I love this time of year! While David fears it...

Erin says, "Christmas lights! First Christmas tree! Ornaments! Cards! Presents! Family! I LOVE THIS TIME OF YEAR!"

David thinks, "

• Christmas lights= Many trips to Lowe's, Get out the ladder, I don't know why that bulb is not working?!?, What else do you want to add?
• First Christmas tree= What type of wiring does it have? How tall is it? How do you put it up? Where are we going to store it?
• Ornaments= Oh God another trip to Garden Ridge/Hobby Lobby! I DON'T CARE, JUST PICK SOME!
• Cards= What outfit do I have to wear for your card? How many do we need and how much is this going to cost? Who's going to address them? Why are we sending one to them?
• Presents= How much did you spend today? I DON'T CARE, JUST PICK ONE!
• Family= Who in your family is going to be there?

Yes, I'm still alive. I think?

I have no excuses for not blogging lately. I've actually sat down in front of the computer and would type, but nothing positive would come out. If your prayer list is not too full, will you add to it, that I just survive this school year!

On a good note, I've had an amazing weekend which was much needed. David and I actually went to see a movie on Friday. It's probably the first time that we've been out past 10 p.m. and I wasn't asleep on the couch. On Saturday, we went to his cousin's wedding, and it was nice to be surrounded by positive people. If you've ever been around David's family, you will know that they truly are just happy people. To see the innocence of my neice and nephew as they laugh, play, and talk, is just priceless. Prior to the wedding, all the guest were waiting inside the house that the ceremony was being held at. When the time came, we all headed outside to take our seat. On the way out, I was teasing our 3 year old neice about if she was ready to get married. Without skipping a beat, her response was, "No, I'm not tall enough." I pray for our neice that this innocense never fades. Unfortunately, I see how childhood has changed over the years and it makes me fear for all those that are little.

Later that night, David and I went to see STOMP at Ft. Worth Bass Concert Hall. I would highly recommend anyone to go see this. David and I were amazed at everything that they did. In fact, we were so inspired that we have been banging on anything around the house creating our own STOMP show. On a sad side note, Daisy Mae is still hiding. Guess she did not like being a part of our show.

Lately, we've been noticing this one squirrel come around more and more. The squirrel has learned that Daisy Mae can not actually get it, if it stays high enough. God help us if the rest of the squirrels that Daisy has tormented get wind of this. We're afraid that there will be W.W. III on our house the second that it does. The squirrel has a love/hate relationship with Daisy Mae. It will sit on top of the fence, wag it's tail at Daisy, and then bark at her. This drives Daisy insane, but we think we actually heard the squirrel laugh at her today.

I hope the everyone else had a great weekend. I promise that I will blog more often. I just need to meet a teacher that knows how to not bring their work home with them.

Day 5-7of No David

David Up-date: I was able to talk to him for about two minutes the other night. I realized within a second that I miss my best friend and talking to him everyday. What was excitement turned into tears, because I wanted to just keep talking. Through my emotional mess, I was able to talk to him and here's what little info I got from him. He is loving his time there, but his body is soar. I know that Thursday was their last day in the village and they would be handing out all the supplies that they had collected for them. We bought a bunch of jelly bracelets for the little girls there, and I can't wait to hear how they reacted to them. He always says that it's so hard not to just go out and buy everything for them, because you know that they are in such great need. I'm proud of him for all that he's been able to accomplish this week, and know that he's changed lives. But I'm ready for him to come home!

On Wednesday, David had this beautiful bouqet of flowers sent to my school. I was so touched, that it I forgot that Yogurteria closed, and didn't go to Target after all. Instead, Daisy Mae and I curled up on the couch with a blanket and read a book. I'm so excited that he returns tomorrow and probably won't sleep at all tonight. Thank you to all my friends, that kept me company this week. I truly would not have made it if it were not for your company. So thank you from the bottom of my heart!

