Amen

I had heard the phrase "God comes through...even in the 11th hour." I'm sure that I have experienced this, but it's not easy to remember that when you are in the "valley." JP and I have truly learned to depend on Christ, and one another, this year. God is so good and He is faithful. He worked out every detail....and I will be teaching 3rd grade the rest of the year in a wonderful district! I have no idea how these wrinkles got ironed out, but I know who did it!

THANK YOU, JESUS!

Busy

JP has been gone this weekend, on a guys trip to see Alabama vs LSU football. While he was enjoying himself, I surprisingly not only kept myself busy, but had a great weekend of ME time. It's not to be selfish for a little while.

Friday- spent the night at my grandparents. Got my grandma her Steak and Shake strawberry shake (we have that love in common). My cousins and aunt and uncle were there as well. God has obviously placed me at the school in Schaumburg at the right time. I'm able to stop and spend time with family, with absolute convenience. Grandma and I watched "The Proposal." I love hearing her laugh.

Saturday- Grandma and I made homemade Cavatelli (gnoochi). It was rather easy, yet time consuming. I very much appreciated my grandma taking her time and energy to do this with me. I have a high appreciation for those who used to homemake their own pasta, like my Grandma. Grandpa slept most of my visit. He sleeps a lot right now. Although this makes me sad, I know it's better to be asleep than to constantly struggle with his pain.

Later on Saturday, I went for a beautiful run in the nature center. It was great to clear my head! Then I went to a movie with my mom and mother-in-law. It's a blessing that these two enjoy each other's company and we have JP and I in common. The movie, "Couples' Retreat," was not so great.

Sunday- today's agenda included sleeping in, runnning with my sister, grocery shopping, and working on report cards.

This has been a ME weekend. Is that a terrible thing?

Taste of Heaven

I'm spending the night with my grandparents tomorrow night. I can't get enough time with my grandpa, knowing I don't know how much is left. I have been praying for any opportunity to talk to him about Jesus. When I think about the idea of him in heaven, it makes me smile. The promise of heaven itself makes me smile....and I want to make sure that those I love, are there with me. (That includes you, Pipa).

Pipa,
I pray the Lord opens doors for me to introduce you to this amazing God. You introduced me to tastes of Italy,now I pray that I can plant the seed that gives you a taste(and promise) of an eternity in heaven!

Love,
your Precious

Ahhhhhhhhhh.......

Why does home feel so nice when you aren't feeling well?

I can get through my day just thinking about cuddling up with a movie, hot cocoa, a blanket, and JP.

It sounds like the perfect way to make me feel better when I'm under the weather.

Only time will tell

My Grandpa is not doing well. His doctor's are not saying much. He's beginning to talk about waking in the middle of the night with fear...complaining he is sick and when I ask how, he replies "my mind." It's so sad. I spoke quickly and reminded him that fear is not from God. I so want him to know and accept Christ, to live the time he has, in peace. We talked about taking things a day at a time, that God goes a step ahead of us. "When you are scared," I replied, "Read those scriptures verses we posted on your dresser. I pray they bring you peace and rest at night.
Not more than 10 minutes later, he and I discussed my job situation. I proceeded to honestly tell him I'm not sure what will happen in two weeks when I hand my classroom back to the lead teacher. He could sense the worry (and fear) in my eyes. He said, "remember....no worries. Right?" Although he went on to reassure me further, discussing housing options with him, and sharing his pride in my hard work, that phrase, "no worries, right?" followed me all night. He was right. I had just shared a devotion on taking things one day at a time, and fear not being from God, and here, that's how I have been operating. I'm glad, my Grandpa, who I am trying to lead to Christ, led me back to these reminders, and this truth, with that 3 word phrase, "no worries, right?"

Organizado

Following the last post about my closet, I've decided I need to remain on the topic of organization...therefore, my goal being organization. I'm an "outside" organizer. The kind that is obsessive (at times) about things on the outside being organized. I pick and choose what I will be obsessive about, whether that be an edge being straight or decorative pillows all showing the same angle. But....I'd call myself a "Monica" because if you were to open cabinets, closets, files, folders, or a fridge, you would never guess that I knew the meaning of the word "organized." I need to be true to the term, truly making life easier on both the counter tops AND inside the cabinets. This may be a lifelong goal, more than a resolution. It could require a change in my lifestyle. With all of life's daily surprises popping up, especially as a teacher, it feels that this may be difficult to achieve.

