A Coach for Life

A New Phase of Life

2010-09-25T12:48:00.002-05:00

So.

I'm wondering when the mid-life crisis hits.

I've had some crazy thoughts lately; I'm sure my husband's head is spinning:

I'm ready for a red convertible.
I'm not really caring what I wear at the beach. (I can hear you gasping now. After all, tanned fat looks much better than non-tanned fat.)
Can we just move to somewhere new and start over?
How much does a tummy tuck cost, and how soon can I get that done?
Does getting your nose pierced hurt? What about my belly button?

Ok, ok. You can quit judging me now. At least I'm not ready to trade in Mr. Coach for a new one. :)

Tough Times

2010-04-24T21:34:00.003-05:00

I have to take a break from remembering this past basketball season to remembering some life lived.

Self-employment in this economy is tough. I remember hearing last year on the news how bad our economy was, and how many jobs were being lost, and how people were losing their homes, etc. and I thought, "God, you are blessing us, and sheltering us from this. Thank you that we aren't experiencing this slow economy."

I also remember God telling me, again, that I'm not dependent on this economy. I am, and always have been, dependent on Him.

As things tend to do, the "tough economic times" finally filtered its way to Small Town USA, and hit our home.

I've gone through each phase: "God will provide, I can do this" to "Ok, this is tighter than I thought it'd be" to "God! What are You doing??" to "God? Why me? What have I done to You?" to "Yes! Enough to pay the light bill!" and right back to "God? Why me? What have I done to You?"

Through it all, God has most certainly provided and hopefully I've matured. (Good grief, I hope I've matured!) I cannot tell you the number of people that decided they wanted to get together and feed us a meal, or just bring us milk and bread, or hand us gift cards to buy what we needed at the time. We have not gone without something to eat, or light, or water, or even chocolate. Thank You, Lord, for that! :)

This past month, though, it seems as if God just wanted to show out a bit. I felt like I was drowning. But He has given new breath to me. He has taken away some burdens that were heavy; they felt like mud weighing my legs down so that the next step was barely obtainable.

I give Him glory.

I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.
Psalm 37:25 (New International Version)

North Central State Tournament

2010-04-24T21:21:00.006-05:00

On we go to the next tournament.

We had a blast!!

Our first opponent went down without any problem. We won by about 20 points, and I wanted to make a statement to anybody who was following us.

I had been to a meeting where all the districts from the state were represented. Talk about being a woman in a man's world! By the time I left the table, I was SICK of male testosterone!! "My girl's better than your girl." "I've never even seen you play." "I want the best picked."

Well, you know what?!? Since you wouldn't put me on your schedule, I did you one better. I played teams you wouldn't even consider, and not only did we stay in the ballgame, we won!

Reading back over that, it does sound a bit prideful, but I respectfully tell you that the pride comes out of being handed a challenge from haughty coaches, and beating them at their own game so they have no arguement against my school.

I believe our statement was made. Actually, I know it was because you wouldn't believe the number of coaches and referees I met that asked me about our school and how long we had been open, and "Uh...who are you again?". I just chuckled and thanked God everytime someone stood next to me with their jaw dropped.

And, with that first win, school history was made. Again. :)

No other girls' basketball team had ever gone past the first round of North State.

Our second game, however, was not so easy. Since I want to remember the play-by-play and the following discussions, I will devote a totally separate post to it.

District Tournament

2010-04-19T20:15:00.002-05:00

We finished the regular season as a 4 seed. Not what we had hoped, but not the worst either.

Our first game was against the 5 seed (CA, for my future reference) and I was nervous. We had beaten them twice before, and as the saying goes, it's hard to beat a good team three times.

We did beat them, and it put us one win closer to going to the North Central State Tournament.

My point guard was suffering from some back injuries, and had decided she was ready for the season to be over. I have to say that the best decision I made was to take her out for tacos. :) She and I talked, very honestly, about where things stood and where we would most likely end up. Long conversation short, I asked her for another week of play and she agreed.

I'm sure, up in heaven, God was shaking his head at my lack of faith.

Our next game was against the #1 seed in the tournament. We had never beaten KA. As a matter of fact, they were used to beating us by an average of 30 points. At the end of the 1st quarter, we were down by 11 points.

I remember taking a deep breath and going into that huddle, and telling them to slowly chip away at the lead. I have to be honest. I didn't really believe we would win.

BUT GOD....(don't you just love that phrase?!?)

He decided that history could be made that night. Our fourth quarter was great. We were down by 2 with about 5 seconds to go in the game, when my only 8th grader on the team made a shot with her toe on the 3-point line. You would have thought we won the state championship. We went into overtime and beat them for a chance at our district championship.

I remember the buzzer going off and all of us standing there for what seemed like a minute, thinking "Did we just win? Did this just happen?" And then we all hollered and screamed and jumped up and down and hugged each other......it was a moment I hope the Lord lets me remember forever.

We went to the District Championship game against another team that we had not beaten in 6 years. Again, at the end of the 1st quarter, we were down by about 11, and I thought "This is just like Tuesday night....God, please let us win"

The similarities were unbelievable.

Again, with 3 seconds to go, we were down by 2. HA gets the rebound off of one of our missed shots and all they have to do is throw it down to their end of the court and keep the ball away from us. AGAIN, my 8th grader steals the ball and dribbles in for a lay-up. We're going in overtime. Unfortunately, we lost by 3.

I have to say, though, not one of us cried. We cheered louder for that 2nd place trophy than they did for their 1st place. I absolutely love the picture I have of that night. For a shining moment, we were...

ONE.

On the Way to Making School History

2010-03-10T17:54:00.006-06:00

I've been meaning to record on my blog just how wonderful the varsity year has been during the 2009-2010 season. Since I want to record details, I'll probably break this into 2 or 3 posts.

Let's begin with our nickname for ourselves: A Team of Firsts.

This "team of firsts" started off pretty good: Summer camp in the western part of our state, and a desire to get better, to BE better than we were. So, all 6 of us that went-2 coaches included-thought we would come back and conquer the basketball world.

Yeah, right.

After a few practices, it became painfully obvious who was committed, and who was not.

This team did something no other team has ever done: begged me to bring up talent from the JV team to help them. After painful turmoil with myself, I decided to honor their request knowing this would bring more obstacles that I'd have to face alone.

I say alone. Not really. I have one of the most awesome assistant coaches that anyone can ever have. She and I have lovingly named her "The Bodyguard".

As soon as I passed out the uniforms to these JV'ers I asked to play up, I am informed that I am breaking a rule by doing this. Instead of asking these NV's (New Varsities) to turn in their uniforms, I was honest with them and told them what I'd learned. I was totally surprised when every single girl decided they'd sit the bench for the rest of the season instead of leaving the team.

I have to say that the parents of these NV's were very cooperative and supportive of these girls and their decisions. And, for that, I am forever grateful.

Asking Forgiveness

2010-02-11T08:05:00.004-06:00

I'm not at peace with myself today.

I handled a situation a little harshly and now I'm having to "fix" it. Like it can be fixed. Saying "I'm sorry" just won't cut it. But, it's all I can do.

Admittedly, there is fault on both parts. Both of us agree on that. I just feel like that by trying to be the one who admits fault first and apologize, this means that I'm the only one in the wrong. And that just isn't the case. But having dealt with this other party before, I know what's coming.

I hate this feeling.

***************************************************************************************
God is so gracious.

I called the other person involved and they showed so much kindness. Kindness I didn't expect, and probably didn't deserve. God was so right when He says to humble yourself, ask forgiveness, and try reconciliation.

This feeling, I love.

Shifting My Focus

2010-01-30T09:32:00.002-06:00

Another season has ended.

My JV girls had a wonderful year, and ended last night in the district championship finishing 2nd. I'm so proud of what they've done. This is a team that 2 years ago only won 2 games. They finish this year 21-4 with a trophy. Hard work and committment pays off.

So this morning, I cry on and off again. :) I'm just like that. When a hard, stressful season is done, I sit and cry. The strength that carried me through is all used up, and I decompress. No sadness, just "done-ness".

But, I'm not totally done. Now it's the varsity's turn.

With all of my focus on them, we play today, then start our district tournament on Tuesday. I'm believing for big things. For favor, for fast feet, for shots to fall, and for unity among the team and their parents. That last thing is the biggest of all.

Along the way, God is teaching and showing and working. I have to admit that it concerns me that I can't feel Him, but I take comfort in the fact that He's there anyway, and He is moving. There have been lessons taught to these girls that I never thought that I'd teach to anyone their age. :) But what's so neat is that they are open to it!

And that is what my coaching is all about.

To God Be The Glory, great things He has done!

A New Year

2010-01-01T21:35:00.002-06:00

Welcome 2010!

So far, it's been good: redo-ing the closet and hanging with old and new friends. I certainly hope this is a sign of things to come.

It's time to laugh. It's time to succeed. It's time to expect more and it's more than time to stand up for myself.

I hope all this for you, too!! :)

My Christmas Presents

2009-12-10T12:39:00.002-06:00

Today, one of my kids in my class was talking about his maids. He asked me if I wanted his nanna to send her maids over to my house. I jokingly said, "Yeah! For Christmas, tell your nanna to send your maids over! That would be great!"

The next kid told me he was going to send me a psychiatrist.

Good grief!!

Split Up

2009-11-15T15:53:00.006-06:00

What is the definition of a church split? I'm not sure I know, but what has happened in my life lately is certainly a break-up of what was once together.

I do not write this to blame anyone, to condemn, or glorify; only to put down my thoughts on my own .com.

I used to love a good conflict. Now that I've grown a bit, I can't say that I desire it. Actually, I am trying to live at peace with all of my brothers and sisters. I'm finding out how hard that is, and that it even brings its own sort of conflict within me.

My heart is still heavy. I will never know all the ins and outs of what has happened, and why it happened. I'm trying to reconcile myself to that. I'm trying to put it all behind me, and go on with what is still with me, while walking toward what is in front of me.

I'm studying the life of David with my Junior Bible class. We've said good-bye to Saul and Jonathan, and are now saying hello to King David and Joab, and Abner and Ish-Bosheth, and violence among what is supposed to be a nation of God's chosen people.

In the Old Testament, Abner, commander of Saul's army, kills Asahel, David's nephew, while crowning Ish-Bosheth, Saul's son, king. Asahel's brother, Joab, kills Abner out of revenge for his brother's murder after pledging allegience to David. Power struggle after power struggle brings death to someone in the camp. Ish-Bosheth is eventually murdered by two men from the tribe of Bejamin.

And King David laments at it all.

And then the real questions are asked: how does God view all this fighting between his children? What is His opinion? When do we put down our need to be right, or at the top, and pick up His will for us as a whole?

No, I will not physically murder my brothers and sister in Christ, but do I try and wound them with scriptures that supposedly "prove" I am right? Use the spiritual weapon God has given me for "friendly-fire" instead of aiming it at my real enemy?

I could point my finger and tell God about a few who have. But then, the comeback "but you've got three fingers pointing right back at you" comes to mind. Oh, how that hurts me to know that we've used the most powerful weapon of all against our own brothers and sisters as we are fighting the same enemy of our souls.

God, forgive us all.

A Word of Encouragement

2009-09-29T13:41:00.004-05:00

Got this from a student who had an assignment from another class. Hmmm.....

A little encouragement!

Psalm 139:7-10
"Where can I go from your Spirit? or where can I flee from your presence? If I ascend into heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in
hell, behold you are there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell
in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your
right hand shall hold me."

This verse lets us know that we are never alone. God is with us, and he is watching over us. No matter how far we try to run,
he will be there with us. The reason he is always with us is because he
loves us and he wants to take care of us. God loves you and he will never
leave you no matter what.

Without Faith...

2009-09-28T13:42:00.003-05:00

...it is impossible to please God." (Heb 11:6)

Ironic that I should have to come teach a bible class on faith all this week.

So, even if I do obey, if I do it without faith, I'm still not pleasing God. Sigh.

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for." (Heb 11:1-2)

What do I have faith for? That the method will work? Oh, I believe that. Too many people have proven this method works.

That I'll be allowed to be the adult I've grown to be? That I'll be granted the freedom I so desperately want?

"I cry aloud to the Lord;
I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy.
I pour out my complaint before him;
before him I tell my trouble.

When my spirit grows faint within me,
it is you who know my way...

Listen to my cry,
for I am in desperate need;
rescue me from those who pursue me,
for they are too strong for me.
Set me free from my prison,
that I may praise your name."
Psalm 142:1-3,6-7

Walking Death

2009-09-27T17:39:00.003-05:00

I'm still trying to understand why I'm having to go through this. How can things be any better on the other side? And will they really ever change?

Perhaps the truth is, I've been in this cycle so long that I don't know any other way. I don't know how to live without this in my life. And, I don't believe that God will change life for me.

I have wants, desires, dreams. In the last 2 weeks, the hope that somehow these things would one day come to be has died. Just. died.

This morning, in church, I sang "Oh, the wonderful cross, Oh the wonderful cross, Bids me come and die, and find that I may truly live" and all I could think was, "yeah, I'm dead alright. So this is truly living? No thank you."

This can't be living. And this cannot be what I'm receiving in exchange for my oh-I'll-do-it-alright-through-clenched-teeth-and-not-likin'-it obedience.

No, THIS is what doing what I have to do feels like.

:'(

2009-09-26T08:47:00.001-05:00

My eyes are still raining. When will it stop?

Getting Un-mad

2009-09-22T16:37:00.003-05:00

I am, by nature, a very rebellious person.