On a side note from Daisy Mae, herself, please no one call for at least 24 hours after David returns. He will be occupied, with playing chase in the backyard, walking on the trail, and receiving kisses from ear to ear ;)

Day 4 of no David

You can tell that one has too much time on their hands when they can make this many posts. I'm actually avoiding doing school work and cleaning the house. I work much better when under pressure. Today in my note, David left me some money to go to Yogurteria. I was so excited about it all day! No matter how much a child talked backed or tried to push my buttons, I just kept reminding myself that it would be all better when I got Yogurteria. I had it all planned out. I was going to eat dinner early, so I would be hungry for Yogurteria around the same time that House came on. Can you tell that I've been with David for a while? Daisy Mae was so excited because she was going to go for a ride, and I was excited for a treat. We drove over, pulled into a parking spot in front of the place, and my heart stopped. I now understand how David feels when one of his favorite places closes, and promise that I will never tease him about it again. That's right Yogurteria closed! Some may be saying what is a girl to do with no husband, no Yogurteria, and a dog that is controling the house? Well she is to put the money back in her wallet and go to Target, tomorrow. Because she knows that her husband would want her to be happy at a time like this, and that they will budget whatever the difference is. :)

Day 1-3 of No David :(

David Update: He made it to Honduras and the ranch safely. They were to begin working in the village today. I know he's probably very excited and loving life there. Although, I'm wondering how much work he's actually getting done. Thanks to the recent economy issues and possible election results, he walked around the house for about a week before he left, saying that while he was there, he would possibly be doing some house hunting. I'll let you know if I find out anything more throughout the week.



Me Update: I'm surviving. I didn't realize how much he does for not only the house but for me as well. On the first day that he was gone a light bulb burned out. I stood there looking at it, thinking what an obstacle it was going to be for me, but for he and his giraffe legs it would be no problem. Thankfully after stacking and climbing on top of things, I was able to change it. He's also a wonderful man, because thankfully he left me notes to read everyday. I found out today that some of them include treats for myself, but most importantly they contain a bible verses that helps me through my day. I miss him and am counting down the days till he comes home. I know I have quite a few left.



Daisy Mae Update: She has made herself queen of the house. She enjoys David's side of the bed, and we could have serious problems when he gets back. She is starting to get fed up with me for not being entertained enough to her standards. I went to the grocery store for literally no more than 30 minutes. She apparently did not like being left alone and outside, because when I returned I saw that the duck had gotten it.

Exhibit A.
(She is such a mess, literally!)

Prayer Request

This morning David, his dad, and a small group left for Hounduras on a missions trip. If you will keep them in your prayers that they are safe (I told David to inform his pilot that I was not into David doing cliff dives this afternoon in Telgucigalpa.), that their bodies are prepared and able to do the work that needs to be completed, and that their hearts are open to the culture and speaking God's message. I am so proud of them and thrilled that they are able to do this! Although, I'm missing David like crazy already and am not sure what to do with not going to 'Weinberger's' today. This is one of David's favorites that we probably go to weekly;) On the other hand, Daisy Mae is enjoying this as I returned this morning from the airport, and she was in David's spot on the bed.

Sick Obsession

I have a sick obsession that I have to confess about. I'm almost embarassed to share it but here I go... I'm obsessed with famous people. I can't explain it, but I'm the freak that reads the tabloids in the grocery store. You know the ones you usually have to cough at, because they have no idea that it's their turn. And yes, I read People magazine more than I do the newspaper. It really started to soar this summer when we were coming home from San Diego. I ran into a MTV star, no names mentioned, but he's big and of ethnicity;) I sat and texted my sister for a while, in shock that a celebrity was sitting right across the way from David and I in the airport. David was so embarassed! Tonight I was on my game again. We went to La Hacienda Ranch, allowing David to fill up on his favorite foods before he leaves for Honduras, and I began to question the guys that were sitting next to us. One of them turned his head and instantly I knew I had seen this guy before. No, not on a date, but from one of our well spent People's magazines. It later came to me who that person was, as he was getting ready to leave. I'm so sick, that after the person was gone, and David was getting tired of my questions about him, I asked our waitor who was sitting there. He brought the guy's receipt out and sure enough I was right. I later had to call my mom and let her know that I sat next to a country singer that has inspired many with his 'American Soldier' and brought laughter with 'I Wanna Talk About Me'. I can't explain why I'm like a giddy school girl when I see celebrities. I mean they really are no different than any of us. Yes, they probably don't have to save up for a Coach purse, but somehow it's rewarding to know that they eat at places we do, and fly coach with the rest of us.

HOOK 'EM HORNS!

