Snackie Sunday

The rules are simple…you copy and paste the following words into the comment box. Then you answer each word that I have typed below with the FIRST word that comes into your mind.

1. bush-Cheney
2. home-work
3. smelly-socks
4. money-change
5. poker-chips
6. lip-lipstick
7. feel-touch
8. very-merry
9. be-do
10. dork-me
11. sexy-lingerie
12. love-Isaac and Adam
13. my-sons
14. soft-cotton
15. hard-table
16. sock-shoe
17. lick-sucker
18. heart-valentine
19. hand-clap
20. drama-certain people who always have to have some!
21. temporary-tattoo!
22. barn-hay
23. song-all I can think of is "Baby Got Back" cause Chris is irritating the boys by singing it in the other room!
24. gamma-phi
25. blue-one of my favorite colors
26. Hilly-reminds me of hillbilly

If ya wanna join in, here is the site to see!

Flashback Friday #3!

<img alt="http://christis-blahblahblog.blogspot.com" src="http://tinyurl.com/5zzwl8"/>

I just this second decided what my flashback would be! I'm not sure why it popped in my head, but I'll go with it! I'm choosing Centerfold by the J. Geils Band for today! I go back in memory to third grade when MTV was brand spankin' new. I think this is one of the first videos I remember seeing! We didn't have cable at the time, but I remember watching MTV for hours at my friend Julie's house while we drank Pepsi Free! (now who remembers that?!)

I THINK my memory serves me right on this next part. My third grade teacher would let us bring records to listen to while we worked on Fridays. If I remember correctly, my friend Robin's husband Billy brought "Centerfold" for us to listen to, but Mrs. Bacon wouldn't play it. Of course, we had not clue what a centerfold was, we just liked the song!

I also remember that the spring after the song came out, a church youth choir came to our church while on tour. They stayed with various church members that night. I remember Julie telling me about how one of the boys who stayed at her house played the drums. While he was watching "Centerfold" on MTV, he was pantomiming playing his drums, up until the part in the video that the drums splash up with liquid! He then looked up and said, "My drums don't do that!"

So without further ado, I give you Centerfold!



Are you ready to share your flashback?! Don't forget to link here so we can come learn about your memories!



Have a great Labor Day weekend!

Flashback Friday will be up this afternoon!

Bus duty has me and my schedule all wonky. I'll have it up this afternoon!! Cause I KNOW that 500 internets are out there just waiting with baited breath for it! LOL

A little sad here...

Tonight was preschool open house. Adam is attending 3 mornings a week. Since it is at our church, where he also attends daycare, he just has to go next door, and then go back after preschool is over. It is a true blessing to have him there, as I had all sorts of troubles trying to get Isaac back and forth from the babysitter to preschool!

It hit me today that this will be my last preschool open house. This is my last year of preschool...the last parties, the last Preschool Sundays, the last graduation. And not only is it the last for me, it is the last for my entire family...my mom helped found the preschool, and all of my sisters' kids (and a stepdaughter!) attended there as well. So this is the last of 10 children associated with the Copeland family to go through preschool there.

I know that it is just the beginning of many things, but I'm just a tad nostalgic and sad thinking about my baby growing up. I'm excited about it too, but just a little sad.

Mamas are allowed that, right??

Wordless Wednesday--Look at that kick!

Ked broke the school record with a 46 foot kick on Friday night! I was (and still am) one proud auntie!!

Edited to add: I didn't give proper credit to the photographer.....Vikki Roberts from Tricitiessports.com!

Ten on Tuesday: 10 Things You Didn't Like About School

I'm not feeling too creative today, so I thought I'd do a meme.

1. I didn't like having to move in Kindergarten.
2. I didn't like having to move between eighth and ninth grade.
3. I didn't like going to Kindergarten in the basement of our church. Or rather, I didn't like not being able to hang out in my dad's office! LOL
4. I didn't like homework. Ever.
5. I didn't like when my high school merged with another to make a new school. I liked the smaller school before we consolidated.
6. I certainly didn't like the English teacher in eighth grade who tried to talk me out of attempting to take Honor's English in 9th grade. Now who has a degree in Interdisciplinary English and am starting a Master's as a Reading Specialist?! BOOOOOYA!!
7. After I smashed my toe in the steel door on the way to the cafeteria in the basement at Cedar Grove, I didn't like the cafeteria anymore.
8. Nor did I like the note that my teacher sent home that evening, cause I thought it was pretty insensitive of her to say,"You'll have to be more careful." Yeah, sure, cause as a 48 pound 9 year old vs. steel door, I'm sure being more careful would have prevented THAT accident!
9. I was always one of several 'Christi's in my grade, and often my class. So I was always Christy C., not just Christy.
10. This was hard, cause I really did like school....or else I wouldn't be teaching now! So I think I'll say I don't like things that have to be done in 10s! LOL

If you want to join in on the Ten on Tuesday fun, check it out here!

I feel the love!

My sweet new bloggy friend Maricris over at Zen Ventures shared not one but TWO blog awards with me! I am very touched and honored!!



The first award has the following rules: 1. The winner can put the logo on his/her blog. 2. Link the person you received your award from. 3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs. 4. Put links of those blogs on yours. 5. Leave a message on the blogs of the people you’ve nominated.

So here are the 7 that I to whom I have chosen to pass on this award:

Robin at The Dixon Chicks....

CBB at WRB

Jamie at Final Score: 3 boys, 1 girl

Heather at Outnumbered by the Brood

Judy at Where Run Day Runs into Another

Amy at Georumination


and Robyn at Confessions of a Stay at Home Mommy

Each of these women are my friends, either in real life or through message boards or blogging. I may not know them all in person, but each of them have been supportive of me and lifted me up in ways they might not even know. So for this, I say thank you, and I love you!

I think I'll save the other award for a few days!

I didn't have to work today, as I attended a school-wide discipline information session with the rest of our discipline committee from school. We had a nice time getting to bounce ideas off each other. I had to stop back by school to get Isaac, and it looks like my sub kept my kids busy, which is FANTASTIC, cause then they didn't have time to get too wild! Apparently it rained just enough to keep 'em out of recess, though, so that wasn't so good. I'm hoping that they settle in better soon!

Guess what is great about today?!

I took my last dose of steroids today!!!!













Can you tell I'm excited??!

Flashback Contest Winner!

Here we go!

List Randomizer

There were 2 items in your list. Here they are in random order:

1. 2. Pamela Kramer
2. 1. Judy!!!

Timestamp: 2008-08-23 15:30:37 UTC

So Pamela is our winner, but Judy, please send me your address as well....I want to send you a little something as well for participating! Thank you so much gals!! I'll always remember you two as my first meme'ers!!

It's Friday! What is your flashback??

<img alt="http://christis-blahblahblog.blogspot.com" src="http://tinyurl.com/5zzwl8"/>

I'm still flashing back to middle school....I guess that was about the time I 'discovered' music and dancing. This week I'm remembering You're a Friend of Mine by Clarence Clemons and Jackson Browne. I remember hearing this song for the first time at the Valentine's Day dance when I was in 7th grade. The dance had originally been scheduled for the actual Valentine's Day, and I wasn't going to be able to attend since my sister's wedding rehearsal and dinner was that night. But 13 inches of snow cancelled school and the dance that night, so it was rescheduled for the following week!

I don't remember the boys I danced with that night, but I remember this song coming on and dancing with one of my dearest friends, Amy. We danced and sang, and felt like the song was meant just for us. Even today, 22 years later, Amy is a very special and dear friend to me! And hearing this song warms my heart and reminds me that
Years may come and go
Here's one thing I know
All my life
You're a friend of mine

Amy, this one's for you, my forever friend, and friend forever!!



What are YOU remembering today? Do share!

Wordless Wednesday--Soccer starts!

The boys' first games are Saturday! I'm officially a soccer mom to TWO now! Adam gets to play this year since he will turn 5 during the season. We'll definitely try to get some good action pics this weekend!

It's official! I R a Master's Student!