So, to get un-mad at someone very close to me takes alot out of me. I have been going through a situation that I know I need to address in my life. (Person whom I mad at, can you hear me?? I know this!) But, I don't like it when that person decides-cold turkey!-that today is the day that I'm going to deal with it.

I clam up. I pull away. Don't touch me, and don't ask me to do anything for you! I can go days like this. (Don't try and tell me that it's not healthy for me to act like that. I know that, too.)

Everything within me is fighting against myself. My flesh wants to punish you for punishing me, but my heart wants to do better than I'm doing. My flesh so desperately wants you to be wrong, but my heart knows that you are so right. My flesh pulls away from you, but my heart is screaming "love me anyway!".

It's so hard to pull out the white flag and surrender. It's so hard to admit, yet again, that I am wrong.

FB Statuses You Won't See On My Page

2009-09-16T18:46:00.005-05:00

Please tell me I'm not the only one who doesn't post all their feelings out there on facebook for all my friends to see.

Let's see....what's (really!) on my mind?
1. YOU! Yes, you, and how you really made me mad today!! Oh, and about 100 ways I can get you back.
2. This UTI that I cannot get rid of....
3. That outfit is NOT in dress code. PULL IT UP AND PUT THEM UP!
4. Movin' on can suck.
5. Why are things different for me? Because I'm a woman??? You've got to be kidding me....
6. I'm really mad at my other half. Really mad.
7. Why? What in the world is so bad that you disrupt it all? I don't think you have a good enough reason.
8. Quit lying to me!! So what if you are?!?
9. I just had the most wonderful sex with my husband.
10. I am done. With you. With the whole situation. And I'm just fine...as a matter of fact, I'm better than fine. :)

Nope, I am not always the nice person that I strive to be on the internet. Until now, I could claim that, at least, I've kept inside. Not anymore.

What's on your mind that you don't post on FB? And yes, I know there's more in that pretty little head of yours!! :)

Some Girls...

2009-09-10T13:34:00.002-05:00

...are mean. Plain out mean. Mean-spirited. Hateful.

And I, for one, would love to knock them out. There. I wrote it. I do NOT feel better.

Now, {sigh} I have to go on from here. I know that I will physically be able to go on tomorrow and the next day and the next, but it will be so hard knowing what I know to be nice to them.

Here is my "mentally strong" challenge.

The Office

2009-06-12T15:44:00.014-05:00

If you can remember (it's been a year!) we moved last summer the weekend right before I started my new teaching job on Monday, so I've had to hold off on any home improvements until I had some time. I finally got to start painting around here.

Here are some before and after pics of our office.

Before-some kind of two-toned grey above and below the chair rail. We had already done some spackling to the right of the french doors. Between the wood beams on the ceiling are florescent light fixtures encased in wood. We ended up tearing those out.

View up the stairs:

After. :) The top color is Sherwin Williams Relentless Olive, and the bottom color is a can of chocolate brown we found right after we moved in.

After view up the stairs. We had to pull out some florescent fixtures from the ceiling, so hubby put up this light bulb for me to see while I painted. Being the wonderful electrician that he is, he will put in some recessed lights for me when he's not too busy working for money :)

My next project is that portion of grey that's still there going up the stairs. That leads into the eating area/kitchen and I have Hearty Orange already picked out for that. :) Hopefully, I can get started on that project Monday.

Year One Down

2009-05-22T10:16:00.003-05:00

The feeling of accomplishment is good.

Year one of teaching is complete, and I am so glad. :) I've learned so many things, and I really think I should start keeping a "book". I have been to both extremes of happy and sad; put together and broken; ready to go and ready to stop.

I don't think it's really hit me just yet that I don't have to step foot into my classroom everyday. But I'm sure it will.

We added a new kitten to our family yesterday. A girl that's mostly white with some calico mixed in on her tail and face that my daughter has named Ellie. I haven't taken any pics yet, but when I do I'll post them. Last night, Ellie stayed in my daughter's room and I think I heard the phrase "she'll sleep in the laundry room tonight" being said this morning. Ha! :) She is a playful thing, and I can tell she's never been outside 'cause she doesn't like the grass. But she'll learn to like it. She's going to go outside when she's bigger than the mice and moles. She's got a job to do!

A More Positive Outlook

2009-03-18T09:17:00.005-05:00

I knew that if I posted all those thoughts, it would help.

I've decided to get better. Life is what it is, and I'm supposed to grow through it. Growing hurts. It also helps that I spilled my guts to my best friend. :) Don't you just love best friends?

Now I can look forward to the end of this week: watching March Madness. Yes, it is truly amazing. My beloved MS State Bulldogs made it in to the NCAA tourney and we play Thursday afternoon at 3:55 pm (my time). I will not be on the computer until after they win, nor will I answer my phone, nor will any conversation steer me away--I will watch the entire game.

I say this because one Sunday, I was determined to do all my house work before company arrives prior to the Duke/UNC game so I could sit down and watch that game. Ask me how much of the game I actually saw.

None. Zero. Nada.

I will watch MSU play, I will watch MSU play, I will watch MSU play....

Me and My Wars

2009-03-17T15:37:00.004-05:00

It's been so long since I posted that I wanted to check in.

But my emotional state is not good right now. So, I'm not sure this is the time to "check in". But these little threads of thought keep going through my mind and I wonder what I would write if I took the time to put them "on paper".

I am angry. But I'm trying not to be. Inside, I'm sure I look like a 3 year old trying so desperately to get her way, but a very patient, soft-spoken adult is telling me "no" and then walking away. Ugh! I can't stand that!

So that leads to feeling indifferent. Whatever. I don't care. You're gonna get your way anyway, so why try and fight it? Why want something that I'm never gonna get. Why get my hopes up that there's a sliver of hope, only for it to be dashed and I'm left wanting.

Which leads to the logical conclusion that it would all work out so perfectly if I just wanted what you wanted. 'Cause then I'd get it. Right? Wrong. 'Cause you change your mind. And any plans that I might have made in my head are, again, dashed and I'm left standing there floored. You gotta be kidding me. OR, or I just can't bring myself to want what you want, so I'm back to being angry.

So what to do?? What to do?? What to do??

My natural inclination is to run. Run away. I can't do that, or I would have already. I don't really know where to go. Next? Spend money. Go shopping. Haven't ruled that one out yet.

Now the house is quiet and nobody is here but me. I can finally do whatever the heck I want. What do I want to do? Whatever. I don't care.

Sigh.

At least the sun's shining. I hear that it's good for depression.

WE MADE IT!!!

2009-02-07T10:24:00.002-06:00

Ok, I've been busy with the end of our season and trying to stay one step ahead in the classroom.

But the big news is.....WE MADE IT BACK TO NORTH STATE!!! I cannot tell you how estatic I am! One glance by the casual fan would have us already done with our season, but I tell you, the girls pulled a huge game out last Tuesday night!

Needless to say, we all screamed like little girls and jumped up and down and screamed some more! With about 30 seconds left to go in the game, I knew we had it and it was all I could do not to run out on the court.

We lost a very ugly game on Thursday night by 1 point that would have us in the District Championship Game today, so we're playing for the 3 seed this afternoon. I hope the girls are rested enough to play their best this afternoon.

Hopefully I can get an update on here sooner rather than later. Coveting your prayers for a good game today.....

Checking In

2009-01-07T20:38:00.003-06:00

Hey, Happy New Year to ya!!

Our Christmas holidays were so welcomed this year! :) I wish it could have been longer, but.....oh, well. First semester teaching down, one to go. I have to say that this first week back has gone very smooth, and that makes me give a huge sigh of relief.

Basketball is movin'! I certainly meant to put my schedule on my sidebar, but just haven't had the time. I am so excited about my JV girls this year. Last year, we only one 2 ballgames the entire season due to our lack of experience, but what a difference a year makes!! I hear it every time we play one of our district teams: y'all have improved soooo much! I just smile and say, yeah, we have. We are 8-3, (8 wins and 3 losses) with one of our losses coming in during a preseason tourney where we played a bigger school. The other two losses are to the same district team, so I'll have to figure out how we can beat them when the year-end tournament comes at the end of January. We have one more team in our district to play, and then we will have played everyone and I'll have a better understanding of where we'll fall for the year. I am so proud of them!

The varsity girls are certainly holding their own. We haven't won as many as we did last year, but we lost 3 key players and are just now finding our groove with a new team. Unfortunately, our starting point guard hurt her right thumb (which is very important since that is her shooting hand!) last night in the game and more during practice today. She went to the dr and now is wearing a brace and can't play in our district game tomorrow night. Big Bummer! I'm scrambling in my brain as to what to do. Sigh. Good news is that we don't think she broke it. Her x-rays were sent off for review and we should know tomorrow the status of her thumb. I'm so proud of these girls because, while we're losing, we're losing by 1 or 2 and they are beginning to understand what each other does and how each other thinks. That's what a team does, and it is so neat to be front and center as that unfolds. I'm just really hoping that it's going to help us go far in the playoffs that start in early February for them.

Other than that, I'm wrestling with the familiar what-I-want-to-do vs. what-God-wants-me-to-do battle that goes on with everybody. I'm trying to stay focused and not listen to my inner voice that says to stay in the bed every morning. :) Somehow, I've managed to make it this far without truly running out of clothes to wear, and the house hasn't fallen down due to neglect. Now, our cat? That's another story. He sure is glad to see us when we get home. :) I intend on loving on him alot once the season is over and I get home before dark.

Speaking of dark, it's about that time now. Bed time. 'Cept I have to study up on Revelation for my juniors a bit. Now there's a good time--answering questions from 17 year olds about how the world's really going to end!!

Checking Off That To-Do List

2008-11-29T14:16:00.004-06:00

It's been a productive week.

I finally got to dust my furniture. I haven't dusted since we moved in on July 31st. I know, I know. :) But, hey, it was only an inch thick. That's really not bad for 4 months. Is it?!?

My laundry is caught up. Yes!! We now have clean underwear AND socks. No more picking which one is more important.

My 3-week grade slips are done and waiting to be passed out on Monday. I'm almost done with the next 3 weeks of lesson plans. Whew!

I've loaded my iPod shuffle with the Carpenter's Christmas and some Earth, Wind and Fire, Phil Collins, and Casting Crowns. What a combo! ;) Nothing like going from O Come, O Come Emmanuel to Boogie Wonderland. Ha!

My tree is up and my table is set for the season. Pictures hopefully coming soon.

And, last but certainly not least, my side of the garage is cleaned out girls!!! My dh did the best job this morning, and NOW I CAN PARK INSIDE THE GARAGE!! {{Giddy with joy!}} Wa-hoo!!

I think I can go on. Some weight has been lifted, I tell ya.

Hope Your Day is Great!

2008-11-27T08:39:00.003-06:00

Ok, so this isn't centered and it's too big for my posting area. I truly am sorry. Hopefully you get the idea. I've obviously been away too long to remember how to resize the thing. And, I don't have the time to sit here and figure it out, 'cause I've got to get the dressing cooking and warm up the veggies and get in the shower before everyone gets here.

Happy Thanksgiving, y'all!

Starting the Season

2008-11-24T08:20:00.003-06:00

Yes, I know. It's been a while. Who would have thought teaching could take up that much time?? Geez!

Since I last posted, my basketball seasons have started. I need to update my sidebar so you guys can have a schedule. My JV girls have come a long way! We're 4-2 and for those of you who were around, we've already won more games this year than we did last year!! Wa-hoo!! I knew all that practicing would pay off one day. The girls are lovin' it! :) And they play so good together. My Varsity team isn't doing that well, but it's understandable. We lost 3 of our 5 starters, so we're having to find our identity again. We're 1-5, and lost the last 2 games by 2 points or less-bummer! But, to their credit, they aren't giving up. And that's one of the most important things that I preach to them. Never give up!

Can I just say that I'm thankful for Thanksgiving break?!? I have a week off, and man!, am I glad! Since I didn't have to spend my weekend doing laundry and lesson plans, I actually got to catch up on my sleep. I do have basketball practice today and tomorrow, but after that, I'm a free woman!! So thankful for that!

Dh is still healing from having all those wisdom teeth cut out. Important word to you: get those things cut out when you're young!! It's just amazing how much a few years really affects the healing process. Dh told our kids that they were getting their wisdom teeth cut out when they were 18 whether they needed to come out or not! Ha!!

Now, about that student. She and I are coming along. We had a conversation one day in my Bible class about the Tribulation, and she had no idea what that was! So, I gave her the cliff notes version of Revelation and got to the ma*rk*of*the*be*ast part, and she was floored! She asked where all this was in the Bible, and I told her that the majority of it was in Revelation. Needless to say, she didn't pay attention to the lesson, but had her nose in the Bible. We are now doing a class study on Revelation. Now that, my friends, is humbling. I told them that I don't understand it all, so we'll see what kind of questions they ask.

Speaking of Bible class, God certainly is showing up in them. Even if I'm the only one noticing on most days. However, there are those certain days that they all know He's been there. One day, in my 11th grade class, we were debating the hot topic of once saved, always saved vs. one can lose their salvation. They all had the weekend to look up scripture and "prove" their point of view. (Ahem.....I assigned them to one side or the other. Some were happy, others were not) This debate ended up lasting two days. I would have never thought it. But on the second day, I had a student tell the whole class why he knew that God would never let us go. And he proceeded to tell some of his personal history that shut everyone up. I mean, I've never seen twenty-one 17 year olds sit so still and be so silent for more than a minute. All I could do was say, "Uh...can we pray about this?" When I think about it, it still floors me!