I'm am beyond thrilled that the Longhorns beat OU today. It's something that has rarely occured during my years as a Longhorn and an alumni. On the other hand, I'm sad to announce that I am possibly the curse that has been bringing them down for years now. I've been a faithful fan that has watched every year, including a couple that were in the cold rain. We even had the game on last year, during all the preparation for the wedding. Although, this year I was unable to watch and my team won. If this is truly the case, then you better believe that this Thanksgiving I will be no where near the T.V. For all my Longhorn fans, what time is it? That's right 11:30 and OU still...

One Year Stronger and More In Love...

One year ago, David and I said our vows towards one another in front of God, our family, and friends. At the time, we did not understand how others could say to us that they loved their partners more than they did on the day that they said, 'I Do'. In our hearts we were filled with a tremendous amount of love for one another and couldn't imagine it filling anymore. Today we understand. It's through the few hard times and many blessings that we've learned to be stronger as a couple and fall more in love with each other. A special thanks to our friends and family that have helped us grow this year! We're excited to see where life takes us and how much more our hearts can grow!

Riding the Dusty Trails

David and I decided to do something fun to celebrate our "one-year anniversary" that is on Tuesday. I know where does time go? We went horse back riding through a forest that lead us to Grapevine Lake. It was so relaxing and peaceful, but unfornately I can't sit down comfortably and David can't bring his knees together.


Without me knowing, David decided to take pictures from behind. See if you can tell which butt belongs to the horse and which belongs to me.

The Lessons You Learn From Your Mother

Yesterday was my mother's birthday, and here are a few things that I've learned from her:
1. The power of a mother- 'I brought you into this world and I can take you out of it.' That comment can stop you in your tracks. What's really scary is that she still means it, even though I'm an adult!
2. You only inherit good traits from your mother- "You must have gotten that from your father, cause I would never!" For some reason that was always followed up after we didn't do something right.
3. Just laugh!- She has this ability to find humor in everything and then her chuckle is contagious. She finds David hilarious, which unfortunately only encourages him even more.
4. Be there for your family! No matter what's going on, my mother has no problem dropping her plans, and being there for us.
5. Who are you again?- If you don't remember someone's name, just go down the line of names that you do know, and you'll eventually get to it. I can't even count the amount of times, that we were called the dogs' name before she called out ours.
6. Survival Techniques. A few years ago, I was home for Halloween and we were cutting pumpkins. I had to have a challenging design which turned out pretty good, except for one piece. No need to worry, mom would super glue it! The siblings and I had gone to bed, but mom was still up doing some things, including fixing a pumpkin. Unfortunately, she super-glued herself to the floor and for some reason we couldn't hear her calling for help. In the end, she was able to stretch far enough to reach for something under the sink that eventually allowed her to become free. Sorry mom, I promise we didn't hear you scream for help. Although, have learned that Goo Gone will help you detach yourself from the floor.
7. Reading is important! She has such a passion for reading. We never have to guess if she's read a book or not, it's more like "So, how many times have you read this one?"
8. It's important to listen to others. Thank you for listening to me on my way home from work. It's great comparing who's kids have done something worse that day.
9. Love your animals. - Much like Daisy Mae's order of our household, my mother's dogs are on the top. Sometimes even pushing the kids off the list:)
10. Life's Timeline- I'm on a timeline for giving her grandbabies!!!

A little need of inspiration...

I must confess that I came home in tears yesterday. Unfortunately, I felt as though it was one struggle after another. It's days like that, while they can wear me out, I know they make me stronger. God must have known that I needed a little inspiration, because I sat in on a lesson that the counselor did with my children today. It was about hopes, dreams, and believing in yourself and others. These are a few things that I sometimes forget to do. I watched this video from Dallas ISD's Convocation and had goosebumps with tears in my eyes. I thank this young gentleman from the bottom of my heart for reminding me!

This is a great video, even if you're not a teacher: http://www.dallasisd.org/keynote.htm