I got the official letter today! Everyone may commence doing the happy dance!! I'll wait right here while you dance.









OK, that was great! School is going well. I tell ya, every year I vow to not forget how hard it is at the beginning, and somehow every year I do anyway. I feel like a shepherd herding sheep sometimes, and other times like a cat chasing its own tail. I did actually accomplish something today, though, so I'm getting somewhere! I had planned on staying after school to try to sort through the mess on my desk this afternoon, but that didn't work out as planned. So maybe I can do that tomorrow!

One big change is that we've moved from a 1:40 planning time to a 10:35 planning time. My head has not adjusted around that! I'm sure I'll adjust over time.

My right eye has taken to twitching yesterday and this afternoon. Hoping that is going to pass soon, too!

**If you haven't already, it isn't too late to get a Flashback Friday post up and link it to enter my contest! Scroll down to check it out!!**

Country Bob's Sauce Review

My husband is the cook around here. I can heat up and bake things that are frozen, but he's the one who can make up a recipe and whip something up in a heartbeat. So I asked him to help out on this review! He was very happy to oblige!

Here is what he has to say about Country Bob's Sauce:

Country Bob’s All Purpose Sauce is a sauce made by Country Bob Inc. of Centralia, IL. It is a brown tomato based sauce similar to brown steak sauces such as A1 steak sauce. Country Bob’s is available in most major grocery retail chains as well as online at http://www.countrybobs.com/.

Packaging
Country Bob’s, like most similar products, is packaged in a brown bottle. The bottle is plastic but designed to mimic brown glass. The company logo is embossed in the plastic. The bottle has a traditional pour top. The label is on a white background and features the logo and product name as well as suggesting foods to try the sauce with. A short “Country Bob’s Story” is located on the back.

Appearance
Country Bob’s is a brown sauce, fairly opaque, which is very uniform in consistency. Small bits of spices can be seen when the sauce is spread thin. The sauce is viscous enough to adhere to foods, yet thin enough to pour easily.

Flavor
Country Bob’s is a great deal sweeter than many other “steak sauces”. Underlying the sweetness is a vinegar taste and a hint of pepper. The sauce has a slight peppery aftertaste but is not hot or spicy. I tried the sauce with grilled pork chop, grilled hamburger, and grilled chicken. Country Bob’s goes excellent with grilled meat. Its sweet peppery flavor compliments the smoky flavor of grilled meat perfectly. As you might expect, Country Bob’s went great with the hamburger. It also was very good with pork. I was less impressed with it with chicken, as its flavor was a little heavy for chicken breast. The bottle suggests barbeque and, given Country Bob’s combination of flavors, it could compliment barbeque well. Overall, Country Bob’s is an excellent alternative to steak sauces produced by big companies. It has a unique flavor that is easy to love. Its sweetness makes it more versatile than comparative sauces. Whether you are grilling steaks or just fixing burgers, Country Bob’s All Purpose Sauce is a wonderful addition to your shopping cart and will certainly please at the dinner table.

For more information on Country Bob’s All Purpose Sauce go to www.countrybobs.com.

Thanks for this opportunity to review your product, Country Bob's!

An Award! Someone loves me!

My friend Robin at Dixon Chicks Plus Bill... awarded this to me!
It's the Arte Y Pico award. This award was created to be given to bloggers who inspire others with their creativity, and for contributing to the blogging world in whatever medium.
The rules state:
1. You have to pick 5 blogs that you consider deserve this award through creativity, design, interesting material, and also contributes to the blogger community, no matter of language.
2. Each award should have the name of the author with a link to their blog.
3. Award winners have to post the award with the name and link to the blog of the person who gave them the award.
4. Please include a link to the Arte Y Pico blog so that everyone will know where the award came from.
You have to name 5 little known facts about yourself for the meme part of this award.

So for the 5 people I want to bestow this award upon:
1. Kristen at The Frugal Girl. Kristen has been an online friend for years, and has taken the food blog world by storm! I'm inspired by her in more ways than I can list!
2. Mary at The Incorrigible Night Owl. Again, Mary's been an online friend for years, and has been a blogger for quite some time too! It would be safe to say that she introduced me to blogging! And it also has to be noted that she has actually BEEN to Scott County, VA (and lived to tell about it!)
3. Melissa at Mel's World. I love reading Mel's posts, especially her Speak to Me Sundays!
4. Lisa at The Preacher's Wife. Lisa and I have discovered that we went to high school together! What a small world the internet has made!
5.Misty at Rainy Day in May. Misty is awesome!! She is very honest and funny!

Now, on to the 5 little known facts about myself. I'm one to tell everything, so there isn't much left to know!

1. I bite my fingernails. I try to stop, and do okay every once in a while, but honestly, that's my one vice and it could be much worse, ya know?
2. When on a tour in New York City, I saw Tom Brokaw walking down the hall at the NBC Studios. He acknowledged me with a nod.
3. I'm a freebie fiend!! I've found all sorts of good stuff out there for free!
4. My 7 year old's feet are as big as mine now. So I may just start borrowing his shoes.
5. We went and saw Clone Wars yesterday! It was pretty good!

OK, now for others to play along and pass on the award!

Sleep is my friend

And I'm feeling much better after getting some. Sleep that is! The only thing I want to say about the aforementioned situation is that this is something I've watched for 3 plus years thinking, "Surely not. It is gonna be found out. Surely they'll see." And 'they' haven't. But it is not my worry. I have done what I can, and she's far away from me now. God has watched over me and kept me from harm with this so far, and I know He will continue to do so. THANK YOU for your support and understanding.

NOW! To today! I don't really want to be awake at 5:57, but that is okay, there are worse things. We are taking the boys to see Clone Wars today! They are thrilled! Chris has read the reviews and thinks it isn't gonna be any good, but heck, I probably won't know if it is good or not! I'll be happy if I follow the story line and don't have to ask my 4 year old what is going on!

I need to work on laundry big time, and otherwise I am going to enjoy the heck out of being home and spending time with my boys.

Oh! I got an email from one of the professors in the Reading Specialist cohort, and I'm in!! Doing the happy dance with with some scared thrown in! We start on September 2nd, and hopefully will be in class each Tuesday. (Last year it was Wed., which wouldn't work as well for me, but if so, I'll definitely deal!) Robin, it was an email from 'ol Herb himself!

The professor who is teaching this semester's course is one I had many classes under in undergrad, so I feel a little better knowing how he works, somewhat. It will be lots of work, though!

Don't forget about Flashback Friday (scroll down to see it)! There's a contest in it for ya this week, too!

Mad. Mad. Mad. Mad. Mad.

And I can't even go into detail, because sure as if I did, someone would find this and I'd either lose my job, get in a big ol girl fight, or would put my husband's job in danger. Let's just say that some idiots have decided that another idiot (and I don't use these terms lightly, folks, I'm really questioning their sanity and thought processes here!) deserved a job. Even though she's done some stupid and dangerous things. And I'm furious. I'm furious that she got her way. I'm furious that no one took the time to ask those of us who KNOW what went on for the truth. I furious that she gets to call herself a member of my profession. I'm furious for the people that she hurt.

I'm so mad that I asked for a drink. And I don't do that. Not that I don't ever drink, but I don't ask for one. Ever. I'm sitting on my front porch crying cause I'm so mad. And I can't even tell you why.

I am a people person. And unless you really give me a reason not to, I trust you. I am nice to this person, but I don't trust her. I am pretty sure she knows it, too. I'm not one to be able to hide my feelings so well.

I'm having a hard time being Christian about this. And I'm so mad right now that I don't really care. So if you wanna pray that I can turn this over and get on with enjoying my weekend, then I probably need it. While you're at it, pray for the people who are gonna be in her path, cause I fear they may need it worse than me.

Introducing Flashback Friday!

If you're like me, songs can take you back to the past in a heartbeat. Do you ever remember certain times with a smile (or grimace) when you hear THAT song? Here is your chance to share the song and the story with your readers!

My friend Amy over at Georumination created the awesome graphic for this meme. Thank you so much Amy! You contained EXACTLY the 'flavor' this needed. Stop by and give Amy a visit and tell her Christi sent ya!