Ok, I think that's enough for this post. I could "talk" your ears off! I'll try to post some updated pics of the family soon.

Happy Thanksgiving, Y'all!

My Life Condensed

2008-11-02T10:04:00.003-06:00

GO VOTE TUESDAY NOVEMBER 4TH!

Let me just say that it's been a ride.

My dh had his wisdom teeth out Friday. Went well, but his jaw is really sore. My job is to not let him overdo it. He has a tendency to climb the walls.

My pre-season started last Monday. Both JV and Varsity girls lost to a very, very good team. So both teams played again on Thursday. JV and Varsity won their first game, so we played again that day. I coached basketball from 11:30 am to 4:50 pm that day. My voice has not recovered. JV won both games on Thursday, so they got to play again yesterday. They won, and got a plague for winning the loser's bracket. :)

We're taking the day "off" and staying home today. Dh needs to rest, 'cause he says he's going back to work tomorrow.

After being out of the classroom on Thursday AND Friday, I've got some catching up to do. Lesson plans for me today.

I'm handing out prayers to those in the "Not Fans of Coach Jenny" club. And, I have to say that God is showing up tremendously in this fight!! He's rearranged so many circumstances for me that I can, in no way, say I've done anything. He's doing it all! Thank you, God!

I'm still butting heads with a certain student. She's stolen my heart and it's hard to see her act the way she does. But, God's working in this too. I decided to back off the "relationship" after hearing from God, and she's coming around. Still not the best, but at least she's not ignoring me. (I guess it's kinda hard to ignore your teacher when you need to make the grade, but still, you get the point....)

Ok, I guess that's the long and short of it all. It sure is funny that these few paragraphs took a couple of weeks of my life. ;)

Hurts of the Heart

2008-10-07T11:00:00.006-05:00

Fall break happened this past weekend. I wish it were longer.

I have learned how to live life without access to email or bloggyland. I'm glad there was something to take up the time or I don't know that I could have made the break.

I have learned that I believe the lie that there aren't enough hours in the day to do everything. It's gotta be a lie. It just has to be.....

I have learned that there are some people that you just can't trust no matter how much you want to. So, I gave them chocolate. After a day of avoiding me, they are slowly beginning to talk to me again. And-I'm sure-about me.

I have learned that I don't have thick skin. Nor do I really want it.

I have learned that it hurts to love without knowing why you love in the first place.

Honestly, I'd love to give it all up and return to the house. My new-to-me house that still has boxes everywhere and where my under*wear is strewn all over my room because I don't have a drawer to put it in. I'd love to not care so much. I'd love to give up. Throw up the white flag and say "I'm not doing this anymore. I quit."

But I can't.

So, tomorrow I'll go back to that battlefield, smile and joke with the kids, and try to live one moment at a time.

Did Jesus hurt like this?

Speaking of Jesus and hurt, I've been reading the book The Shack to my 11th grade Bible class. Have you read it? What do you think? And no, I haven't visited the website yet. I intend to do that in all my spare time. It's a deep book that has caused discussions that I'm glad got them to thinkin' about what they believe and why. I recommend it to you.

Until Later...

2008-08-30T16:34:00.003-05:00

So the truth is this: blogging has completely dropped off the radar.

Sad, huh?

It's been an emotional ride around here the last month, and I have wished that I've had the time to sit and write out all my thoughts and feelings and things I want to say but shouldn't. But, life is showing that right now my focus is here.

At my home. At my school. And very, very soon at the gym.

I don't know when I'll talk to you next, but I am keeping the blog available to any of you who want to drop a line now and then.

I have made some awesome friendships over the last year, and I know that if I don't meet you this side of heaven, we'll have alot to talk about when we get there.

I'm not saying good-bye. Only until later....

A Quick Note

2008-08-14T17:03:00.002-05:00

Hey!! Just wanted to put something out there.

I don't even remember what my last post was about to catch you up from that point. I have moved across town, and am still settling into my new house.

We began to move on a Thursday afternoon--my birthday :0)--and I started my new teaching job that next Monday. Whew!

Since then, I haven't had time to catch my breath, much less write a post. My intentions are to post some pics this weekend, but I can't promise anything.

I miss you. I'm so sorry that blog reading just isn't happening right now. Life is. And it's going really good.

Until next time.....know that I think about YOU!

Remembering

2008-07-29T08:04:00.003-05:00

For all the obstacles that have come with this move, (and there have been more than I've been writing about simply because I didn't want to complain constantly) I know one thing:

I have dealt with my past sins and am finished with the reaping that comes as a result.

What a freedom in knowing that. My friend-and perhaps yours too-Julie wrote a post today entitled Standing Firm/Staying Put. It has reminded me to remember.

You know, I serve a God who calls me to remember. Remember what He did to the Egyptians who tried to recapture the Israelites after letting them go (Ex 15:21), remember how He has brought me through trial after trial, remember His faithfulness in ALL things. Even the book of Deuteronomy is a call to the Israelites to remember God's law.

I remember wanting to move away from my town just as soon as I could. In fact, my plans in high school included going off to college and moving to a big(ger) town so that no one knew me and I didn't know them. I could start over. No raised eyebrows if I walked into the room with whispers of "that's coach, you remember her. She...(you fill in the blanks)"

However, God had other plans. Including me living in house in the back of the same neighborhood where I lived in high school. (Pretty far move, huh?!) And over the course of me living there, He brought people into my path that I'd just as soon never see again.

But it was through those people that God dealt with me, and caused me to forever be changed. To be set free from fear and worry. And the chains that I was wearing by choice.

Just before our house was put up for sale, God sent a word to me telling me that the time of havesting from my rebellion was complete. If you could picture a field, that He had gone through that field and cleaned it out of all the bad seed I had planted there. It is done. It is finished. I have a field that has good seed planted there. Now is the time for harvesting that good seed.

Yes, God has moved us on from that house. I will remember what else He has moved me from. And how, in HIS timing, it all came to be.

In the Meantime...

2008-07-24T08:50:00.003-05:00

Things have settled a bit around here. Thank the Lord. Seems I can catch my breath this morning.

The phone number thing eventually worked out--after spending 2 hours with the phone company glued to my left ear. Our house number will be re-installed when we move in the new house, and our business number is forwarded temporarily to my cell phone until we move in. And we can keep both phone numbers. Yay!! They found a solution and made it happen.

We did close on the sale of our old house, so now I guess I can make the transition from saying "old house" and "new house". We're homeless for another week. Meaning, I'm not responsible for a mortgage payment. We found out yesterday that paper pushing mortgage documents takes longer than anyone likes, so we won't be able to close on our house until July 31st at 1:00 pm. We'll move in right after that.

We are not, nor do we have to be, homeless. :0) Both dh and my parents live in town, as well as our grandparents so we had plenty of options to choose from. We decided on my parent's house because they have 2 extra bedrooms and 1 extra bathroom for our family to use. Dh's parents have 2 extra bedrooms, but we'd have to share one bathroom between the six of us. Certainly not a bad thing--if we had to do that. We don't, so decision made.

In the midst of this "meantime", we still are doing what we've got to do. I'm at the gym today with the girls, and we have a guest coach. That's another post for another time, because I'm so hyped about who God sent our way!! Dh is trying to work everyday without needing too much info from me because all our office is packed in boxes. He's also doing the sound for our YMCA's play this weekend "Back to Mayberry 2". Tonight is his final practice, but that has proven to be a looonnnggg one. Needless to say, he's not getting all his sleep.

Moving + Sound engineer + Too Little Sleep = Tired + Stress

Not a good equation. Sunday afternoon will be spent sleeping, I'm sure :0)

This is NOT the Way It Is Supposed to be Happening

2008-07-22T12:13:00.004-05:00

Well, I just heard from the lawyers, and we'll be closing on the sale of this house tomorrow morning.

My realtor tells me that I won't be closing on my new house until Friday or early next week.

I'm crying.

I realize this isn't earth shattering, and there are definitely worse things to be shedding tears over, but it all came down on me just now.

My original realtor went to Boston, MA for two weeks last Thursday--which means she won't be back until next Wednesday. (She conveniently forgot to tell me this fact.) So, she had another agent work with us for one day before we were handed off to the broker. And the broker was mighty confused when the paperwork hit her desk.

Now what seemed so simple and straightforward has literally stopped.

I have the phone glued to my left ear discontinuing my utilities, and trying somehow to move my phone service from one place to another with an unknown lapse in residences. {Sob, sob} It wouldn't be so bad if it was just my home number. This is our business line, and we can't afford not to have it working.

Or worse: lose this number altogether.

Talk about expensive. Letterhead, business cards, advertising, phone book listings, etc.

My mind is running away with it all while I'M ON HOLD!!!

Sigh. I AM trying to take deep breaths and pray and let Jesus take care of it. I am trying, I am trying, I am trying.....

The New House

2008-07-20T20:26:00.005-05:00

Finally!! I got some pics uploaded. I don't know what was going on the other day when I couldn't get anything to post.

Anyway....here's my very-soon-to-be new house :0) It's a split level English Tutor style house built in 1987. I fell in love the minute I walked in.

And, as promised, my new kitchen. Everything stays. It's not as big as the one I have in my soon-to-be old house, but it's still big enough. And has a convection microwave--something I don't know anything about. :0) (If you do know something about these things, clue me in!)

We are waiting to hear from our buyers and their bank to set a closing date. The buyers have told us they want to close on Wednesday morning, but sometimes bankers have other ideas. BUT, I do think we'll be moving into our new house by the weekend. It's going to be a wonderfully, busy week!

A Word To Us

2008-07-16T08:40:00.003-05:00

Before I even turned the computer on, two very different posts were swirling in my head. I tried to upload pictures of the soon-to-be-mine kitchen, but neither IE nor Firefox would cooperate so obviously God wanted this other one to be written first.

I try hard (ok, let me be honest: on some weeks I try hard) to get up early enough on Wednesdays to catch Life Today so I can see Beth Moore. For some reason, I remembered last night that today would be Wednesday and asked my hubby to make sure I was awake before he left so I could get up and watch Beth.

God was certainly in the details leading up to this morning, people. And He was in this broadcast.

We ended up in Psalm 8:2. And I learned some original Hebrew to bring the modern-day English translation alive. Let me type out the verse so you won't have to get up and get your Bible:

From the lips of children and infants
you have ordained praise
because of your enemies,
to silence the foe and the avenger.
Psalm 8:2

Now, let's go back to the first line. Children and infants are talking about the weakest instruments there are. When Jesus told us that we are to become like little children, we will become weak. So He can become strong in and through us.

But the word "silence" in the original Hebrews means a sabbath rest. Even before Beth started expanding on the subject, my spirit leapt. Look who has to take a sabbath rest when I, the weak instrument, starts to praise. His foe. His avenger. Those who oppose our God. Oh, hallelujah!!

When praise comes from my lips, and doesn't stay in my head, our enemies have to take a sabbath rest. (Think about what the Orthodox Jews do on the Sabbath. Nothing. At all. They totally take the day off.) Our enemies cannot say anything. AND, to top that off, they listen to what we say!! How exciting is that?!? They are hearing just how wonderful and mighty my God is, and how they are defeated!

This little child just has to raise her hands at the revelation of it all. And, of course, I offer some audible praise. To shut up the enemy.

Girlfriends, I'm so filled today. And I'm excited. What a word this is! Rejoice today that when you audibly praise, your enemies shut up and listen.

Oh, thank you Jesus!! How wonderful are Your ways!

(For those of you who may not know who Beth Moore is, or do not have capabilities of watching this program, click here. You can watch on the internet. Today's broadcast is entitled What To Do When You Don't Know What To Do. I'm not sure if it's Part One or Two)

Now Where Are Those Indestructible Bracelets? (and my girdle...)

2008-07-14T12:27:00.005-05:00

Yippee!!

Not only did we find us a house, but we put in an offer, they counter offered, we counter offered, they accepted, we signed, and now we're off. :0)

We are soooo excited. I want to post a picture of our new house, but I don't have a good one of the front. I do have one of the kitchen, but that just doesn't show the whole picture, ya know?

Anyway...I called our buyers this morning to see if they have nailed down a closing date, and we're waiting on the appraisal report that should be back to their bankers by mid-week. Then all goes to the attorney, and--are you ready??--it is possible we could be closing by late this week.

Egads, Batman!

That really floored me. I expected to be closing on next Friday. Like, the 25th. Care to guess how much packing remains?

I'm going to find my Wonder Woman outfit. I just hope it still fits. I haven't worn it in ages ;0)

My New Home Away From Home

2008-07-11T07:56:00.005-05:00

Here's my new classroom!! :0)

And here's a closeup to the scripture verse that has been painted above the window. I didn't request it; it's actually been up there for years. Before I even had need to be in this room.

I hope you can read it. If not, it's from Habakkuk 1:5. This is like a kiss from God to me. On May 20, 2006, a very godly woman was praying for me. After that prayer she spoke scripture to me from God, and this verse was one she told me. I went to my Bible and wrote down the date in the margin.

And to walk into my new calling, only to have this on the wall!! How great is that?!?

Thoughts for the Day

2008-07-10T11:05:00.002-05:00

Since we signed a contract with the new buyers, it's been a little surreal around here for me. We've been in this house for 11 1/2 years, and have invested alot of heart to make it "home".

