Little Place of Space

A New Year

2011-01-18T12:13:00.002-07:00

It has been over six months since I last wrote here. Currently, I am writing while my students are also journal writing.

I've got good kids, but I have been discovering that writing, reading and math skills are so far behind what they should be. Also, disrespect is at a whole new level compared to only 10 years ago. Kids today have been bombarded by to much information via television, movies, music, computers/internet . . . They don't seem to recognize what is appropriate behavior and what is rude and disrespectful.

If I hear one more time, "well in public school . . . " I just might scream! Or another favorite line, "my parents don't care". That one I know is not true. My students' parents do care about how well their kids are doing academically or how they are behaving. However, many, or most of them do not know how to be quiet and still. Many people do not recognize that to have quiet students at school, it starts at home.

Soo, this week . . . practicing silence, peace and stillness.

Plants Update

2010-07-03T19:19:00.017-07:00

Here's some pictures from today of the yard . . .

Sunflowers a last week Wednesday or so

Sunflowers today

And just some pictures from the rest of the yard and gardens. The corn has more then doubled, new starts are coming out of the ground with grass and beans and corn and . . .

Yard Progress

2010-06-24T12:13:00.015-07:00

So I didn't get any before pictures, or pictures after the first plantings, but here is the Progress so far.

The front yard had grass in the past but it wasn't successful. So mom and I moved this well house planter out front and made a little flower bed (the picture doesn't do it justice, it's gorgeous), and we've planted grass and it is starting to come up ... in patches. :P In the corner next to the faucet mom planted hosta and a hydrangia plant. It should be very pretty.

Ok, I have a few before and after pictures, sadly they aren't very good due to the sunshine placement, but the next few pictures are of Tim's truck with the large load of bark. The front planter that is a little sad with some of the plants we got to put in around the front and back yard.

So I guess you can see the back yard, or the part close to the house before we landscaped it. :)

Front flower planter today. Ok, so those funny things sticking up are a flower (red poker)they just finished blooming, they used to be a bright reddish/orange flower. All those plants used to be small and they just keep growing and growing and it looks soo pretty. Again, the pictures do not do it justice.

The front of the house with some of the planters and hanging plants. Man, if you could see it in person . . . oh well :D Maybe I need to take pictures at the end of the day, sunset. hehe

Now some pictures of the back yard section. The two pathways still need cement between the pavers. We're going to be using red cement :). Oh, and basically almost everything other then plants, are things we found around the yard. Previous owners made the pavers (crude ones, but useful), we only got bark, dirt (lots and lots of soil) and plants (on sale) and seeds. :D

The corner flowerbed has several plants/flowers started from seed. It is a little sad looking right now because some dogs decided to dig a hole in the middle and burried lots of little plants with dirt. It should recover pretty good and when all the plants are grown with flowers it should be very pretty.

I was going to put a little narrated video on here, but couldn't get it to work. :(

This is the Blueberry and Raspberry garden. Blueberries are in the tires and are starting to take off. They were a root start. Raspberries are growing and in the middle are the seven sunflowers that I was able to get started from seed. They are getting BIG! :D Well if you could see them that is. hehe

The old dog pen/run no longer . . . now a veggie/fruit garden. The little bird house has at least two baby birds in it.

The small circles are different types of squash

In the big square bed there is garden beans, blue lake beans, okra, lima beans, cow peas and green arrow peas . . . we've already replanted seeds because some of the first plants didn't do well with the transplant and the heat. But new plants are starting again. :) The funny arrow like shaped bed has various cabbage and lettuces. Not sure that they are going to work well, but we'll see.

The taller rectangular bed has 5 or 6 different types of tomato plants growing. They seem to be finally doing well. The white hanging planters is from a tomato plant that we picked up that had five plants in one planter. They just weren't doing well and we separated them. Hoping the recover. They already have tomatoes and we picked one of them and will try it today. The black buckets are also tomatoes started from seed. We're worried that the type of soil we used in those pots might be to rich and the plants weren't big enough before transplanting. They aren't all doing as well. Praying they recover and do well. They have some of my favorite types of tomatoes. (hmmm . . . but I won't be here when they produce).

The other large square bed has radishes (for dad), broccolli, cucumbers, sugar pod peas and corn.

The two large circular beds have cantelope. Three little plants have started coming up. Had to replant seeds in these beds too just like the squash and beans.

So that's what we've been doing. :) can't wait to see how it all looks in a few weeks. :D

Exercise . . . Wieght . . . Loss? Gain?

2010-04-29T07:41:00.003-07:00

Sooo, for the last few months I have been going to the gym and have been working out, swimming and just recently added a body sculpting class. The only days I don't go are Sabbath and Sunday, so wouldn't you think that I would start to see some weight loss or some down sizing in clothes? Well, apparently not my body, nope, it is hanging on to every last pound size. Though I will admit I am feeling like I am stronger and have the endurance again that I had. Only with all the workouts and body sculpting and yard work, I am SORE! :)

So though I am not seeing any weight loss I am getting all sorts of gains. My muscles are defining, the yard is taking shape (slowly), and I am moving in July to a beautiful place to start a new adventure. Hmm, I hope that my body decides to finally shed the extrra weight before the move. :)

Well, I am off to the gym for water aerobics with mom and then laps then home again to plant veggie garden seeds

Moving!!!

2010-04-27T21:13:00.003-07:00

Yup, I'm moving. I am very excited about it . . . Back to the Pacific Northwest. Of course I will be on the opposite side of the state that I grew up on, but hey, it's more like home. Besides, I went to Academy on the Eastern side.

Well, ok, home is always where my family is at, however I am so thankful that God opened the doors for me to move back. :)

So I'll tell more later, too sleepy now but I wanted to share. :)

Peaceful Days . . .

2010-01-26T18:25:00.002-07:00

So I have today and tomorrow off, then back to work Thursday and Friday. I'm glad though that I will not be working phones those days. My last few days on phones was a little . . .

People are hurting, and when they are hurting others because of it tragedies can occur. Thankfully, we were able to help someone prevent a tragedy, but man, it shook me up a bit. Suicide attempt, with knives . . . screaming . . . hysteria . . .

I am glad that today and tomorrow I am off. :) God has equipped me with means to deal with this job, but I truly hope He doesn't plan for me to be here for a long time. I would rather be helping people to prevent this type of thing from happening, then trying to send help when it does happen. Though I am relieved we were able to help and prevent that situation from escalating into the direction it was heading.

Thank you Lord for days like today :) Went to the gym and did aqua-size with mom and some other friends, took mom to lunch, came home and relaxed. Mom made a fantastic pot-pie, we made pumpkin pie as a joint effort and it turned out wonderful too. And the pups . . . crazy fun critters :) I love my dogs. :) Yeah, thank you Lord for today.

Contemplation

2010-01-16T09:25:00.002-07:00

It's been over a month since my last post and a lot has happened since then. At work I have been moved from trainer to trainer, so my schedule has been different every week for the last month. I have learned a lot and there is so much more to learn. There is just so much information in being a call-taker and dispatcher. You could probably go to school for a few years for it and still need several months of one on one training. It is fascinating, exciting at times, boring at times and I have a whole new appreciation for the police, fire and ems units out there.

Now my schedule is working Sabbaths. I honestly do not mind working in an emergency service on Sabbath occationally, however I really do not feel it right to do every Sabbath. I have talked it over with my training supervisor and she is going to see what they can do, but I am now wondering what God may be wanting me to learn or to do. He led me to this job, opened the door, provided an income, even opened up Sabbaths for me. Now I'm back to having all Sabbaths for the next few months and I've been getting a feeling, or impression, that God wants me to trust Him and do something different. I actually think He is telling me see, I can take care of you anywhere, but you belong working with children and in ministry. I miss working with youth. I miss being a part of my church family.

I'm really confused and frustrated and my heart feels heavy, as if it is breaking . . . like I'm not quite catching on to what He wants me to do now. I need an income, and yet . . . Lord please give me a sign, show me what I need to do now. I've begun the process of applying to schools for next school year, but in the mean time I just ask that my friends and family keep praying about this situation and that God makes it very clear what I should do in the next few days/weeks.

It is such a lovely Sabbath, and I wish that I could be worshiping with friends and family today. However, I will go to the call center and be there and maybe make a difference in someone's life today for the better. :)

Sabbath Rest

2009-12-05T16:00:00.003-07:00

Tomorrow is the first day I am working full time answering phones. Pretty exciting. 10 hour days so I get 3 days off a week. I like it, and I don't have to be in before 10:45am.

Life is good.

I love Sabbath, it's a beautiful day even if it's cloudy!

Have a blessed week all.

A new career

2009-11-29T09:44:00.003-07:00

I started a new career this month. Quite the job as well. You never really think about 911 operators and dispatchers unless you are in an emergancy. Ever stop to think what all they are doing? Well,now I am one of those individuals at the other end of the line.

The last three weeks I and three others have been training and I wasn't sure at first why God put me there. I am so thankful that He is in charge. I have been having such fun and enjoyed learning this new career. Idon't dread going to work and I am whistling in the shower again and while I do daily tasks. God is so good.

Sunday is over, tomorrow is another weekday

2009-08-23T21:09:00.002-07:00

Day 4 . . .

Tomorrow I will be calling places, writing more places, I'm sure, and just being. :)

Day 3 . . .

2009-08-22T19:27:00.003-07:00

So I'm not real happy with my picture for today . . . so I'm sharing another one of me and my girls here from today as well :)

Sabbath with Family and a 4Runner

2009-08-22T19:14:00.002-07:00

Tim decided that we needed to go up to the mountains this Sabbath where all we would go. We packed up the dogs, got in the 4Runner and went up to a place I have never been, but WOW! I wouldn't mind living there. It was just beautiful up there. I took lots of pictures, but none could really express how beautiful it was. Maybe I'll share some of them later . . . here though is a picture of the happy family and the happy pups. :)

Day 2

2009-08-21T19:28:00.001-07:00

Two of Three Hundred and Sixty-five

One out of Three Hundred and Sixty-Five Days

2009-08-20T19:51:00.001-07:00

First of Many . . . <- Click Here

365 Project

2009-08-16T09:04:00.002-07:00

I've been seeing and reading about people doing this 365 project. Where you take a picture everyday for a year with some comment to go along with it. Some do it of themselves, some their town, others just random stuff. I wonder . . . perhaps I could do something like that too. Might be fun, though at times boggy, hmm.

Beautiful Sabbath

2009-08-15T12:58:00.005-07:00

Take some time to thank our Lord for the beauty, rest and fellowship of Sabbath.

Enjoy what He's created for you and me.

Picture This

2009-08-10T14:47:00.003-07:00

Tipsy enjoying the wild flowers in the mountains

Latenight Ramblings

2009-08-09T22:13:00.002-07:00

It's late and I can't sleep. Perhaps it is the return of the craziness that led to all the sleepless nights, unreasonable weight-gain, stress galore, high blood pressure for mom . . . over this last school year.

I need a change of place, yet so does my family. Not sure how or when that will happen. I'm hoping and praying it occurs before the hurtful and crazy people cause such damage to my family that is completely irreversible.

Ok, I know that God is watching out for us and won't let us take on more then we can handle with Him. I'm just so tired of being weepy and seeing my mom hurt over and over again. Thankful that just when it gets bad, God seems to send something good my way. I look forward to what that may be after today's day.

A Bit of Color

2009-08-02T17:50:00.002-07:00

It's been a rough day, but yesterday afternoon and evening in the La Plata Mountains was lovely and filled with pretty flowers, trees and majestic mountains. So I thought I'd share one of the lovely Colorado flowers with you to bring a little color and cheer to the evening.

My funny Gemma

2009-07-29T23:10:00.003-07:00

ok, so it's midnight and I should be asleep, but I had to share what just happened. Gemma is sleeping next to me and out of somewhere in her dreamland something happened. She howled! Gemma howled in her sleep. It woke her up too, she was a little confused as well. Blinked, looked around, then went back to sleep. It was a funny sound . . . wish I had a video recording, it would make lots of people laugh I'm sure. :)

Two Months . . .

2009-07-28T09:11:00.005-07:00

Yes, it has been more than two months since I last posted. You would think that since it is summer there would be more time to post. Guess it has just been so busy and full. Ok, so I haven't felt like writing either. However, this morning I'm taking some time to ramble about the last two and a half months.

