?!*~*~

My niece competed in a local dance competition yesterday and then went to the workshops that were connected to it today. Guess where she won a scholarship to??




THE JOFFREY BALLET!!

We're not sure exactly what it is for, a summer intensive, a class, or what, but it doesn't matter...she can say she danced at Joffrey!! I am SOOOOO thrilled for her!!!

I'll share more details as I find them out!!

More on singing at the Dome Cathedral

This past Wednesday, I couldn't really get inspired to use anything for my wordless post, so I just went through my pics until something struck me. I'd love to tell you more about it!

I went to Austria and Hungary with Emory & Henry College's Concert Choir my senior year. It was SUCH an awesome experience! I had a blast and it was quite an honor to get to sing in a country so rich in musical heritage. I loved seeing places that were seen in The Sound of Music, and we also had some fun times in the clubs at night! But one of the highlights was definitely singing for New Year's Day Mass at the Dome Cathedral in Salzburg.

Our choir director is an amazing man. He can get you so into the music that you don't even notice what else might be going on in the room. He is one of the people I respect most in the world! So when we got to sing in the place where Mozart was baptised, we all knew that he would be so very honored and humbled.

Now, mind you, this cathedral is HUGE....there is a 7 second echo from where we were singing to the end of the cathedral, so we really had to pay attention to Doc to make sure we were hearing our pitches instead of what we had been singing 7 seconds ago! It was also C*O*L*D! There was no such thing as central heat in the time it was built, so we just had to layer underneath our dresses and tuxes and just shiver our way through it...all the better to concentrate on Doc, too!


We did sing a few selections during the mass. It was in German, so we didn't understand a lot, but the ritual was familiar. After the conclusion of the service, some Americans that were there wanted to get pictures of us, so we traipsed back up to the risers to line up. We smiled for the cameras, and then realized that some of the congregation had come up to the front, thinking that we were going to perform again. We clued Doc in that they thought we were going to sing, and he, being the Performance man he is, was glad to oblige! We did several more songs that we did not do during the service, and moved to conclude with "The Lord Bless You and Keep You" as we did all our concerts.

We always hold hands while singing this, which also brings more emotion as we had formed such bonds already on this trip. We were singing, and Doc started weeping as he directed us. He was overcome with emotion at WHERE we were, at the enormity of singing where the masters had walked, and we all started crying too! But I tell you, I knew in that moment what the angels must feel when they sing. It was a very spiritual moment! And afterwards, we all stood around hugging and just basically loving each other. It was a moment I will never forget...I could almost cry just remembering it. God was truly with us that day!

The interview went well!

Chris came by school in his new suit today and everyone was impressed! He feels like it went well, even though we figure they already have picked out who they want in the job. But you never know!

Went out to eat with my BFF tonight! We ate at Stir Fry Cafeand were thrilled to hear that they are opening one closer to us! Woohoo!

And tomorrow will be a fairly relaxed one, thankfully!

My hubby has a job interview tomorrow!

If you would send good thoughts and prayers our way, we certainly would appreciate it! He is interviewing for a principal position within our county. He is one of six being interviewed. This would be quite a change in lifestyle for us, as he would be working away from home more, but he would also be making quite a bit more money. I know that if it is in God's plan it will happen! We didn't expect that he would get an assistant's position as quickly as he did, but God had that handled too!

In other news, I went to a very neat baby shower tonight....for seven pregnant teachers at our school! We had a nice Italian dinner, and gave them each a laundry basket full of goodies and a gift card to Target! And the neat thing is, there is also one more teacher pregnant, and two that taught at our school last year are pregnant too!

I'm having quite a bit of back pain today. If you could say a prayer for that as well, that would be great!

Wordless Wednesday--The Dome Cathedral

The most amazing place, short of Heaven, that I can ever expect to sing!

Retro is so....