Hang it up

Some day, my closet with resemble this paradise (even if that means using an extra bedroom as the clothing storage haven). Until then, I'll have to organize the space I have.

I spent this Columbus Day discovering the bottom of my closet. I wish I could say that it was merely scratching an itch to clean, but fact is, it was my husband's complaining about the slow creeping of my clothes into the 1/8 of the closet he has left. (that and the several times my closet has literally torn the bolts out of the wall). After 3 hours of sifting and sweating through sweaters, shirts, slacks, and shoes, I managed to organize the mess.
While in the process I had trouble throwing out and sorting those things that I truly do not wear. There are so many things that I have saved, but forgotten why: bridesmaid dresses I will never wear again, purses that I have never used, shirts that I don't remember buying, and old letters from junior high friends.
I'm thinking it's about time to get rid of some of these miscellaneous items, if I can't recall why I still save them. So, my one beautiful sister who threw my bridesmaid dress out, won't mind if I decide to get rid of hers after 5 years, right?

What crazy thing have you found amongst your possessions, that you have been saving but can't remember its significance?

Why Hello There

It's been a while. I've missed you so. I love using this spot to blurb, blowup, talk about a blowout, or share blessings. I've experienced all of the above during my blog sabbatical, but with not wanting to relive some of the not so wonderful moments, I'll just keep it short, sweet, and relative to today.

I'm enjoying fall, the changes both in weather and in my life, and cannot wait to see New Moon! (so random).


This pictures sums up the happenings during the absence from the world of blogging: crazy, inconsistent, exciting, and all worth the while!

More magic

I had to include this one! I just found it and can't wait to try it!

Crock Pot Weight Watchers Recipes - Pork Tenderloin in the Slow Cooker

Weight Watchers points: 4 per serving.

Ingredients:

1.50 pound pork tenderloin
1 ounce envelope dry onion soup mix
1 cup water
3/4 cup red wine
3 tablespoons minced garlic
3 tablespoons soy sauce
freshly ground black pepper to taste

How to prepare the Tenderloin in the Slow Cooker:

Place pork tenderloin in a slow cooker with the contents of the soup packet.

Pour water, wine, and soy sauce over the top, turning the pork to coat.

Carefully spread garlic over the pork, leaving as much on top of the roast during cooking as possible.

Sprinkle with pepper, cover, and cook on low setting for 4 hours.

Serve with cooking liquid on the side.

Crockpot Magic

I have found that with mine and JP's long days and busy work schedules, that a crock pot is my best friend. Here's the latest recipe I tried:

Weight Watchers Glorified Crock Pot Pork Chops
1 medium onion (chopped)
1 1/2 pounds pork chops
1/4 cup water
1 can cream of celery soup
pepper to taste

Put pork chops in bottom of crock pot, onions on top of chops, pour can of celery soup over onions, pour 1/4 cup water over all. Cook for 8 hours on low, or 4 on high. It falls apart. SO GOOD! (and I believe it makes 6 servings and is about 5 points per serving)

Color My World

After trying my hand at painting and creativity, I've decided I am better at art than I thought. It was never my strong suit in school. I am a testimony to the misnomer that lefties are the more creative type. What a misconception. I thought simple abstract art would be easy and carefree, but when you put a perfectionist to the task, the task is daunting. I found myself perfecting each stroke and line, which is the antithesis of the specific art form. It was like revisiting my elementary school art room, where even the legs on my stick people took hours to make flawless (a detail I still cannot do easily today). I now remember why I do not enjoy art....I'm a type A personality. Art as a relaxation method? Try telling that to a Monica!


Needless to say, after hours of perfecting color tones....these are the products (original art, that I will never produce or attempt again).