May: Fourth Quarter came and went. We had a lovely graduation, a fun day the last day of school and said goodbye to many students and families. That was tough, but ok since many of them are good kids and keep in contact.

My cousin and her lovely family came to visit . . . that was fun. We went to the Bar D Chuck Wagon. Good food, fun entertainment. Was sad to see Maria, Ryan and their munchkins go, but they had to make it to a wedding.

Next came cleaning the school and moving out our stuff from the school. I had WAY to much of my own books and things at the school. It got to be rather heavy as well. Crazy me, didn't listen to my back and ended up pulling something . . . lets just say, I don't like the Emergency room, and have little faith in doctors who just automatically assume if you don't have a heart problem, then it must be acid reflux . . . turned out to be, severe muscle strain which in turned caused extreme chest pain. I hate taking pills, but Ibuprofen has been my best friend. It's mostly better, but if I do to much lifting or standing, my upper back sure screams. Oiy! am I getting old? yeah, probably. hehe

June: Came and went extremely fast. I went to Las Vegas with a friend who wanted to company for the drive over there to visit her kids. It was fun :)
Had a few phone interviews, nothing yet . . .

July: 'neen and 'lissa with the kids and Matt flew in for a stop-over and invited me to come and help with VBS in California. Well, how can you turn down that offer? Yeah, exactly, so I went, had a fun time, got to spend time with 'neen and the kids, time with 'lissa. I even fit in a couple job inquiries. Still not sure where that might go, or where God will send me.

OH, then of course I drove to El Paso, TX. That is a pretty interesting drive, and a fascinating place. When coming back north mom (who came with me, and which I'm so glad and thankful she did) and I went to White Sands. OH! I want to go there again! It is just amazing. A little hot at the end of July, but still amazing and fascinating. Need to go there when I have more time and can see it at sunset. :) The sand is so soft, and cool (temperature).

Now that we're all caught up. I'm still looking for work, God will provide, I am sure, anticipating going for another trip west to do some more job searches as well. We'll see. Please keep it in prayer with me.

Oh goodie, here comes August . . . who knows what is in store. Only God. :)

June:

One More Week

2009-05-16T08:31:00.002-07:00

Well, I guess I am not moving to Alaska. I'm quite relieved. I would love to visit Alaska, maybe even live there someday. Yet right now, I was a little concerned that I might be a little isolated in that particular area.

So, down to one more week of school. Mixed feelings. I love my students, my drama crew The FEW and all the 'lil munchkins that make me laugh and even those that make me cry. I don't believe I'll miss the tears, but there will be a few shed I fear. Hopefully not this evening at the end of the year party and farewell. Definitely at graduation. Even though it has been a rough few years, I do love my kids. I've become so attached to many of them and their families.

ARG! I get so angry at those who have done their best to destroy what we had worked so hard for. I realize though that it's not my battle, I'm just one of the warriors, and that if it wasn't precious territory, Satan wouldn't be trying so hard here. I need to just give it all to God and let Him lead the next warrior for His children. Where He wants me to go next, I don't know. Sometimes I wonder if He doesn't want me to stay here, but what will I do here? Then there are times were He shows me other possibilities, but doesn't open the door wide enough yet for me to walk through. Who knows, I'm a work in progress I hope, and . . .

Yeah, it's lonely, but when He leads, awesome things happen. I just have to look at what He's done through The FEW to really see, and be reminded how much He does work through us. This week, we went out to La Vida Mission, had no idea that it was their week of prayer, and we shared there, and wouldn't you know it, it was the day that they were going to make an appeal to the youth to give their hearts to Jesus, and it just flowed with what they were concentrating on for the week. The saying goes, "God works in mysterious ways". NAW! I don't think there is anything mysterious in how things work in perfect timing. It's pretty blunt if you ask me. :)

So, just have to wait, and work till He makes the next step just plain to see again.

Happy Sabbath all! May God bless you this week to come, and give you all peace in your hearts.

Long Time, No Blog.

2009-05-11T12:03:00.002-07:00

We've been so busy lately at school that I haven't much had time to write much . . . but I'll share this with you all now. We are in the last two weeks of school. The FEW have performed twice since Campion, and they have one more performance at La Vida Mission on Thursday. We have an end of the year & farewell party next Saturday night, a field Trip to see a plane on Friday, the upper grades are taking the 8th graders on a camping trip to the sand dunes in CO, 8th grade graduation and a last day of school swim party at the aquatic center. Yup, a full two weeks. That doesn't even include my cousin and her family coming next week. WOOHOO! very excited about that :)

So, have I had time to job hunt? I have sent my resume and application to several places, and one place I sent my resume to yesterday, I heard back from yesterday and they are having a board meeting this week going over the "active list" and that I should expect to hear from them sometime this week. OK, God, if you want to send me to the wilds of Alaska, that is where I will go, but . . . umm . . . ok, lets just pray about it, and if it is where I am to go, MAKE IT CLEAR!

The Rest of the Story

2009-03-31T09:46:00.006-07:00

Now you heard/read the exciting story (below) here is the rest of the story.

We made it to the south eastern part of the Denver area and stayed at a hotel. We only had 56 miles to go to get the academy in Loveland, so we were going to take off at 9:00am.

Yeah, we finally left the hotel at about 9:40, however the snow started at 8:30. It was coming down pretty good, but it wasn't to bad, yet. We moved onto the highway . . . we had a few missed turns and ended up driving in a big circle at which the car that was in our little troop of vehicles, did a 360 in the middle of the intersection and decided they were going to ditch the car in a hospital parking lot and pile in the spaces we had in the two trucks and my 4Runner.

As we unloaded the car into the trucks, I looked at the back tires and low and behold, another miracle we had no idea about, the back tires were smooth, the front tires not far behind. How had they not slid off the side of the road the night before was a miracle. On Friday, when mom and the driver of the car went to get the car and get the tires changed, they found out it was at 2/32 thickness. How they got so bald, we're not sure, but so thankful for the angels that protected that car when it was sliding on the road the night before.

Back on the road, the snow had fallen now a good ten inches, and we had only been gone about two hours. The temperature was dropping rapidly and so a nice thick layer of ice was on the road. We came up to a stop light. Mom stopped, I was trying to stop, but that ice was just to much and I slid, and slid . . . and BARELY missed hitting her. I looked in the rear view mirror and there was A-, doing his best to stop his truck, but to no avail.

BOOM!

A-'s truck slammed into my 4Runner. I got out to see the damage . . . oh, what damage! But we were all ok, they were all ok. Funny thing, looked like there was next to no extra damage done to their truck. My whole back end is rather dented. So much so, that everyone was joking and calling me Dented Butt on our return trip.

So many accidents on the road; Semi's jack-knifed, cars spinning, off on the side of the road, a couple of small pile ups . . .

We made it to Campion by 5:40 pm, just in time for supper. Eight hours for 56 miles. We had stopped at a mall where we had lunch, so I guess it was only seven hours on the road. Yet the typically Eight hour drive from Farmington to Loveland took 26 hours.

So, the rest of the story . . .

The FEW: Fearlessly Exposed Witnesses, had not practiced since the Thursday before spring break, so it had been two weeks. You see, each practice we tried to do, kept having to be postponed because of the road conditions. Thursday night, the practice was HORRIBLE! none of the kids could remember their lines, they just were batty. Then Friday morning, not a whole lot better. I was beginning to get worried, but I just prayed about it. Friday afternoon, at our last practice, it went must much better, but whatever, we had prayer together, and then that night, every time I woke up, I prayed about the Sabbath School program.

We met up at the church an hour before Sabbath school to mic up, have prayer and just be ready to go. All the girls on the team had prayer. Oh, their prayers were so heartfelt, and for each other and those coming to see them. It brought tears to my eyes!

God definitely wanted us there, and that was such a great performance. So many people came afterwords, throughout the whole day, telling myself and the girls how they were blessed and enjoyed Sabbath School that morning.

You can never convince me that God does not exist! For if He did not . . . I don't even want to immagine what this trip could have turned out to be. It was as if Satan was doing his very best to prevent us from reaching our destination, but God said, "NO! I need them there!" What a privilege and an honor (though scary as it was at the time) to be a part of a plan. We have no idea if this trip was for one of our students, or for one or more of those that attended Sabbath School. What we do know is that God brought us there, and He worked through us in such wonderful ways. I wish I could find the words to really help others understand and feel and know what we have felt and know and understand to be true.

I love you all! And I love my kids! I'm so blessed, even though I have so much stress, God is blessing me in so many ways I know He's looking out for me, I have no need to worry. :)

Brief Update!

2009-03-29T21:45:00.002-07:00

Yes, we made it back safe! Weather report changed and the snow was held off. We had some high winds, but it was a lovely drive back. Seven vehicles in our caravan :)

Thank you all who were praying for us through-out the weekend. Your prayers were answered in the most miraculous ways. The program on Sabbath morning was amazing! Can't wait to share that with you. Well, maybe I can, I'm too tired. Tell you all the stories later :)

Love ya all!

Part of the Story

2009-03-29T21:15:00.000-07:00

This is a rough draft of the speech/introduction I had before our program at Campion Academy in Loveland, CO, Sabbath the 28th of March.

Welcome to Sabbath School

We are so glad to see you all here today. We come from the southern most part of the Conference in Farmington, NM.

Knowing what our school group went through and hearing tid-bits from other school’s adventures, we all seem a bit crazy. But you know, God looked out for each of us anyway – fender benders, rear endings and all.

Our school’s original plan was to leave Farmington early Thursday morning. However, the storm predictions had many parents and drivers urging us to leave Wednesday. So after school, we loaded up, had prayer together and planned to arrive at Campion around 11:30 pm or so and stay ahead of the snow storms.

Our journey started great. The roads were clear all the way through Wolf Creek Pass. We were sailing along making great time.

Some of our group had left an hour and a half, maybe two hours ahead of us so a few of our students were texting back and forth our locations and weather conditions. So we knew there was some snow coming up, but the group ahead of us didn’t have any trouble so we weren’t concerned. The major storm was behind us. We arrived in Fairplay, CO after dark, and that snow we were told about started and began sticking to the road.

We filled up our gas tanks and started on our way. In our caravan there were four vehicles: two trucks, my SUV and a car. As we began down a hill, I thought maybe we were going a bit to quickly. The roads were starting to get slippery, but not to bad.

In my 4Runner were four of our girls, three whom are in The FEW, performing today. We were the third vehicle in the caravan. The first truck was driven by our principal who was carrying most of our luggage, the second a family in which one of the members is a part of our drama team and choir and last was the car following with the guys.

The truck, right in front of myself and the wide awake girls in my 4Runner, started to fishtail and then turned and slid sideways toward the left of the road. Thankfully there was no on coming traffic. I figured they would stop sideways and I slowed down more not wanting to run into them as they were pulling out of it. But their vehicle didn’t stop. It began spinning and sliding to the right side of the road toward drop off.

“Oh God! Help!” I screamed in my head as I was slowing my car, attempting to stop it slowly.

The next moment was the most frightening one I have ever had in my life as I know it was for the girls in my vehicle, as well as my mother who was watching from her rear view mirror in the lead truck. I won’t even try to imagine or explain what it was like for those in that truck.

We watched, helpless as the truck with this family we all love and call friends fall right over the edge of the road into blackness. For all we knew it could have been a 20 to a 100 ft drop into a river or rocks below.

Only with God’s help was I able to pull over and stop my car and put on the emergency brake.

I was screaming in my head “OH GOD! Please let them be alive, please let them be safe, please help them, please help them, please!”

I got out of my car, and hurried up the hill praying the whole way, “Please Lord, Please” As I reached the point where they went over the car that was bringing up the end pulled up next to me and I barely got out that they went over, when I saw the headlights of the truck.

There, was that big white truck, facing the same direction our cars were going down the road, resting, just before another steep embankment. Standing in the back of the truck, silluetted by the bed light was, the driver, A...

I can’t describe the wash of relief that flooded me when A… shouted up to us “We’re ok! We’re all Safe and OK!”

Now I have a question for you, how many of you carry wire cutters with you in your vehicles? I wouldn’t have thought to do so before now. You see, where the truck fell over was through a fence and there was a gradual incline parallel with the road. So in order to drive out, was through a fence.