I am such a retro girl. I listen to retro music, I love to watch retro tv shows, and today I've been watching retro children's shows! We found The Letter People on You Tube and have been watching it! It may be cheesy, but it does grab kids' attention! Then I moseyed over to eBay and looked at vintage Fisher-Price Little People. Oh, how hard it was not to buy some!

What about you? Are you a today gal or a retro woman like me??

uhhh, nsweotonasioesammmmm.....

Can't form coherent sentences...

sore throat...

back to school, lack of sleep catching up.....


worked on taxes...

will be coherent tomorrow!


Good night!

LOVE

I went to Aunt Billie's funeral tonight. The church was full, which is pretty amazing for a 93 year old! Tells ya how many lives she influenced. The theme throughout the funeral, though it wasn't really planned, was love and laughter.

I need to remember that love and laughter are what lasts. That is what people remember when loved ones are gone....are the love and the laughter.

Speaking of laughter, my sister Suzy and I were having some good ones on the way there and back! She was looking for the church and was looking past the car in front of her, and the car in front of her was braking and she wasn't seeing it, so I started yelling,"Wait! Wait!" Which did the trick, she didn't rear-end the car in front of us, but what in the world was I telling her to wait for?! We got a big kick out of that!

Then on the way home we were talking about a cousin of ours that is mentally disabled (which I didn't even realize he was! I thought he was just very quiet!) and when Suzy was explaining the situation to me, she started whispering! So I said, "Suz, why are you whispering, no one else is in the car!!" So we had another good laugh over that!

OK, it is after midnight, so I didn't officially get a Sunday blog in but we'll pretend, okay? Cause I've stayed up entirely too late looking for an interactive lesson for me to use with my students for EVERY DAY of the week, cause I have a new SMARTboard that I am dying to use!! I am psyched about that thing, let me tell ya!!

So I'm off to bed....which is not even really later than I have gotten to sleep this week with the stinkin' insomnia, so at least I got something productive done, right?!

Happy birthday to my hubby!

Happy 36th birthday, dear one!

I hope that he has had a good day. We went out to eat for a NICE dinner tonight, and he had a NY strip steak. Then we went looking for some good deals on clothes, and got a few things for the boys, him, and a couple of shirts at Old Navy for ME for $2.99 ea! I'm not sure I'll wear them outside the house since they show off my back fat, but hey! For $2.99 I can wear 'em around the house!

I've finished all but 2 exercises of this week's homework, and I still need to do my lesson plans. Tomorrow evening my sister(s) and I will be traveling to Aunt Billie's funeral, so I've got to get this stuff done before we leave if at all possible. I just can't look at doing it at 10 pm tonight though!

We went to see Sue the T-Rex!

Today we took the boys to the Gray Fossil Site! Basically, Tennessee Dept. of Transportation was excavating this area for a road interchange in 2000, and they hit some black dirt unlike the clay mud usually found 'round here. They halted the excavating, and started searching the area for fossils, and they found lots, and are still excavating some! Currently the Sue exhibit is there, and it was really neat to see as well. They even take visitors outside to a dig site to show them what they do and where they have found certain fossils. If you ever have the chance to go to this museum, go! It was really interesting for both the kids and adults!

My Aunt Billie has passed away

Daddy called me this morning. My cousin Dewayne was the last one to see her, and he says that she looked like she was sleeping and peaceful. The service will be on Sunday evening and my dad will take part in the service. More than likely, my sisters and I will travel down and back together.

Please pray for our family!

And here I sit.....

at 12:35 am. Now mind you, I was up this late and later last night and the night before. Yes, you guessed it....I'm in the midst of an insomnia spell. LOVELY! I know that my doctor says that I can take my sleeping pill every night and that it isn't addictive, and even my pharmacy school niece says the same thing, but I really hate doing that. I want to be able to fall asleep on my own.

