Pardon the Blue!

As you can see, I really don't have any idea what I'm doing. Last night I decided to spiff up my page a little. Of course, I haven't hired anyone to help me like all the other amazing blog pages out there. I'm on my own. Which is very scary.

So.

Because I really am not creative at all - I'm actually color challenged, also impatient - the blue will be staying for awhile.

I'm leaving tomorrow for Alaska to visit Todd, so I don't have time to play with the color chart.

I did try to make it as pleasant as possible. The orange, gray and yellow were definitely wrong. This blue will have to pass for awhile.

Thank God there are no blogging police out there monitoring the pages. I would definitely be locked up for this.

I'm Busy, This is a recording.....

You might as well just hand me a hammer right now and let me start beating myself up. I'm the worst blogger ever. I love reading them, I do. But to take the time to write just never happens. I've even given up on my menu planner while hubby is away.

But, "There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ, Jesus", right. So, on my behalf.... here's what is happening....

1) Moving school sites (classrooms)
134 boxes later with no where to put anything. God did bless me with Vons Pavilions shelving. As I passed by a Pavilions parking lot, I noticed lots of shelving units sitting idle and looking quite unwanted. When I inquired about the shelves, he said that me and 5,000 others would like them. But. He then looked directly in my eyes and told me that I could have them (after a few phone calls to higher ups)

A couple of my husband's workers did an amazing job installing them in my classroom, so now I only need to finish unpacking my 134 boxes and fill up them shelves! Yahoo!!!

2) One year old lives here..... need I say more?

3) Husband is in Alaska, while the one year old stayed behind with me...

4) I'm leaving Friday for Alaska (with one year old) and need to wrap up a few loose ends.

So while I enjoy reading everyone's blog, forgive me for my lack of blogging. Hopefully when I get back from Alaska, and school is in full swing, I'll be a tad bit more faithful. Until then....

A Woman's Week at the Gym

This is dedicated to everyone who ever attempted to get into a regular workout routine. Something funny to help with the pain.

Dear Diary,

For my birthday this year, my daughter (the dear) purchased a week of personal training at the local health club for me.
Although I am still in great shape since being a high school football cheerleader 43 years ago, I decided it would be a good idea to go ahead and give it a try.

I called the club and made my reservations with a personal trainer named Belinda, who identified herself as a 26-year-old aerobics instructor and model for athletic clothing and swim wear.

My daughter seemed pleased with my enthusiasm to get started! The club encouraged me to keep a diary to chart my progress.

____________ _________ _________ __
MONDAY:
Started my day at 6:00 a.m. Tough to get out of bed, but found it was well worth it when I arrived at the health club to find Belinda waiting for me. She is something of a Greek goddess - with blond hair, dancing eyes and a dazzling white smile. Woo Hoo!!

Belinda gave me a tour and showed me the machines. I enjoyed watching the skillful way in which she conducted her aerobics class after my workout today. Very inspiring!

Belinda was encouraging as I did my sit- ups, although my gut was already aching from holding it in the whole time she was around. This is going to be a FANTASTIC week!

____________ _________ _________ __
TUESDAY:
I drank a whole pot of coffee, but I finally made it out the door. Belinda made me lie on my back and push a heavy iron bar into the air then she put weights on it! My legs were a little wobbly on the treadmill, but I made the full mile. Belinda's rewarding smile made it all worthwhile. I feel GREAT! It's a whole new life for me.

____________ _________ _________ _
WEDNESDAY:
The only way I can brush my teeth is by laying the toothbrush on the counter and moving my mouth back and forth over it. I believe I have a hernia in both pectorals. Driving was OK as long as I didn't try to steer or stop. I parked on top of a GEO in the club parking lot.

Belinda was impatient with me, insisting that my screams bothered other club members. Her voice is a little too perky for that early in the morning and when she scolds, she gets this nasally whine that is VERY annoying.

My chest hurt when I got on the treadmill, so Belinda put me on the stair monster. Why the hell would anyone invent a machine to simulate an activity rendered obsolete by elevators? Belinda told me it would help me get in shape and enjoy life. She said some other shit too.

____________ _________ _________
THURSDAY:
Belinda was waiting for me with her vampire-like teeth exposed as her thin, cruel lips were pulled back in a full snarl. I couldn't help being a half an hour late - it took me that long to tie my shoes.

Belinda took me to work out with dumbbells. When she was not looking, I ran and hid in the restroom. She sent another skinny bitch to find me.

Then, as punishment, she put me on the rowing machine -- which I sank.
____________ _________ _________ _
FRIDAY:
I hate that bitch Belinda more than any human being has ever hated any other human being in the history of the world. Stupid, skinny, anemic, anorexic little cheerleader. If there was a part of my body I could move without unbearable pain, I would beat her with it.

Belinda wanted me to work on my triceps. I don't have any triceps! And if you don't want dents in the floor, don't hand me the damn barbells or anything that weighs more than a sandwich.

The treadmill flung me off and I landed on a health and nutrition teacher. Why couldn't it have been someone softer, like the drama coach or the choir director?

____________ _________ _________ __
SATURDAY:
Belinda left a message on my answering machine in her grating, shrilly voice wondering why I did not show up today. Just hearing her voice made me want to smash the machine with my planner; however, I lacked the strength to even use the TV remote and ended up catching eleven straight hours of the Weather Channel.

____________ _________ _________ __
SUNDAY:
I'm having the Church van pick me up for services today so I can go and thank GOD that this week is over. I will also pray that next year my daughter (the little shit) will choose a gift for me that is fun -- like a root canal or a hysterectomy. I still say if God had wanted me to bend over, he would have sprinkled the floor with diamonds!!!

I'm Tired!