Thankfully a young man had come along with us, practically last minute, and he had with him the best tool ever! A Leatherman with wire cutters. Between him, sponsors, teachers and our amazing 8th and 9th graders who jumped in to help with removing the fence and pole, transporting luggage and people from one truck to another, change a shredded tire with only little flashlights for light and cold temperatures, the truck was back on the road in just under an hour.

Now if that truck had gone over where it first started to slide, or 100 yards down the rad, there weren’t any inclined ledges, just drop offs . . . strait down.

The truck didn’t roll. It stopped just before another steep incline and faced perfectly the way it needed to, to drive out and there was only one tire that was shredded and no luggage was lost.

We know Angels carried that truck and safely landed them.

We found a hotel on the south eastern part of Denver, and started out a little late and experienced the storm that most of you went through to get here on Thursday. We had so many more miracles, it would take to long to share, but we experienced one mile and hour driving for several hours before we finally figured a way through town and made it here yesterday.

So we are so glad to be alive and share with you today. The Piñon Hills Christian School Drama Team had no idea how fitting the name they had chosen for our team, The FEW: Fearlessly Exposed Witnesses really was before this weekend.

Miracle Journey!

2009-03-27T15:22:00.002-07:00

Our school made the trip to Campion Academy for the the RMC Music & Fine Arts Festival. We were planning on leaving on Thursday morning, however the weather predictions for Thursday were pretty dire. Huge snow storms coming across Colorado and New Mexico. With this in mind, we decided to leave Wednesday after school.

Our new plan had us arriving at the academy campus around Eleven or Midnight, However, something else happened. I don't have time to write about it now, but look for the complete story after Sunday night sometime when we are to be getting home. Just know, so far, this has been the most memorable trip I have ever had, and the Miracles, and I literally mean DIVINE, FANTASTIC, BREATHLESS MIRACLES, the miracles are what I can't wait to share with you, but I must go. It's time for supper shortly, and the students will be hunting me down for the supper meal ticket.

Please, be praying for us. Our drama team, The FEW, are putting on the Sabbath School program tomorrow and God definitely wants us here, so pray that we listen to Him and present the program for His Glory. Also keep us in prayer as we head back to New Mexico on Sunday. The weather report is another storm front is moving in Sunday.

Love ya all, Happy Sabbath!

Dr. Suess Birthday

2009-03-02T09:10:00.002-07:00

Today is Dr. Suess's Birthday. What a contribution to education and a funny guy at the same time. Today in class, we're going to try and incorporate Dr. Suess books in each subject. :) It's gonna be fun.

Change on My Mind

2009-02-22T15:22:00.002-07:00

This school year has been something of an interesting year. Granted, it has been extremely stressful at times, but you can't say it hasn't been interesting.

I have student's in my class that drive me a little crazy each day that I still love anyhow. I've learned that no matter how much you wish to trust someone in a place of "authority" and leadership in church, you can only trust God. Ok, that wasn't a completely new lesson, but I want to think people are basically good, and that's been hard to hang on to over the last eight months. Even so, I have not lost my faith and trust in God.

I have no idea what will happen after this school year, but I'm not worried. I know I have no job come June, so far, but God hasn't let me down yet. Last night, I guess he hit me over the head with it, cause I admit, I was getting a little worried what will happen after the pay check stops coming and the job market isn't real open in where I would like to go.

Tim and I just returned home from a drive in the mesas and high desert. We were heading to see Gasbuggy, but we took a few side trips on the back "roads" as you will. While out, I asked God, "WHAT AM I GOING TO DO?" and just enjoyed the trip, though the depression was trying to get to me. Well, shortly after I walked in the door, my phone rang and the individual said something to the effect that I didn't know them and they got my number from a friend of mine (thanks Ladyboyd!) and that they might be an answer to my prayer. He then told me about a few positions that I won't go into now, because I'm going to see where they lead and if this is where God wants me to go. But whether or not it is, it sure was a pretty blunt way for God to say, "Hey! what you worrying about? I got ya covered, I've got options, just let me lead."

Anyhow, I know a change is coming, some days I wish it was sooner then later, but I don't need to worry about it, God's got it all under control. Glad He does! :)

Healthy & Declining Churches . . . Hmmm

2009-02-08T18:22:00.004-07:00

The following lists of what constitutes a Declining Church and a Healthy Church was published in a recent Town Hall book for delegates. At first glance you might say, yeah, that's right, however there is some things that concern me to say that they are indications of a healthy or a declining church. Or, is it crazy for me to be concerned?

According to the Conference's published booklet:

"A Declining Church . . .
*Program Based *Behavior driven *Decision by committee *Limited view of membership *Permission based *Lack of Vision *Doesn't like change *Inactive members *Inward focusd/self centered *Pastor as chaplain *Worship about head not heart *Controlling *Policy orienting *Pride in friendliness, but isn't really friendly *Distrust of management *Waiting for people to come *Spends resources primarily on youth/children, not adults"

"A Healthy Church . . .
*Spirit Filled *Open to change *Small group social *Grace driven *Finances spent on disciplining adults *Member - defined by involvement *Enable, empower *Freedom to implement rapidly *Empowered board/leaders *Outward focus *Mission concept/mission driven *Spiritual gifts used *Pastor as leader *Worship about the heart/dynamic *Christ centered *Accepting, inclusive *Diverse leadership *Giving *Boundaries *Grace driven"

One concern: An assumption can be made that a healthy church spends no resources on it's youth only on disciplining adults? What about our youth? Doesn't this go against research over the years of a healthy churches longevity.

Does that bother anyone? What about anything else with the above description of healthy and declining churches? There are a couple other things, but I'm not sure if I just am overly sensitive to something that really might not be there because of what has happened over the last year.

hmmm?

Life and Times of the Common Cold

2009-02-05T08:44:00.002-07:00

Ahh, to take over a person and wear them down, this is the life, or so the cold in my body must think.

I spent two days at school, feeling quite "lovely". . Yesterday I'd had enough, and we got someone to cover for me, now I'm staying home today as well.

I despise colds! Oh, I do despise them!

Now I am sitting here at my computer, typing this . . . and I'm thinking I want 'chicken-noodle' for breakfast.

I'm off to do more resting, have some tea and all that. :)

Come, come! This could be fun!

2009-01-28T22:16:00.002-07:00

Not really a red-neck . . . but the sunshine, the warm weather . . . sigh

"It could always be worse."

2009-01-28T21:58:00.000-07:00

A Life Remembered

2009-01-22T08:07:00.004-07:00

I flew to Portland this past weekend after finding out that a friend of mine had passed away. He had been fighting cancer for just over eight years, and the cancer won a fight. However, the battle was not won by cancer.

He was a good friend to everyone. How many times have you heard that? Yet the reality is, Oscar truly was a friend to everyone. As one person said at the memorial, when you met Oscar, he would look you in the eyes and became genuinely interested in who you were, where you came from and what you are doing with your life.

I remember the day I met Oscar. It was the first day of school. I was in eighth grade and had just transferred schools. I knew a few of the people, but not many and being quite shy, I was afraid that it would take a few days, maybe a week or so, before I made many friends. That first day, I don't remember much about it. I'm sure it was spent learning procedures and such, I do remember I had a good feeling about my teachers (which of course turned out to be spot on). What I do remember is getting on the bus that was going to take me to the academy where my mom worked, and I wasn't sure where I should sit. There were kids that were my age back in the back of the bus, but I was a little shy, and they seemed like the "cool" kids. This guy on the very back seat called out to me. Something along the lines of "New girl" but I don't remember exactly what it was. He told me to come back and sit with them. What all was said, I don't remember, but I do remember thinking wow, this guy thinks I'm cool too, and is fun and I felt like I was possibly one of the "in" kids.

Oscar made everyone feel like they were special and his good friend. A joy to see. Whenever I saw him while in college, or even afterwords, I still felt like I was special and always a joy to see. I wish that I had a few more moments with him over the last couple years, however I know that I will see him again when Christ comes, and that will be a wonderful reunion.

My prayer is that all of my friends will one day meet again in heaven. I love you all! Let's live our lives to the fullest, and share our faith all and make everyone feel welcome so they want to come too.

"When God Has Another Plan"

2009-01-14T12:17:00.002-07:00

God had so many plans for each of us and all his people. I'm wondering what plan He has for me now. So many things have been happening that shows how much Satan is trying to really get to us upset and to turn away from God.

This has been a rough school year, in fact so rough that I know a few people who went through less and did not come out so well. I'm just praying that God gives me strength and protect me from myself when it gets really bad. Especially when I or my family is attacked by those who would be called men of God.

Well, it's time for the 'lil ones to get down for serious rest time soon. They have been doing so good "reading" books quietly. I was a little worried after this morning. Such whining! ARG! Yet now they are so nice and quiet. :D I'll give them a few more minutes quite time before I have them take rest time. I should be with the ninth graders right now, but that's a whole other story. Hopefully they do their work without me for a few more minutes. Hehe.

Have a lovely Wednesday everyone!

Sundays

2009-01-11T08:45:00.002-07:00

I'm enjoying this Sunday. I"m relaxed, in bed, surrounded by three 'pups'. Alas, this post is short, for they are beginning to do the same with each other in anticipation of being let out. Ahh, Sunday morning 'lay-a-bed' is over.

Good morning world, let's start a new week.

School Resumes

2009-01-08T17:14:00.003-07:00

School resumed this week, and what a crazy week it has been. I'm not sure what all will happen this last semester, but I'm feeling good right now about it. A little tired and worn out by the crazy students in my PreK and Kindergarten group, but still good. I have a new student in PreK as well as a new ninth grader in English, Social Studies and Desktop Publishing.

Oh yes! I just picked up 6 - 9 PE and was able to relinquish the PreK - 2 Bible class to mom! WOOHOO! She's now getting a dose of what it was like last quarter. Hehe, she's about going out of her head with them, and she only has them for 30 minutes. Oh, I know the feeling oh so well. :)

Well, I should go check on G-, he's got the latch-key today and I'm on second, so I should see how he's holding up. The kids were a bit wound up today. Hmm, perhaps that is an understatement, I better run and make sure he's sane. :)

Have a lovely rest of the week everybody! I will try and keep up with writing, emailing, blogging and everything now that things seem to be smoothing out, though no less busy, just a bit smoother. :)

Another Year Older

2009-01-02T20:15:00.003-07:00

Actually being another year older isn't so bad. I mean, I'm not that old, but I'm old enough to know better and all that. I look back now though and think I am not where I was planning to be 10 years ago. 10 years ago I was in Walla Walla, I had lasik eye surgery, and was making plans to go to Andrews in the fall with my cousin. Hmm, I wonder if I would have made the decisions I made over the last 10 years if I knew what was going to happen. Oh well, I saw God leading me, and then the times where I just sorta floated. What's in store for me next? I guess God only knows, I'll just keep praying that He leads me where He wants me to go next.

My Cuz in California, her family, my parents and I were able to get together for the first time in 6 years . . . let's not make it sooo long next time!

It was late, and the last pic taken before they left, silly thing is, the only one we took together. hmmm

Happy New Year . . .

2008-12-31T16:12:00.002-07:00

It's New Year's Eve day. We arrived home around 3 am this morning and I've already been up to Durango for a lovely monthly shot, went out to eat with my brother, mom and some other friends for lunch, and now I'm headed to finish unpacking the car.

Not sure, but I think this New Years Eve will be another boring night. Ah well, we had a lovely time with friends out in Southern California. Wish we could have stayed another couple days, I am sooo not ready to be back here. Oh well . . .

We're entering a New Year, and I know God has some plans for me. I just hope and pray I will be willing to do what he asks, and recognize where He leads. I wish that for each of you too!

Happy New Year all! May God bless this coming year and lead us to His will. :)

Christmas in Riverside

2008-12-28T00:51:00.002-07:00

I'm so pleased that my parents and I were able to get away from the snowy Four Corners and all that has been going on there, and came over to Riverside area. It's lovely to be with friends. Even if two whom I really wanted to see (as well as Kiddo and Babyboy!) decided to not be here, I have had a lovely time with their parents and mine. To bad my "'lil bro" is saving vacation time for his 10 year, then it would be even better.