(Special thanks to the second artists on this one, Sharon Sidell)

long time no see

Dear Diary,

It's been a while since we've spoken. I've been so very busy. This summer has flown by. We have had weddings, celebrated anniversaries, vacationed, and entertained family and friends. Time flies when you are having fun. These things are what remind me of how blessed I am for love, joy, family, and provision. I love that God gives us excitement, relaxation, and celebrations to remind us to enjoy our life!
Thought I would give a photo diary of some of the summer's events.



celebrating our 1 year anniversary downtown

Vacation to visit JP's family on the Jersey Shore

Kim & Brent's Wedding

Cubbies game with my parents

4th of July (getting over my fear of sparklers)

shopping list

I can never seem to stay stocked up. Between make-up, toiletries, and other necessities, I can't seem to make ONE trip! They always seem to go empty ONE AT A TIME! These are the most recent purchases I've had to make or will be making this week....

-foundation
-loose powder
-mascara
- feminine products
-hairspray
-conditioner
-shampoo
-eye makeup remover

Although I can live without these....I can't!

350 degrees

I love trying new recipes or altering traditional recipes to be more nutritional. I try to enjoy less carbs......which is impossible for an italian!

I tried a new one today. I lightly breaded chicken breasts, baked them, and then laid them on top of a bed of spaghetti squash topped with spaghetti sauce. It was delicious and as you can guess, an alternative to chicken Parmesan.

On another note, a cute recipe I was given by a family friend is now going down as the most practical and easy in my cookbook...............

Roast Beef
1 Large Roast of Beef
1 Small Roast of Beef
*Place both Roasts in the oven. When the small roast burns, the large roast is finished. Easy enough

Singing a Song

Been going through a lot of disappointments in the last few weeks. There are so many needs in my family, loved ones, and in my own life. Along with the many wonderful scriptures I have been handed, my Auntie Pam also gave me the advice of finding a song to sing. This one has been on the radio every time I'm in the car. Whether it's God's word to me, or simply overplayed, it has been ringing in my ears all week:

"There is hope for me yet
Because God won’t forget
All the plans he’s made for me
I have to wait and see
He’s not finished with me yet"

(Brandon Heath)

Little Quips

A longtime friend of JP's family, sent us a little hello. Along with some salutations came a very entertaining marital comparison story for the heart of a wife:

"Keep the cave clean. They want the cave clean and spotless, air-conditioned if possible. Sharpen his spear and stick it in his hand when he goes out in the morning to spear that bear.
And when the bear chases him, console him when he comes home at night. Tell him what a big man he is. Then....hide his spear so he doesn't trip over it and stab himself in the morning."


Thought this was a cute story. Thank you Mrs. Ross!

Random Thoughts

Some days I have nothing to write...nothing interesting, show stopping, or unique. I realized however, that my simple thoughts can often be amusing, weird, entertaining, or simply unusual. Before reading today's thoughts, my disclaimer is that they may be quite trivial.........

-Michael Jackson is dead? Maybe I should have done more pushing to do Thriller at our wedding! I think he looks more like Minnie Mouse than Mickey Mouse.

-When will our furniture get here?

-Was I supposed to put diced onions in the meatloaf?

-Farah Fawcett was in "Man of the house", right? What other movies was she known for?

-How hot is too hot to take a run?

-Can you defrost frozen potatoes? Can you even freeze potatoes?

-Is it normal to finish an entire bag of Goldfish by yourself?

-How long can I leave that spider web hanging? Which will happen first: I will clean it up or JP will clean it up?

-What other home accessories do I need?

-Can people notice minor wedgies when I work out? Should I pick it?

-Am I weird or are these types of thoughts.....normal?

Meet the Mouse

While cooking dinner tonight my husband came home and informed me that we have a visitor. I wish this were a visitor I could "intentionally" cook a homemade meal for....unfortunately, this visitor was unwelcomed, furry, and the one who enjoys my leftover cooking crumbs unseen by my obsessive eye. Yes, we have a little Ralph S. Mouse.
While sitting on his porcelain throne this morning, JP apparently saw the rodent run across our bathroom floor. Although he claims he didn't even flinch, I can imagine any man caught off guard during their morning meeting in the "John", would jump on top of their glass chair to finish their business at a later moment.
Needless to say, I did much EXTRA cleaning tonight. I swifter, washed, and vacuumed all of the floors...and left the bathroom to my brave husband, (who should thank me for the extra time I've now awarded him in the throne room while he cleans). We put out a trap tonight and I have been tiptoeing around hoping that I will not have a run in with this visitor, nor his droppings. I am waiting anxiously, like a woman in labor, to hear the snap of the metal contraption that will send him to meet his maker. HERE'S HOPIN!