I have a new deep affection for every single parent out there.

While Todd's away, the weekends are mine alone with Austin. Thank God in Heaven that he is a great kid. If he was fussy, whiny, miserable, or obnoxious in anyway - I'd pull the plug on my life. There, I said it.

But.... God in His infinite wisdom knows what we need, right. I'm not a strong woman, like all the other moms with difficult children. I had one 18 years ago, so I guess I paid that price way back then. And believe me, I'm still paying. Oh, yeah... she's amazing, wonderful, and loyal, but difficult to boot.

Anyway, enough of the sniveling.

This weekend we

played at the mall playground
played at the park
played in the pool
took long walks
went to church
played in the family room
played at a friend's house

Why do they call it playing?? I'm exhausted. We played so much that Austin fell asleep last night at 7:00 and slept 12 hours. Thank you, Lord Jesus.

And now Carmen is here. Thank you, Lord Jesus. Today I will act like a responsible teacher and begin to unpack the 134 boxes I moved to a new school site, arrange a classroom, read over my new student's packets, and haggle for some classroom furniture. Forget the lesson plans. My students will have the first 3 days of school learning and appreciating all facets of P.E.

I'm A Leavin, On a Jet Plane.....

The day is here. Todd leaves for Alaska for 6 weeks.

Several months ago I began praying about our summer finances. I'm a teacher - so no worka for me in the summer! That was a pact I made when I signed my credential and sang the hallelujah chorus on my front porch.

Todd, being a general contractor, gets work. And then sometimes doesn't. Well, for the first time in a looooong time, he didn't have another job after he wrapped up the last one. Scary times.

But.

Like I said, I had begun to pray back in May about the future. Or the next couple of months. whatever. And the Lord laid on my heart very clearly that July would be nada and August something would happen. I have been praying for years now that Todd would become an "employee" of a company, rather than own our own business, and we would not have to pay for

employees
taxes
liability insurance
taxes
worker's compensation
taxes

you get the picture.... Oh, just to receive bountifully, and not have to give it back every April. When it comes out of your weekly check, it doesn't seem to have the same effect on me.

So, when the call came a couple of weeks ago that his old company wanted to rehire him, I resumed my spot on the front porch and began belting out the chorus like never before.

Two days ago he signed his contract! Today he leaves. That part kinda sucks. But, on the other hand - since I am trying to look at the bright side..... here's my list!

1) Clean house
2) I don't have to cook dinner
3) Which means no dishes
4) I can sprawl out on my bed whichever way I choose
5) No petty arguments (especially when he mentions I should put a few blonde streaks
back in my hair)

Yeah - the list is pretty puny considering how much I'm going to miss him.

Austin and I might be flying up to Anchorage to meet him in a couple of weeks. We'll see... until then, I'll just have to use up all that free time doing something else... Did you say, "Shopping??"

What Have You Learned?

Over at Lysa Terkeurst's blog, Holly is filling in this week while Lysa and her family are at church camp. She posted today about a few things she has learned. The list was VERY GOOD! Two of them especially made me stop and ponder.

I decided I wanted to chronicle some of my list, then post back to her comment section.

I've learned that it is easier to tell the truth.
I've learned that patience goes a long way with a one year old.
I've learned that it's cheaper, easier, and healthier to cook a meal than order out.
I've learned that if you sow a smile, it does come back.
I've learned that God does supply all my needs according to His riches.
I've learned that I can count on God no matter what.
I've learned that time spent with your children is a huge investment.

What have you learned?

Uncluttered On The Inside

I love a clean, organized house. In fact, I am the kind of person that requires a clean, organized house. It is hard for me to think, plan, or execute anything if there is disorder all around me.

It is the same way in my classroom. I don't think I could ever be a kindergarten teacher because of this! I do love organized chaos, however. And as a teacher, there is plenty of organized chaos during art lessons, math manipulatives time, or silent reading with students all over the floor cuddling with blankets, pillows and books.

I have always prided myself on how well my surroundings look. Last week during my devotion time, however, God pointed out something very humbling to me. In James 3:16 it says, "For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing." This scripture is tied to others talking about Faith. Faith that produces Wisdom. When we are in a place where we are leaning first on God, then we can rest in Him knowing He will take care of our needs. In this place, peace will be found and there is no need for jealousy.

Lately, I have been missing time with my husband. His daughter, Jaycie, was here for two weeks, so they spent some wonderful time together. His work has been keeping him away from home until late in the evening. Both of us fall asleep way too early. He gets up before I do and is usually gone. Lots of valid reasons why we haven't had time alone!

But.

Little bits of resentment started to creep into my heart against all the things that intruded on our time alone. Did I mention we have a one year old as well! But, during my devotion, God shined the light on this as jealousy which brings disorder on the inside! It's hard to live an uncluttered life with disorder ruling the nest!

As God so patiently pointed out, as I begin to pray for time with my husband, time will present itself. Rather than be jealous, be thankful for his children, work, and abilities to make a nice home for us. As we turn our hearts around and align them with God's will, peace always follows!

Tonight we are going out on a date night! We love the show "Hell's Kitchen", and we will be dining at London, Gordon Ramsey's restaurant. I'm looking forward to this time alone! Did I mention that he is leaving Saturday for Alaska? He'll be gone for 6 weeks - Oh mercy.

Austin's first year

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Summer Fun Photo Contest

Over at 5 Minutes for Mom they are celebrating summer with a photo contest! Click here if you would like to participate. Just pick any photo that represents your idea of summer and submit it to their site! Deadline is August 13th at 3:00 EST. Winners posted on August 15th. You can write a description of your photo, or let it speak for itself! It will be fun to see all the wonderful views of summer through this contest!