I HATE times like this. But there again, this falls into the whole 'could I have fibromyalgia?' category. I have been down about my great aunt being sick. I have been stressed because I was at my inlaws. (Not that they stress me out, but I never really know what I'm supposed to be doing there, should I relax, should I entertain the kids, should I try to help cook? so I'm never really relaxed and comfortable) I have felt the stress in my shoulders. My allergies are acting up due to the pollen starting up. Is this all related to the insomnia? Certainly possible. My appointment with a rhematologist is next month.

So. By the way, Tennessee lost tonight to Louisville in the basketball tourney. That stinks.

I really liked watching the inlaws' satellite tv when I couldn't sleep. So being home to our basic cable doesn't really have the appeal it used to. But I did just notice that I have some dvds that I haven't popped open, so I might just do that for a while.

I'm feeling a tad sleepy, so I'm going to try that. I hope that you are sleeping yourself! 'Nite.

Thursday Challenge

"FURNITURE" (Table, Chair, Rocking Chair, High Chair, Sofa, Beds, Desks, Book Cases,...)

To see the theme for next week or see other entries, click here!

Wordless Wednesday--How Boys Have Grown!

This was taken about this time of year 4 years ago!! I can't believe how much my boys have grown!

Aunt Billie

My mom called me here at my inlaws house a while ago. In our family, if you are called while you are out of town, it usually isn't good news, and it wasn't. My Great-Aunt Billie had a massive stroke yesterday. She is in the hospital but will be going to her daughter's house tomorrow. Mom and Dad are going to see her tomorrow.

It makes it so much harder when you're away from home and get difficult news. She, my aunt, knows people and is able to respond, so that is good, but it is probably only a matter of time. She is in her 90s, so she has lived a good life. But it will be the end of an era when she passes away. That is the end of a generation in both my parents' families. She will be the last of their aunts, uncle, and parents to die. And that is hard on my Daddy, which in turn, is hard on me. Mom told me that he cried when he talked to his cousin this evening.

Please say prayers for my Aunt Billie and our family! She is a beautiful, beautiful woman and I love her dearly!

Road trip!

Anyone wanna join us??! We're headed to Halifax, Virginia to visit Chris' parents. They have dialup but it seems to hate me, so I will get on only if I can. I'm going to be going through computer withdrawals, so think of me, and also think of me being in the house with my inlaws for several days. Just sayin'. Not that I don't love them dearly, but my boys take on different personalities in their presence. Can you relate?!

I will miss my couch, my tv, my MacBook, and my freedom to do what I want to, including sitting around in one of Chris' tshirts and my undies if I wish. I will be back to you, dear loyal reader(s), and these amenities of home on Thursday!

Oh and Robin if you read this, what is going on Friday?? Wanna meet up?

TTFN!

He lives!

I serve a risen Savior!

Happy Easter, friends!!

S-A-T-U-R-D-A-Y night!

And I am finished with my classwork for the week a day early! wooooohooooo!! AND only 2 weeks left! Even bigger woooooooohooooooooo!

Adam is itchy now from the rash and has a tummy ache, I suspect from the amoxicillin. It was confirmed yesterday morning that he has strep throat and scarlet fever. I pray that none of the rest of us get it!

If I disappear over the next few days, it is cause I've headed to the inlaws. They don't have the most reliable internet service ever, and it is dial-up, so I may not be able to post.

Blessings on you on this holy day before Easter! He is risen and lives today! Hallelujah!

Friday's Feast

Appetizer

Given the choice, would you prefer to live in the country or in the city?
I pretty much live in the country now, but in a small town. And I like it that way! The country is very close, but I have a grocery store and Wal-Mart pretty close by, too!

Soup

Who is the cutest kid you know?
Um, my two kids of course! Isaac and Adam!

Salad

Fill in the blank: I couldn’t believe it when I heard ___________.
...about Chris' cousin who had embezzled so so SO much money. It still doesn't seem real to me, but sadly, it is.

Main Course

If you could star in a commercial for one of your favorite products, which one would you want to advertise?
I swear by MaryKay's Mattifier! Or Avon's Glimmersticks eyeliner!