I've even used the coding prowess that my friends over at MomDot shared with us to make this a button!

<img alt="http://christis-blahblahblog.blogspot.com" src="http://tinyurl.com/5zzwl8"/>

For this week's Flashback Friday, I am remembering the summer when I was 14 with Head to Toe by Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam. I was getting ready to move from Big Stone Gap, Virginia to Rossville, Georgia. I was NOT happy about it! I had lots of friends and was getting ready to start high school, and was moving from a small town in the mountains to a small town bordering a big city, and was nervous about it. My friend Derek threw a going away pool party for me and a mutual friend who was moving to Florida about the same time. I remember this song coming on the radio, and jumping out of the pool with Missy and Amanda to dance. A routine that we knew from our recent recital fit perfectly to the song, and I can still remember the feeling of the pool deck under my feet as we danced. We were sopping wet, and the sky was so blue. As I looked around, I could see the side of Powell Mountain reaching up beside Derek's house. And anytime I hear that song, I'm 14 again (and skinny!), and surrounded by people I love.

Here is the video of the song in case it pre-dates you! Take note of the BIG hair, cause we all wanted ours just like hers!



So what about you? What song takes you back? Write us up a post and link it here. I will even have a contest to encourage you to join in on the fun...I have some goodies to share, including a Disney Vacation Club DVD and a Precious Moments figurine! C'mon, confess....don't you wish you could go back for just the length of a song?? I'll leave this open for a week and draw a winner on Saturday, August 23.

Can't wait to see what you all remember!

I. am. so. tired.

I just now got finished getting things ready for tomorrow, and truly could have done more, but I have to quit sometime. I don't know what I'd do if we had to go more than one day this week. Just lay down and let 'em crawl all over me for the day, I guess! LOL That or add to my reputation as being 'hard nosed' (yeah, that was supposed to hurt my feelings. I ain't there to be their best friend, I'm there to teach 'em to read and do math!).

The boys and I went to the Big Blue Bash tonight. It is a 'meet the players' type thing where you pay for dinner and such. I can't believe that my first group of first graders are seniors this year. How time has flown! I don't feel like it has been that long. Before I know it, some of them will have kids and I'll be teaching my students' children! Oh, forbid the thought...I'm not ready to be THAT level of adult!

Off to get two books ready to mail via PaperBackSwap, and then this monkey is hittin' the hay!

Hate to be awake now, but...

thought I'd at least write something since I am! Sleep deprivation due to steroids is not doing much for my foggy brain during the day. However, I'm keeping my coworkers entertained, so that counts for something! I've still got lots to do to be ready for students on Monday, but it is doable. Now if I can actually stop talking to people and DO it tomorrow, I'll be in good shape!

I was extremely thankful and pleased that a specific prayer that I had been praying was answered yesterday! It was concerning scheduling of our day. Our P.E. time was changed and that affected the length of our Language Arts block. We were looking at having it split, and if you have ever worked with 6-7 year olds, this was NOT gonna be the ideal situation. It was going to be hard to get them focused back on reading. But thankfully, an upper grade was concerned about their timing, too. It would behoove both grades for us to switch, and viola! Prayers answered! Poor Chris' ears have gotten tired from me saying how much this change was needed, and God took care of it!

Here's where the sleep deprivation came in: I was so grateful (and punchy!) by the time this was worked out, I danced around the room singing the Doxology! Apparently, my song and dance overshadowed the praise I was trying to give! (Sorry, Lord, but I know you have to understand!)

Honestly, this makes everything else that might be frustrating pale in comparison. If we can have an uninterrupted block of time for Language Arts, the rest will fall into place. It is still not the ideal schedule, but it is definitely workable.

So, wanna know exactly why I'm up at this hour? I actually fell asleep around 10 and was doing well til 12:30, when Adam decided to come get in bed with me. There went the sleep! So stay tuned, I might have other interesting stories on myself again tomorrow!
Check back in tomorrow for sure for the introduction of Flashback Friday!

I forgot to tell you!

Lab results came back for the creepy crud that it was an allergic reaction to a medication. The only medication I had changed was that I started to take a generic form of Prilosec in early June! So I'm NEVER going there again!! The dermatologist suggested I start on the lowest dose of Prevacid and see if it helps my hiatal hernia issues, and go from there with my GP.

You wanna know what is really strange though? One of my principal's daughters has had a rash that is strangely similar! On her booty and everything! Strange, huh, for that to happen at the same time??

OK, the sleeping pill I had to take to override the prednizone has kicked in and I gotta go let it do its thing!

Have a great Wednesday, ya'll!

Wordless Wednesday--My Namesakes

This is a pic that someone took on our cruise! This is my niece Maria, whose middle name is the same as my given name, Christine. And of course, there is Adam, whose middle name is my maiden name, Copeland! Maria is going to be a freshman in high school this year! I can't believe it! Adam will be going through his second year of preschool. He will turn 5 in October! My baby is growing up waaaay too quickly!

The One in Which I Go Back to School (and somethin's coming up!)

Today was the day! We had a school-scheduled day today, and tomorrow start the Official county scheduled days. We had a meeting on inclusion and co-teaching, and I got some collaboration things done but not much in my classroom. But that was okay--I thought I was going to be in meetings all day, so I didn't expect to get to my room at all!

I'm tired, but not as anxious about things starting as I was yesterday. Getting there and seeing that we'll work out the kinks and that we're in this together helps out tremendously! I am so blessed to work with people I genuinely care for and get along with. They are all Christian women, and people I'd love to call my friends even if I didn't work with them. I thank the Lord for that!!

You'll definitely need to come back this week, especially on Friday! I've got a couple of super-de-duper surprises coming up! So stay tuned!

Itch and rash update!

Had a friend stop by and ask about the itch status, so I thought I'd update! Thanks be to God, I am much, much, much, much less itchy! I am functioning as a human again! The rash is pretty much gone and if I take antihistamines regularly it helps keep the itch at bay. Yesterday was a very long day with my father-in-law's birthday party,and by last night I was itching quite a bit. I'm going to have to be vigilant about keeping on top of it this week, I believe. Thank you so much for your prayers and encouragement during this very trying time...I really felt the prayers and don't know WHAT I would have done without them.

One good thing I have gained from this was more time spent in devotion and Bible study. Having this in hand right now, and the desire to continue, can make the start of the school year go much more smoothly (as far as my stress and level and internal Peace goes)! I'm very thankful for this, and covet your prayers that I keep Him in the forefront of my mind at all times. It is easy to get frustrated and discouraged at times with things at school not always going the way I wish....you know how it goes, same at any job! The clock is running toward the D-DAY: 1ST DAY OF SCHOOL! Time to be spent in my classroom will be at a premium when I'm tempted to talk to friends, etc. I need to try my best to stay focused and get the work done! Keep me accountable, people!

Steroids are NOT the funnest chemicals I've ever had to put in my body. They make me feel like everything is going fast forward internally, and I'm struggling getting thoughts out (without being interrupted, that is, so it isn't ALL the steroids' fault). My typing stinks like rotten eggs, and I am having to correct about every 2nd word. But this will pass eventually. I don't want to complain. Just letting you know that I'm not likely to become a body builder anytime soon, cause I hate how they are making me feel!

Hope you are having a blessed Sunday!

I've been tagged--UNspectacular things about me! (*updated*)

My sweet friend Jamie over at Final score: 3 boys, 1 girl tagged me with this fun get to know about ya! I'm always game for a game!


As with everything in life there are rules:
1. Link the person who tagged you
2. Mention the rules on your blog
3. Tell about 6 unspectacular quirks of yours
4. Tag 6 following bloggers by linking them
5. Leave a comment on each of the tagged blogger’s blogs letting them know they’ve been tagged.