Today my cousin and her family came over. That was nice. We haven't seen each other in 6 years. I can not believe it has been that long, but then to see how big the kids have grown, well . . . To let it be this long before we see each other again would be a crime! We've got to do better about getting together as a family! I guess we need a big family reunion. Hahaha! Now that would be entertaining, and a bit neurotic! Think we can handle the Twins and the big sister together with all their kids, and grandkids (and in my case grand-dogs)? Would be fun to try!

Then it would be nice to all get together with mom's side of the family as well. Hasn't been since the parents all went to Hawaii and returned for Christmas the next day that we have had us ALL together at once.

Ah well, we're all going to San Diego in the morning, and I'm looking forward to a day of play . . . well mostly play. So I had best get to bed, I'm up to late as it is.

I do hope all you lovely friends and family had a fantastic and blessed Christmas. I love you all, and wish I was able to be with ALL of you (even if only a short time) this Christmas and New Years holiday. God bless!

Good night :D

Last Week Before Break.

2008-12-15T22:19:00.002-07:00

This is the last week before break, and a break that is more needed I know not of. I look forward to this one more then any other. What will I do, I do not know, we'll see. :)

Sonnet, this Post is For YOU!

2008-11-05T13:38:00.005-07:00

Sonnet, one of my childhood girlfriends and confidant was married a year and a half ago. It was a beautiful and fun wedding. I'm sad that we didn't have more time. The girls were all lovely, the people so much fun, and I got to meet the man who makes Sonnet happy :). Sadly, pictures taken were lacking, and I, having a few pictures that I took, or someone else at the wedding took for me, have not been successful at getting a copy to her. Mailed a CD, and it was sent back. Emailing didn't work. Then life got crazy as many of you know. Because of all the crazy, I've decided there will be changes at the end of this school year, but that is for another time. Until then, I set up something I should have done a LONG time ago.

This link is for you Sonnet!

Sonnet's Wedding

Budgeting by Faith

2008-10-12T12:48:00.002-07:00

The school I teach at is having financial difficulty. There are several reasons why, and as not to accuse anyone of anything I won't go into them. Just that the conference is charging more per teacher, and returning less per student in subsidy, which is close to $12,000 that we had budgeted for. They also informed us we were no longer allowed to hire auxiliary teachers, and aides are not allowed to teach threw a wrench into our abilities to play with our budget. This was only made known in August, just before classes started. We had four families move away (7 students lost there) and we lost some planned for students and their tuition Then the rest of the problem is that which is tricky, political and confidential, but in part it caused us to loose between $20,000 and $30,000 and the loss of 20 students between Preschool and 3rd grade and their budgeted tuition.

So, we have come to the problem in order to keep our school going, from preschool-9th grade, we could potentially be $77,000-$79,000 short. We had two weeks to gain pledges from the members of the churches to help us out for this school year. WOW! $53,000 dollars came in just in faith pledges. People said, "we can't make changes in the middle of the school year, we need to make it through this year, and work on making changes next year". Then there is more that people are willing to pledge if the board decides to keep the school set as we have it. So as of right now, if we never grow during the school year, we are only short $17,578. But with keeping open, we have the opportunity to bring in more students in Preschool-9th grade. Come 2nd and 3rd quarters, parents start to become disillusioned with the Public schools in the area, and look for something else. Last year, we gained 15 students during those quarters.

We know we can't necessarily count on new students, though we have faith we will gain them, calls have been made daily, and we've already enrolled an new 9th grader starting next quarter, and three more preschool students. So we need to raise close to $18,000 before the conference executive committee meets.

If we do not, we will have to loose one teacher, and then the rippling effect with that will lead to a one teacher school and a huge disgrace with the community.

So, please, I ask each of you, pray with us, pray that hearts are opened to give as they feel needed and that students come that need to be here will come soon.

I hate asking people for money, but if any of you know someone who has the financial means and a desire to support christian education and need a place to do so, our school and our children need their help.

Thank you all for your encouragement and prayers over this last two months and thank you for your continued prayers. :)

HA! What sleepy head I am!

2008-09-01T19:16:00.001-07:00

The last post was for my classroom blog . . . silly me, I just put it on here. Ah well. :D I'm just sleepy and a bit foggy I guess. :)

Third Week Already!

2008-09-01T18:59:00.002-07:00

We've had two weeks of school already. Hard to believe. Our class is a hopping class. Lots of energy, keeping us all on our toes.

Some things to remember for this week.

- Pizza Day is Wednesday

- Thursday, we are going to the Durango Rec Center for a fun, bonding field trip.
Please have permission slips turned in no later then Wednesday 8:00am. Also, if you are available to be a driver, please contact Sandy, our secretary, and let her know. All drivers need to be insured and proof of insurance on record in the school office.

- Students will be starting a "homework" assignment this week, which is family based. They will start recording the time they read both on their own, and with the family. Family reading time is a huge key to success in reading and comprehension in children.

I am so pleased that each of the students in our class have parents and grandparents that are so dedicated to the education of their child. Our kids have the best chance for success when we are all backing them up to become productive and successful individuals in learning and in life.

May you all have a blessed week. Keep praying for the kids in our "Little Jungle" this week. We, in the "Little Jungle" will be praying for each of you too.

Sabbath Afternoon . . . Blues

2008-08-30T15:36:00.004-07:00

Ever have one of those days where you start to think you're depressed? Or you know are, and it's down right irritating.

Today I just collapsed. Ok, last night I did. We're definately back to school. I've caught the first cold of the season. :P Oh yes, and I've been to two chiro treatments this week, and more next, to take care of some lame back twisted out of something or other (annoying situation, to be sure of). And then there is school. If having a student with A.S., four ADHD students (three of whom are 1st graders), 3 Kindergarteners, a gifted 2nd grader, an LD 2nd grader, and a sweet little 3rd grader that I loose at the end of the quarter because they are moving to the largest state in the Union, wasen't stressfull enough add 9th Grade. Which really isn't that bad (but I feel bad because I haven't been able to devote to them as much since I had to take on Kindergarten) they are three wonderful kids. I now have someone upset at me because I resigned from the Children's Ministry position at church. Someone who is supposed to be my back up, and I theirs . . . you know, in Ministry, be it church or school, we are all suppose to be working together, but you .

Granted, I did resign under extreme stress, but I knew and know I can not do it justice. Few will do anything with Children's Ministry as long as I am in there. "Oh, she's young, she can do it." I heard that soo often. Hello? Just because I'm younger, doesn't mean I can do everything. Most of those who say that are active retirees . . . I want to say "You're retired and have nothing else to do, you can do it!" HA!

Well, I guess saying that I couldn't do it anymore, especially with added responsibilities at the school and a lack of support (physical and emotional!) from the church for both the school and the church, I could no longer take on that added responsability. Especially since I was sick so much last year, and with more . . . well it's just crazy. It would be a dis-service to both aspects of ministry, and since my first priorty in ministry is with our school, that was where I needed to focus. I'm willing to help out at the church for programs, but I will no longer be available to organize and plan programs for there as well as the school. The school is such a huge evangalistic ministry . . . and it's for more then 180 days a year. We've got weekends, and afterschool, and . . . oiy! It's amazing we get lesson plans done. hehe

I should have done it when I wasen't soooooooo emotional I suppose, but school started three days later, I was sleep-deprived, and upset already because we had to make cuts because of a micro-managing board (who I think learned thier lesson, and it isn't that they didn't mean well, and they are supportive of all the teachers and staff). However, others wanted to blame it on the principal who had no control of the situation, it was, what it was. And there was such a lack of faith . . . I was soo exausted, I made the call to resign.

Anyhow, I'm now mud. Which makes this loneliness I feel lately even more exasperated.

I feel I have few friends locally, ok, not quite, I have several friends, but I'm not the person that any of the singles or young adults ask to go do stuff. They are all married, or single guys who are more like brothers, so I'm a little "uncool" to hang with I guess. Yup, I'm feeling sorry for myself. And I'm down right irritated with it.

I should be having fun, enjoying life, I'm not that old, or am I now too old . . . maybe I'm now the Old Maid some of my girl friends and I all joked about becoming because "there aren't guys that could handle us".

Honestly, being single really isn't so bad . . . though being single and having only married friends and "little brothers" in town is sometimes rather lonely. Being single means, I don't have to worry about "taking care to do what my husband wants, forgeting my own needs" or "oh dear, we need a babysitter to do anything". If I had the money, being single means I could travel and not worry to much, though I suppose I would have to make sure my dogs are looked after.

I could move anywhere I wanted to, as well. Let's see, where do I want to move to?
Somewhere, where there are a few more young adults that are more in the same place of life I am? Maybe another country, learn a new language and do something spontaneous. Hmm, I wonder how easily my pups could move to another country. I have a feeling they would have to be quaranteened for quite sometime. Ok, sooo, I need to get a job that allows me to travel more, meet people from all over, but still have a home base. Make enough money to hire a "sitter" for my pups while I'm away for a week here or there. Or, I could just get a truck, have my dogs ride with me, and drive semis. yeah, there we go. Then leave them off with the folks when I decide to go travel overseas. :D HA!

Oh, they'd love that!

Seriously though, I'm starting to come out of this aggrevating fog of misery I've been under. Just needed to rant and rave.

Things are actually pretty great, just had to let the tension out so I could actually see that I guess.

For instance, I believe I have finally figured out how to deal with my little A.S. student when she gets into a tantrum. She just needs me to put my arms out for a hug, and she'll cuddle in, and slowly calm down (quietly! that's the best part, the quietly part). She is such a sweet little girl, and sooo smart.

Ohh! And I've a little first grader who just cracks me up everyday. He's soo vivatious. He loves to learn about everything and gets soo excited when he knows something to add to the learning experiance. Each of my kids are darlings, though they do drain me of energy. The ninth graders are fun, and rather entertaining.

My co-workers are great people, and there is no tension this year with the staff, we're a TEAM!!!

My new truck is wonderful. I love airconditioning, I love four-wheel-drive, I love the space for the dogs it has and doesn't come into the sitting place . . . yeah, I like my 'lil beast.

My pups are always happy to see me when I get home. All three dogs just ooze happiness when I walk in the door. :)

My back no longer hurts so much, just a little sore with all the muscle work the chiro treatment has been doing.

Oh yeah! I can go to the University I want to, to work on master classes next summer, and the conference will pay for it! I wonder if they will pay for the particular masters course I want though. Hmmmm . . . we'll see. For now, the fact they will let me go there, and pay for classes, that's cool. Maybe I can do all the "basic" ones this summer, and then we'll see.

I have a family, that though we squabble at times, all do love each other.

And best of all I have a Heavenly Father who loves me, even when I'm down and out, forgetting how he's right there with me, and really does understand what it's like, and loves me still, though I faulter.

I miss all of you guys, a lot right now, but I know you all are praying for me and that means so much to me. You all are in mine . . . can't wait till we can all do it together. :)

Points to Ponder

2008-08-19T20:05:00.002-07:00

So on my google home page, an interesting "Points to Ponder" came up.

"Is atheism a non-prophet organization?"

gave me a giggle.

Losing Perspective, Losing Faith

2008-08-14T23:51:00.004-07:00

I have learned that our school board is being forced to deny our church family the opportunity to make a difference in people's lives. They are only allowed to limit our church members gift and helpful potential to an evangelistic series, and not both the evangelistic dreams of the church (15 day series) and the evangelistic dreams of the school(180+ day series).

I honestly do not understand, if God has blessed this school, and we put it in his hands, and followed what he led us too, how can we limit Him and His people? And the school is not only a one church constituency, we have two churches! How can we limit them as well?

Another New Addition to the Family . . .

2008-07-09T18:07:00.003-07:00

He did it, T- traded in his Fifi (1999 Toyota Tacoma) and got a Tundra today as well . . . there it is, sitting next to my 'lil beast . . . kinda dwarfs it. :)

She's Mine!

2008-07-09T15:29:00.004-07:00

So, here she is . . . washed, fueled and ready to go do anything.

Sunshine, open and rugged road, here we come . . .

My cute 'lil beast. :)

Here is my parent's Beautiful Big Blue Beast (B4). heehee

Isn't it a gorgeous?