Dessert

What type(s) of vitamins and/or supplements do you take on a regular basis?
A women's daily multivitamin

My little man is sick...

....yes, yet again. He started in the middle of the night with a sore throat and fever. It has come back several times during the day/evening. Tonight it is worse, and not really responding to Tylenol. I just put him to bed with some Motrin, so we'll see how he goes...

send us prayers or cross your fingers or send us good thoughts, or whatever you do....

Wordless Wednesday--The Talent Show Troupe

Isaac and his buddies who performed as the Brady Bunch Kids at the school talent show! Don't they just look the cutest?!

Ever had pink eye?

If not, c'mon over and I'll rub my eye and touch your hand so you can experience it! My first graders have been running rampant with it for about 2 1/2 weeks now. I avoided it successfully for a while, but I've got it now!

And what makes it even better is here is a legitimate reason for me to NOT be in school, but NO, not gonna be, because I had a dentist appointment today...or at least, I did until they called after I left for work saying that the dentist would be out today (she's sick), so I took 1/2 day off and went over there, only to find out that they had called my home number to say we'd have to reschedule. So now I don't feel like I can take off to rest my eye. I have antibiotic eye drops, so hopefully me having 2 or 3 doses in will make me okay. UGH.

Heard from my Compassion child today (and other stuff)

I was THRILLED to receive a letter from Robert today! He shares similarities with my sons, and we can't wait to sit down and write him a return letter! He drew me some nice pictures, so I'm going to let the boys draw him some pictures too!

I was about to forget to remind you to visit Overwelmed with Joy and enter the Pay It Forward book giveaway! I didn't get around to having my own giveaway this month, but I promise I will next month! Drop by there and tell her Christi sent ya!

I forgot to brag about my big boy and how he did in the 1-2 grade spelling bee on Friday! He was the next to last first grader to get out, and was in the top six out of seventeen! I was SO proud of him! He brought home his report card today with all As again! I could just burst with pride! He is bringing immense pleasure to his teacher parents!

Hope you are having a great Monday!

Love so amazing

We had a beautiful service at church today. We had the children come down the aisle with palm branches, then they laid them at the foot of the stand where the cross was later placed. It was carried down by 2 of my nephews while Via Dolorosa was played, which started the waterworks for me! Then we had a fantastic sermon, and we all took name tags that we had been given earlier and stuck them to the cross as a symbol of Jesus taking our places there. Very effective as far as I was concerned! I was crying already when my sister, who was leading children's church today, started leading the children down the aisle. I met the boys and helped them to place their name tags on the cross and then we knelt at the alter and prayed. By this point, the praise team was singing "Amazing Love", and I just sat with my boys beside me and let the tears flow.

My frustrations, my irritations, the areas in my life where I am not seeing the movement in the way I want.....all are nothing. Without the cross, without Jesus' sacrifice, I wouldn't even be here, much less have so many, many blessings. And my worries, my venting of my frustrations, do they further God's kingdom? No, they don't--and they don't deserve my attention and energy. Praise the Lord for Him showing me this today!

I usually post my more spiritually based thoughts in my other blog, but during this Holy Week, I will share them here, for my faith in Christ is so central to who I am, and I wouldn't be ME without HIM! Thanks be to God!

Happy 7th birthday, Isaac!

Today is your birthday, my very sweet boy! I remember vividly where I was 7 years ago....laying in a hospital bed after being induced into labor and given a epidural, waiting for you to work toward being born. It was a long day! But well worth it in the end, since I got to bring home such a beautiful baby boy! You had your own idea about things from day one, including when and where and how long you would sleep! I've never seen a three day old baby fight sleep like you did! I remember tiptoeing to lay you down in your crib and jostling you too much, only to march back to the rocking chair to start the whole process over. But still, you were a joy then and continue to be a joy today.

When you were small, I never would have thought that you would be so calm and determined to learn at school! You were pretty high strung and didn't want anything to do with coloring and learning letters. But as soon as you started school, your first child tendencies came out. You are a hard worker and are very smart!