The 6 UN-spectacular things about me...
1. Like Jamie before me, I have a fear of the dentist, but unlike her, I DO know why! It all began with being under laughing gas for the extraction of my wisdom teeth, and not realizing I was about to get sick ON him. It was not a pretty sight, to say the least!
2. I'm getting ready to go back to school. I'm really nervous about it, but I am passionate about the subject: teaching students to read.
3. I'm a big talker. I don't usually meet strangers, just friends I haven't seen in person yet!
4. I just can't drink diet Coke. I will drink Sprite Zero, Diet Dr Pepper, Diet Mountain Dew, but diet Coke just tastes rank to me!
5. I grew my hair out from very short to shoulder length a few years ago because I wanted to have my hair longer one more time before I was too old to wear it long!
6. I love the color orange, and not only because it is the color of my favorite college sports team, the University of Tennessee Volunteers!

So there you have it....some pretty mundane things you never really needed to know about me....but aren't you so glad that you've gotten the chance?!


TAG! You're It!
1. Robin at The Dixon Chicks plus Bill...
2. Rachel at Antithete
3. Judy at Where One Day Runs Into Another...
4. My new SISTSA at Outnumbered 2 to 1
5. Erin at School teacher by day, Superhero by night
6. and last but not least, because she's really been on my heart the past few days,
Tara at Tara's View of the World!

Thanks ya'll! Hope you are having a good weekend! The birthday party was a success, and I even got some BBQ leftovers for later after I thought I wouldn't at first (turns out mother-in-law was kidding about freezing it, and no one got that it was a joke!) Yeah, I was kinda pouting about not having leftovers since I barely remember what I ate cause I gobbled it down so quickly!

OK. Gotta find a children's sermon and get to bed at a decent time so as not to mess with the Insomnia Gnomes!

Edited to add: My friend Amy at Georumination also tagged me for this, and I wanted to make sure she gets some linky love, too! Thanks, Amy!

Do YOU have ugly jewelry?

I got me some ugly jewelry. Mind you, I teach first grade. And students LOVE to give me stuff. I proudly wear their stuff, including what I think was a home arrest type bracelet thingy that a student brought to me once cause she knew my favorite color is orange. I didn't keep that one--I was afraid of where it had been.

This bracelet was given to me one Christmas by one of my Firsties. It was probably kind of cute when it was new, but now it is tarnished. And I never have been one for Santas around my wrist. I'm a bracelet girl, but this one didn't do it for me.

So, there ya go. Ugly jewelry.

Now...ya wanna know why I'm sharing this ugly jewelry with you? Well, my new buddies over at Momdot.com are having their grand opening this month, and are having all sorts of fun little contests. I've really enjoyed getting to know the ladies there, and being in on the 'ground floor' of a neat site such as theirs. AND I'm in a terribly good mood since I am on the way to Freedom from the Rash, and I got a good amount of work done today at school. So all those together equal me putting my non-made up mug on here for all the world to see, in order for you to see this vision of loveliness that is/was this bracelet.

Now, no talkin' about how rough I look. I've had The Rash, remember? It is not nice to people who have been itching for 3 weeks solid!

Just sayin'.

Friday!!

This promises to be an eventful day/weekend/etc! Here is what is going on:

First, you must know that I had caffeine too late last night and couldn't get to sleep even with the antihistamine that the lovely Dermatologist, who is my new best friend, prescribed. Then Isaac got up twice because the cat was on his bed and a nightmare about burglars. It was at least 2 before I got to sleep well. Adam was up before 6:30 messing with the TV/DirectTV, so that woke me up well before I wanted to be. Loveliness!!

Now, of course, I am still a very happy camper concerning the disappearance of the rash. It is continuing nicely! The itching is subsiding too! I never thought I'd be so thankful for my skin and it not itching, but I AM! Praise the Lord!

I am going to attempt to go work in my classroom today. Attempt is the key word here. For some reason, waxing the halls in the building was left until this week to complete. I don't understand the logic here, and I'm not sure there is one, so I suggest you not tax your brain pondering it. The initial email we got about this said that they would be finished yesterday, but teachers said that they have been met with many grumbles from the custodial and secretarial staff concerning us getting in the building today. Now, mind you, they could easily walk down a sidewalk, open one outside door, and I could enter the building and get to my classroom in a maximum of 8 steps in the hall. My hope is that they will take pity on me, given my recently rashy state, and do just this. I am not calling and asking beforehand, because that will not bring forth nearly as much sympathy as seeing me there in person will, esp. when I give the argument that I am kid-free today so I can get some work done. Wish me luck with this! If it doesn't work out, then I have a backup plan, but hopefully it WILL!

Concerning the kid-free status: Adam has wanted to have a 'play date' at my mom and dad's since going there last week while I had to go to the doctor. Isaac has wanted to go hang out at my sister's house with her kids for forever, so I have arranged these activities. At least if I don't get to work as I'd like my kids will be happy, right??

Tomorrow is my father-in-law's birthday party. This has been planned for months. I know when he was born he didn't realize that his birthday would fall on the last free weekend before school started. Just sayin'. If he had realized this, I'm sure he would have postponed it, being the great educator that he is, and I'm not even being sarcastic saying that, it is the truth. He truly is pedigreed, but that is another post for another day. I just wish that this party was not right. now. But it will be okay.

One more thing before my kids revolt on me....I have an awesomely awesome plan for a Friday meme, and a friend has even worked up an awesomely awesome graphic for it! It isn't totally ready yet, but be looking for it, cause it truly is going to be fantastic. Or at least I think it will. And I hope someone out there in internet land thinks so, too!

OK, off to move forward on this day! Hope you can make yours a good one, too!

Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow!

When I woke up this morning and looked at my rashy bum, and it is noticably clearer! Not rash free, yet, but hey....improvement is improvement! I'm still pretty itchy, but if the rash goes, the itch will go as well, right?? Surely!!

I am SO thankful! I can handle dealing with this for a tad longer if I know it is getting better!!

I'm going to a co-worker's house today for a 'planning by the pool' session. I'm not attempting wearing a bathing suit or going full throttle into the sun quite yet, but for my own sanity (and contract hours) I need to get out of the house and be sociable! If I get really itchy, well, Stephanie has a huge house and I can go find a bathroom and scratch! LOL

OK, off to take an itch-stopping bath for a few and then work on some laundry!

Wordless Wednesday--Football Boys

My sister and her two oldest sons at our high school football media day! Ked, #10, is a senior and is the team kicker. Logan, #22, is a sophomore and is a receiver who had lots of playing time as a freshman, so we're expecting great things! I'm very proud of 'em! (Sorry, couldn't be wordless!)

For more Wordless Wednesdays, check here or here!

Back from the dermatologist!

Still no answers as to what this crazy rash is, though! They weren't sure! So they did a biopsy and blood work and I'm going back in a week. They gave me a script for an oral steroid that I start taking in the morning and for a strong antihistamine to take at night. They think it might be a reaction to a generic Prilosec that I started taking in early June, so I am to stop taking it. I'm just so glad to know that there is something that I can take! Everyone was amazed at how broken out I was, and were very sorry that I was suffering so.

So hopefully this stuff will help me out! Please, please pray that it does!

Coincidental? I don't think so!

I have commented on my other blog that I have had numerous experiences related to the story of Moses lately. I have been doing a Bible study (taking longer than I should!) on Moses at The Preacher's Wife. I've read fictional accounts of Aaron, Miriam, and Zipporah. Right now, I'm reading a fictional story of Rahab, and that is related to Moses' story as well! Then this morning, Adam wants to read out of a little Bible storybook he has, and what does he turn to? The story of Moses! I think that God is speaking to me through this story right now....I'm not sure what the message is supposed to be yet, but I am trying to be open and listen! Oh, and for our Bible lesson today I pulled out the Prince of Egypt storybook, just to add it to the mix!

Ooh, ooh, I thought of another 'coincidence'! Know the blog I mentioned above where I was doing the Bible study? Come to find out that Lisa and I went to high school together! Her sister and I were in the same grade, and I actually had one class with Lisa my sophomore/her senior year! Small world, huh?! Another God thing!