Sniffles

Im home sick again for the second day in a row. Im bored! I feel like a bum! It's not the kind of sick where I can get up and be productive. At least I got a good night's sleep...thanks to good ole' NYQUIL!

My husband has been wonderful. He picked up my prescription and the fulfilled the craving I had for Jamba Juice. What a man! He even did the laundry and cleaned the kitchen. I should be sick more often!

On the other hand, it's so hard to be out of school. There's so much I know needs to get done and hate leaving it to someone else. I guess it's a good thing...I gotta let go every now and then!

Enough Said

I read this verse in my devotions today:

"Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don't have. Just dreaming about nice things is meaningless; like chasing after the wind." Ecclesiastes:s 6:9


After all our recent talk about a car, a house someday, and new jobs, JP and I are using this verse to be thankful for the big and little we have now. We cannot see what God's plan or purpose is in the future, but we know God's plan for NOW!

keep it up

JP and I are still in constant prayer for our jobs. I have such a hard time with JP working 13 hour days. I pity him being so worn out when he comes home. And my frustration with some situations surrounding my current position, probably doesn't help. I can't help but beg with God to open doors. I know that patience is most important next to trust. Today at church there was a faith promise pledge opportunity, which we hadn't thought of, but I admired how I toiled over an amount in my head all service, and when the time came, JP looked and me and being on the same page, we made a pledge. I love how we both have learned to look to God and to do more than share finances, bills, and hopes, but a foundation on Christ. Months ago there would have been much hesitation to put forth a faith promise pledge, and thanks to where God has taken us, and with such a willing-hearted mate, there was no hesitation this time. I know God has provided, erased bill balances, made a way, and I continue to trust that there is so much more he has in store! I pray that he multiplies our meager but sincere financial pledge.

Would you Rather?

Would you rather
be able to stop time while you slept, or
never need to do laundry?



Would you rather
hit every red light for the rest of your life, or
always be wrong?


Would You Rather... Live forever as a
13-year-old or…
65-year-old?

BLEH!

Had one of those days...I'm about to use the only metaphor for the type of breaking point I hit today, when all things come to a head: "Like when a really painful and irritatingly obvious skin imperfection finally makes its appearance on the skin in, forming a white head." That's what my day felt like today. I waltzed into the gym with a grudge against every machine I saw. Nothing seemed the least bit welcoming or kind. I've had bad days at the gym or workouts I could have loved more, but today the mirror and the scale seemed to dislike me. I had a terrible workout, but my trainer reassured me that I'm beautiful......just as I know my heavenly father feels.

I wish I could force the mirror to agree!

Treasures in Heaven

With all the controversy over Miss Cali's stance on legalizing same-sex marriage, there was much talk on the radio today. While listening to K-Love this morning, the hostess said something that stuck in my mind:

"Miss California is a Christian and was quoted as saying that she "is glad she was able to step out in faith, to be examined for what she believes." Although she didn't get the Miss USA crown, she will always have a crown in heaven, worth more than any pageant award. She said in an interview with Matt Lauer: it's not about being politically correct. For me it was being biblically correct."

On another note...Perez Hilton's Interview drove me nuts! He said she gave the worst answer in pageant history and would have walked up an torn the crown right off her head had she won.........who's intolerant now? Ask an open-ended opinion question, and someone will give you their opinion.

Flash Forward

Just when I found my footing a patch of ice creeps onto the road. After a financial blessing arises, so does a load of bills and a previously unknown school bill, that amount to a significant and hefty sum. But JP and I have had a new vow to one another that we came across in our devotions:

"Be faithful in the small and God will be faithful in the big."

Dear Lord,
I thank you for your provision....AHEAD of TIME, because you are God that doesn't operate by our clock and sundial.