You have accomplished so many things in your short life, and there have been so many opportunities for me to beam with pride. You have already sung solos, played soccer and basketball, been a Cub Scout, participated in the school spelling bee, and danced in the talent show! That is a lot more than I had done at your age! You are a sensitive soul and are always nice to others and stand up for those who others are mistreating. You are a loving brother and cousin and enjoy the company of others.

Happy birthday sweetheart, and I hope I don't have to banish you to your room today for mistreating your little brother!

I love you Isaac Christopher! You are a light in my life!!

Wordless Wednesday--Frustrated

And that's all I feel like saying about that!

Monday....

What is there to say about Monday? I had a cruddy meeting with a parent today where he was totally unreasonable and rude, and not trusting our opinions as professionals, and not taking into consideration what his child can truly do. Very frustrating. We had the talent show at school today so I didn't have to teach after 12:45, so that was okay!

It is amazing that giving up one hour of sleep can throw your body off the way it does! I'm very out of sync. Are you?

This is a jam packed week with Chris or I, or both, having something every night after work. I know we'll get through it, but it'd be much easier with some downtime together!

Note to self: mention to Chris that I'd like to have a movie that *I* would like to see on the Blockbuster que!!

Remember that list of things I had to do today?

I'm making my way through it, down to writing lesson plans and finishing putting away the clean clothes! However, it is 9:15, my body thinks it is 10:15, and I have bus duty in the morning to repay someone who did mine for me when I was sick! So no great words of wisdom today....not that there ever are! Happy Sunday!

What a day!!

It was a busy one, but honestly, since it was the first Saturday we've all felt well in weeks, I am not sorry that we were busy--I was thrilled we all were WELL!!

Chris let me sleep in a bit, and then I hopped up, ate me some Special K with Chocolate Bits (that probably isn't the real name but it is what I call it!) and put a load of clothes in the wash. We vegged out for a bit and then all got dressed and ready for Chris' parents to meet us here. Then we headed to Fun Expedition! Isaac isn't having a big family bash like we usually do, so Mamaw and Granddaddy wanted to do something special with him. Chris' brother and his wife and 2 kids met us there, and fun was had by all!

We then loaded back up in cars and headed to Carino's for lunch, which was waaaay yummy! Isaac opened his presents there and was less than thrilled with his Webkins that he has asked for, so Daddy and I were frustrated. If it was just US there, it would have been different, but Mamaw kept going on and on about how she'd get him something else and that we shouldn't fuss at him, and blah blah blah.....it is just overkill. That isn't the point. But we tried not to let it ruin the day. What was most frustrating was he said that wasn't what he was expecting, but he couldn't tell me WHAT he was expecting??

Anyway, we came home and rested a bit before taking Isaac for his first sleepover at H.'s house. I then put some more clothes in, did some work for my class, and we ate and watched some tv. I talked to my sister and mom on the phone, and then someone beeped in. I checked the messages since I was on the phone, and it was H's mom. Isaac was sad and wanted to come home. Chris wasn't surprised, but I had honestly expected him to stay all night! So he stayed about an hour more, then I went back and got him. (after another load of clothes, of course! LOL)

And on the plate for tomorrow: Sunday School, church (in which I have both the Children's Sermon and Children's Church!), an school system Art Extravaganza that Chris and I can get credit for attending, D.U.C.K.S, choir practice, and somewhere in there finish my class stuff, write lesson plans, and finish picking up the house!

Phew! I'm tired just thinking about it!

And next weekend, we have a birthday party on Friday, a birthday party on Saturday, and mom and dad are taking Isaac out for dinner and to a play for his birthday. Our high school basketball team is headed to Richmond for the semi-finals, and Isaac wanted to know why we couldn't go! But when I told him the list of things that were going on, he was cool with it. We did go last year, but last year we weren't saving money for a cruise, so that changes things!