In other news, I have an appointment today with a dermatologist and am praying with all that is in me that they can do something to help me! It (this rash) is really bringing me down. It is still spreading and now itches in multiple places so I can't get much relief from ice packs. So if you read this before 4, please pray that they can find something to help me!

One of the saddest and unbelievable things I've ever read.....

Is here.


It is a story of a little girl who was so neglected that she is deemed 'environmentally autistic'. It will break you heart, but I think you need to read it anyway. It is so maddening that this child was allowed to suffer such indignities as this in order to keep the family together. I don't get that at all! I see kids who are treated so horribly by their families, and nothing is done. But that is another rant for another day!

Read the story, and be prepared with tissues!

Comment Crusade Meme!

My friend Lib at Not Much More than This had this on her blog the other day, and I thought it sounded like fun! Don't you want try with me?

The concept is ridiculously simple all you do is find a blog ANYWHERE and leave a comment then pick someone who has already left a comment and seems interesting; go to their blog and leave a comment. Then repeat the process by finding someone you think is interesting, visit their blog ...

10+ Comments left = Good Work Soldier!
20+ Comments left = Your a trooper!
30+ Comments left = Your a machine!
40+ Comments left = Pat yourself on the back and enjoy a nice rest


Sounds like fun and so I am off on my first Comment Crusade. Wanna join me?

Random Thoughts from the Mind of Christi

First, I had neglected to tell you that I think I have figured ouhttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gift the name of the strange rash. I believe it is Pityraisis Rosea. Click on those words to find out more about the loveliness that the rash is.

I talked to Chris' aunt who is a nurse at a dermatologist. She gave me some suggestions, but basically, this rash is getting worse. The steroid shot didn't keep it from spreading. It is now all over my belly and legs as well. So I'm calling their office on Monday in hopes that they can get me in and see if there is anything that can be done. This is miserable. Please pray that something can be done!

I am watching Turner and Hootch. I love this movie! I'm DVR-ing it too.

I am currently waiting for word back on whether or not I've been accepted into the Reading Specialist cohort.

I worked for a couple of hours at school on Wednesday. I basically got some things filed, arranged the room the way I want it, and unpacked a little bit.

We joined the masses of shoppers yesterday for tax-free shopping. We got some good deals. We got the boys' school supplies, some work shoes for Chris, and 2 blouses and a dress for me. So everyone came home happy!

OK, I think that is all that is running around in my head currently. I think I didn't eat enough before I took my last Benadryl, cause I'm sleepy! Everyone is quiet and happy for a while though, so I may give in to the sleepiness for a few.

Friday Fill In

1. If I could travel back in time, I'd go to the Fifties in Suburban America!

2. Give me my computer or give me boredom!

3. I am listening to the TV, and boys playing Hungry Hungry Hippo.

4. Somewhere, someone is thinking I should be exercising.

5. I'll always be a fan of naps!

6. My idea of a good time includes friends and family.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to hanging out at home, tomorrow my plans include laundry and Sunday, I want to go to church!

Check out more Friday Fill-Ins here!

Wordless Wednesday--Silly Isaac

My silly 7 year old! I can't believe he's going to be in Second Grade!

Shingles? Nope! Not sure what!

This morning when I realized that this creeping rash from Hades was spreading to my legs, I decided that I'd had it and was going back to the doctor. She says this is not shingles, both from her visual evaluation and from the test results from last week. So I got a shot of steroids and a script for a cream to put on it. Hopefully, with all that I have in me I hope, that this will give me some relief!! If not, look for my next post to say I've scratched myself bloody and am headed to the ER!

And this little piggy ran weee-wee-wee......

all the way home! Yay! We got home late yesterday afternoon, much to my delight. Very very happy to be among my things in my home! We had a good visit, especially considering my shingles, but I feel better being HERE when I am not feeling the best. Surely you can relate, right?

So, the big Bloggy Giveaways Carnival is going on this week, so I'm entering contests like a madwoman. I've decided not to offer a giveaway this time, but I'm definitely in for the next one! Go check it out and have fun entering, if you haven't already!

I got an email saying that my third letter of recommendation had not been received for graduate school (after first receiving an email saying that everything WAS there first, I might add!). I've been trying to track down what the holdup is today, which has gotten me nowhere. Lovely. Very frustrating, and makes me very anxious! And then about 30 minutes ago I realized I had not taken my meds today, so that definitely would have added to the anxiety! *insert hitting head with the heel of my hand here!*

I'm still itchy and rashy. I'm sure that is what you came here to read, right?! If you have any magical remedies to remove oneself from the throes of shingles, I'll gladly take 'em and pass them on to the world wide web if they work! I have officially had enough of this, and have visions of myself on the first day of school running around with an icepack on my rear.....oh, not a pretty picture, not at all!

Please continue to remember Daddy in your prayers. As I stated earlier, we are praying big here, for a miracle healing of this aneurysm! After a few days to process things, Dad has said that he may not wait the complete 6 months before having another scan and discussing surgery. So prayers are appreciated concerning this!

That's about it, I suppose. I think I'll walk down to the drugstore (without the ice pack on the butt, thank you!) and buy MORE ice packs so I can rotate them out like I was doing at my in-laws. Somehow between here and there I lost one of my two, and had been using two of theirs while we were visiting.

TTFN!

It's Gonna Be a Par-tay!

Please go check out this awesome site and its launch! Here is a little bit about what is going on!!

“Hey BlogoSphere! MomDot is so excited about our launch! We had been working hard to get going for August 1st, but with all the amazing support of mom boutiques and mom bloggers, we are ready to get the Party Started! We want you to come every day starting on July 28th with the party ending on August 31st, including prizes daily and feature bloggers, just in time to bang out the end of summer and into the school year. Don’t forget to list your blog for free and connect with other mommies on our forum!”

My Daddy

I need you to pray for my dad, dear internets. Here is the situation: about 7 years ago, my dad had to have an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm repaired. It was successful, and he has had regular CT scans since then to keep an eye on it. We have known for several years that he has two small aneurysms in the thoracic region, but they were small enough that no surgery was needed, and the doctors kept a careful watch on them.

He went back for his consultation after his latest CT yesterday. One of the aneurysms has grown to 6 cm, which is the size where doctors begin thinking about surgery. This would probably be open heart surgery, and who would be in a great rush to have that done? Not Daddy, though part of me wishes he was! So he has suggested waiting 6 more months and watching it to see if it continues to grow.

It has stayed the same size for so long that I honestly didn't expect it to come back anything more than 'watch and see'. Since I am away from home, I'm having a harder time with it. And add to it the whole shingles itching/IBS acting up/am not able to do what my usual routine is, and I'm not dealing so well.

We're praying specifically for healing. I would so appreciate it if you would join in that prayer with us.

I'm not able to get on the 'net much here since the dialup drives me bonkers, but I'm taking the time now for my own self-preservation! Please pray, and ask others to pray if you would. Until later----

And since everything else seems to be going strangely....

including my body going haywire on me, how about we have a car tear up while we're at it, too?

We were driving up here yesterday and the car would make this strange vibrating sound at certain times. Chris could explain when, but I know you really don't care about that, so I won't go into detail. Suffice it to say that for the third time this summer, something is wrong on Chris' car, which is the newest one we own (an '03Dodge Neon).

So today we agreed that we'd start looking for cars. Look we did. We (no make that he) test drove 3 cars. I honestly didn't feel up to driving. I'm not HURTING with this shingles stuff, I just don't feel well, ya know? So he drove a Mercury Sable, a Mercury Grand Marquis, and a Chevrolet Impala. We came back home, and apparently while I was napping, Chris realized that Kermit the Used Car Salesman had kept his driver's license! So off to the dealership he went. He called back about a half hour ago wanting some information from me. It looks like we will soon own another vehicle!

He liked the Grand Marquis best. I really liked the Sable better, because it was a tad bit shorter and I would be able to see out of it better.But since I'm not the tall one in the family and he'll be driving it all of the time, I am cool with him getting it. No big deal.

So there is the current excitement going on here! R, sorry I didn't call you back yesterday. The cell service here is not the greatest, so I'll try to call on their phone later.