Still very sad to say goodbye to my 'lil blue cloud, she's done me well for so long. Wow! November would have been 13 years exactly! Well we're donating her to the school for the school yard sale. So, maybe she'll do someone else some good for awhile. I don't really want to let her go, but alas, I do not need two vehicles, and I do want air conditioning!!!

Tomorrow . . . will I or won't I be commited . . .

2008-07-08T20:01:00.004-07:00

So my darling little car, which has been faithful since November of my Freshman year of college, has to many problems that to completely fix will cost more then the poor Little Blue Cloud is worth now.

She's still a cutie too :)

She's a good 'lil car, and it's hard to find cars with the gas mileage today like that. 38-40 hwy. But that size car is mostly impractical around here. 4 wheel drive is almost essential. Especially when you drive up to the mountains both winter and summers. And live on a dirt road that after heavy rains the section that is in a wash, is a little washed out . . . so I knew I was going to be getting a new vehical, but was thinking maybe after school started . . . but turns out my car really isn't in a condition to be driving regularly.

Thus it looks like after tomorrow, and finalizing with paper/bank work, this will be my commitment for the next 5 years or more of payments, at a very good rate, soo, woohoo.

Patriotic Moments . . .

2008-07-04T22:14:00.002-07:00

So it is the 4th of July. A lovely holiday, and a day I realized, I have not posted in over a month!!! AHHH, how can that be? I'm not in school, I'm not teaching school, what happened?

To much! And not what I was planning to do.

It is currently 11:17pm, and there are fireworks still going off all around town. OHhh, and who needs a big firework show, when all around you, there are big fireworks going off because there are so many people who love the big, the beautiful, the noisy, the awe-inspiring flames of multicolors. WE will probably be hearing them through till 1 or 2 am, it was like that last night, and since few work tomorrow, it will be really late. At least my dogs are able to sleep through it, since they are here with me. (mommy keeps them safe from the big bang noises). :)

My cousin and her husband and young son are here. WOOHOOO! it's been 6 years since we've seen each other. Tim took us all out shooting. That was entertaining. My dad even went this time, AND he shot a .22 rifle. That was such a surprising thing.

I suppose he was just so excited about his new truck that my mom and I picked up for them yesterday. I'll post some pictures later. It's a beauty!

Well, I need to get sleep, have choir for church tomorrow, and company and . . . I will post more later. I hope to not get so far behind. Pictures will come with updates . . . ahh, sleep.

Happy Independence Day!

I think I lost two months of my life . . . or more!

2008-05-20T11:46:00.002-07:00

I can't believe how busy things have been. Then again, yes I can. The Narnia play, done! turned out ok . . . pictures and coverage to follow at a less busy day/week.

Only three more days. Well, we have two half days. Thursday with Graduation, and Friday, the last day that is a party :)

Keep praying . . . SANITY!!!!

Mrs. Tiger, War Paint, & Miss Butterfly will be your teachers today . . .

2008-04-11T12:53:00.004-07:00

Our Students were so in awe. HA!

Not to bad for the first time out with face paints.

Tonight Butterflies, tomorrow . . . Tigers & War Paint

2008-04-10T23:24:00.004-07:00

I just got the face paints . . . we're going to paint the kids faces for the Narnia production we are going to do. So I thought I'd play with them and see what could happen. So playing on the practice sheet and then on my face . . . COMPLETELY DIFFERENT. Ah well, not to bad for the first time and on myself. I think it will be better on someone else. hehe.

Pre April First

2008-03-31T20:52:00.002-07:00

What will those 'lil kiddies come up with tomorrow. I know that they will want to try and "April Fool" me tomorrow . . . hmmm. Beat them to the punch? What can I do?

HMMMMMM

hehe

So what are you doing for the day of pranks gone overboard?

He's Finally Arrived!!!

2008-03-15T12:00:00.004-07:00

Congratulations to Steph and Ken! Their baby boy made his entrance into the world just after 6 am this morning.

I'm soo excited for them, and can't wait to meet him too.

The eve of March Ella came, and now Jack is here. Both Sabbath Babies I might add! :) Friday night and Saturday morning! Good times to come into the world. :)

June is going to be fun :D Jack the first week, Ella the third . . . what other wonderful things will March and June bring? hehe

Boulder, Colorado . . . or is that Boulders in Colorado?

2008-03-10T21:41:00.005-07:00

Last week we took the students to the Durango Rec Center, which was a lot of fun. On the way there, we came across an interesting sight. Two enormous boulders were in the middle of the right lane.

Silly me, it didn't dawn on me to take a picture. I was distracted by the fact the car we were in just stopped running. We pulled over, and funny thing, everyone behind us pulled over as well. The road workers were trying to wave us on, but alas, the car would not start. After a quick prayer, the car started and we made it there with out a worry. And then on the way home when I thought about taking a picture, the boulders had been demolished and the road workers were just finishing up moving the remnants off the road. Amazingly, little to no road damage.

Now why is that amazing? These boulders were HUGE! My brother was able to take a couple quick shots as he drove by shortly after we were there. Granted, they were as he was driving bye, so not at his usual par. But if you look carefully above the rear view mirror you can see some of the workers on top of one of the boulders.
This is about where the car just stopped and we were able to pull over. Notice the size of the boulders compared to the trucks. They filled up both of the right hand lanes. And the men on top.

Here is probably the taller of the two boulders with the workers on top of it. Amazingly, as said earlier, little road damage.

She's Arrived!!!

2008-03-02T00:36:00.002-07:00

My dear friends C & A had a little girl . . a Leap Year baby! Congratulations guys! I'm so happy for you both. Ella, can't wait to meet you!

Adventures in Baby Planning

2008-02-23T08:09:00.005-07:00

With two of my dear friends both pregnant and due roughly the same time, it is entertaining to listen to their stories and fun to hear the excitement and anticipation of the soon arrivals. Both moms and dads are just amazing, and funny.

Any day! or several days. (YIKES)

I just love the latest adventures that one new father has just taken in the preparation for their new baby boy. Any Day Now . . . has the photographic evidence, and story in detail . . . I'm so proud of you Ken! Hehe. Ken, you're gonna be an amazing dad. You and Steph are an awesome team, your children are already so blessed. :D

Beautiful Friends!

2008-02-17T18:19:00.003-07:00

I've some lovely friends. Though we are all spread across the US . . . well across the world even . . . they are awesome.

And then there is the friends in town. Thanks! You're wonderful. My evening was entertaining, and I'm ready for another week.

Pity Party of One

2008-02-16T14:02:00.007-07:00

I was at church and it hit me, a little morose depression. It happens every now and then. Usually after there has been a lot going on, and everything slows down for awhile. Or when I've been sick for a number of days, or when someone preaches about it at church. This time, I think it's a combination of having had this nasty flu cold for longer then one should carry it, and things have slowed down a little bit. Not for to long. We'll be off and running soon again. :P

Why am I single? Why am I supposed to wait? Did I miss the opportunity? Are we only given one opportunity and if we don't seize or recognize it, it is lost to us? Or maybe we have to walk a lot farther until an opportunity arrives again. Or is it just that I am to wait, and wait . . . maybe never having the opportunity to have a true companion on this earth.

Am I happy single? Sure, I can be quite happy and single. Am I able to live life "alone"? absolutely. God has given me a supportive and loving family. Do I desire to have a help mate and family of my own? Yes.

My heart leaps for joy for my friends as they have found wonderful persons to share their life and journey together with. At the same time, a little piece of my heart crumbles, knowing another chapter in my life is just closing or opening and I must go on the journey without a companion.

My confidence and clarity dims with the wonderful news of a new life coming into the lives of so many friends and family. I love being "Auntie Katie". I love all my little "nieces and nephews", and look forward to my friends having children and the joy that comes in the growth of their families. I get to experience from the sidelines the joy and hope that comes with each new precious gift.

I know that they are not passing me by, they just have a different route to take. I wonder if I will cross paths with someone in whom our paths join and become one we take together. I'm 31 years old! I'm older then anyone in my family was when they got married. Most of them had at least one child by the time they were my age. Oh forget that, some aren't even 30 yet and have lovely children and spouse. Kind hearted friends and family, think they are relating to me, when they say, "I thought I would never meet the right person either" (most of those were married before they were 25, HELLO!) "God has his time." (Yes, but did I miss it?) "You can't be happy married, if you aren't happy single." (that is obvious, and I really am not unhappy single, just wishing there was a little more).

It seems that men my age are looking at women younger then I. Who then is interested in a 31 year old teacher, who still wants to continue her education? More often, guys over 50 seem to look at me as a potential, and often they've kids close to my age. Is it so wrong to desire a smaller age gap and not have step children?

Well there is my little pity party of one. Next week will be better. :) Hey, I do get to be an "auntie" again soon, I really am blessed to have the lovely friends that I have, and the family that loves me so.

Happy Birthday 'lil Bro!

2008-02-11T11:40:00.003-07:00

My little brother turns 27 today . . . WOW! Hard to believe, I still remember him at 7 years old. 20 years have flown by.

I hope you have a good birthday Bro! And a good year. :)

sniffles and coughs

2008-02-07T11:19:00.000-07:00

I really dislike being sick. Having a cold that just hangs on and on and on. Congestion, headache, fever. WHEN WILL IT EVER END!?!

I'm back at school today, though I probably should have stayed home another day or two to fully recover quickly, now it just might hang on for longer still. YIKES! no, no, positive thinking! Must have positive thinking. I will get better quickly! :)

Most of the Faculty/Staff at work are all at varying stages of this nasty cold. G- has been doing better then I have, but then again, he started with this particular cold a few days before I did too. Daycare/Preschool teachers have been out this week as well. J-, our lovely teacher's aid, is also now out for the rest of the week. Oh to close school for a week to get everyone better. Then again, we would then have to add a week to the end of school. Hmm.

Ok, I'm grumpy, and achy, and a little loopy headed and trying to be a descent teacher today. Please be praying for us here. Patience, pain relief, clear thoughts . . .

I'm so glad tomorrow is Friday. :)

Joy! Relief! And so many awesome blessings!

2008-02-02T19:15:00.000-07:00

This week the conference sent a potential pastor and his wife for us to meet and for them to meet us. Talk about an answer to prayer! I am so excited, the church voted to hire them and they excepted! It seemed so fast in some ways, yet it just feels so right and at just the right time. So many things are going to change, I believe good things are going to happen. God's working here! :)
Thanks for all the prayers! :)

Come May we will have a regular pastor . . . and get this, we're doubling the young adults in the area. Two young adult couples are moving here between now and May. Hmm, maybe God will send some young adult singles. hehe ;)

Kindergarten/1st Grade Poetry

2008-01-30T11:08:00.000-07:00

Here is a poem my class wrote on Monday about their favorite subject, Math! I think they did a pretty good job. I helped them a little, but they came up with it. Not to shabby, those 1st graders and kindergarteners. :)

MATH
On my desk sits my math
Arithmetic is my path.
My favorite time is with clocks,
especially when we use the time box.
Addition, Subtraction,
So many ways to make attractions
Math is full of pages of actions.

100 Days of School Party!

2008-01-29T22:17:00.001-07:00

We had a lot of fun, though it wasn't long enough due to a late start . . . will write about the snow storm later . . . just wanted to share my cute little cubs in their masks and 100 bead chains.

CRaZeD! That's ME!

2008-01-18T23:34:00.000-07:00

School Spirit week was fun! Though man, it sure takes up a lot of time. My students all dressed up each day for it, and since we were the only ones that got 100% participation, my class gets to go to the rec center for free! well, ok, the school is paying for them, but still. :D

They were so cute this week. I had Einstein and Barbie on Famous Person Day, to darling little super heroes for Plastic bag and Duct tape day. And today, Crazy Hair Day . . . not sure which was my favorite to dress up for this week, but here . . . this is me, while I was taking the hair down, and being silly . . .

Ok, technical difficulties, pics shall be posted later

Passing Ships

2008-01-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

We have someone in our church who works as a 'divorce/marriage mediator' and at church and other places around town is always putting on marriage seminars and such. That is great, we need people who are passionate about the sanctity of marriage and working to help people to keep the marriage pure and what God has in mind for it, however he is almost a little out of control, obsessive about marriage.