Hope you are having a fantastic weekend! :D

There's a party goin' on right here....

Celebrate good times, c'mon!



That is the song that my niece sang tonight in our school talent show, and since we're starting a blog party, isn't it appropriate?!

So a little bit about me and my blog!! I am Christi! I turned 35 last month and have been happily married to my best friend Chris for almost 10 years. He and I have two sons. Isaac will be seven next week and is in first grade. Adam is four and is preschool. We have a lot of fun hanging out, goofing off, and just enjoying being a family! Isaac has just started into more activities such as soccer, basketball, Cub Scouts, Royal Ambassadors, and just tonight was in the school talent show, so this is a big part of our lives now. In my spare time (HA!) I sing in our church choir and enjoy taking part in some online parenting communities. I also am *trying* to raise some extra money on the side with some home based businesses, and if you wanna hear about those, I'll gladly tell ya!

Let's see...what else......we are very involved in our church. We are blessed to attend church with my sisters and their families and my parents. That is good, because otherwise I wouldn't see my family much cause we are all so busy! I am proud to be a United Methodist, and even prouder to be a child of God. I am imperfect, am a sinner, and constantly fall short of His grace....but I keep trying! I also have a blog where I place my Bible studies and such, so check out my profile and visit me there as well!

Since this IS a party, how about an appetizer recipe?!

Here is an easy one. I am NOT a cook, so it has to be simple with me. You can't get much simpler than this!

Pepperoni Bites

pepperoni, as much as you want to fix
cream cheese

Cover 1/2 of each pepperoni slice with cream cheese. Fold the remaining half over the covered half.

And that is it! Told ya it was easy!!

A fun part of this blog party is the PRIZES! Some of my faves are:
1. 70 Chocolate offered by The Chocolistas

2. 7 Bead Dangle Photo Tile Necklace offered by Elemental Memories

3. 90 — Fused Glass Pendant shared by Lucky Girl Trading Co.

If those are not available, I'd be thrilled with 16, 32, 38, 44, 52, 60, 62, or 64 or truly, ANY prize! This is an awesome, fun time and I'm itching to get started!



Well, I hope that you visit again after this week. God bless you, and thanks for stopping by!

Memories....

Boy, I've gone through 'em this evening. And some of them wear me out just thinking about them! I saw some old yearbooks in the basement and brought them upstairs to look at them. That was pretty fun, looking at all of us in years past! It did bring back some rough memories, like pictures of the two friends we had die while we were at Emory. But seeing pics of good times were just that....good. I then went and got a drawer full of stuff that I put in there my senior year at Emory and have since moved several times! Lots of it needs to be tossed, but man....the memories. Memories of dates, memories of drunken times, memories of functions, memories of ex-boyfriends and the hurts they caused. I guess that is the thing that came back kind of raw tonight was the ex-boyfriend stuff.

It is evident that 15 years....15 YEARS! after he and I split up that it was such a defining moment in my life when I still avoid him. Last week he and his wife were at a restaurant where Robin and I were eating. We avoided them, and did so successfully, but the fact that I NEED to shows how deeply the situation hurt me.

First, let me get something straight. I do NOT still have feelings for him or wish that things turned out differently. I know that things are the way that the Lord intended, and looking back, he had many qualities and habits that would have been very difficult to live with. It was the way it ended, and the fact that I was so deeply depressed and didn't realize it, so much so that the breakup just about BROKE me, that brings up the hurt. I will never forget the pain and the heartwrenching despair I felt when he broke up with me, and how it didn't end for a long long time, truly for more than a year. I even dated someone basically on the rebound even though it was over a year and a half after we broke up. I dated the guy for as long as I did simply because he wanted me.

I had the first panic attacks I've had in years this past fall after his father died. It just brought up so many painful memories that I had two in one day, and they were totally unrelated to what I was doing at the time, I know. Scary!