The house inspection took place yesterday, and went really well. There are always things that come up, or so I've been told, but I was really praying hard that those things were not going to cost alot of money. And, guess what? No surprise that God answered that prayer. :0)

I talked with the buyer this morning, and he only requested we take care of two things off the list. But, dh had already decided he was going to take care of four things. Obviously, the buyers are happy, and we feel like we are doing the right thing. So, everyone's happy. Yay! (wave hands in the air)

Now, I'm left overwhelmed. I have too few boxes to pack up too much stuff. And it seems like everything is starting to happen around us, pulling here and there. A family birthday celebration, basketball practices, needing to study for the new job, dh working so much, packing this house so we can be out very quickly, and no time to discuss the houses we've looked at to see if we want to make an offer on one. And, every phone in the house is ringing. I hang one up only for the next one to ring. That really stresses me out!

I'm not asking for help--for those irl friends who are reading this. I'm just putting my thoughts on "paper". And, I know in about 6 months when I read this again, I'll be able to see just how everything worked it. Because it will. I do know that.

But right now, it's all a little heavy. Even this post has taken longer than it should to type.

So, {deep breath} I'm off to shower and leave this house for the gym. And 20 girls who are probably in the midst of drama and have too many hormones doing crazy things in their bodies. Ha. Funny how doing what God's called you to do can lift your spirit. These days, I always leave practice lighter than when I got there. I'm liking that.

Branson Vacation-Day Four

2008-07-10T10:18:00.010-05:00

Our last day spent in Branson was jammed packed. We woke up to thunder and lightening. So we spent some time at the outlet stores.

A few hours and seven inches of rain later, we had dinner on the Branson Belle. We had a salad, roast beef AND chicken cordon bleu, mashed garlic potatoes, steamed veggies, and dessert. The food was delicious.

my son and daughter

on the top deck of the showboat.
l to r: dh, dh's mom, my son, dh's dad, my daughter, and me

After the cruise, the boys had some time to do a little trout fishing on the Taneycomo. They were supposed to go first thing in the morning, but the thunderstorms put a dent in their plans. This water is around 50 degrees-very, very cold!-and trout thrive in cold water. Dh's dad hooked one, but it got off before my son could land it. :0(

After an hour of fishing, my daughter had requested to ride the horse around downtown Branson.

And, my son had requested a game of putt-putt golf. He talked big, but in the end, it was dh who won the game. We all had fun playing. I could bore you with many golf pics, but here's one with the two of them with clubs in their hands. ;0)

By the time we finished 18 holes, it was after 10 pm. That's alot to cram into an evening, especially when you have at least 10 hours driving/stopping/eating before you get home the next day.

And, it was an eventful day. We headed south from Branson, and almost made it to Little Rock before experiencing some car problems. After two hours in Little Rock, turns out the problem was that water had pooled up on one of the cylinders and we needed an expensive vacuuming job. We can only assume the water came from the downpour the day before, but still shake at heads at how the problem appeared a day later! Pepboys took care of us and we finally crawled into our bed at 10:45 pm. Whew!

Branson Vacation Day Three

2008-07-09T10:56:00.006-05:00

The boys had decided beforehand that a trip to Springfield, MO was in order. One cannot go within a 30 mile radius of the home of BassPro Shops, and not visit. Oh, no! We left Branson around 9:00 am and spent the day there.

Dh and I said that we must eat supper at Lambert's, which is where the picture below is taken. Our family eats at Lambert's in Foley, AL when we go to the beach, but now we can add Sikeston, MO to our list. :0) Dh's parents had never been, and we wanted them to experience the atmosphere. The Lambert's in Sikeston is different than Foley, but the food was still absolutely wonderful and too much! Oops. I've been corrected. We actually ate at the Lambert's in Ozark, MO. So sorry I didn't know my MO geography. Thanks to Sharon and JennaG for pointing me in the right direction.

l to r: Dh, me, my son, my daughter, dh's mom, dh's dad

You might have been wondering what the girls did while the boys were wondering around all that wilderness. We headed to the mall!! Where else?? These are the only things I bought:

Surprised?!? A pair of running shoes. The new Nike Shox. And since they're new, they came with a hefty price tag. Which is why I've been debating whether or not I should keep them. I've never paid more than $75 for a pair of running shoes, but this doubled that. Yikes!! I'm wearing them around the house today with my regular socks to see if they are worth that much investment. They do come with a 2 year warranty from Nike, so they should last me that long and helps with the money issue.

I just know me. Never mind the shoes will probably last more than the 2 years. I'm going to want a new pair just for the change. Are you like that?

Uh, anyway, back to Branson, Day Four-our last day there-coming up tomorrow.

Branson Vacation Day Two

2008-07-08T08:41:00.009-05:00

Our second day, we rode the Ducks. These are military vehicles used on land and water. We enjoyed our tour. They took us high on the mountain, showed some old war vehicles, and then took us out on Table Rock Lake.

waiting on our ride in the gift shop.
we all love to try on different hats and see what we look like.

we have become quackers!
front: me and my son; back: my daughter and dh

driving the Duck on the Lake

After riding the Ducks, dh felt ill and had a slight fever, so we went back to the condo for a rest. I got to walk on the treadmill for a while, and enjoyed some alone time. I knew we would be eating way too much food, so this was a proactive thing for me to do.

After supper, we hit Celebration City. A small amusement park just off the strip. My son and I fell in love with one of the small roller coasters and ended up riding it 3 times. No pictures of it--I was too busy having fun!

riding the small log ride: son in front, daughter in middle, me last

This Is In My Front Yard

2008-07-07T07:53:00.003-05:00

(No, that's not my house in the background)

Branson Vacation Day One

2008-07-03T15:08:00.007-05:00

I didn't get a chance to post about our trip that was coming up until now.

And we're back already. :0)

Dh's parents wanted us to go to Branson, MO with them this summer. We left last Wednesday, and finally arrived there after 10 hours! Whew!! That drive was one of the longest I've ever experienced.

After we checked in to our condo, the first stop--of course--was to Wal*Mart. (Why is it that we must always go there first??) Then we went to the Branson Landing. This is a waterfront strip full of shops and restaurants. I really like this spot. We ate a new-to-me restaurant that is in the Missouri/Arkansas/Oklahoma area: Shorty Small's. It was soooo good!! If you're up that way, or live near one, you should really try it.

At every hour and half-hour, the Branson Landing had a water and fire show. We watched the 9:30 and 10:00 pm shows. They only last for a few minutes, but it's right on Taneycomo Lake so we enjoyed the view during the two shows.

Here are a few pictures from Day 1.

l to r: me, my daughter, dh's mom at the Branson Landing

clockwise from the top left: my son, my dh, and dh's dad at the Branson Landing

Fire and water show

House Update

2008-06-20T20:46:00.003-05:00

I heard from the couple who want to buy our house. :0)

I had really been praying, asking God for this whole process to go through. If these weren't the people, then there were no prospects. And that was discouraging to me. So, about Tuesday, I determined that I was going to live my life and do what I had to be doing. Coaching basketball, teaching a great class on Wednesday nights, and finishing the painting in the office.

Focusing on that instead of the anxiety of the other really helped this week.

When I got home from basketball practice Thursday afternoon, there were two messages on our answering machine. One from the couple in Madison, MS, and one from a new person who wanted info on the house.

I immediately called the Madison couple. Turns out, the bank approved them fairly quickly. (Can I tell you that my face just lit up at that info??) But, they are having to wait on the school board here to finalize his contract so the bank can have that in hand. The school board will meet by July 10th. Hopefully sooner. (As in, next week would be great!)

I was honest with them about the other caller, and they were honest with me and said they really want our house. It's just a matter of waiting.

So, while I'm waiting, I'm looking at houses for sale. You know, it's so hard to find a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, decent house with 10 acres and a pool and a lake convenient to both school and church and shopping for around $100,000. Ha, ha,ha!! :0)

Ahem. Anyway.

Thank you for your continued prayers. We are so blessed to be able to petition each other, and even more blessed to be the one lifting our sister up before the Lord.

CD Winners

2008-06-18T12:17:00.003-05:00

Ok, girls. The winning numbers are:

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:
4 10 5
Timestamp: 2008-06-18 17:17:04 UTC

Commenter #4 is Pam. (No blog.)

Commenter #10 is Lori, a new visitor to my "gym".

And, commenter #5 is Christy.

Congratulations all. :0) Please be sure and get me your mailing addresses so EMI can get your Cd's in the mail to you.

Remember, if I haven't gotten your information within 48 hours--Friday, June 20th at noon--I will pick another winner.

The David Crowder Band

2008-06-18T12:05:00.001-05:00

**THIS IS A STICKY POST. PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR MORE.**

I promised y'all a giveaway today, and boy, is this a good one!!

David Crowder*Band REMEDY

It all started with the song "Everything Glorious". Have you heard that one? My favorite line in the whole song is at the end of the first chorus when he sings "You make everything glorious, and I am yours. What does that make me?" That just makes me laugh. You and I? We're glorious!!

Then their second release from this album, "You Never Let Go", is truly a song of lament but laced with the truth that no matter what has come our way, He never lets go of us. This song was in my spirit as I was traveling east to be with my friend as she sat through her daughter's heart surgery. "Ever faithful, Ever true, You I Know, You never let go"

When EMI contacted me and asked if I'd like to offer a CD to my readers, I jumped at the chance! I immediately asked for DCB's newest release, and it has not left my CD player!

I can't tell you the last time I had a CD where I loved each and every song. I mean it. Every song on this CD is more awesome than the last. And when I look at the lyrics, I know why.

It's the Truth. He's in every song. He is the focus of every song. And when you're singing about The Remedy to The Remedy?!? An uplifting effect to say the least. (I double dare you to try it!)

This CD is very upbeat. A rock offering. So, if a more soft, ivory feel is what you prefer, you are not going to be satisfied with REMEDY.

However, if you want some beat and guitars to get you going, to sing...and even dance along...with, this is it! I can't tell you how many times I've sang loudly with DCB over the last week. And, I intend on singing many more times with them. (I wonder if they'd allow a new member to the band??)

So, by now, I hope you're wanting to take advantage of EMI's generosity. All you have to do is leave me a comment-and you don't have to have a blog to enter! (For nonbloggers without a profile, be sure to include your name and an email address with your comment) I'll draw 3 names at 12:00 noon CST on Wednesday, June 18th, 2008. If you do have your own blog, I'm also asking you to do a short post on this contest with a link back here so that others get a chance to enter. If you are chosen as a winner, I'll email you. (If I cannot get in touch with you or haven't received your physical address within 48 hours of posting the winners, I will be forced to choose another winner.) Good luck!

P.S. For those of you who have never heard, or don't know if you've heard, the DCB, I found this ecard online and you can hear snippets of every song on the CD. Be sure and let it load, then you can choose from the list.

Why I Am Not A Painter by Trade

2008-06-17T10:30:00.000-05:00

I kicked the bucket.

Talk about frustration. I was very frustrated yesterday.

I'm trying to finish my office/dining room so I can be done painting in this house. After I surveyed the project, I knew that I needed painter's tape. We have trim at the top and the bottom and a chair rail in the middle.

So. I look for the blue tape. None here. I call dh, and of course, the tape is in his truck. Across town. Do I want to drive to get "free" tape, or do I just go buy some closer to home? After deliberating this for a minute or two, I decide to drive to get the "free" tape so I can go to the grocery store to pick up some banana boxes to begin packing some things. (Which they didn't have, so now I'm on a waiting list for banana boxes. Who'd ever thought there were waiting lists for banana boxes?!?)

Two hours later, I'm home dusting off the trim. {Sigh} This obviously isn't going to get done in a day.

After phone calls and other duties around the house, I'm finally taping off some of the area. {Sigh again} This takes time, and I'm not sure I've taped very well.

I paint, and pull the tape off. Not too bad. Not perfect either. But it will have to do.

Uh oh!! What's that?? I've dripped some trim paint on my newly-painted walls. And this is oil based. So I call dh to see if he has paint thinner. Thankfully, he does and it's just outside on the shelf. Problem solved in about 5 minutes. Whew!

I then decide that taping is for the birds, 'cause it's wasting my precious time, so I do some trim free-handed. Not bad, not bad at all. In fact, it looks just like the area I had taped.

V-I-C-T-O-R-Y!! I re-strategize. If I start with the top trim, then move to the middle rail, then finish at the bottom, I shouldn't brush up against any wet paint, and this party can finally get started.

Up I go on my step ladder. Great. {Smile} A portion of the top trim done, so I head down to move my ladder the left. And what do I step on??

The half-full bucket of oil-based trim paint. That proceeds to spill all over my sheet that I had put down.

"Ok," I think, "no problem. It's only on the sheet. And my foot, but that will come right off with a soak in the paint thinner."

Only, I can't put my right foot down anywhere to go pick up the paint that is now running off the sheet onto my carpet.

Oh, oh. Hurry, Jenny!! Think! Put the right foot down anyway and move it, sister!

Which is what I do. I'm thinking more about the carpet and less about the sheet now, so I bathe my rag in the thinner and the paint comes right off. And I wash my foot off. Now, what to do about the sheet? I start to roll it up so I can just throw it away and start over.

Yikes!! The paint has seeped through the sheet to the carpet. More quick thinking. More paint thinner to the rescue. More anger management exercised.

Less trim paint that matched all the other trim in our house. {Double sigh!}

Needless to say, I put it all up. I was so mad at the situation that I stood up and said to whoever would listen, "I WILL finish this room! Make no mistake about it!"