Don't get me wrong, obviously I believe in marriage. I hope to one day be married and take that very seriously and would probably enjoy one or two of the seminar things they are doing that are to help in keeping the communication fresh and fun and all that. It was just a little overboard though with the constant marriage seminars and sermons at church.

Though, those have slowed down thankfully. He's been preaching a lot since we've been without a pastor, and has not specifically preached on marriage each time, but there was a while there it was every time he preached. Talk about making the single people feel unworthy. I honestly had to leave twice during those sermons because of how it came across to those of us who are single.

I can't specifically say why now, but for some reason the message came across one sabbath that marriage was what is valued most to God and it was then easy to infer then that those who are single are incomplete and would not have all the joys God has for them by not being married and . . . I had to get up and leave that Sabbath because the hurt and frustration came to the surface in tears and I just couldn't let people see me crying (I wasn't feeling sorry for myself just . . . I didn't want people asking what was wrong either). I have heard sermons about marriage that did not exclude the single people and actually provided food for thought and encouragement, but that particular one, and one previous, wasn't drawing me closer to God that day, instead I felt beat upon with no hope unless I got married. I know that I was not the only one to leave, and also avoid the weeks he preached. Since then, I've noticed that most of the single people tend to avoid coming to church, or staying for the sermons the days this individual speaks. Which is sad, because he really hasn't been speaking on marriage as much in his sermons, or in the same venue since he's been preaching practically every other week or more . . . I am looking forward to the potential pastor coming and preaching in a couple weeks.

Hmm, that was a little rambly and ranty almost . . .

This sabbath, there was a form in the bulletin that is basically a sign up for this next marriage thing that they are doing, and at the top it said something to the effect of "Do you feel that you and your spouse are like ships passing in the night?" During the announcements it was brought to everyones attention and suggesting people sign up for it. I leaned over to a friend, pointed to the phrase and whispered "Yes, but I don't think that this would help me with that problem." She chuckled and whispered back something along the lines of, "Maybe you should sign up and there might be single male ships looking for single female ones" Which was so bad, because we both were sitting up front because we were leading praise singing, and were trying not to burst out laughing.

Pastoral Need

2008-01-09T16:04:00.000-07:00

Seven months have now come and our church is limping along without a pastor. I've been in churches that are able to function as a church body for as many months or more without any problems. However, I've come to realize that churches that have little to no clear leadership, nor had training for those who are in the leadership positions, the need for a pastor is great. WE really need a pastor. I'm so excited that there is someone coming to visit our church in a couple weeks that could be a potential pastor for our church. Kinda exciting, he and his wife are young adults, and it would be so nice to have some more of us in the church. :) What I hear sounds good, so I am looking forward to them coming and spending a few days with us down here. We're hoping to get them to come over to the school one of the days they are here and maybe be the worship speaker one morning. Hmm, is that my week? no, I think it's mom's. hehe, oh well, it will be nice :)

What qualities in a pastor would be good for our church? What qualities in our church would be appealing to a pastor? Just some things that I've been thinking about lately . . .

Back to School! yippee

2008-01-06T21:25:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow, school resumes, grades will need to be completed, and I will be making some changes to my classroom schedule. The room is re-arranged already, just a little bit, and ready for the kids. Though I do need to go in early to vacuum my room. :)

So, New Year, and second semester, look out, here I come.

:D

Birthdays . . . How many?

2008-01-02T21:31:00.000-07:00

Sure, thanks, yes I just turned 27. :)

The guy at the nail salon place that my mother and J- and I went to for pedi/mani's for my birthday said to me when mom mentioned it was my birthday, "Ah, you must have just turned 27 yes?" Umm, sure. :) Actually, I love the fact that people truly think that I'm still in my mid twenties, and that my brother is older then me. Several people this last year thought I was between 24 and 26, and were shocked when I told them otherwise, they can just keep thinking that. Now, if I just loose a few extra pounds my body doesn't need, I might definitely stay looking younger for longer. Hmm . . .

So for my birthday today, it was going to be four 'girls' out for a girl's day, but alas, it was only three. We met at this new little Mexican grill, which is kinda like a Hawaiian/Mexican restaurant. Then we went to get Mani/Pedis at this little nail salon, which was fun, but I want to find a place that does a little better next time.

We were going to watch a girl movie, but the only showings were a little late, no matinée. So, what are we going to do? Go to Albq. in the morning, and continue our little "party". Hehe. Mom can get her "Costco Fix" and we can go to the camera stores there, and maybe find a few clothing stores that may have something that would look nice, and of course, we can then watch a girlie movie down there. More options of what is showing there. :)

So, it was a lovely birthday, but it's not over yet. :) A new experience for me. But hey, it's a special day for mom and me, soo why not. hehe

Happy New Year!

2008-01-01T22:41:00.000-07:00

One and all I wish for you all a year of blessings and joys.

I pray that you all enjoy a lovely year and be a blessing to those around you.

:)

New Years Eve.

2007-12-31T11:55:00.000-07:00

It's kinda strange to think about it, but a new year is upon us. 2008. Hmph . . . it means my birthday is in two days, and I'm well, not so young anymore. I'm still a young adult, but . . .

I knew I would be the last of my girl friends to get married. They all laughed at me, and didn't believe me. Yet I never thought I'd be this far along in life and still single. I thought I'd have kids by now. HA! well I guess I do. Several infact, but hey, I get to send them home at the end of the school day. ;)

So back to my first thought, what will 2008 bring? 2007 brought a feeling of success at teaching again, completion of my standard teaching certification, and my two little mischievous and absolutely adorable 'lil girls Brindi and Gemma (We've decided to share a birthday since the vet thought they were about 3 months old in March), friends to teach and work with and more.

So, 2008 . . . ?

Eyes that are Red . . . PINK EYE!!!

2007-12-30T10:52:00.000-07:00

ERG!!! So I woke up this morning, and my eyes are red again. Tim's Fault, he got pink eye last weekend, now I have it this weekend. ERG!!!

Have to go get some eye drops. :P

YUCK!

Did you get what your mom wanted for Christmas?

2007-12-25T17:09:00.001-07:00

Wish dad had come too . . . oh well, we had fun.

More later!

Hope you all had a lovely Christmas afternoon too.

A slide show that is a little off center . . . hmm, oh well

2007-12-25T09:30:00.001-07:00

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-24T22:56:00.000-07:00

I just had a delightful evening with friends. It was all unexpected, we got a call this afternoon saying come over for the evening. We did, it was lovely. I like spontaneous evenings with friends. :)

I hope and pray that you all have a lovely and blessed Christmas.

Love ya guys!

Who is that stranger?

2007-12-23T21:25:00.001-07:00

Yes . . . This is he . . . recognize him?

He let me cut his hair last night and turn the scruffy beard into a goatee :D

More pictures to come later from today's excursion . . . but wanted to get these out there.

:D

Christmas Vacation

2007-12-23T11:11:00.000-07:00

Hmm, is it a vacation if you are still at home, and can possibly run into all your students at church? What is a vacation?

I'm hoping that this one is one filled with with some much needed sleep and some fun activities. I don't care about presents and all that . . . just hanging out and doing stuff with family and friends is perfect.

Though I will say, getting kids things is so much fun. Especially when they are the age my students are. :) I got each of my students a scarf, gloves and a hat. The girls all got red hats and gloves and an animal print (snow lepard) scarf and the boys black gloves, black scarf and a grey and black reversible hat. I have matching hats and gloves too. We had fun going around the school wishing everyone Merry Christmas. :) I guess the girls liked it well enough, they wore them to church yesterday too
:D

Ok, we're headed off to do some shopping soon . . . and to surprise people with my brother's new look. . . Pictures to come soon I hope :D

Sunshine, Sabbath, Sadness, Silliness . . . sigh

2007-12-15T07:34:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful morning to wake up to. Today the students had the church service at the two churches and I had decided I was not going to worry about any of it. I was just going to go with whatever. And you know, goof ups, spacey kids and all, it was lovely at both churches.

One of my kindergarten/1st graders was so tired and emotionally drained with what is going on in her home, that every little thing just puts her into a weepy state. Poor thing, all week long she's been breaking into tears at any little thing, and one of the other kids in the class noticed she was wearing her earrings and said to her that wearing ear rings was a sin and so forth. That was it for my little emotional child, she wasn't crying up front, but was very sad and just look like she was about to fall apart. I was sitting on the floor in front of them so I motioned for her to come down to sit next to me. She came down, cuddled into my lap and practically fell asleep. I really couldn't do much directing with my hands, for which I am VERY thankful for Jenni, my friend and our school aid who kept the kids going as my arms were full.

I love all my students, very much! And I have never seen a class that is more cuddlebuggy as mine is this year, which is fun and scary at the same time. NO wonder we all get tummy buggies and sniffles and such. hehe. Anytime I sit down, the kids in my class closest to me snuggle in, and if I don't prevent it, I will have on on my lap (more if they could figure out how) and the others crowded close in. However, this one little girl touches me in such a way. I haven't felt like this since my year as an SM, and one of the native kids there, the strong desire and wish to be able to take her away and into my home as my own. People always tease me about my mothering nature or whatever, but I haven't had that deep desire, mothering instinct feeling as I do for this little girl (besides my 'nephews' who I love so much, but don't worry about the same way because they have two parents who love them). If I could, if there was a way, I would adopt this little girl. Even though I am single, I would. I'm a firm believer that children need both parents, a mom and a dad, but when a child has really neither . . . She could really look like my little girl too. Dark, wavy hair and brown eyes like my mother's. :) She needs a lot of one on one, and I wouldn't be surprised if some counseling will be needed. Right now, I recognize the signs of a depressed child, and that breaks my heart, and scares me at the same time. Her situation isn't so bad. Her grandfather loves her a lot, as does her step-grandmother whom she calls Nanna. Her Nanna and Papa love her, yet they are caught in a tough situation because the mother won't give up her rights, and causes problems for them when they try to help. DRUGS!!! I despise drugs! Parent's who have been using drugs should have NO parental rights. The children! OH! it just makes me so angry, frustrated, and tremendously sad.

OH, and in this lovely state of New Mexico, they told the grandparents of this little girl that it isn't against the law to do drugs and breast feed, so they couldn't do anything for this little girl and her baby brother. The grandparents could become foster parents, and then the mom would have visiting and parenting rights several times a week. That just defies the purpose of protecting these kids and helping them to be loved, happy and successful with a destructive mom always horning in and causing trouble. It has been good for this little girl. Her mom is in jail right now, and she's never done better academically, however I know she could do much better in a more stable home and not just at Papa's and Nana's on weekends. Please pray for this little girl and her family. I worry what will become of her if things don't change soon for her. Her mother doesn't want to give up parental rights to her dad because she likes having this beautiful little girl and getting praise for such a cute little girl . . . yet she just ignores her otherwise. Please pray for wisdom for myself with my daily interactions with her.

Well, I wondered there a bit. I was telling how the Sabbath programs went well. I'm so thankful for the people I work with able to just keep things going. :) It is such a blessing, and hey, NO WORRIES!!! I even was able to just relax in the car while driving home. No, I wasn't driving, else my eyes would not have been shut. We then had a lovely supper with the family, and I now am sitting here, listening to lovely music, watching the baby girls play or sleep inside, and outside I am watching the wind blow a tree branches under beautiful blue sky. Trials and frustrations and all, I am growing to love this place.

A Series of Random Events

2007-12-06T13:02:00.000-07:00

A friend and colleague, whom I will just call G- (not that many of you who read this don't already know who G- is), seems to be the recipient of a series of random events of which could give someone of lesser esteem a complex. Between August 1st and December 6th of this year, G- has met with the police four times. I suggested that G- write a short book (though at the rate things are going, it could be pretty good sized) on the adventures and mis-adventures of G-'s first year in Farmington. Of course, it's so tempting to write about it . . .

G-'s story though gives a bit of a complex to those who work at the same place G- and I do. The story goes back before G- moved to Farmington. It goes back before I moved to Farmington.

Our place of work has had some pretty rough years. Though some people would like to place the blame on the current administration, the facts show the "company" has had trouble for several years before any of the current staff and administration were here.

Last year, the sickness and dirt grew into a pussy, infected boil. The pain generated from that boil was tremendous. When it finally burst, it was with relief, but a lot of heart ache. Very few were not exposed to the pussy lies and abuse that erupted from the infection.