Hope everyone is having a fantastic week!

Remember that rash I mentioned the other day?

It kept getting bigger and more abnormally shaped, even though I was trying to treat it with stuff. As of last night, it also started looking kind of bruised. So after taking the test this morning and taking a nap (of course! Naps come before weird rashes in the hierarchy!) I decided to go by urgent care and see what they thought it might be. I probably wouldn't have done that at all if we weren't headed out of town.

Guess what they think it is? SHINGLES! It isn't a typical case, so she did some lab work to be sure, but since it is following a nerve as shingles would, she's treating it as such.

Am I just a freak of nature, or what?! I sure feel like one!

Only *I* would break out in shingles in the middle of summer--my relaxing time of year!

It's over! I took the GRE!

I didn't ace it by any stretch of the imagination! I'm glad that there wasn't a score I had to make, cause I'm not sure I'd have made it. But it is DONE and I'm so glad that it is behind me! Thanks for your kind words of encouragement and prayers. Now, I must go nap since I didn't sleep well at all last night in anticipation!

It is OVER, thank goodness!!

Tomorrow is it!

I take the GRE. I don't feel ready, but I don't think I ever would. Being that I have spent more time reviewing and studying for this than for any standardized test I've ever taken, I guess that should make me feel better prepared, but it doesn't really. I'm going to be glad to have it over, honestly. I know that I have attempted to study pretty thoroughly, and that is really all I can do. I am trying to continue to remind myself that all I have to do is TAKE it. Even if I just show up, then I have done something, right? And they must not be too concerned about how well I do if they don't set a certain pass score....

Hmmm, sounds like I'm justifying, doesn't it?! LOL

Anyway, on other subjects, we worked out the scheduling fiasco from last night! We won't have to change our travel plans. Thankfully the people running Upward Soccer know us and understand, and also know we're reliable (in other words, they want Chris to coach!). So that is a huge relief!

Now. Just make it through tomorrow and I'll feel much better!

Please remember me in your prayers from 8 to 1!

I'm way irritated

I've been 'out' for the past day or two because of either an IBS attack or a stomach bug, still not sure which. And guess what the one thing we were supposed to do today? Take the boys to Upward Soccer tryouts! And we totally forgot! So now we're gonna have to rush home from Chris' parents next weekend to get to the second Sat. of tryouts. I'm so frustrated!

I'm also frustrated by the fact that I'm sick at all, cause everyone else is at Chris' brother's for a cookout, but I don't feel well enough to even sit up for that long, much less hang out. Big, fat sigh!!!


So I'm grumpy and grouchy and feel bad and yucky!

Reach Out BlogHer Tour--Nashville?

I can't register til I find out what my class schedule is, but durn it, if it is at all possible, Nashville--here I come! Who's with me? Robin?? C'mon, it'll be fun! We could leave after school on Wed. and come home on Friday!

Now cross your fingers that I could get out of class.....

Not going to BlogHer, like me?!

If, then answer is YES, then join in on the Blog Her Pity party! See here for more details, and don't forget to pick up the cool button for your site here!

See ya at the Pity Party!

Having a rough time today

Josh's funeral was last night. I didn't stay for the actual service because I had plans to meet a friend from out of town, but I did go by the visitation. Adam and I (yes, had to take him along, and he behaved very nicely) stood in line for over an hour, and there were TONS of people lined up behind us. I held it together pretty well. I am very glad that I was to meet our friends for a nice visit afterwards so I couldn't dwell on the sadness.

I didn't sleep as well last night, though. I kept dreaming about him and waking up. See, one of my defense mechanisms has always been sleep. If I'm really upset, I feel better after I sleep. If I'm depressed, I sleep. If I have an anxiety attack, I get sleepy. So being really sleepy today is part of me dealing with this. I am with the boys on my own today, as Chris drove the church van to take kids to day camp and then went to work at his school since it is on the same side of the county.

I'm supposed to go to a pool party/get together with people from work this afternoon, but I really don't feel up to it. Part of me knows that I'd probably feel better if I did, but honestly...I want to stay home and allow myself to grieve and do some things around here.

We did some 'school work' this morning, and I am still (for days now) working on seeing if I can find the grade level equivalent for books we have here in the house. Sometimes I'm wondering why I started this project, but hey, it is distracting. I also really need to study, but the areas that I really need to work on are math, and Chris is a big help on those, so......probably gonna put that off til this evening. I need to go outside and hose off the pool cover for the little above ground pool we finally filled up, and I think I'll let them get in it if we don't go to E's house. Now, will someone please give me permission to stay home??!

One more thing, I have this round rash of some sort on my backside. I'm not sure what it is. I put cortizone cream on it this morning, and it hasn't itched as much. It seems to have a clearer spot in the middle. I'm in no great hurry to go show my bum to a doctor, so if anyone has any great suggestions then I'll take 'em!

I know I said one more, but it was really two more...
for lunch, we're crafting some pop art pizza that I bought a kit for back in the spring. I'll try to take pics and let you know how it turns out!

Wordless Wednesday--Happy Anniversary

This was taken by my sister at dinner one night on our cruise. Friday is our tenth anniversary!

For more Wordless Wednesdays, visit here or here!

Whatcha reading?!

Melanie over at Mel, A Dramatic Mommy needs our help! She just can't get into the book that her book club is currently reading. So here is what she's asked us to do!

On this post or on your own site using Mr. Linky, give us the title and author, a review and three sentences from page 38.

I'm currently reading Running With Scissors by Augusen Burroughs. Here is what Google Books has to say about it:

Running with Scissors is the true story of a boy whose mother (a poet with delusions of Anne Sexton) gave him away to be raised by her psychiatrist, a dead-ringer for Santa and a lunatic in the bargain. Suddenly, at age twelve, Augusten Burroughs found himself living in a dilapidated Victorian in perfect squalor. The doctor's bizarre family, a few patients, and a pedophile living in the backyard shed completed the tableau. Here, there were no rules, there was no school. The Christmas tree stayed up until summer, and Valium was eaten like Pez. And when things got dull, there was always the vintage electroshock therapy machine under the stairs....Running with Scissors is at turns foul and harrowing, compelling and maniacally funny. But above all, it chronicles an ordinary boy's survival under the most extraordinary circumstances.

And for 3 sentences from page 38:

"There's always someone around, always someting fun to do," she'd said. I couldn't believe it had taken so long for me to finally see where he lived. Visiting the personal residence of John Ritter would not be more exciting than this.

So now YOU tell us what you're reading! Please visit Mel's site and join in on the fun!

My heart is heavy

Last night, a 17 year old boy was killed in a senseless motorcycle wreck. He was hit by someone who had run from police in a checkpoint and then led them through town. He hit Josh's motorcycle from behind and killed him.

I didn't teach this young man, but he was in the first class of first graders when I was teaching, so I remember him well. He was a very sweet guy--very polite and always had a smile on his face.

Lots of gruesome rumors are circulating concerning details of the accident. I don't want to know, honestly. All I know is that a child who used to walk down the hall and speak to me.

Please remember the Darnell family and his friends as they deal with this great loss. Christi

Cafe Chat

Today's Question: What is one woman from the Bible that you can relate to, and explain why you relate to her?

This is a hard one for me to narrow down! The first person who comes to mind is Rahab. I can relate to her because there are some times in my life that I really felt like God could not possibly use me because of some of the choices I had made. No, I wasn't ever a prostitute or even anything remotely related to it, but still...I have felt shunned at times. I guess it is because she shows that God accepts us and loves us unconditionally. We don't have to be perfect to be used for His glory!

If you'd like to join in on the conversation, visit Internet Cafe Devotions!

One more Friday night.....

I can't believe that another week has f-l-o-w-n by! The boys attended another Bible school and really enjoyed it! I got to go out to eat with friends not once, but TWICE! Once with my boys and my first grade cohorts and their children, and then once with my buddy Robin! We even checked out a movie with the kids--Wall-E--which was really good!