And, that's where I am, girlfriends. One wall down, three to go, and

I WILL WIN!

Buyers of the House

2008-06-16T07:30:00.001-05:00

Obviously my mind was running faster than my fingers on that last post about the buyers of the house. A couple of irl friends were confused, and you might have been, too.

Mandalyn and her hubby are NOT buying my house. I was telling her all the info about the people who are very interested in the house, and where we are in the buying/selling stage, and that's when she said that getting pre-approved shouldn't take very long. Only about a couple of days. The couple looking at the house is moving here from Madison, MS. He got a teaching job at the school that's about 3 miles from my subdivision, so this location would be perfect for them.

So. There we go. So sorry to mislead you.

Changing gears now.....basketball practice starts tomorrow. I've heard that some girls are so excited about starting practice-we'll see how many show up with a good attitude. A few girls went to a basketball camp last week, so I'm anxious to hear about their experiences. After not seeing some of these girls since the last of January, it will be nice to reconnect.

Ok, that's it for now. I'm off to shower and go get some trim paint. And some boxes. I think I'll start packing by faith. ;0)

More Painting

2008-06-13T08:40:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to show you the newest re-do in our by-faith-soon-to-be-sold home:

The truest maroon-for us MS State and Texas A&M fans, Lisa-on the right is the old color, and the brown khaki on the left is the new color. (I finally got smart and decided to take a picture of where I stopped for the day to show the contrast.)

I am asking for a short breath prayer (you know, a sentence or two prayed very sincerely?) on my behalf today, if you will. I told you that I showed the house to a couple this past Monday. They called yesterday to let me know that he got the job here in town that he interviewed for, and they are very interested in the house. They went to the bank to start the pre-approval process yesterday. Mandalyn tells me that they should know something in just a couple of days, so I'm hoping that I'll know something today. And, I hope they'll make an offer on the house!!

Here's another picture of our newest "family member". My daughter had been calling him Smokey, but just the last few days just calls him Cat. So, I'm not sure what his name is! But, what I do know is, he meows, she comes running :0)

I Don't Know What Title to Give to This List...

2008-06-10T10:21:00.008-05:00

My son did just fine at the golf tourney last week. While he didn't place in the game, he did win the chipping contest. He won some kind of fishing game, which he takes to work with him during the day :) I wonder how much work is being done, or how many fish are being "caught". Ha!

He's been going to work with his dad for about two weeks now, trying to earn some money for summer activities. So far, so good. I can tell his energy level has gone way up! And, he's earned enough money to go to Atlantafest which is one of his most favorite places to go with the youth group.

On another note, we finished up the spot in the backyard this past Sunday. Here's a pic for ya:

That's not sand anymore, but the newest load of sod. We've been watering it and it's beginning to take. Here's a close up of what's in the planter:

Some kind of grass and lots of impatiens, maybe? Or petunias? I'm really not sure, and didn't take the time to look as we were planting. All I knew was, they had to get in the dirt. And here they are. I have to say, I like this spot now. I keep my blinds open more now :) (That would be the window in the master bedroom you see in the first picture.)

I showed the house yesterday morning. I'm praying hard for this to go through....

We also have a new friend hanging around.

My daughter has the biggest heart for stray animals. She begged and begged her daddy to let her feed him, and he finally gave in last night. That cat has been eating ever since ;0)

And, last but NOT LEAST, be sure and stop by tomorrow. I've got a giveaway for you!!

See you then!

Golf Tourney and Being Selfish

2008-06-05T12:18:00.002-05:00

This morning, I dropped my son off at a golf course for him to compete in his first golf tourney. I can't wait to see how he did. There were alot of teenage guys there when we walked in, and I was nervous for my son. He's not a very loud, boisterous teenager, so I didn't know how he'd fit in. Anyway, he assured me he was just fine, so I left him. Then, my dad ran by there after I had left, and called me to let me know that he was doing fine. So, I guess he's doing fine.

The first class went very well last night. And, afterward my mom said to me that it's no coincidence that I'm experiencing conflict. The teacher usually walks through what they're teaching. It totally hit me between the eyes. Last night's lesson was all about why we fight with the ones we love, and conflict, and the at the root of the conflict is self-gratification. Pure selfishness.

So as I think back over my daughter's argument about why we shouldn't move, it truly is selfish on her part. Which is part of being 11, and having to get over yourself. I don't fault her. I just have to realize that's where this is coming from.

I actually feel alot better today about the whole thing. Thanks, mom!

Stuff That Is On My Mind

2008-06-04T10:30:00.001-05:00

Tonight, I start teaching a new series at our church called "Five Lies That Ruin Relationships: Wrong Beliefs Produce Wrong Behavior". I chuckled when our pastor asked me to "teach" this--it's a video series by Chip Ingram and there are questions to follow up--but after watching the first session this morning, I'm no longer chuckling.

I know now why I'm teaching.

I have been slack on attending Wednesday night classes. And God wants me to hear all of this, so what better way to get me to church on Wednesday night than to let me facilitate it? I got that loud and clear.

Moving on....

I've had a couple of realtors drop by wanting to list my house. And wanting to do a free market analysis. We've also had a handful of calls. I think these are the nosey people who want to know how much we're asking. No takers for tours of the house. Everyday is a mind battle for me.

Moving on again...

My favorite picture of the beach that I haven't shared with you yet:

My hubby, Doug :0), made this for me. By the jetty, the water somehow had made this 8 foot wall out of the sand, so he decided to make this instead of a sand castle. Some older ladies walked by and just loved it!! I told them that I had thought about it, and decided that maybe I should keep my hubby. ;) They laughingly agreed. We do have a picture of us in front of his masterpiece, but you couldn't read our names if I posted that one.

Psst.....I think he loves me.

Internal Conflict

2008-06-03T10:45:00.005-05:00

Last night, my hubby and I were treated to a breakdown moment courtesy of our daughter.

I know she's not too excited about the prospect of moving. She is so sentimental about our garden and blueberry bushes. And she thinks she'll never see her friends again.

I hesitate to point out to her that she's not really playing with two of those friends on her list, and the other two that she sees on a daily basis go to our church and are returning to the same private school she'll be going to.

I do point out that we intend on planting more gardens and having blueberry bushes wherever we go.

It isn't working.

She also says she doesn't want our life to change.

I told her that even if we were to stay in our house, our life is going to change. Starting August 4th.

I'm really torn. I'm scared that this will cause my hubby to take the For Sale sign out of the front yard. I'm scared that her feelings will matter more than mine. I'm scared I will be left here.

And then I ask myself, why do I need to move anyway? What is it in me that's itching to move? Am I wrong?

That Would Be Me

2008-06-02T10:58:00.003-05:00

Update on My Friend's Daughter

2008-05-30T10:58:00.004-05:00

Just wanted to thank you for your prayers for my friend's daughter who had heart surgery this week. She is doing absolutely great!!

She spent only one night in ICU before being moved to a regular room. She had her chest tube taken out yesterday, and started walking the halls. God has certainly touched her in a miraculous way.

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

Back at the home front, I'm pricing all my clutter for a garage sale tomorrow. I sure will be glad when this over.

I also bought "For Sale by Owner" signs that will go into the ground tomorrow afternoon!! I'm so excited. My daughter is not. She's asking not to move because this house is special to her. I told her that I know moving is scary-especially since we don't have a house in mind-but if we always stayed where we are, we would never grow. I'm not sure that line of reasoning is helping, but I hold her, she dries her tears and we move on. I also tell her that our house isn't sold yet, so she still has at least another month here.

Well, friends, until next week.....

Git 'Er Done

2008-05-26T17:30:00.010-05:00

A very popular Southern redneck saying. I don't use it at all, so it's kinda funny that this is what title entered my head.

Anyway.....

We are getting alot of things done around here. I wanted to show you before and after pictures of the master bedroom paint job. I hope you can see the new color. We definitely went more neutral and picked khaki green.

Before--a red color:

After--Khaki Green:

We also got a dump truck to deliver a load of sand so we could spend our long weekend doing some much needed yard work. Saturday, we shoveled sand into a wheelbarrow, and wheeled it over to the back of our house that used to be a deck. It was just a huge square of pebbles. Today, we finished putting the sand out and bought all the sod I could find locally. Here's our stopping point for now:

That big square in the middle is where dh is going to build another planter box with the deck wood that is stilled stacked up by our back fence. Just like this one, only larger.

Ok, it's lightening here, so I gotta shut my computer down. House rule. See ya soon!

P.S. Oh, before I go, I'm heading east tomorrow to be with a friend who's daughter is having a hole closed in her heart. Please put them on your prayer list. Thank you!!

Steven Curtis Chapman Family Tragedy

2008-05-22T11:19:00.003-05:00

You might have already heard about this. SCC's youngest daughter, Maria, was killed in a family accident yesterday.

My heart just breaks for them, and I love the responses I am seeing all over the web. You can visit a new blog set up just for condolences here, and The LPM Blog is taking a three day break in honor of the Resurrection power of Jesus.

God bless and comfort their family.

Yes, I am Back from the Beach...

2008-05-22T11:10:00.000-05:00

...and that means that R&R is OVER!

I've hit the ground running-after a Sunday afternoon nap :0)

Let's see....

I've finished painting the master bedroom. Now we have to get all the furniture back into place.
I gave the kids their to-do list for the garage area. They did that, now it's time for mom and dad to get out there and help with the bigger stuff.
I'm still collecting for a major garage sale next Saturday. Everything must go! Ok, ok, not everything, but alot ;0)
I've spent a good bit of time at the school where I'll be teaching next school year. Signed my contract and found out that I'll be teaching 7th grade math, 8th grade pre-algebra, 7th grade Bible, 8th grade Bible, and 11th grade Bible. I'm very excited. I {heart} math and {heart, heart} the Bible. What better book to be studying than the Bible?? The math teacher that is leaving took me through her files, and left me a wealth of information. I'm so very grateful!! And, yes, I'll still be coaching both girls' teams.

Today is kind of a regrouping day. I've got to pick up lots of things laying around the house and find a place for them. My son is a little under the weather due to allergies, so we're staying indoors. Maybe, just maybe I'll get to catch up on my blog reading.....

Beach or Bust

2008-05-10T22:06:00.002-05:00

Headed out early in the morning--we'll wake up the roosters :0) Pictures (hopefully) will be posted next week when we get back.

I'm not taking the laptop this trip, so I won't have any communication with ya for a whole week. Y'all have a good one.

April Showers Do Bring May Flowers

2008-05-09T07:38:00.003-05:00

These are what I'm waking up to these days. Mmmmm........they smell so good!

Swim Suit Shopping

2008-05-08T08:15:00.000-05:00

Let me just take a break from all this painting, and get on my soapbox.

I HATE swimsuit shopping!! Especially for my 11 year old daughter.

Who decided that girls in their teenage years need to show over 90% of their skin? Who? Let me at 'em. 'Cause I'd be danged if I'm going to let my 11 years old walk down the beach for anyone of the male gender to lust after.

You read that right. Lust after. He's a male with hormones, he's human, he lusts.

I cannot tell you how sick I got after looking in the stores at 4 triangles barely sewed together calling themselves a swimsuit and selling for $48.00. Oh, they were on sale for 40% off. I guess that's supposed to make up for the fact that they're 90% NOT THERE!!

HELLO!!! Does anybody hear me??

Now, I'm not a prude. (You've seen my beach pictures from last year!) I don't expect my child to be wearing long shorts with a t-shirt to the beach. Something that covers the b-tt cheeks nicely, and covers up "the girls" up top so she doesn't flash everybody and their brother is all I'm asking for. She's not for hire, if you know what I mean. (And, I don't want any ugly comments from any of you. You choose what you and/or your daughters wear. This is my choice.)

Finally, fin-al-ly, we ended up at Sears-out of desperation, mind you-only to find the most wonderful thing: a modest swimsuit. In the women's department.

She put it on while I was on my cell phone with dh, and I was going off to him about all this, when I said, "Well, hallelujah, I think we have a winner. How much is it? $68.00???!!???? What?!?"

I was in between a rock and hard place. I finally decided we were getting it if only for the sake that we were paying more for a whole swimsuit. And modesty, of course.

When the lady scanned it, she said, "That will be $50.93."

I did a happy dance, y'all. Right there in Sears.

And my daughter was a tiny bit embarrassed. But I didn't care.

Now, we can go to the beach. And actually walk down the shore.

Oh, you want a picture? (Do I know you, or what?)

Change Number Two

2008-05-07T10:52:00.007-05:00

Dh and I have decided to move across to the north side of town. (We now live on the southeast side.) This move will put us much closer to our church, to the school where I'm going to be teaching, and shopping. (Therefore, reducing the cost of gas....smart economical move I think.)

So, this is really what's been keeping me so busy and away from bloggyland. I've been surfing for houses and riding around looking at various locations, etc.

AND, I've started the decluttering phase around here. Whew! My once-cleaned office is now cluttered with things for a garage sale that I'm going to be having the last of May.

AND, we've made the list of Must-Get-Done-Before-Putting-House-on-Market things. Not too many, really. We're always doing some kind of project to our house, so we've already alot of major improvements. On the list is painting the master bedroom and bathroom, replacing the door to the outside from the den, and fixing a spot in the backyard that used to have a deck. (The deck was beginning to mildew so we tore it down...more on this later when we get to it.)