Now, I'm not saying that it was all bad. In fact, it was a pretty good year. The Board is supportive (though it took them awhile to be completely so, which would be explained at a later point if I was to write this story fully) and the Superintendent is better then any I have worked under. The "clients" I work with are fun, loving, and just a hoot some days. And once the boil was exposed and lanced, it was (and still is in many ways) healing and recovering. Dirt did keep trying to get back into the wound and it's still a rather tender scar.

And thus, if I was going to write a story . . . but alas, I should not . . . or?

Love Unwavered, Patience Tried

2007-11-28T05:59:00.000-07:00

I love the little puppies God brought into my life, but they sure try my patience sometimes. Monday, when I got home from the jury thing, I checked on them to make sure they were ok, we left them in the house because of the cold temperatures, and I opened the door to a mess. One I'm still trying to see if I can remedy. They didn't mess with anything of mine, nor my brother's not even anything of my mom's. However, two things of my dad's was messed with. One, thing was "whatever" they tore open a container of the nail like fastener things my dad has for work he's doing around the house. That was ok, no real damage there, just the plastic container mauled. But then they took out something that is worth something to him emotionally and shredded it throughout the living room and family room. OH did they get a spanking. And ALL dogs spent the rest of the day outside, cold and all.

So yesterday, they spent the first time in their lives in a crates. Supposedly they are training crates, but in any case, they had to be in them. My mom and I went searching for them on Monday night.

I think being in them wore the pups out, they were exaughsted last night, and seem to still be this morning. When mom came home, she said they were crying away in them. Hopefully they only were because they heard the front door open. But hey, nothing was shredded, no potted plants with potting soil all around them but in the pot, and so, back into the crate they go today.

Unimpressed with the Local Legal guys

2007-11-27T06:38:00.000-07:00

If I was the one on trial yesterday, I would have been scared! Both the DA and the Defense attorneys were ramblers. The Defense guy though kinda creeped me out. Well, actually he just annoyed me. Personally, I would think the trial would be a mistrial before it even began because of the biases the Defense set up before the trial. Though I don't know how helpful for the defendant he was. "You will hear that my client is a loser" I got the impression the lawyer thought he was attractive and could appeal to the ladies at least too.

Oh well, I was to far down the list of 42 that they didn't even get to my name to be on the jury for the case. Which is ok. Would have been interesting, but considering how both parties talk a little to long before getting to their point. And they both annoyed the Judge. LOL! That was funny, but I couldn't laugh. The one day case, would probably taken two, and I really couldn't afford to have a sub for two days right now. So, I was able to get back to my kids by noon. Found out one of my students had such a rough morning, he spent part of it in recovery in my mom's classroom, and two others got next to nothing done in math, and yet another was teary all morning. They love their sub, but they really don't do well with change. Poor little tykes. the one girl who was weepy all morning, broke into tears the last 10 minutes of the day, crying she missed her daddy. Sad thing is, she doesn't know who her daddy is. It's the idea of a daddy. The man who is her dad, is in jail. The one who played the role of her dad for awhile is in jail, and her mom now has a new boyfriend that she doesn't like. Parents who do drugs and mess up their kids lives like this little girl and two others in my class, should be "fixed" Should not be allowed to have more kids, it's what's happening. ERG! And parental rights terminated! But no, NM says "It's not illegal to breast feed and do drugs." COME ON! the drugs are illegal! And if it is illegal now places to even smoke in a car with underage kids, then . . . OK, RANTING! I'll stop now

Keep praying for these precious ones in my class. And many others too. All they really want is to be truely loved and to succeed someday.

The Call of Duty!

2007-11-25T22:31:00.000-07:00

HA!

Ok, so yeah, I'm actually excited that I could possibly be on a jury. I've been on Jury duty this month, however the panel I'm on has not been called in until the last day my panel is called in. We'll see if I get to be on a jury on a case.

So, off to sleep with me, and you all have a lovely day. Pray that my students behave for the sub. The first day after a vacation . . . YIKES!

Lethargically Speaking

2007-11-19T19:18:00.000-07:00

You know those days when everything just sorta goes blah? Ever had one of those months? Or feel so lethargic that the year feels that it was just incredibly consuming. I suppose it has to do with the number of albatrosses (or I suppose responsibilities) that I have.

Not taking up jobs at the churches is encouraged for teachers, however, no matter how many times I said no, I kept being asked, and it really seemed God wanted me to do so . . . I love being a part of the ministry and social events of my church, but when it seems my life is completely taken over by the church and school and I have no personal time. It's no wonder I am so vulnerable to every little cold bug that makes it way into the classroom on my 'lil pups (as I fondly call my students who are all part of The Pack, aka wolf pack).

I'm feeling bad for those who are closest to me at work and home. They get pulled into every little thing now. I bump and bramble about, everyone gets hit and scratched with me.

As I am sitting here, my friend and colleague is playing music on his computer and this song comes up, and it just fits so much how I am feeling as of lately. I started to chuckle and mentioned how it fits with what I'm saying and feeling. "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly" song just emphasized that I felt like a tumble weed you can imagine while listening to that music, blowing about, and sometimes trampled underfoot.

What would I do without friends like G-. He smiled and said, "You know who decides which way the tumbleweed would go? . . . the wind" I'm sitting here thinking yeah, no kidding! He then points out that everywhere that tumbleweed goes, it plants seeds. YEAH! a little God intervention there with my feeling sorry for myself. Of course, then he says something to the affect that it dies before it sees any of the fruits of the seed. HMPH! But he's right . . . we don't know what the effect we have on others always, and won't know until after the second Advent of Christ. Even after death, the tumbleweed has planted seeds . . . what seeds am I spreading with my tumbling about?

Bumps in the Night!

2007-11-18T00:07:00.000-07:00

Yes . . . things do go bump in the night. Furnaces, dogs, shifting people when they rest and bump the wall that startles the dog that barks and freaks everyone out that there's an intruder. Yup . . . things go bump in the night.

I'm up late, playing scrabble with friends online, wondering will I ever be able to sleep. Probably not. To many bumps and bangs and thumps and rattles and . . . yikes, scary stuff.

I wish I could say more, however, I'm on a "secret mission". It will make for interesting memoirs though. :)

what does it mean to be truely tired?

2007-11-05T06:07:00.000-07:00

The last few weeks has really answered that question. Exhaustion is caused by a lack of sleep due to having several field trips in two weeks, end of quarters and parent teacher conferences so grade cards have to be completed, a vespers program put on by students that you co-direct in drama, directing church choir, organizing division sabbath for the children's ministry . . . plus more in a matter of 2-3 weeks.

I have wanted to sit and blog, but it is almost to much . . .

So in my personal life . . . I really have no life outside of the school and church lately. I'm thankful for people here that have helped tremendously. My fellow teachers are just as worn out as I am and this weekend, we all crashed. I spent hours sleeping. I could even spend more hours sleeping, but the puppies woke me up, and I should get ready to go to the school, make some copies for today, and all that before the kids arrive.

Hey, anyone want to come out here over the next couple weeks and be a volunteer teacher for awhile? How about any ideas for the Christmas season and school programs? I'm about out of ideas, and we need to get started THIS WEEK! AHHHHHHHHH!!!!

I better go so I can be ready! :P

Busy, Dizzy . . . What a Whirlwind

2007-10-04T09:53:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it? It is already October. There has been something happening everyday, including weekends since school started. The only reason I'm sitting here blogging now, is that I am proctoring ITBS tests for the 6th-8th graders while the Secretary subs in my room. Mr. E-, lucky bum, is away for today through Monday. A big family reunion. So, since it's ITBS testing this week and next, and my class is not involved in testing (testing starts in 3rd grade), the sub for Mr. E- is subbing in my room while this morning we do tests. It's nice to get away from my kids. I love them, but I also really enjoy Jr. High. So it's nice to be in here today, even if it is only for the morning, and on Monday morning.

My little "wolf pack" are doing pretty good. They are such a hyper, active, attention problem group. HA! I hope they are being good next door. We're going to all go eat together in a few minutes. 11 to be exact, since the test should be done and these kids will get to go eat, I'll get to eat, we'll have recess, one more test . . . then I"m back to my kids.

I really am planning to post some pics of my room. I'll also give an update of what has been happening. It's been busy, but wow, what a difference from last year to this by this time. OHH! I have some 1st graders that will be starting 2nd grade math in January probably, and 2nd graders that will probably start 3rd grade math in January.

OH, Breaking News: The teachers at PHCS may be making a change come 2nd quarter (two weeks from monday). It appears that Miss K will be turning her 2nd graders over to Mrs. R and Mrs. R will be sending her 5th graders up to Mr. E. This would mean that Miss K will have only Kindergarten and 1st grade, and have 8 students, maybe a couple more because parents have been calling to find out about enrolling their children come second quarter. Mrs. R will have grades 2-4 and will have 9 students, with two more coming second semester. Mr. E will have 9 students, and a possiblity of two more second semester. That means more work for Mrs. R and Mr. E, and a relief for Miss K who is thrilled with the idea of being able to get more done in reading and writing with the 1st graders and Kindergarteners. Please add PHCS in your prayers, as the faculty are looking to the changes they may have come October 19.

And We're Off!

2007-08-25T10:54:00.000-07:00

School has started, and wow! what a week. I'm exhausted but it was a good week to a new school year. Poor kids, still learning the process of class routine, listening to teacher, listening to class aid (I have the best aid!!!)

well . . . I'm tired, but coming soon, pictures of my lovely classroom. It has turned out beautifully :D

Happy Sabbath!

Long Time, No Post!

2007-07-16T17:29:00.000-07:00

I just looked a the last date of my post. It's been a whole month!!! wow, time flew. Had a two week drama class, my own education classes (I got A's in both, woohoo!!!) a love and logic for teachers convention (the most awesome and productive learning experience I have ever had in regards to teaching and classroom management & discipline) and now I'm getting ready for a friend's wedding. :D OH YEAH!!! I'm moving again. Same state, same city, pretty much the same neighborhood. Living with my parents again has been good in several ways. Especially since my income has just barely been able to make payments on my student loans. (I'm so thankful for an increase of salary next year) But it has been rather crowded in this rental house, while they waited for their house in WI to sell. So . . . they still say it's great for me to live with them since I'm single and working and trying to pay off my education debt. And with the increase I can put more on my loans, and contribute more to the home expenses, AND!!! have a little more breathing room.

YIKES!!! I haven't even gotten to my classroom. I need to paint and build my loft. Then there is all the painting for the rest of the school. Setting up my classroom (organizing stuff), moving furniture around, lesson plans (thankfully I have science and social studies sequencing finished), This is one of the busiest summers I have had. I'm looking forward to school starting to maybe slow down. LOL!!!

Ok, I am sooo looking forward to next week and my little vacation!!! Off to deal with naughty puppy!

La Plata Mountains

2007-06-17T11:56:00.000-07:00

So beautiful! and what a lovely way to spend Sabbath afternoon. With friends, all terrain vehicles, the mountains, and some old mining towns. I may have gona a little overboard with the pictures, but this is only a sample of them. I'm a bit sad though, apparently I bumped one of the buttons on Tim's camera that I was using and so the last pictures, of when we drove up, up , and up the mountain the resolution is low. so I can't print big pictures from them that I was planning too. :( oh well, live and learn :) Next time I might get even better pictures. :)

The day started out dreary in the Mountains, it was in the 90's plus down in Farmington, and from a distance the mountains looked very dark and rainy. We still went up, and what a blessing it was. Here you go . . . a pictoral coverage of our Sabbath afternoon walk & jeeping trip. I know . . . you're all just a wee bit jealous you couldn't have been here with us. hehe.

We first took this road we had been up with one of the churches last fall . . .
but we ended up taking that road you see, and what a treat and experiance it turned out to be.
Aspens, Evergreens, Hills, Mountains . . . where else but Colorado. This is only about an hour plus away from me. :D
Maybe this was someone's dream home. Or a place for them to make it rich with the little caved in cave/mine next to it. What stories these old places have to tell.
Climbing up the burned out remains of an old large mine. Guess it used to be 3 stories tall or so.
Looking down from the top of the burned down mine.
Pausing for a few minutes to take in the beauty, and a breather. Jenni on the sometimes seen path.
Crossing rivers and streams and getting misted from pretty little falls.