Momma I'm a Big Girl Now

There are several landmark moments in one's life when you catch yourself saying, "wow...I really am growing up." The humorous detail about this quote is that we often find ourselves repeating the quip throughout several decades in our life span. I decided to mark 10 moments in my life where I remember feeling, "all grown up" (whether they left a smile or frown remnants on my face):

1. I became the chaperone on my brother's first ride upon Dumbo's back in Disney World (I was10!- quite embarrassing)
2. After church one Easter, my sisters brought to my mother's attention that it was time I begin using an encouraging form of protection against underarm sweat
3. The day my monthly friend came to town for the first time....I knew "it must be a big deal" when my mom began calling the entire female clan of our extended family
4. When in fifth grade I was given my first razor to attack the Italian hair growing on my legs!
5. When I was able keep a food log on our refrigerator (I was 10) (a day's log once included the following: chips, 2 McDonald's cheeseburgers for Hot Lunch at school, and ice cream sandwich, a bologna sandwich....need I finish?)
6. The day I had to move MYSELF into my dorm room....I knew I was past the college newbie phase that freshman and sophomore year brought.
7. When my parents gave their approval to a handsome boy who brought over roses and asked me to homecoming
8. The day I was allowed to buy my first formal dance dress (freshman year). (of course straps were added to the strapless attire- and a flannel was donated by my father)
9 I had my own phone hooked up in my room (it was not my own phone line, but I'll never forget that Clueless phone with voice changer....which I used for much pranking. I remember calling Grandma Bea and telling her, in a man's voice, we had her mail hostage.)
10. The days following saying "I DO," when I received my first loan repayment bill and had to find my own means of insurance!

What moments in your life made you feel all grown up?

EMPTY TOMB

We had a wonderful first Easter together with our families. We made to an early church service, brunch with JP's family, time with his dad's family, and then dessert and games with my family. We even gave each other easter baskets and hid them in our apartment.

It is obviously not about candy, baskets....or even family!


CHRIST THE LORD IS RISEN TODAY..............HE IS RISEN INDEED!


Worthy is the Lamb Who was slain
Holy, holy is He
Sing a new song to Him Who sits on Heaven's mercy seat

Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty
Who was and is and is to come
With all creation I sing praise to the King of kings
You are my everything, and I will adore You

Clothed in rainbows of living color
Flashes of lightning, rolls of thunder
Blessing and honor, strength and glory and power be
To You, the only wise King

Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty
Who was and is and is to come
With all creation I sing praise to the King of kings
You are my everything, and I will adore You

Filled with wonder, awestruck wonder
At the mention of Your Name
Jesus, Your Name is power, breath and living water, such a marvelous mys- tery

Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty
Who was and is and is to come
With all creation I sing praise to the King of kings
You are my everything, and I will adore You

Fresh & Clean

They were right. The prep was the worst part! The 2 liters I had to drink, seemed like a bottomless well of liquid lysol....lemony fresh isn't so great when you have to DRINK IT! But with the help of Welch's and a stopwatch, my husband helped me get through the liquid mess. The many trips to the toilet were less than pleasant, and more frequent than the number of times one showers in a week!

The drama was over and we walked into the hospital ready for action! I was all prepped, and must add that I did not pass out from the IV needle! It was also comforting how gentle the nurses were with me. They said it was fresh to have an inexperienced colonoscopy patient, and one under the average age of 70. Little did I know that I would have to have an endoscopy as well. In other words I'd have tubes put down both ends...I just prayed I remained "out of it!"

I woke up, finished, clean, and with my smiling hubby video taping my recovery with a giggle. He brought me home, put me in bed and later took phone calls and when I was conscious again, repeated to me what the doctor had said while I was asleep.

Everything turned out fine. We are just waiting on some final results. God is good. He is ultimately the Great Physician and is amazing for having created SEDATIVES!