We also have a sickly cat. I'm quite attached to my pets, even if I don't talk about them all the time. Gunnar came to live with us about a year ago when some friends had a change of housing plans. He quickly became a beloved member of the family. He was a rambunctious kitten! My arms had scratches on them for months. But before we knew it, he was a regular 'ol sleep most of the day Tom cat. Up until today! He wouldn't open his eyes, even to come up the steps or move to his favorite place to nap, Adam's bed. Chris wasn't that concerned, but I sure was, so off we went to the vet. He wasn't running a fever, but he definitely wasn't feeling well. His third eyelid was fully engaged and he was lethargic. She gave him some steroids and antibiotics and sent us home to watch him, and I'm taking him back in the morning. We've forced some liquids with a syringe, and Chris even got him to use the potty outside and look around a little bit. He's still not anywhere near 100%, though. I am encouraged that he moved his bladder, so we're getting enough liquid in him. I'm still worried though, and am not sure what we're facing tomorrow. I'm praying that he will perk up some by tomorrow morning!

Tomorrow, barring a rain storm or any other unknown factors, we SHOULD get our DirecTV installed. Keep your fingers crossed for us!

I just wanted you to know.....

Ladies, I'm overwhelmed. I'm so full of amazement and so humbled, and it is all because of how another blog has touched me. My friend Robin had mentioned this blog to me in the past, but I hadn't gotten around to reading it. I had heard mention of this couple's story, but didn't realize that they 'were' the blog that she had mentioned.

I have made it through part of Bring the Rain, the story of Selah's Todd Smith, his wife Angie, and their family as they deal with the life, death, and legacy of Audrey Caroline, who was only in this world a few hours. This story is one of the most powerful and heart wrenching I have read. Ever.

The part that I just read was Angie's letter to Audrey after her birth and sadly, her death. I did something after reading this letter that I have only done one other time in my life. I hit the floor, and lay prostrate before the Lord as I cried out to Him. I asked for forgiveness and confessed things that He has long known. I told Him things that I have never been able to form into words. And I wept and thanked Him over and over for His unfailing grace, His redeeming love, and His unconditional forgiveness. Tears are still falling as I write this. I serve such a wonderful God, and I am so blessed, so proud, so overwhelmed at what He does.

After I got up off the floor, I kept hearing Him urging me to share it. Share what I felt, and how thankful I am that He is in my life. I don't feel like I do Him justice, but the truth is that words cannot describe Him. He is so much more than language or letters or symbols or anything we have in this word to express Him.

And I just wanted you to know that.

Even if no one reads this, sees this, cares about this, whatever! I just wanted to give Him my praise for my blessed, blessed life. Thank you seems so inadequate, Lord, but that is what I can say. Thank you, Lord, with all that is in within me!!

Do you love to read books??

I don't get to read as much as I'd like, but I still read at least a novel or two a month. I LOVE PaperBackSwap! Here's how it works: you make a list of books that you would be willing to part with. If people want your books, PBS contacts you. You get a credit for each book that you mail to other members. You pay Media Mail rate postage, which isn't very much--I think $3 something is the most I've had to pay, and that was a larger hardback book.

Then when you find something you want, you can use those credits to order books you'd like! You can also make a wish list, and PBS will contact you if that book comes into the system.

They even give you a few credits to start out! Isn't that cool?

If you so choose, you can also use me as your referral, and I get a credit for that. Not saying you have to do that, of course! ;) (But if you do, my username is ChristiS!)

Just click on the banner above to get started! Its a great way to get new books while not letting them pile up (as I am bad to do!)

Wordless Wednesday--Cowboy Memory

Wasn't he a cutie?!
Winter 2003

For more Wordless Wednesdays, click here or here!
Christi

Tuesday's Toot (of the horn! Get your mind outta the gutter!)

I tooted my own horn quite a bit yesterday, but I actually did some good cleaning today! We were anticipating the DirectTV installers coming today. They said to be sure to have 3 feet behind the TV where they could do the installations. So Chris and I cleaned out the entertainment center, behind it, cleaned the wall, and even moved the aquarium that had been sitting on it!

Unfortunately, still no DirectTV. After we had waited patiently for hours, they arrived around 4:30. As luck would have it, so did a thunderstorm. Though the thunderstorm passed, the installer gave us this song and dance about how it was going to rain for hours here and that he'd get us rescheduled. That did not make for a very happy Mr. or Mrs. But what can we do?? At least we're trying to get this done during the summer and not the school year, where it would be a much bigger pain in the ass! Hopefully this will not interfere with the ONLY plans I have made for during the day (except for doctor's appointments) since school got out! I have lunch plans for the next two days!


Anyway, I'll look back at that silver lining of getting some cleaning done that I might have let slide otherwise, right?!

If you're interested in joining in on the Tuesday Toot meme, please visit MommyCommunity by clicking here!
Christi

Who wants to win a giveaway??

Laurie over at Tip Junkie is celebrating her 1 year blogiversary by having 20 days of giveaways! I'm a tad late getting in on this, but there is still plenty of time left to win some goodies! Click on the button to give her a visit! And good luck, by the way!

Verily I say unto thee, I do ROCK!

I am so stinking proud of myself!
With directions from this post at MomDot.com, I created my own button! This is a major accomplishment for one who has never created or even really tinkered with any kind of graphics programs and such!

Now, since you are so proud of me too, surely you want to give me some linky love?? Just look down through there, ladies, at those of you who I give props to daily. Surely you want to return the favor, right?? Purty please with sugar on top??? *insert much eyelash fluttering here*

No seriously, gals. I was giving some thought to paying to have someone spiffy up my blog, but the most reasonable place I knew of isn't taking orders right now. So therefore, I must wait a bit. I was down and out about it, but decided I'd try my own hand at this. Now I KNOW it is a pretty juvenile looking button, but it IS a first attempt!

Now that I have thoroughly bragged on myself, I must go back to the laundry. Or studying. Or doing something relatively productive.