Columbine . . . not sure about the other pretty wild flowers. Anybody?

The men deep in the cave. LOL! it was probably about 20 yards in. Yes, the burly creature is my brother. Kinda shocking isn't it. hehe, what kind of pictures you will get when it's pitch black and the flash goes off.
Trailing behind . . .
our fearless leader.

Enjoying being out of the truck for awhile and watching the river run by.
Driving up and looking back from where we came.
and what is in front of us.

Puppies like sight-seeing too.

there were probably at least four buildings that are underneath all the rubble.

Barn? House? hmm, wonder what this was?

What an amazing backdrop for the people who lived and worked here a hundred years or so ago.

Jay actually crawled up into that delapitated building and I got some pics of him waving from the top floor. Crazy!!!

The babies wanting to come down to where all the youngin's were exploring, but being good girls for J & B who are such dears and sooo much fun to go hiking, jeeping, and everything with. Bad pic of Jennie though.

Playing with Tim's camera settings . . . what destruction on an old mining camp rockslides and avalanches have.

And the spectacular and beautiful views never end. Just get more and more awe inspiring.Waiting for mom to get a move on wears a puppy out. Gemma decided to lay down while she waited for me to finish taking pictures so we could walk down the road.

From a distance . . .

Tim, Jay and Angelina "looking for gold" or silver or iron or coal . . . just looking for some cool rocks in the rockslide that took out part of the mining stucture.
From the road, just before the other mining buildings/town, we saw this old mine and several cabins. So we went exploring here too
This picture does NO justice to the amazing and magnificent view of the side of the mountain. That's looking up, up and UP!

More cabins and mine sites. Jenni checking it out. There were three bunk beds and a firebox in there. the stove is outside now rusting out, you can see it in the bottom right corner.
"The crooked little man and his crooked little house" Think there might have been a land slide?
Aspen with Attitude. hehe . . . it's fascinating to see how the Aspen grow towards the light.

The River? Creek? whatever it is, it's runny fast . . . though right there it doesn't look like it.

A bridge we crossed . . . doesn't look like much, but it holds.

It was getting dreary on the way out, and the sun was going down. It's about 8:00pm when I took this picture

A Chimney out along the side of the road . . . I think at least two houses used that chimney. It's practically on the side of a cliff. The river is right below a few hundred feet.

WOOOHOOOO!!!

2007-06-14T09:14:00.000-07:00

I just got exciting news. A friend accepted the open teaching possition at the school where I work! I'm really excited for many reasons. One, he's a wonderful christian teacher who cares about the kids he works with. Two, he is someone who is a team worker, and understands what you do to make a Christian School mission go. Three, another young adult down here in the Four Corners!!! (hmm, I wonder how many more we can get :-) hehe) Four, working with someone I know, and have worked with before is such a stress relief. Five, the principal is more relaxed knowing all postitions are filled, and that she trusts them. Six, team teaching is going to be sooo much more of a team teaching then last year! Seven, his parents, who are also dear friends, will visit everynow and then and that just makes my day!!! :D and there are more, but hey! Seven! a perfect number!

I'm sooo thankful. I've been praying about this a lot the last couple weeks, as have everyone else involved, and I just feel so much at ease. I hope he does. :) God's got awesome plans for this next year, and it is like another miracle and blessing to say, "Hey, you're doing what I ask, and I'm providing the rest". :)

Ok, just thought I'd share my joy!

Goin' Huntin'

2007-06-10T08:31:00.000-07:00

yup, today I go hunting. For clay pigeons, broken down printers, beat-up refridgerators and whatever else is out at the shooting area we are going today. Yup, going out to shoot some differant rifles and shotguns and whatever else again today. In this little area where people have donated all sorts of stuff to be target practice. Tim's adding some old broken printers that the school was going to dump. Anyhow . . . it'll be interesting.

Restful Sabbath

2007-06-02T16:39:00.001-07:00

It is a peaceful Sabbath. No responsibilities this Sabbath, so we've all taking the day to really rest. Even I did. Slept late today, then

Gemma is still recovering from her surgury . . . doesn't the tube thing look funny? My dad is calling her Frankie . . . as in Frankenstien. Both Girls don't seem to know they are suppose to take it easy for a few days after thier hystorectomies . . . but today, they've sure been sleepy like the rest of us. :) What a relief, since trying to keep thier play limited, as the Vet directed, is rather like telling a frog not to croak.

Gemma likes to put her paw on my face when I put my "paw" on hers. Or on my arm when my arm is on hers. She seems to think she's either human, or I'm a puppy.

She seems to follow me around everywhere I go. Brindi isn't to far behind.

Brindi is a hard one to get on camera, but we got a couple. She became very curious about the smell of my foundation and eyeshadow.

Then saw the flash, and took off and looked miffed. It's not as if she's unphotogenic. hehe

School's Out . . . Is it really here?

2007-05-29T21:03:00.000-07:00

What an ending to the school year. I'm glad it is done, and we're getting ready for a new year.

I'm really glad a friend is interviewing for the other teacher position. We work well together and I'm just pleased he's interested and considering the possition. I'm sure the board will like him, soooo, if it's the right fit, I hope it all works out. :D

I've been going over ideas for this next school year and wow! sooo much to do. But WOOHOO!!! I get to paint my classroom, build a loft, do my classwork at home. (Easiest education class yet!) Go to a wedding, go to a workshop in Kansas . . . hmm, what do you do in Kansas? :) OH yes! inventory! the most exciting thing of the whole summer! HA! that and working on the school library. Hmmm, am I overworked? maybe. Is it worth it? I think so . . . aske me a year from now.

In other news, my poor Gemma has an abcest (sp?) on her cheek/jaw area. It has to be lanced tomorrow, sooo her hystorectomy will be moved to tomorrow rather then Thursday, and then Brindi gets to have her's on Thursday by her self. Will they be able to not pull out each other's stitches? There in lies a BIG question. Pray all works out well for both of them. Poor Tipsy will be a little depressed, because both girls will be a little to sore to play I think for at least a day or two.

Well, it's off to bed. I need sleep . . . stayed up a little late chatting last night, catching up on stuff.

Night one and all . . . and if it is morning . . . hope you had a lovely rest :)

A Small Arsenal . . .

2007-05-14T10:43:00.000-07:00

I experianced something I've never done before yesterday. I learned to shoot a gun. & not just any gun, a .22 rifle and a .40 handgun. Now, I'm not a gun person, in fact I could never see myself ever owning a gun. I'm not afraid of them, though I had never dealt with one before except for the unloaded old rifles of my grandpa and great-grandfather. Soo, to put it mildly, it was an experiance to remember. My 'lil bro actually had never shot a gun either, but he owns my grandpas' old 16 and 12 gage shotguns (please excuse the slight ignorance of the firearms, I'm not a firearm expert :-P) and so, we went out with one of the other young adults in the church and his mom. He's a state cop, a good one at that, and he and my bro are about the same age and when we were at a carnival Saturday night, and they got to talking about shooting (I've NOOO idea how that came up) and go target practicing.

"Katie, you gonna come?"

"What? come where?"

"Shooting some rounds"

"Umm . . . " pause for thoughts of I've never done this before, I've never held a loaded gun, and um where? "Wellllllll, I've never done it before, but . . . " again a pause, I can't believe I'm going to say this, "Sure, why not!"

"Really?"

"Yeah! I mean, you know what you are doing, and I'm up to learning someing new, at least once."

Soo, next day, yesterday, we all went out and let me just say . . . "Boys with Toys" the cliche doesn't even cover it with the two guys and the arsenal that j- has. WOW! so, they went and shot a 50 caliber rifle, I think that is what it is . . . HUGE! almost a canon, and the shockwave that follows it, I wasen't warned about that, but WOAH! 10-15 feet behind and POW! in the chest. and Jenni beind me another 10-15 feet felt it too. Two times, one for T and one for J. then they had to go find what was left of the bullet, they found T's but not J's. Must have gone to deep into the ground. Then the .22 rifle . . I was expecting at least a bit of a kick back.

"Hey, that was nothing!"

It was kinda fun . . oh dear, I probably am not to bad a shot. If I went out more . . . OIY! anyhow. They shot off my grandfathers' old hunding shotguns, NO WAY was I going to shoot those, I watched both guys shoulders go whipping back when it went off. I have to teach PE for the next two weeks, not gonna happen. J- then asks if I want to try his .40 hand gun.

umm, for the record, when you are asked if you have a good grip . . . make sure you have a good pulling down grip. That thing FLYS up. I was afraid it was going to fly out of my hands. Not gonna do that again. J- thinks I should, I'll stick to the .22 rifle if and when I go again, that thing feels a lot safer. We then went to the carnival again then took the parents out . . . it was a lovely sunday. The first Play one in awhile . . . wait, I went to the Aztec ruins a couple sundays ago, that was cool too! :)

Sooo, I'm just excited we all lived to tell about it. hehe Not that J- wouldn't let us not! :D

Next up . . . Paintballing!

hehe

PICTURES!!

2007-05-12T17:08:00.000-07:00

Ok, so finally, some pics of my crazy puppies. You might notice a funny bump on Gemma's cheek . . . she got puppy strangles (a bacterial infection) but it is getting better. :) it used to be the whole side of her face.

Brindi getting all cuddly on her bed . . . one of the few times I can get a picture of her, when she isn't moving . . . she's a wiggler.

WOOHOO!!! I gotcha!

Puppies playing . . . they can be rather rambunctious . . . this is lazy play.

A moment of peace between the babies, PHEW! they need a bath.

"Hey! Tipsy! wait for me, mom's making me sit still!"

it's tough to be a puppy

"Mommy, what is that red light? Why is that siver thing blinking? Is that a new toy?"

"Oh goodie! a new toy! Mommy is gonna play with me and a new shiny toy that blinks and flashes! WOOOPEEEEEEE!!!"

(A similar, yet more joyous face woke me up early this morning. Only she flew through the air and landed on my chest. From a distance of 10' or more from the floor up to the bed)

"yes, such a chore to be adored by all . . . even by my sister"

Exhaustion

2007-05-09T11:25:00.000-07:00

My head is in a fog . . . and my students are crazy. YUP! Loonie Toonie, Lolo, Loco, wacked, bizarre, insane, clowns . . . and then there is the brattiness too. Ok, I'm soooooo ready for Summer Break. WOOHOO!!! I am going to get a little bit of a break. Course I'm already set up to work with the summer drama day camp that will be the last week of June - first week of July. A Love and Logic workshop the second week of July. A wedding the last week + of July, WOOHOO!!!!!! I'm so excited, and happy for Sonnet! I've been so busy I haven't been able to do much of anything beyond the school since the middle of March. no wonder I'm single still. no time to even date. LOL

And then, there is the set up of my classroom and lesson planning and stuff. I've a few kids that have said they would really like to help this summer when I do some painting and such in my classroom as well as setting up the loft and everything else. :D "free" labor. I'll probably treat them to ice cream or something the days they help. I remember helping at the elementary I went to, working in the library one summer, for all the popsicles I could want, and all the reading I wanted too. It was a great summer job for an 11 year old.

Ok, Babbling. I've got one more class, just had a minute to vent. Then one more day, and then it's the Open House and then its a weekend that I have no set responsibilities! OHHH! I so long for Thursday night!

OHH, yeah . . . my poor little lover pup, Gemma, she's got a baterial infection in her cheek/jaw and has to be on antibiotics and steriods for the next five days. That poor girl, she's a tough little one, but just a wee bit delicate. I need to go home right after school and get her, her meds. hmph, does that mean I have to come back in to work this evening . . . . . . off to P.E.

SNOW! in MAY!

2007-05-05T17:40:00.000-07:00

Si . . . it's Cinco de Mayo . . . and snow fell today. What was it, Thursday we were like in the 70's. hmph!

OH well. I thought I was done with snow. LOL Actually, it appears the sun is coming out. But I got to go out recreational driving with Tim. Ok, I rode, Tim drove his new (to him) truck. A Toyota Tacoma. It was fun. I look forward to going off roading or mountain rec driving with him on sunny days.

In other news, the puppies are fast learners, I'm pleased to say. Though I still think they need a lot of work, they understand 'sit' but not to chew every little thing, still working on that one. hehe