Solitare

So it would seem that I have been abandoned for the weekend. My entire family, including my husband, is out of town for the weekend. It has been quite interesting, and it began as anything but relaxing. I tried to stay in the house by myself, but as soon as the sun set, I became anxious and could not sleep! I knew I couldn't do this for 2 more nights so I spent one night at my mother-in-laws and the other at my sister's....they were so sweet to take in this homeless and wimp of a woman. I don't regret being a wimp. I simply enjoy company, and really miss my husband! Marriage isn't always cuddling on the couch with every free moment, but just having him in the same house with me, makes me feel comfortable and happy. I love him so very much.

Thanks to the often scrutinized family dog, I felt protected when I was home alone. I also took the time to pamper myself....some of which was unfortunately damage to my debit card. Painting my nails, watching hours of whatever it was I wanted to watch (without having to share the remote), an amazing bubble bath, two days worth of shopping sprees, and a calming tanning session, and a calorie filled McDonald's iced coffee, gave me a few moments of uninterrupted, selfish, solace.
Despite the brief times of fear, the sleepless night, and the occasional feelings of being orphan Annie, I am proud of myself for holding down the fort! (until dad finds the electric bill for the two nights I left the lights and television on)

Now off to reality....laundry, lesson plans, and lean cooking.

They found out

I hid them the best I could. I thought I had found the perfect spot. I thought no one would notice. I assumed they were as safe as a guarded treasure but..........I was wrong. They found them.

That's right. My dad found the many bins of clothes I had hidden away in their boiler room under the stairs. Just when I thought I had found the perfect place for those things I didn't have a place for, they gone and done it. Vern made a pile of all my bins and I heard the words I dread....consolidate. This may take a few weeks, but I'm up for the task and know it's necessary. According to JP I have slowly crept over into his part of the closet and now consumer 3/4 of its space. I realize it's time for some spring cleaning when I find that three of my drawers contain workout clothes, tshirts, and pajama pants alone. I always tell myself, "I can't get rid of this. I know I'll wear it sometime." Well for many of these articles, that sometime hasn't come in a long time. And that bin full of purses along hasn't been cracked open in nearly a year. Goodwill, here I come!

You did what?

I am unbelieveably frustrated with the events that have unraveled on the popular, so called "reality" show, "The Bachelor."

1. Why did Jason have to dump Melissa on television?
,
2. Go Melissa! For her to bring to light what an engagement means. She isn't some girl he has been "hanging out with" for a few weeks. If he has a problem, he should talk to her like a normal couple.

3. Molly, you make me sad. You are the typical girl who takes a leap for the guy who pushed you!

4. ABC, I am convinced you scripted these events! So you got what you wanted for this season....interested viewers. As for next season: you may have lost your popularity.

5. Jason those tears are not going to win over any empathy. And if they are indeed real....MAN UP!


I know I just placed myself within that stereotypical "reality" tv junkie, however, when there is a possibility of playing with someone's actual emotions, for a rating....then you have opened up a can of worms!!!!!


AHhhhhhhhhhhhh....that feels better!

Mother-In-Law

I was always curious what the in-law situation would be when I got married. Would it be bliss? Or would it be Debra Barone chaos? A few days before we got married I went to have a massage to ease the wedding stress. My masseuse spent the entire hour complaining about her mother-in-law. Not only was it anything but relaxing, but it also made me feel lucky, spoiled, and sorry for that unhappy woman.
I have been blessed with a wonderful mother-in-law. I believe that having 6 years to get to know my future in-laws before I walked down the aisle, gave me comfort within their family and made me fall in love with those who had fallen in love with me, considering me her own daughter. Nancy, whose name took me a while to get used to (replacing the 6 year habit of calling her "Mrs. Howard"), has been supportive, helpful, generous, and loving towards me. I feel like her own daughter and am thankful that while others may complain about their distant in-law situations, I am blessed to feel comfortable and constantly loved by my mother-in-law. She is quite a person! She is a mother, homemaker, strength for her entire family, and constantly busily helping anyone and everyone she can reach, with arms wide open for the next!