I started with the master bath. Unfortunately, I don't have any before pictures. But here are the after pics:

The first picture shows more of the new color. The second shows my shower curtain that matches the new color. Dh is out getting me a new rod today, so I'll have it hung by tonight. There is a brown khaki colored stripe in that curtain, and that will be our new master bedroom color before too long. (Although, right now, our room matches this curtain with a deep red/maroon color...hmmm....maybe this could drop to the bottom of the to-do list....)

Oh, did I mention that I wanted to be out of our sold/closed-on house and in our new-to-us-house-across-town by the first week in August? I didn't??!!?? Well, I do.

'Course, God's in control, but do you think He'd do this for me? ;0)

Change Number One

2008-05-06T08:05:00.000-05:00

Do you ever wonder why good things come to an end?

I know it's so that new and better things can begin. (Even when the circumstances surrounding it say otherwise-which is not the case right now.) Our family has put the homeschooling chapter in our lives to rest. Both of my children are going back to private school in August.

And so am I.

I'm going to be a teacher. :0) Yes, I am nervous. I've never taught in a classroom situation, nor did I ever aspire to become a teacher-for-hire. All this is very new to me. I know that this summer-along with other things-will include alot of studying and reading and trying to get a grasp on what I will be trying to get students to understand. (And, no, English is not on the agenda, so you can rest knowing that I'm not teaching someone else how to write like I write. Ha!!)

God certainly orchestrated the way our family got to this place, so I know that my path is His. My dh and I are excited for how God is allowing me to be a part of our children's high school lives. And I'm glad that dh is glad. I could never go back if he didn't support this decision.

So, now I'm preparing myself to get up early in the mornings, get dressed in something other than pj pants, and do a job that I'm hired to do--as opposed to doing what I want to do when I want to do it ;0)

The sad side to all of this is that my blogging will definitely go down. You've already seen that. And I wonder if my posting will stop altogether. I just don't know. I'm not planning on deleting my blog, because hopefully I can put together something once a week when school starts, but I just can't predict the future. I'll have to have somewhere to put all my feelings and thoughts, and for the most part, that's been here. Anyway, it's all in God's hands, and whatever comes, I'm good. :0)

Checking In

2008-04-28T19:57:00.002-05:00

You know, I've been so busy lately that blogging's just completely off the radar.

How are you doing? I'm sorry I haven't been by to read what's going on in each of your lives.

Change is the order of the day here. BIG change. But right now, I don't write it on my blog for public eyes to see. Just 'cause you never know who's stumbled upon ya...yada, yada, yada....but there are some people in the flesh that need to hear the news before some others hear and begin to ask questions.

All I can say is, when God begins to put the idea of change into your heart, I think He means it.

Ta-ta for a little while.

Prayer Request UPDATED

2008-04-25T10:18:00.007-05:00

Update: As of about 5:30 pm, oldest was out of surgery and proving just how much like her momma she is ;0) Because she cannot touch her nose, her arms are in things called "no-nose" (or maybe it's "no-no's") and she cannot bend her arms to get to her face. She asked for food, but would not let anyone help her eat, so she cried herself to sleep. The surgery went very well, and as soon as she eats something, they can leave the hospital for their hotel room. Thank you for your prayers. God certainly answered them.

I just wanted to ask you to say a prayer for Mandalyn and her family today. Her oldest is having more surgery to remove more of the hemangioma on her nasal tip. I know they'd appreciate your lifting them up to our Father.

They are supposed to be at the hospital at 11:45 am, with surgery scheduled at 1:45 pm. Please pray that the surgery goes better than planned, that God will direct the doctor's hands, for supernatural healing for oldest (she can't touch her nose for about a week after the surgery--try that with a 3 year old!!) and for traveling mercies around the big town they're in and on the way home this weekend.

I know many of you read her blog, and life has just been so busy for her. You can leave your comment here or at her place to let her know you're thinking about her.

And, I promise, I'll try to get her to post something soon!! :0)

And that Jenna needs to pop in and say "hey" or something.....

Island of Saints

2008-04-24T22:30:00.001-05:00

When I started reading this book and realized that it took place smack dab in the middle of our family's favorite vacation spot, I was hooked. Island of Saints by Andy Andrews is based on an actual event in Andy's life that led him to uncover the story of a young couple back in 1942.

As history facts began to present themselves, I was reading this book with my chin on the floor.

Did you know that German U-boats surfed the Gulf Coast back in the early 1940's and attacked our ships headed out with supplies? I didn't. And, when the U-boats sank our ships and killed our men, their bodies actually floated up onto the shore for tourists to see? I didn't. And, that these German soldiers actually came onto U.S. soil, bought our groceries, and saw our movies? I didn't either.

The government told the newspapers not to print anything about these happenings, and the newspapers complied. I can't imagine. (That's definitely not the world we live in today!)

All this leads to the most unbelievable story between an American widow and a German under-lieutenant aboard the U-166, how life gave them the most difficult circumstances and choices, and how forgiveness set them free to live again.

I'm not telling you anything else about this book, except that you've got to get it. (Ok, ok, if you click on this, you can read details. And download an audio clip.) You won't be sorry.

To: Me

2008-04-23T09:45:00.001-05:00

A look at all the "happies" I've collected the past couple of weeks:

The Tyler Candle Company candle that I won over at Annie's place. The scent Annie picked out for me is Limelight, and I'm lovin' it-my house is smellin' great! Thanks, Annie :0)

And these are the Susan May Warren books (Noble Legacy Series) I won over at Lauren's place. It took me a while to get into the first book, but when I did, I loved it. (And, Lauren, you're right: always read the series in order. I know we'll enjoy the third book.)

Now these are a couple of happies that a wonderful friend gave me. A flat wallet and a mirror compact with a light in it. They both have a permanent place in my purse. And the card has a permanent place in my heart.

A friend from church made me these pj pants. I just love them!! (And her.) My son said, "They make me happy." I totally agree. I am wearing these out! Literally.

When we got home from church last Wednesday night, these were in a bag hanging from our porch door. A gift from our neighbors. Yummy!!

Josh Wilson

2008-04-22T11:00:00.001-05:00

Hey, y'all!! Do you see that button over there to the left for Josh Wilson??

I hope you've clicked on it before now. If not, you need to listen to those songs while you surfing my blog ;)

You might recognize "3 Minute Song" if you listen to Contemporary Christian music on a regular basis. I like that song (especially the bridge and the drums!), but I'm falling in love with "The Saints". EMI Music Group sent me Josh's CD to review, and it's just so hard to push past track 1.

Josh has a pop sound. This CD is full of fast songs with a couple of slower songs mixed in. The sample you hear is true to his whole CD. And, you need to listen to him play Amazing Grace on his guitar. Awesome!

I'm enjoying listening to Josh Wilson. He's who you'd hear if you were riding with me these days. There are statements of truths that reach out and grab me. In those moments, I have to lay on the rewind button and hear them again.

Keep going, Josh Wilson. Give us more!

Love, Sex and Marriage

2008-04-20T21:35:00.002-05:00

My dh and I went to a Love, Sex and Marriage seminar this past weekend. I can sum it up in one word:

Wow.

I have to give it another word:

Hot!!

I would go again in a heartbeat. And you should go, too, if there's ever one anywhere near you. Even if you think you have the best marriage in the world. 'Cause we happen to think that about our marriage. If you've been a regular reader for some time, it's no secret that the dh and I have had some serious hurdles to overcome. But, even the best of marriages can improve. As I've always heard, if you're not growing, then you're dying. Dying is not on the agenda.

The founder of Family Dynamics, Joe Beam, conducted the seminar and did one awesome job! That man will talk about anything to anybody. I kid you not. The Saturday morning session is not for the faint of heart--but I'm telling you: it will change your thinking. And maybe your intimate relationship with your spouse. ;0)

Friday night's session concentrated on the Love in a marital relationship. Saturday morning focuses on Sex. And Saturday afternoon wraps up the seminar with the Marriage portion and behavioral styles that exist.

Three guesses which session dh and I enjoyed the most? And the first two don't count ;0)

No, really. I learned soooo much in the Sex session, and I ain't talking technique here girls. {blush} (Although, he certainly talked about that!) Let me proclaim that our God is the smartest and bestest God there is! Our bodies scream of a Creator! The part I really took comfort in is that Joe could back up his lecture with the Word of God. Can I hear a Hallelujah from the internet crowd?? 'Cause I already offered mine up.

Now, I'm off. I'm looking for the ultimate study on the Song of Songs. **grin**

There's One For You

2008-04-17T08:52:00.002-05:00

Just come on by! I'll have some coffee or tea or coke or water or....

I Still Have Nothing...

2008-04-16T09:50:00.000-05:00

...so I'm stealing this meme from Stacy's place.

Have you ever…
( ) Gone on a blind date

(x) Skipped School

(x) Watched someone die

( ) Been to Canada

( ) Been to Mexico

(x) Been to Florida

( ) Been on a plane

(x) Been lost

(x) Been on the opposite side of the country

( ) Gone to Washington , DC

(x) Swam in the ocean

(x) Cried yourself to sleep

( ) Played cops and robbers

( ) Recently colored with crayons

( ) Sang Karaoke

(x) Paid for a meal with coins only?

(x) Done something you told yourself you wouldn’t?

(x) Made prank phone calls

(x) Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose - or other places!

(x) Caught a snowflake on your tongue

(x) Danced in the rain

(x) Written a letter to Santa Claus

(x) Been kissed under the mistletoe

(x) Watched the sunrise with someone you care about

(x) Blown bubbles

(x) Gone ice-skating

(x) Been skinny dipping outdoors

Ok, now if you decide to steal this from moi, let me know so I can come read!

Obviously, I've Got Nothing

2008-04-15T20:13:00.005-05:00

Ok. I'm at that spot where life is so busy, but I've got nothing to say. You know that place? Well, I'm there. I'm really there.

I've been a taxi cab driver, basketball referee, grocery shopper (strawberries for $1.00--I see chocolate covered strawberries in my future!), bookkeeper, mediator, chef, and sick patient. All the while, I'm writing posts in my head.

The problem with all that is, those posts just don't cut it. Or, they get cut.

What-ev-a.

Where are you?

Winners!!

2008-04-14T12:25:00.002-05:00

Happy Monday to ya!

Let's get straight to it--winners of the Steven Curtis Chapman CD Miracle of the Moment. Here are the numbers generated by Random.org:

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:
10 8 22
Timestamp: 2008-04-14 17:03:57 UTC

So, let's see, congratulations go out to:
#10: Hilary-email address

# 8: Gail-More Than A Song

#22: TaMi-email address

I'm going to email you right now, but if you don't get my email, comment here. I need your mailing addresses within 48 hours or your copy will go to someone else.

Many thanks go out to Matt at EMI Christian Music Group who provided the CD's, and to YOU for entering! This was so much fun!!

Let's Review, Shall We? And There Will Be a Test at the End.

2008-04-14T12:00:00.004-05:00

**THIS IS A STICKY POST. PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR MORE.**

I'm so excited!! Look what came in the mail-

If you listen to contemporary Christian music at all, you'll be familiar with his song "Cinderella." (If you've never heard it {gasp!}, you need to. But, be prepared. It's a tear jerker.) Other than one other song ("Miracle of the Moment") that has already been released on the radio, I've not heard any more of Steven Curtis Chapman's new CD.

As far as his sound, SCC is still labeled as pop in my book. This is a familiar sound to me. Kinda like my favorite pair of jeans. And, I don't mean that as a slight in any way. I can venture to many other genres of Christian music and glean something from them, but when I need to know that my music is coming from someone who lives what he sings? I can always count on Steven Curtis Chapman.

After a few listens to the entire CD, I'll share my thoughts of some songs:

"Broken" reminds me that I'm not alone. Everyone one of us is broken--whether we are ready to admit that or not.
"Children of God" allows SCC's son Caleb to sing with his dad. One song I'm sure SCC is very proud of. This particular song reminds me of the sounds of Hillsong Australia.
What's an SCC CD without a love song to his wife, Mary Beth? Incomplete. I like this song. I'm sure she does, too. We women are changing the world, whether it's by raising the next generation at home or venturing out to work in the world. "One Heartbeat At A Time."
"Definition of Me" makes me think. Does a popular Christian artist really wrestle with negative words and thoughts that come against him? SCC never asked to be put on a pedestal, but if we've put him there, I know he's demanding to be taken down. SCC is very much human, and God defines him. God defines me. There is no other definition.
I've saved my favorite for last: "My Surrender." Ahhh. What do we have except what He has given us? Take it all, Lord.

I think the whole theme of this CD is that no matter how hard we try, no matter what we do, we are not good enough. The God of this universe loves us anyway. He sings over us. He loves us. He takes us as we are, and we have no other choice but to give ourselves back to Him.

Now, for the test. :0)

Would you like a copy of Steven Curtis Chapman's newest CD? I thought so!! All you have to do is leave me a comment-and you don't have to have a blog to enter! (For nonbloggers, be sure to include your name with your comment) I'll draw 3 names at 12:00 noon CST on Monday, April 14, 2008. If you do have your own blog, I'm also asking you to do a short post on this contest with a link back here so that others get a chance to enter. If you are chosen as a winner, I'll email you. (If I cannot get in touch with you or haven't received your physical address within 48 hours of posting the winners, I will be forced to choose another winner.) Good luck!

There's a New Restaurant in Town

2008-04-10T10:45:00.000-05:00

The name is French, but there's no way I can even begin to tell you how to pronounce it. Or where it came from. Or what it means. I only hope it's not offensive. If it is, please, someone tell me so I can shut this place down!