And then there was stuff in there from G. too. I will always have a tender place in my heart for him. He was my first love. Truly, if we had met 10 years later, or even 5 years later, things might have been different. But I was NOT ready to settle down forever at 19! He really was a sweet guy, and from what I hear, he is doing well, other than the fact that he and his wife split up.

So many changes. So many people that you think you're going to be around forever. So many reasons that you aren't. I love my life and the people that surround me. I am VERY blessed, because I am surrounded by such uplifting, Godly people. My coworkers, truly, are the best. I love them so much, I could just do a post of the love and respect I have for them! And to have the wonderful family support and love I have as well is tremendous!

Ok, one little side note.....my house is a WRECK and I could almost guarantee that my inlaws will stop by sometime this weekend! What joy!! LOL Better get to cleaning, huh?!

One good thing about memories.....they are in the PAST and I don't have to relive them! And with that, I go to sleep.

Pics of my boys!

This is Isaac, who will be 7 next week, and hubby's niece, who just turned 8. She had a 50s theme party, hence the clothing and slicked back hair! Isaac's hair is super thick, so this is as 'back' as it gets!



And this is Adam, who is 4!

So there are my pride and joy!
I'll have to get a pic of Isaac tomorrow...he's going to be in the school talent show, performing with some other teacher's kids and friends as the Brady Bunch! They're doing "Keep On", remember that routine?! They are adorable!

Wordless Wednesday: Tornado

A tornado hit one of my hometowns, Big Stone Gap, Virginia, where I lived from 1983 to 1987. If you read Adriana Trigiani, this is the neighborhood where Ave Maria lives at the beginning of Big Stone Gap. Adri's mom still lives in the neighborhood, as far as I know. The house pictured is the Polly house, and is one of the oldest in town. One of my childhood to college best friends grew up in the house across the street.

Please pray for the residents as they deal with this! It is very rare that we have tornados in these mountains!

Let's try this again: We have a winner!

Unfortunately for her, my first winner did not contact me to claim her prize. #2 who was randomly generated did not leave her Blogger profile open for others to view. So the moral of the story is either be sure to leave a way to be contacted and/or the third try's a charm!

So our winner is.....geekbearinggifts! I've emailed you, so please contact me with your details so I can get this out to you!

I finally, FINALLY, feel good today! It's about time! Made it successfully through a full day of school and class til 6:30 without feeling absolutely bushed. Hooray!

OK, off to read a bit and then head to bed. Have a good one, if you read this!

Well, maybe not catching up, but....

oh well, right? Chris took 1/2 day off today and went to the doctor. He has walking pneumonia. I figured since he did, I would. Over 2 hours at the doctor later, and I was wrong! So! Now I'm worn out, have a very growly tummy, and still am behind.

But I don't have walking pneumonia, so that is good!

And I whipped out two PowerPoints for class today. Woo hoo for me!

Will I ever catch up?

Do you ever feel like this? Like you are perpetually behind on everything? Schoolwork, laundry, dishes, email, etc. Where I was out of pocket for several days with Adam and Chris and I all sick, I am still not caught up. And my durn family won't just go naked! LOL

I'm way behind on work for the class I'm taking. And then the one computer with Windows capabilities in the house is so old that the programs that I need to run aren't running. Our other computers are Macs, so they won't run what I need to run either. I did actually get my classwork for the online class done yesterday thankfully! I need to write lesson plans, and actually need to get down on paper what we did last week! Ugh. I'll catch up eventually, right?!

EDITED: February Pay It Forward Giveaway Winner!

The winner of Deborah Smith's Stone Flower Garden is Amber! Amber, I'll be emailing you, or if you see this email me first!

Thanks to all of you who entered! I'm gonna *try* to visit all of your blogs, though it may take me a while!

Have a great Saturday and keep looking for March's giveaway to be posted soon!

Edited: I haven't heard from Amber yet. If I don't hear from her by 9 pm Tuesday, March 4, I'm going to go ahead and move down the random.org generated list! So if you know Amber, tell her to come let me know she's still interested!