Bring the rain

It has been a whirlwind of a week. A lot has come and gone, and clouds have rolled in and out. I'm hoping you sense the symbolism. On the way to work today, with so much weighing on me and so many thoughts racing around in my mind like circus clowns on tricycles, I heard the song "rain" by Mercy Me. I heard it live in concert when I last saw them a few months ago, but it wasn't until my situation meshed with the message of the lyrics that it's true meaning hit me. The chorus goes something to the effect of:

Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there'll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise You
Jesus, bring the rain

I am Yours regardless of
The dark clouds that may loom above
Because You are much greater than my pain
You who made a way for me
By suffering Your destiny
So tell me what's a little rain
So I pray


The portion about "if that's what it takes to praise You, Jesus bring the rain..." struck me!

It has been weeks since JP and I have been able to sit and read the word together. We usually simply have time for a quick couples devotion before bed. It wasn't until all the chaos was stirred up into a thick cloud, that we were able to spend time in the word together. And within that, found strength amidst the rain.

Thank you Jesus for the rain...for the reminder that we cannot do anything without you...for a reminder to turn to the chief of all nature and creation to either cease or guide us through the torrential downpours we meet in life.

Hair Dare

So Jp and I are both standing up in our friends' wedding in July. I'm trying to decide what I wanna do with my hair. Should I cut it...i MIss my short hair. Or let it grow so I have hair long enough for a cute updo for the wedding!

If it's long I wanna do something like one of these first two styles.



If I decide to cut it short, I would do something like thisHelp! What's your opinion?

Call the Doctor

Four of my kids have had strep this week alone! I feel like the lady in the vitamin commercial..."Um...ya. I'm looking at my schedule and I can't pencil strep in this month. That doesn't work for me. Maybe next month."

I cannot be sick, again!

Love is in the air

I had an amazing Valentine's Day with my husband! Although this is the first as a married couple, it is our 7th time celebrating this holiday together! This meant it would take a lot of thought to top anything done in the past. I took JP out for breakfast and got him a massage. He loved it but what bothered me is that the masseuse he had was the same woman I had right before the wedding. She talked the whole time! JP said she talked about how she doesn't believe in celebrating Valentine's Day and how she is really stressed out. That's exactly what I would want to hear if I were getting a massage to relax and as a Valentine's present. I was so ticked. I didn't tip her well. I have every right mind to call and complain. Maybe, I'll pull a Rosie and get us some free massages!!!!

JP took me to Carlucci. It is a fantastic Italian restaurant! So worth it too. For an appetizer, two salads, two entrees, and a dessert, we only spent $50! Then he gave me a card and in it is said that he was taking me to Embassy Suites so I can relax away from home!




As we drove towards the hotel I quickly realized he meant the one near O'Hare, where we had spent our wedding night. What a sweet thought! I loved it! All in all....it was a phenomenal Valentine's Day. Downside is....he has to try and top that next year. Good luck, baby!

Sick in bed

So, I'm home from work sick. I don't know whether to attribute it to the fact that I'm a teacher, that I nearly passed out during a blood test the night before, or that it is simply going around. Despite the reason, I was so glad I took a half day and decided to come home and rest. There are a few things I look forward to when I'm sick:

1. my pajamas

2. sleep

3. relaxing with daytime tv

4. my husband coming home to make me feel better

5. crackers and sprite (which my mom brought me)

6. no responsibilities, no children fighting over who breathed on who, and the absolute silence of a quiet house!

Updo upchuck

While paruzzing for possible bridesmaid hairstyles for an upcoming wedding in the summer, here are several disturbing, fashion faux paus I found when I typed in the words:

CONTEMPORARY HAIRSTYLE UPDO

ain't so classy



ain't so lifelike



ain't so realistic



ain't so feminine



ain't so contemporary

You can thank me later for saving you from committing social suicide by cruising around with one of these no-no updos.

Join me in asking the obvious question: "What are you thinking?!"

Diagnosis

For those who know me, the topic of my chronic stomach problems is not a new one. It comes up in many a conversation and has been a huge mystery to my doctors for years. I have had numerous cat scans and blood tests run and no diagnosis was given. I'll spare you the detailed symptoms (Trust me) and just skip to the part where I say that I am tired of being in pain every time I eat and visiting the ladies room several times a day. So although this is what I picture when I hear the word "tests":






I have decided it is about that time to face the pointed metal object associated with pain. I happen to be one of those people that doesn't consider my doctor my best friend, and visit her frequently, rather I attempt to get over any flu, broke bone, or pain, without medication. But my complaints have become louder and my stomach has gotten more annoyed so I believe it's about time for my wallet to open wide and say, "ahhhhhh."