Did you notice that menu?? (You weren't expecting French cuisine, now were you?)

And, the best part is, it's all profit. How, you may ask? Mom goes grocery shopping, daughter sells the groceries to whoever will buy them. Plain and simple. It doesn't get any better than that. (If mom was smart, she'd start demanding to recoup her costs. But how in the world do you recoup your cost on a 75-cent smoothie?)

Then, with true Southern hospitality, you're left with:

"Come back now, ya hear?"

Two Things I Am Lovin' Today

2008-04-09T11:20:00.001-05:00

And Bactrim.

Stuck in the Middle

2008-04-08T09:29:00.001-05:00

Sonya is giving this book away this week. Go here to enter your name in the drawing. Good luck!

Time Travel Tuesday-Fight Edition

2008-04-08T08:36:00.005-05:00

Annie is asking about fights we might have had with our spouse before the big day.

Ha! As if I'd show my cards before the big day. No way, Jose!

I waited until I was good and married-and pregnant even-to show how selfish and stubborn and immature I was!

There are so many fights, it'd take all day to rehash them. Let me just say, it wasn't pretty. At all.

I remember being so mad at dh 'cause he wouldn't let me have a credit card to go out to eat with all my college girlfriends. Truth? He was so much smarter than I, and because of him, we've never been knee deep in credit card debt.

I also remember wanting to leave him just because he was wise and mature and wanted to live responsibly. He wouldn't go into debt to buy things to keep up with the proverbial Joneses, and he was very content with everything we started our married lives with. I was not, and I was like a very mad caged tiger. I just wanted out. And, I was going to maul anyone who got in my way. "Anyone" being dh.

I also remember screaming at him on his parent's front lawn
one afternoon. I don't remember why. I'm sure it was stupid.

And, all of this within the first 6 months. It truly is a wonder we've made it to 15 years. When I was so bullheaded to leave, he was at peace to follow me until I wore myself out. I thank God for the man He sent to be my husband.

Lots Going On

2008-04-04T14:25:00.000-05:00

I know I've not been too regular with my posting this week. Wanna know why? I thought so ;0)

My kids took acheivement tests Monday through Wednesday mornings, with different ending times all three days.
They still had homeschool PE class on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, and the Olympics started which is a big deal with them. What it means for me is, earlier to PE, later to leave. And, I'm the basketball game referee, 'cause none of the counselors know how to ref the game, so I just gave up 4 hours of alone time per week for the month of April.
I'm still trying to update my computers here so I can continue my bloggin'.
I'm trying to keep current on my reader. (Do you girls know how much you write??)
The fish are biting around here, so my family has had our fair share of outings at the lake. Pictures to follow. We name all the fish we catch. (It helps us keep track of how many we catch.) I know you are waiting on pins and needles to see if your name was used.
I started cleaning out my kid's closets so I can have a garage sale to pay for some summer fun. We have too much stuff. (Did I hear you say amen??)
I got hooked on a book. I hope to do a post on it sometime next week, but for now you can click on the link to the right for Island of Saints by Andy Andrews.
Last, but not least, I'm listening to a CD that I'm going to write about on Monday. And I want you to come back and read about it. I promise I'll make it worth your while. :0)

I About Had a Heart Attack

2008-04-03T08:53:00.003-05:00

I really do know that's important to keep current in the computer world.

But do I do it?

No.

And just why not?

I've asked myself that question a hundred times the last couple of days. I think it's because when I finally find something that's working, I stay with it, 'cause what if the next latest-and-greatest doesn't work?? Then what?

I upgraded my Internet Explorer on my laptop to version 7.xxxwhatever.whatever a few months ago, and since then, all we've gotten were certificate errors for our favorite websites, and it's been frustrating. We've installed new certificates--or so we think--but still!! We keep getting these messages.

So, I was NOT about to do that to my desktop computer. No way. No how!

Judi installed my new blog design for me, and do you want to venture a guess what happened to my blog in Internet Explorer version 6?

My blog disappeared. I could type in my address, and see the header, but no blog. Only a huge gray, never-ending box.

My mouth dropped open. My stomach immediately started churning, and my heart stopped.

Where did everything go?!?

Oh, no. Oh, no. Oh, no. Panic and stress set in like those mice in my new-to-me RV. (Another post for another day, BTW.)

Due to my panic and frustration-and livin' life-it's taken me this long to pull up my blog on my laptop, only to discover, VOILA!

A Coach For Life does indeed exist. Just like Judi's been telling me.

Many thanks to those of you who recommended Firefox. I'm definitely going to check that out, mainly because I'm so tired of these certificate errors.

And, I think I'll upgrade my IE to Version 7 on the desktop.

Maybe.

Maybe I'll just blog on the laptop.

A Face Lift

2008-04-01T06:38:00.005-05:00

Ok, what do ya think??

If you're seeing this on your reader, I'm begging you to please CLICK ON OVER!!

Much credit is due to Judi over at Doodlebug Designs. She took my idea of basketball and ran with it. I'm really not too good at making it all come together, but she is! Thank you, Judi!!

A Faith Lift

2008-03-28T10:02:00.013-05:00

I realize that I haven't been writing about the True Coach lately. It's not because He hasn't been around, or that I haven't been listening to Him. He's shown His hand in everything that's happening in my life without me having to use hindsight vision that is so 20/20.

Because of this, I decided to participate in Sheryl's Faith Lift Friday today.

I went to her blog to grab the button and read what's she posted, and my mouth fell open. It's the same lesson that Coach is teaching me! Seasons change. (Even basketball seasons!) Life changes. Even my devotion this morning was about God's perfect timing for His Son's birth on earth. Talk about a season change!

A dear, dear friend sent me this email 2 weeks ago, and I dare not delete it. I'm sharing a portion with you so you can be encouraged to enjoy the season you're in:

God has also ordained and set in motion different seasons in our life and it is very important that we have an understanding of the seasons and times in our life. A lot of times we can despise our present moment because we are anxious about the future. We live in discontentment because we do not have something that we think will bring us happiness.
Matthew 6:33-34(NAS) - "Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own".
Who could better address an issue we all face than Jesus, the designer of the human spirit? He knew that we have a tendency to be stressed out about everything. It is so easy for us to despise people, opportunities and responsibilities that the Lord has given us in the present season. Jesus said the solution to stressing out is to pursue, follow hard after, and give priority to the Kingdom (God's rule and reign and ways) and His righteousness. If this is done, God's plan will be made clear to us.

Let us resist the temptation to be discontent and let us appreciate the present season God has us in.

God has so much for us to learn in the present season. Every day is a day full of purpose. It is important for us to view each day with this mindset so that we can live our lives to the fullest.

Faithfulness in the little things in the present season will equip us for the seasons to come.

And how we enjoy the present season will determine the quality of our next season.

The Smells of Spring

2008-03-28T09:45:00.003-05:00

If you like giveaways, go here. My friend Annie is going to draw some names from the comments around next Wednesday, so hurry on over to put your name in the hat.

If you don't, you'll only have yourself to blame when I tell you how wonderful my new candle smells! ;0)

The Cuteness Comes to Town

2008-03-27T14:40:00.001-05:00

The cuteness is growing up. He's 2 now, and loves trucks and trucks.

My SIL and mom wanted to take him to an Easter egg hunt this past weekend, but we couldn't find one. I think it was OK that we didn't go, 'cause my SIL was not feeling too well. (I hope you're better, SIL. I should have already called to see about you! Sorry. You know me....) We tried to show him the concept on Saturday afternoon in the backyard, and he caught on. But then he went right back to his big truck :0)

Anyway, we did take him out to see some animals that I thought he'd love to feed bread and pet. He tickled me, 'cause he loved the cat and the big red truck in the driveway. He didn't get into the donkeys and goats. Here are some pics of the field trip.

(Ok, I don't know why my signature isn't showing up. I'm sure it has to do with all that hmtl stuff I don't understand, but I'm at the public library and don't have time to really troubleshoot. I'll fix it later. Maybe)

~Coach J

I Need to Go on a Diet

2008-03-26T07:35:00.002-05:00

My brother and his family came down for the weekend. That always means I'm gonna eat alot. Of course, it being Easter and a birthday weekend doesn't help the waistline, either.

Friday night was my daughter's birthday supper. We smoked chicken and ribs, baked white and sweet potatoes, and had green beans and a salad. And had birthday cake and ice cream. Not too bad. So far.

Saturday for lunch, my granny fixed hamburger steak, ham, dressing, peas, butter beans, creamed potatoes, potato salad, mac and cheese, turnip greens, green beans, and creamed corn. For dessert, the choices were banana pudding, pina colada cake, and apple pie.

My mom and dad grilled out hamburgers and brats for supper that night.

Sunday, dh's grandma always hosts an Easter lunch. The menu was very similar to my granny's on Saturday lunch. Except the vegetables are always in a casserole or swimming in cheese. Because it can't be good home cookin' in the South unless there are a million casseroles out on the food line, and Oh, my goodness, you didn't eat enough to feed a bird, honey. Here, eat some more. Does it not taste good?!?

I ate at every. single. meal.

And, then, like an idiot!! went clothes shopping yesterday. 'Cause I had nothing better to do than to torture myself and stand in front of a full length mirror and wonder why in the world these shorts are too tight around my waist.

Did I get the right size? I am not going up another size! Hmmph. So there, clothing people. If you don't make your clothes bigger, I'm not buying them. I'll teach you!

I'll go get a tall mocha with whipped cream and fudge on top on my way home.

Snap What?!?

2008-03-26T07:05:00.001-05:00

I am a
Snapdragon

What Flower
Are You?

Psst.......I'm really an orchid, but I don't think that was a choice. {grin}

My Daughter's Birthday

2008-03-25T09:55:00.000-05:00

Along with the camping we did last week, (I did go home to sleep every night, though, 'cause I ain't sleeping with no mice! And I don't care if that's good grammer or not!) we had a busy Easter weekend.

My daughter's 11th birthday was Good Friday, and we had a family birthday party. Here's a picture of her birthday cake that my mom made. It is very good!! We are eating leftovers this week.

For her present, dh and I gave her a mini-shopping spree, so she and I headed out Saturday morning to see what we could find. We only got to Old Navy, but we hit the jackpot there. She's taken a growth spurt recently so we didn't know what size she'd need, but we finally found 3 pairs of shorts/capris, and 5 shirts. We found everything on sale, and I had an extra 15% off coupon.

Cha-ching!

So, I did what every good mother would do. I bought me a pair of shorts, too. ;0)

She also needed new shoes, and before we went looking, she asked her daddy how tall of a heel could she get. He told her about an 1-1/2 inch, so she found some strappy sandals to go with her new dress shorts. She is as tall as me with her new heels on.

The great thing about this is, her shoes fit me!! Yippee!! So, now, I get to double my shoes selection!

A Wonderful Surprise!

2008-03-24T08:30:00.002-05:00

Just look what God gave us!

This motor home is about 26 years old, but it runs very well. As with any older vehicle/home, it could use some fixing up inside, and we have many ideas on our to make it ours.

This is really a blessing to us, because we love to go camping, but since we only had a tent, we had to keep an eye on the weather. And getting ready to go out took me a whole day to pack up in containers that were racoon proof.

But, not now.

There is one glitch. Or, I should say, a few glitches. We're up to two dead, and can hear a third scratching in the ceiling. I hate mice! With a passion!! The RV has been outside this past winter in the country so I understand why the mice took shelter here, but now, their death certificates have been written in poision.

Prepare to die, little disease-carrying vessels. You and I can't live in the same space, and this RV is MINE! I'm declaring war on you!!

Good Eats

2008-03-17T12:42:00.003-05:00

After the tornado messed up our weekend plans to catch the rest of the SEC tourney, the dh and I decided we'd go out to eat at some new-to-us places in hopes of watching the games with other SEC fans.

On Saturday for lunch, we headed out to a Buffalo Wild Wings Bar and Grill that was nearby. (Nearby is a relative term in Atlanta and surrounding areas....) We told them we wanted near a TV to watch the Georgia/Kentucky game, and they accommodated us, but we couldn't hear the game. My dh had chicken tenders with Caribbean Jerk sauce, but that was too hot, so he switched to regular wings sauce--I think. He got the buffalo chips as his side, and those were really good! I settled on a chicken tender salad with thousand island dressing. We were too full to eat dessert.

My recap: if we want to hear what the commentators say while watching a game, this isn't the place to go. The service, however, was terrific! And the food was good. But something was still missing....

That night, we ended up at Jocks and Jills. Now, let me tell you something: those people did us up right!!! We told them we were MSU Bulldog fans, and wanted to watch the game and hear the commentators. They put us in a room all by ourselves in front of TWO big screen TV's and turned the volume up. Can I hear an amen, anyone?!?

The food was amazing!! We ordered the sampler trio appetizer--yummy! Then we split a pepperoni pizza--double yummy!! Dh said it was the best pizza he's ever eaten at a restaurant--including pizza places. We ended our night with the Blondie Brownie A La Mode--a letdown for me! But, Blondie brownies just aren't my favorite. I much prefer a chocolate brownie.

My recap: wish I had one of these in my hometown! Loved the food (just will order another dessert next time), and the service was extraordinary! When we told our server what our goal for the evening was, he left us to watch the game, and only checked in on us whenever our plates were empty. He also kept our glasses full, which I'm finding is a feat in itself when we dine out (and not because we drink alot!).

A Little Shaken Up, But I'm OK

2008-03-15T08:40:00.003-05:00

Just wanted to let you know that I am OK. We were very close to the basketball court when the tornado hit the Georgia Dome.