Thank you for your time and attention.

~~~Ladies, Christi has now left the blog!~~~~~

(Apparently I'm cracking myself up today! For real. Carry on now. Thanks!)

Those times when you know you're doing the right thing....

the Christian thing to do, but yet you feel HORRIBLE?

Yep, had one of those this evening. It has a long story attached, but suffice it to say that I was snubbed by someone I consider part of my extended family. It shouldn't really surprise me, being that his parents have only seen his infant son once since his birth in April. But it still hurts.

What bothers me is--how do people call themselves Christians and treat their family members this way? If there was some history of mistreatment or abuse, maybe I'd see it. But there isn't! Yes, there has been some miscommunication and hurt, but aren't we supposed to forgive each other and move on? What about the LOVE? Is that not supposed to come in there somewhere?

I know that this is extremely vague. I just wanted to know if anyone else has had experiences like this. I could have easily left without speaking to him. He probably would have never even known I was there. Maybe I make him uncomfortable because I remind him of the family he is leaving out of his life. But would I be any better than him if I just pretended he didn't exist? Aren't I, as a Christian, supposed to continue to reach out in love and reconciliation? I didn't speak to him to make him uncomfortable. I spoke to him because no matter how many years pass, I'm still gonna love him as my friend and family member.

Did I do the right thing? And do I continue to speak, or just treat him with indifference like he treats me?

Robin, this is BH, in case you're wondering.

Happy 4th!

It is almost over, but Happy Independence Day, readers! I have had a busy 2 days. A., Chris, and I took our kids to swim yesterday and then after Adam napped, we went to eat dinner at Chris' Mamaw's house. We had a whole passel of family there with us: Chris' brother and family, 2 aunts and uncles and his newly-married first cousin and her husband. We were pretty worn out by the time we got home!

Adam was up at 3 something with growing pains in his feet. I remember so many times waking up and going to the bathroom to rub Absorbine Jr. on my feet cause they hurt. I honestly didn't sleep soundly after that! I'm sure you can relate, right?!

We hung around the house til this afternoon, when we went to a family picnic. We did get to eat before the rain started! We didn't get to see any fireworks or parade, but it was still a very nice holiday!

My sweetie fixed us some pina coladas and we're watching Charlie Wilson's War to close out the day!

Enjoy the rest of the long weekend!

Update on A, and other stuff

Things went well! She is going to be getting child support and they are sharing custody, with their daughter staying with A. during the week and then with her ex three weekends a month. Thanks so much for your prayers! They ended up settling in the judge's chambers so I didn't have to say a thing! It stressed me out to the maximum capacity (to use a 'Copeland sister' phrase!) though, and I ended up having to take a muscle relaxer this afternoon cause my tense neck and shoulders were giving me a bad headache!

And on to other stuff....this GRE thing. Stinks. I'm not really thrilled about spending the next 20 days studying for this thing when the actual score isn't gonna count for anything. I know I could just blow it off and not study (since I've been known to do that in the past....right, Robin?!) but I hate to go into this program with remedial scores and the professors thinking I'm crazy for trying! So I've found a good free website that has lots of good practice, etc. on there and I'm gonna hit it at least a few hours a day.

Besides, I've been feeling pretty......um, dumb.....lately cause my brainy friends on Facebook have been kicking my butt on some word related games, so I'm studying up on my vocab! Watch out, ladies and gentlemen, I'll soon know words you only WISH you could guess! (Yeah, right....who am I kidding?!)

Adam was stung by a bee today. It was the first time he'd been stung so we didn't know if he'd be allergic or what, but turns out it swelled up a little and that was it. We were glad about that!

Oh, and get this....one of my mother's artificial HIPS was recalled! What the heck?! Apparently, there were some of them manufactured in Ireland and they weren't put together exactly right, and hers happens to be one of them. Thankfully, they said it wouldn't have adhered right and hers was not one affected, so her doctor was just informing her. But how awful would that be to have to have your artificial replaced?! All that pain and rehab all over again?! Thank the Lord that this was not the case!

OK. I really should stop playing and either do a Bible study or work some more on this GRE stuff. I take it on July 21st. Which is way too soon, in my book. But at the same time, maybe I can use this as my excuse to not go see my inlaws til after it is over since I'm studying online and their internet is from the Stone Ages. Hmmmmm, maybe I CAN work this to my advantage! Bwah ha ha ha ha ha!

Please pray for my friend A--and for me!

She is going to court tomorrow to set up custody and set up child support for her daughter. Her ex-husband is a real nutcase, so there is no telling what is going to happen. She's asked me to go as a character witness for her, since we've known each other for 23 years. Please pray that it goes well and for my nerves to be calmed. I've never done anything like this, and honestly, ya'll, when I went to court to support a friend a few years ago, I was quaking in my shoes and I didn't even have to be a witness that time!!

I won again! Check out the host!

Gretchen at Jewels in My Crown....Someday seems to be my kind of gal! She is determined to live her life to give glory to Her Savior, and has fun doing it! She hosted the "Sizzlin' Summer Book Giveaway Carnival" as well as "A Verse a Day in June" recently. I have only recently discovered her blog, but I certainly plan on visiting often!

Stop by and say hello, and tell her that I sent ya!

And thanks again, Gretchen, the giveaway and the 2 awesome books that I look forward to reading!

My sanctuary

I have recently discovered a place where I can go and do Bible study and really get into it! It is my front porch! I've been on the porch tonight on an off for hours just enjoying the cool air and hearing the squeals and squabbles of my sons. Of course, this isn't gonna serve me too well in the dead of winter, but most of the time, it'll do!

That being said, if you have time, meander on over to my other blog to read what God and I have been working on lately! Spending time with the Lord reminds me of when I drink more water. The more I drink, the more I crave it! Isn't that awesome?!

Hope you are having a peaceful and relaxing weekend as I am!

eeek!

I'm really doing it! I have sent for transcripts, I am getting ready to write my essay and fill out my application, and my references have been sent. I have registered for the GRE and will print out the prep tests as soon as I get a cartridge.

So now tell me why I feel like I could throw up??

I know, realistically, that I can do this. But I also know it is going to be hard work! Am I crazy for trying it?? I really think that God opened doors and nudged me into asking for the monetary assistance to go ahead with this. And though it will be more stressful for the time I'm in school, it could make life easier in the long run as far as being out of the classroom.

I'm excited, but I'm so nervous! I haven't been back in a classroom other than recertification classes in almost 15 years? What have I gotten myself into??!

Please pray for me!!

I'm a winner, so here's a plug!

I love love LOVE winning blog giveaways, so I thought I'd start a new thing and give them some linky love as a thank you for the schwag! Today I am singing the praises of Goodies for Mom, who hosted a giveaway for a personalized selection of a Scholastic book! Click on the button above to visit the site, and tell her that I sent ya!

We survived VBS!

Like usual, the last night was crrrrrazy! The kids were running around like chickens with their heads cut off! But it ended well, and we'll have a pool party to celebrate tomorrow. Woo hoo!

We decided today that we are getting DishNetwork! woohoo! I've been trying to talk Chris into it for YEARS, but he never would agree. But Embarq had a great deal where we basically get it for very little for a year, so he finally said yes! They install on July 8!

I have spent hours today saving pics on flikr from our computer that is way old and could possibly die. So enjoy a few shots from back in the day!

First: One of very few pregnancy pics I have! If I had to do it all over again...and I really don't....but if I did, I'd take belly shots!


Next: a cute shot of Isaac at Christmas when he was 2!


And last: a cute shot of baby Adam on his first camping trip!

Wordless Wednesday--Family Pic

Formal Night--Cruise June 2008

3 nights down, 2 to go!

It is going well! There is one child that could really benefit from some discipline at home, but alas....not mine to deal with! LOL

I went back to the doc for my followup on the barium swallow. I have a hiatal hernia and have been prescribed generic Prevacid for it. I'm cool with that. Better than surgery! But of all things I wish I had inherited from my dad, a tendency toward stomach issues was NOT it!! Ugh.

I felt much better today than yesterday. I did take a nap, but not any longer than my usual mid-day summer nap! LOL I slept much better last night. I still wish that the boys would stay in bed past 7, but alas.....remind me of this when I can't blast 'em out of bed when they are in their teens!

VBS Night Two!

It well very well considering. I had a very hard time going to sleep last night, and finally had to take a sleeping pill after 1. I went and helped Chris at the church for Bike Virginia, but since he had several people there, I only stayed about an hour. I pretty much slept most of the day. I was in quite a bit of pain and really tired....fibro strikes again! But I was determined to go to do my part at Bible School tonight, and God is so good...once I got there and got into it, no pain! Now as soon as I got into the car, I felt pretty rough again, but I got His work done, right??!

I've already taken a muscle relaxer and am planning on taking a sleeping pill soon and getting a good nights' rest. Hopefully tomorrow will be much better!!

VBS Night One!

Tonight was our first session! Chris and I lead the opening assembly, and then I am helping with the 3 and 4 year old class. It was fun but HARD work, as any of you that have ever done VBS know! Tonight, the "Be Attitude" was Be Obedient.

We had a good time! Tomorrow we have Bike Virginia stopping by our church in the morning and then VBS in the afternoon, so we will be B*U*S*Y!

Then Sings My Soul Saturday

When I happened upon the meme for today....that I have seen elsewhere but haven't joined in on yet....this song just popped into my head! I pray that it touches you like it always does me!

Lord of all creation
of water earth and sky
The heavens are your Tabernacle
Glory to the Lord on high

Chorus:
God of wonders beyond our galaxy
You are Holy, Holy
The universe declares your Majesty
And you are holy holy

Lord of Heaven and Earth
Lord of Heaven and Earth

Early in the morning
I will celebrate the light
When i stumble in the darkness
I will call your name by night

chrous
lord of heaven and earth
lord of heaven and earth

Hallelujah to the lord of heaven and earth (repeate 3 times)

holy......holy....holy god.....

Chorus

Precious lord reveal your love to me....
Father holy..
(backround)...Lord god almighty...

The "universe" declares your majesty
"you are" holy,holy,holy,holy
Halleujah to the lord of heaven and earth 9x