Sharing A Bit of Heaven

While David and I were in San Diego, we found a wonderful place called YoGo Tango. I fell in love at first bite. It serves true frozen yogurt with a dream bar of toppings. You begin with chosing your flavor and size of yogurt, and they would fill the cup and weigh it. Continuing down the line you came to a toppings bar that puts all others to shame. There is a huge selection of dessert toppings, followed by a massive selection of fresh fruits. What was nice, is that you could put the toppings on yourself, allowing you to choose as many as you wanted and how much you wanted of each. At the end, they would weigh your yogurt again and charge you by the weight. I've been talking about this place, since getting back in town. In fact, I came across a YoGoTango punch card the other day that I've kept, in hopes that David would take me back to SD or start one here for me. Unfortunately he has not done either of these, but coming home the other day we found a Yogurteria right across the road from us. It has the same true frozen yogurt, with a toppings bar that has a good selection. You choose the flavor and size, but instead they put the topping on for you. After tasting the first bite, I was reminded of San Diego. David could tell that I was in heaven and quickly followed with, "You are not allowed to come here everyday." Now if any of you know David, you would be laughing at that comment, because we solely supported Nick-N-Willy's for about two years and currently support either Palio's or Market Street.
So if you're in the mood for a healthy treat, I recommend Yogurteria! I'll probably see you there!

Ultrasound vs. Sonogram

Tomorrow I go to a Radiology Center for my first ever ultrasound. I've quickly learned the hard way that it is not called a sonogram. I accidentally said that a couple of times, causing a chain reaction, beginning with many people's jaws dropping, followed by clapping with slight squeals of joy, and finally the popular questions began, "When did you find out? When are you due? Were you trying?". I had to quickly correct myself, knowing how fast things can travel. I was terrified that my ever hopeful mother would hear those words two hours away, without me blinking an eye.
My ultrasound is to look at my gall bladder, liver, and pancreas. I'm trying not to get my hopes up that they will find something, that is easily curable, and this will all be done with. So instead I say a prayer that a wise wise man once told David, "I don't say a prayer that God will heal me, because it can question my faith if he doesn't. Instead, I ask for him to help me deal with what is going on." So if you're looking for something to add to your prayer list, please ask God to allow me to deal with whatever results come of this the next few days. And NO MOTHER, please don't add to your list anything having to deal with a sonogram.

Part of why I teach...

We had our first day of school yesterday. It is a day filled with so many new faces and names (half of which I can not say properly), and so it was nice to see a few old ones drop in. The greatest moment of yesterday, was when one of my students from last year walked in to share his fears and excitements of the day. He was one that would make me lose countless hours of sleep. David would ask about him daily; occasionally I would cry, and not know what to do. This child was one that had given up on himself in academics. He has an amazing talent at football, and just figured that some coach would get him by in classes. He and I struggled all year in learning to work with one another and building trust. We finally did when he passed TAKS for the first time and got to pie me in the face. The last thing I told him before he left was, "Don't ever give up faith in yourself, again!"
I did not realize until yesterday, the bond that must have been built between him, and all of the teachers in our grade. I literally thought that I was a pain in his butt, and someone he never cared to see again. I now know that for some we are their safe place, their constant thing, and mostly their motivation. My students are at such a crucial time in their lives that the belief in themselves comes and goes within seconds, but they know through the tears, yells, and smiles that I will always believe in them. And that is partly why I teach!

All good things must come to an end...

Today was my first day back to work and all I could think about was, "Where did my summer go?". Don't get me wrong, I look forward to starting a new year with a new group of faces, and trying to figure out the new problems/joys that come with them. Here are a few things that I learned this summer. These are in so specific order:

1. Don't lose your faith in God. Without your faith, your life can become filled with chaos and fear. I admit that when Major passed away, my world was rocked in a way that I never anticipated/wanted to admit. It was the first truly traumatic event that has ever happened to me because it was so completely unexpected. Sure I've had deaths in the family before, but I knew they were coming, and had time to emotionally prepare. Because of Major's death, I have had trouble trusting God, and I feared that he could rock my world again in a way that I was not expecting. It has caused excess anxiety that has been frustrating for everyone in my life (including God). The good news is, that through this, I've realized my relationship with Him has not been the strongest, and am choosing now to listen instead of fighting with Him.

1. Put the remote down and go for evening walks. I've loved talking with my David about random things at the end of our day, and not having anyone or anything interupt us. Well almost anything, Daisy Mae is now feared by all squirrels in the neighborhood. In return we fear the day that they realize she can't hurt a fly and will thus retaliate. Although on the a positive note, we are supporting our chiropractor's first born child, due to whip lash and out of line spines.


2. Take a trip, know what the place has to offer, but don't over plan. David and I did this on our trip to San Diego, and it was so relaxing! We did what we wanted, when we wanted to. Okay, so it was more like we actually got around to doing something when both of our indecissive minds could finally come to a conclusion on what to do. The one activity that we actually agreed on was fun. Just joking!
   