We were already nervous 'cause the Bulldogs were losing a very close game in overtime. And then we heard a noise like thunder, but then the dh and I decided that the announcer had dropped the microphone while it was on, and it was rolling around on the table.

It stopped, but then we heard it again. And I looked at him, and said, "I really think that's thunder and it's right over us."

Then everything attached to the roof started shaking. The huge scoreboard, the lights, and stuff started falling from the roof. Stuff that looked like the fabric roof. The roof material is like a tent top. And we were not under any concrete.

We got our stuff and headed up the stairs to in a more stable place just in case. We stood out there in the hallways waiting for any kind of word of what exactly was going on. We didn't know that bad weather was expected in Atlanta yesterday. And nobody announced that there was bad weather was happening outside--which I understand. All that was said was that the National Weather Service said that downtown Atlanta was experiencing severe weather and that we were free to stay inside the GA Dome under the storm passed.

Looking back, it's funny. We were "free" to stay inside because the people who tried to leave were told very sternly to get back from the windows. And they couldn't get close to the doors.

We didn't realize it, but the stuff that was falling was insulation being blown through a hole in the wall at the top of the roof.

We did stay in the GA Dome, and saw the rest of the MSU/Alabama game, which the Bulldogs managed to win! Yay!

Before the next game could start, there was another wave of severe storms that moved through. So Kentucky and Georgia didn't even put their teams on the court. We were again told that we were free to stay in the GA Dome until the storms passed.

After a few minutes, the announcer said that the final game of the night was being postponed, but again, please feel free to wait the storms out.

Not 10 minutes later, the announcer said that the SEC regretted that the final game of the night was being postponed, and that the GA Dome was closing in 15 minutes.

So, we start the trek out along with thousands of other people to try and get to our vehicles. The dh and I assumed that there was another wave of storms coming and that they wanted to the people to get out. I think we were wrong. This morning's reports are saying that the GA Dome is not safe for people to be in because the bolts that hold the roof on were snapped in two in places, and if more storms are coming, it really could be disaterous.

Now, we're trying to find a way into the rest of the games that are moved to the GA Tech campus. Last night's attendance was around 19,000. The GA Tech place holds 9,100 people. The word we're seeing is that regular ticket holders are not able to attend the rest of the games at all.

I'm sad because we've paid for tickets for the whole tournament, and it looks like we aren't going to see the rest of it. If it was a little money, I wouldn't be too upset, but we're talking hundred of dollars here. And, I can imagine the rest of the schools' fans like the Kentucky fans who never got to see their team play at all. (And there was alot of Big Blue there, let me tell you!) But, the Bulldogs could go all the way to the championship game, and we were going to be in the best seats to catch it all. I thoroughly enjoyed last night's game, except the tornado part, of course!

That being said, I understand everything the SEC has done. They've looked at all the information, and made the only choice that could be made. I just don't like it.

I'll talk to you girls more next week. Thank you so much for remembering me during this storm, and asking about me!! That makes me feel so good :0)

We're Outta Here

2008-03-12T14:38:00.004-05:00

I know I haven't been Chatty Kathy this week, but I've had so much to do.

I had a women's meeting Monday night, American Idol last night, and we're going out to eat tonight with the whole family for dh's birthday.

I've studied the life of Mary (the mother of Jesus), washed all the clothes, cooked the meals, supervised dish-washing, took care of the accounting work due, picked up extra contacts, packed my clothes, made sure the kids are packed, and coached a little basketball during homeschool P.E.

I'm pooped.

But, I'm so excited.

Early, early, early in the morning, WE'RE OUTTA HERE!! Heading east. Hope you girls have a wonderful rest of the week and weekend.

P.S. Oh, I almost forgot: GO DAWGS!!

My Homemade Apple Pie

2008-03-07T06:17:00.011-06:00

If a picture says a thousand words, I'll let mine do the talking. Here's my homemade apple pie lesson from Wednesday:

The finished product after riding home with me.

The dh's birthday is next week. Guess what he's asked for instead of a birthday cake? ;0) It musta been good!!

!!!!!

2008-03-06T20:58:00.003-06:00

I just told myself that I needed to not do the quiz thingys. But, when I saw this at Stacy's place, I HAD to take it. I thought it might come out this way:

You Are An Exclamation Point

You are a bundle of... well, something. Often a bundle of joy, passion, or drama.

You're loud, brash, and outgoing. If you think it, you say it.

Definitely not the quiet type, you really don't keep a lot to yourself.

You're lively and inspiring. People love to be around your energy. (But they do secretly worry that you'll spill their secrets without even realizing it.)

You excel in: Public speaking
You get along best with: the Dash

What Punctuation Mark Are You?

Be sure and let me know!!!!

Brrriiinnng

2008-03-05T19:36:00.004-06:00

Me: Hello?

My Granny: Did you forget?

Me: What?!?

My Granny: Did you forget?

Me: I guess so...what did I forget?

My Granny: You were coming over for lunch today. We're gonna bake that apple pie. I told you I could do it on Wednesday, that uncle ***** didn't come for lunch and I would teach you how to make the pie. I've got all this food cooked.

Me: Nuh-uh. You said Friday. We'd do it Friday.

My Granny: No, I didn't. I said Wednesday.

Me: {{HUGE Gulp}} Oh, granny.....we'll be right there. Let me change clothes and we'll come right over.

So, I brushed my hair back into a ponytail, jumped out of my pj's into more presentable clothes, grabbed two kids and a husband and rushed across town to fried chicken, butter beans, mashed potatoes and gravy, mac and cheese, black crowder peas, and rolls.

And a homemade apple pie baking lesson.

Happy Anniversary, Honey

2008-03-04T17:55:00.000-06:00

I'm doing the happy dance!!! These finally arrived, and me and the dh are heading out for a long weekend of basketball overdose :0) We've got tickets to all 11 games for 2008 SEC Men's Tournament, and we're gonna scream until we're hoarse. Our MSU Bulldogs have already won the SEC Western Division, and could really go all the way. I'm trying to be creative and design a poster to hold up for the TV camera to catch. Any suggestions? Remember, I'm a Bulldog fan.

And for those of you who know about the SEC Tourney, these babies came with 3 day passes for each of us the SEC Fanfare. Yippee!!! Wanna see where our seats are? Click here, section 126. Oh, we're set. We're really set.

Because You Asked...

2008-03-03T15:22:00.008-06:00

...here are the pictures of the carpets I got from my parents. (they're like mini-me's. you could have ordered the bigger area rug to match this small sample, but now you can't.)

at the front door (my second favorite.)

at the back door. You really can't see it in this picture, but there is a blue stripe running through it that matches the wall color perfectly.

at the kitchen sink. This is my favorite one.

was at the side door into the kitchen, but I replaced it with the carpet below that has all the squares on it. This is my least favorite one, but the colors match so well. I don't like all the leaves. I feel like I need to rake. (maybe I'll just bring it out in the fall.)

Will be used later. When the kids have destroyed my other ones. ;0)

A Lazy Sunday Afternoon

2008-03-02T15:41:00.003-06:00

I'm sitting in my living room alone. All I hear is the ticking of the clock. And the occasional wind gust.

How heavenly.

The dh and I went to lunch with friends today. This is the first time in a long time that we've eaten out on a Sunday afternoon. We went to local Mexican place, and, due to the shortage of tables, divided into 2 groups: men and women. Blogging got to be a topic of conversation. I've been trying to hint around to one of the women at the table that she needed to start her own blog. She doesn't know what blogging is, but she is one great writer! And she keeps me in stitches!! She did write some blog addresses down on her napkin, so hopefully she's surfing this afternoon to try and figure out the blogosphere. (If she is: {wave} hey!! what do ya think??) If I find out she's created her own blog, I'll be sure to let you know. I'll give her some linky love, and point you gals in the right direction of some sure-enough laughs :0)

Today is one of my bestest friends in the whole wide world's birthday. Click over and tell Mandalyn happy birthday. I assure you that she's alive and well, and the pregnancy is progressing, and her hubby is working at his new job. They are just traveling so much between home and work and keeping up with 2 toddlers.

My dad and mom gave me some new carpets to put around the house. They own an interior decorating store, and I get lots of benefits. :) These that I got are small samples of large area rugs, but they've been discontinued. So, I'm using them in front of my doors and other places. When I feel like it, I'll take some pics for you and post them so you can rejoice in my good family benefits. ;0)

Let's see....what else.....what else.....

I'm coming up empty. That just means one thing. It's time for me to get back to being alone and eating my cookie dough and watching college basketball.

Aaahhhh. Sweet.

Too Close for Comfort

2008-02-29T09:15:00.005-06:00

This week, my dh got a call to go work at a local animal sanctuary. I had no idea we had one so close, much less what they give refuge to :0) Here's a hint:

They have two fences that separate you from the tigers. Dh had to go through one of them the first day. He said that as he was working, he heard a tiger come up stand behind him on the other side of the second fence. He said he could hear that tiger breathing, and he was praying, "Jesus, please don't let that tiger growl, 'cause if he does, I'm gonna jump, and that tiger's gonna think I'm playing with him...oh, please, Jesus, please." The tiger didn't growl or anything, and so my dh didn't have to run, thank you God!!

This may seem stupid to you, but I like to remain naive about my dh's job's hazards. I know about them, I just choose not to think about him doing any of them. But, I've been a little on edge when I think about him having to go past the first fence into the tiger's cage.

He came home with more pictures, but they're on his phone, and I don't know how to download off of there just yet. This animal sanctuary also has lions, wolves, common house cats, and this cute little thing:

Now, why couldn't his work have to be done by the miniature ponies?

Can You Say....

2008-02-25T10:55:00.005-06:00

Identity theft?

I can now.

I was out of town, shopping at one of my favorite places when a call came in to my cell phone. It was Bestbuy.com. Seems someone in Canada was shipping a laptop to Colorado, and I was paying for it. But since the name and the address on the credit card didn't line up with the person ordering or the shipping info, they (Best Buy) thought they'd give me a call to verify the order. And, they promptly cancelled it before that decked-out laptop was shipped.

I cannot tell you how thankful I was!! Except, that now all the focus on shopping was redirected to identity theft and I was stuck on a bench in a HUGE mall trying to sort this out. And my cell phone battery was going dead.

Ugh.

Seems whoever wanted that laptop also has a liking for trendy shoes. Got a charge from Piperlime that I didn't make, too. This one happened to go through, so now I've got to get the local law enforcement involved.

Something like this makes you second guess buying online. How in the world did someone in Canada get my credit card number? I'd like to know. (I'd also like to know their name and address, but I'm not too sure I'm gonna get it.) I'd like to go give them a lecture on stealing something that's not theirs.

And hit them over the head.

Get a Red Dot

2008-02-20T12:15:00.004-06:00

The National Day of Prayer Organization is doing something really neat to remind us to pray for our country, with a special emphasis on the upcoming election:

"We are encouraging Americans to place a red dot
on your watch, cell phone, car's steering wheel, computer monitor, calendar, bathroom mirror; anywhere you will be reminded to pray for our elections."

So, if you click here you can request some red dots. I did, and I passed them out to our Life Group that meets in our home. Every time I open my cell phone, that red dot jumps out at me. I love it! This also keeps my ears open to any kind of election news that is reported, so I can see how God is working and moving and answering my prayers.

I'll be honest. Both of the democratic candidates scare me. I don't want either to be our next President. I'm asking God to bring Mike Huckabee from behind, and put him in our nation's top office. Who are you asking God for?

A Coach for Life

A New Phase of Life

Tough Times

North Central State Tournament

District Tournament

On the Way to Making School History

Asking Forgiveness

Shifting My Focus

A New Year

My Christmas Presents

Split Up

A Word of Encouragement

Without Faith...

Walking Death

:'(

Getting Un-mad

FB Statuses You Won't See On My Page

Some Girls...

The Office

Year One Down

A More Positive Outlook

Me and My Wars

WE MADE IT!!!

Checking In

Checking Off That To-Do List

Hope Your Day is Great!

Starting the Season

My Life Condensed

Hurts of the Heart

Until Later...

A Quick Note

Remembering

In the Meantime...

This is NOT the Way It Is Supposed to be Happening

The New House

A Word To Us

Now Where Are Those Indestructible Bracelets? (and my girdle...)

My New Home Away From Home

Thoughts for the Day

Branson Vacation-Day Four

Branson Vacation Day Three

Branson Vacation Day Two

This Is In My Front Yard

Branson Vacation Day One

House Update

CD Winners

Random Integer Generator

The David Crowder Band

Why I Am Not A Painter by Trade

Buyers of the House

More Painting

I Don't Know What Title to Give to This List...

Golf Tourney and Being Selfish

Stuff That Is On My Mind

Internal Conflict

That Would Be Me

Update on My Friend's Daughter

Git 'Er Done

Steven Curtis Chapman Family Tragedy

Yes, I am Back from the Beach...

Beach or Bust

April Showers Do Bring May Flowers

Swim Suit Shopping

Change Number Two

Change Number One

Checking In

Prayer Request **UPDATED**

Island of Saints

To: Me

Josh Wilson

Love, Sex and Marriage

There's One For You

I Still Have Nothing...

Obviously, I've Got Nothing

Winners!!

Random Integer Generator

Let's Review, Shall We? And There Will Be a Test at the End.

There's a New Restaurant in Town

Two Things I Am Lovin' Today

Stuck in the Middle

Prayer Request UPDATED