Touch This Tap That

Although the title of this post sounds questionable, it makes sense with the content. I was wondering about the many ways to teach my kindergarteners easy addition. I have never forgotten the way I was taught. Although way back in the early 90's, this method has never left my brain. The "touch point" method has been engrained in my memory to this day and is what I use with the simplest of math problems. To this day I have thought of it as a genius mathematical method. However, while doing some researching today, I ran across a series of articles discouraging its use in schools today. The articles stated how many who were taught this method are slower in math, having to use the "touch method" rather than raw memorization. I finally realized how true these statements are! I feel robbed of what I believe was a fantastic and authentic math trick! It's like realizing Santa isn't real!
Needless to say, I will spare my students to embarrassment of counting using fingers and touch points, and open their eyes to a more speedy form of math...memorization.

Abandon Ship

With it being nearly a month after the new year began I thought it appropriate to make a list of all the habits, promises, and goals I have made, at one point or another, and abandoned as quickly as I would a sinking ship:

Since it is 2009, here are 9 things I haven't stuck to:

1. drinking 2 full water bottles a day
excuse: refilling with nasty tasting water at school, bathroom breaks are minimal

2. not eating the skittles meant for student rewards
excuse: um....yum! "I bought them and I'm the teacher"

3. going to bed early
excuse: ya right

4. legally changing my name
excuse: how long will this take?

5. not having sweets every night
excuse: its a diet ice cream bar!

6. patience at work
excuse: try hearing this all day: "She's breathing on me!" (literally)

7. more extracurricular reading
excuse: "Doesn't a cookbook count?"

8. get more creative with low fat cooking
excuse: _____________________ (wish I had one)

9. write a blog everyday
excuse: life

Anniversary

I can't believe it has been 6 months already since I walked down the alter and met the love of my life in Holy Matrimony. There has been uncertainty with money, jobs and struggles with family and career futures, but I have soaked up with joy every moment JP and I have together. Someone recently asked me how it was to get used to living with JP and I really couldn't answer with details and description. It's just like living with your best friend. You get used to schedules, toothbrush placement, and sharing the load. I am excited for the rest of my life and to see what happens in the next 6 months! Marriage and life is nothing short of exciting. Now all that's left is for me to finally and legally change my last name!

Happy Anniversary, Love!

Dialing

I am teaching my children about their address this week and how the mail system works. I was going to work on having them learn their phone numbers as well (although many of them already know theirs) when I realized I didn't know which number to have them memorize. These days we might expect them to know Mom's cell number, Dad's cell number, sister's cell number; all along with their main home phone number (which may never be used). (This topic is humorous considering I couldn't repeat many cell phone numbers from memory since my phone has a memory of its own).

Crazy how the world is moving so fast, and what an affect it has on education!

Seaching for chuckles

I had by far, the worst week I have experienced in my short and mild teaching career. It has been a whirlwind and more eventful than many of my horribly memorable high school faux paus. Despite being hit, having things thrown at me, being chewed out by a parent, having to attend school while the rest of Illinois' educational facilities enjoy the warmth of their homes, and being told "I will rip you in half" by a 3 foot child, I decided to find the humor. I laugh when I think about moments such as those when one of my favorites told me he was "having a hard attack."

It's moments like these when I learn to find reasons to snicker and ways to giggle despite the madness that may surround the learning environment.

Home sweet home

We are home from our amazing Carribbean Cruise. I already felt blessed to be able to join my in-laws for such a great vacation but now feel privileged to be part of such a wonderful family. It reaffirmed the joy I'll have to share my children with wonderful Aunts, Uncles, cousins, and Grandma and Grandad. Its a blessing!

We had wonderful weather and stopped in Puerto Rica (Old San Juan), St. Kitts, and St. Maarten. After adjusting to the rocking feeling and receiving my sea legs (with the help of a little pill called Boanine), I enjoyed the trip. Here a few pictures of our grand voyage!













This is the reason I gained 5 pounds!