   
3. The order of our house through Daisy Mae's, our female boxer, eyes. Daisy Mae will cuddle up to David, but will literally talk back to me. I'm usually baffled by this, until David clearly pointed out how she sees things in our household. David is the big kahuna, Daisy Mae is the assistant, and I am the household help.
   
   
4. Unclutter your life! The junk in my parents' garage had been increasing each year. It was overwhelming to walk into, and so my mother and I put on our ugliest clothes and finally attacked it this summer. It took two full days, and on our last day, we took 400 lbs. of trash to the dump. That was not including the heaping mound that we had lined down the street in front of their house for the trash men the day before. It helped me to see what I need to do in my own life. Although old awards may be great, are my kids and grandkids really going to care about looking at them. I also saw the truism in 'One man's trash may be another man's treasure'. People were stopping by and going through their trash. At first I was disgusted, but realized that for some this is their means of income. They refinish it, sell it, and it helps support their family. Good job Mom and Dad for getting rid of all that stuff!

1. I'm the oldest child in my family, which usually means that I have all the answers on how my brother and sister should live their lives. This summer though, I realized that they are doing quite well without my input. They are trying to figure out their own path and just like myself, they want someone to be there for them no matter what with a hug and sometimes not words.
   
   
2. I appreciate my husband for everything that he does. For two months, he got up every Monday thru Friday and went to work while I slept in. He didn't complain, but worked long hard hours trying to earn back a portion of our non-existant fortune that I'm quickly spending. He claims that we haven't made it rich, but I keep telling him not to worry I'm sure we will soon. Please send donations!



3. I need to change my attitude with teaching. I love my job, but after 8 hours of working with 6th graders it can be trying at times. I've realized that I haven't handled situations the best that I can. I read something today that really made me think. It said, "I will always treat you with respect, to show you how you should treat me and others." I know that I have not been a model teacher when showing that to my students.


4. I need to take care of my body more. After some food poisoning, I have had a month long bout with some GI tract problems. It seems as though it takes forever to repair this. (but on a brighter note, daily upset stomachs have gotten me back to my wedding day weight). In the mean time however, I'm getting tired of bland food (mostly grilled chicken and yogurt) and let's just say that as a newly wed, poor David has had to learn far more about me and my GI tract than he ever planned.
   
5. Have fun doing the things you enjoy! If you enjoy taking a nap, then take one. If you just want to sit and read a book, then cozy up and begin. So what if last Friday you saw a movie and you're doing it again. It's okay not to make a single phone call in one day and just enjoy the quiet personal time.

Overcoming Fears

"I can't do this! I've seriously tried, but nothing is coming to me. I hate writing, please don't make me go back tomorrow. Everyone is so much better than I." These are words that a parent would probably hear from their young child after being assigned a writing assignment from their teacher. A teacher that they are convinced wants to ruin their life. As an LA teacher, which means I teach reading and try to fit in writing, some would ask me if these were the complaints from one of my student's parent after listening to their child for hours cry about how I assigned them a writing assignment. Unforutnately, these are the words of a 27 year old adult. Okay, I admit these are my own complaints, that my husband had to listen to for two weeks! Through my district I was required to take a two week writing workshop on how to encourage writing in my classroom. I thought, "This is going to be great! I'm going to get so much out of this for my students. Finally I won't have to feel as though I'm pulling out my students' teeth when asking them to write." Little did I know that we would go through this process, as though we were our students. Thus allowing us to get their side of the story and how they feel. In the two weeks we were required to write something, go through the writing process like a student, share it with the group, and then have it published for the whole district to read it if they would like to. The majority of the class were English teachers, they only teach writing and grammar, who seemed to be able to do this in their sleep. They knew all the types of vivid verbs to add, the many ways to start a paper, the paper no longer has to be 5 paragraphs (Intro, three good body papragraphs, and then the conclusion), appositives, absolutes, adjectives (Did you know that they don't have to come before the noun?), and finally participles and something about them dangling. You can imagine my horror! Through many temper tantrums, a whole notebook, and even a few threats from my husband, I got through the process and wrote a piece. I finally realized the horror that my students go through and why I was getting so frustrated with them not reaching their potential. I'm convinced that I wasn't allowing them to. They saw my fear/lack of interest in it and so they picked up on it. I've made it a goal of mine this year to overcome this fear, not only for myself but also for my students. They deserve it!