Cox Confessions

Are you reading my new blog?

2011-06-04T08:14:00.001-07:00

coxamamieideas.blogspot.com

Recipe

2011-03-06T17:33:00.001-08:00

Posted a recipe on my new blog. Go check it out!

coxamamieideas.blogspot.com

New Blog!

2011-03-04T21:02:00.001-08:00

Check out my new blog! Still a work in progress, but I will be posting there from now on.

coxamamieideas.blogspot.com

What does an extremely organized teacher do with an extremely disorganized class?

2011-03-04T19:44:00.001-08:00

Take away all their freedom!

Before

After

After countless arguments over lost papers, lost pencils, my peronal property and school books gone missing, and using the inside of a desk as a trash can for pencil shavings that is what it has come to. I turned around all student desks so that they cannot access them at all. All student folders are in these crates, which ONE table captain will be allowed to access. On my honor, I WILL teach these kids some organization skills!!

Guess Who Just Finished Running Their First Half-Marathon?!

2011-02-27T13:10:00.000-08:00

NOT ME! :-)

Brian and his brother, Brett, ran a half-marathon in the Cowtown this morning. They did a great job and we are so proud of them!

Before heading out

Mile 8

Conversations of a Third Grade Classroom

2011-02-24T15:49:00.001-08:00

I'm sure some of you moms can relate to the few times of laughter and then those times of wanting to rip your hair out and run out of the room screaming. :-) I would like to say that this is all in one week, four days, actually!

"Earth is a planet? I thought it was just...Earth!" (This is after two weeks of talking about the solar system)

"Mrs. Cox, when people take a hot shower do they shrink, or is that just clothes?"

Student: "Is 20x24 = 24?"
Me: I draw groups to show 20 groups of 24 in each group and proceed to ask if there is 24 in ONE group, would that make sense?
Student: "No, because 2+2=4 and 4+4=8."
Me: Blank stare....

Mrs. Cox: "Did you JUST put your hands on another student?!"
Student: "NO, I USED MY ELBOW!"

Question: Name the solid figure.
Me: (Talking through math strategies on how to locate important words/information to solve the problem) What are we going to do here? Add? Subtract? Multiply? Divide? (Hoping they'll see through me and realize it has nothing to do with the question)
Student: Divide!
Me: (thinking) Kill me now.

Student: "Mercury, Venus, Erf, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Urine, Neptune..."

And my freak out question of the day... How in the WORLD am I going to get students to pass the TAKS test when they will not even look at the paper when we are working in a small group of SIX?!!?!?!?!?!?

February Fun

2011-02-20T14:38:00.000-08:00

This last week was a great week. I was so thankful for the beautiful weather and just so glad to be a on the upside of things. The last few months have been extremely stressful and rough, but this last week was just great!

We had a social on Tuesday the 15th away from school. It was nice to get away and hang out. Any socials AT school seem to add to stress because you're constantly thinking, "I need to be in my room. I have this and this and this I could be doing." Being away from school was such a relief! We went bowling, and it was so fun!

Last night Brian and I went to my friend's wedding. She was my college roommate and maid of honor. Such a BEAUTIFUL wedding! Wow! It was nice to see her (since she now works and lives in Washington D.C.) and catch up with our friend Aaron. Fun times!

White

2011-02-04T19:26:00.001-08:00

One Eleven

2011-01-30T09:59:00.000-08:00

If January is any indication of how 2011 is going to go I have mixed feelings about it. It was a very eventful, extremely busy, slow at times, yet fast month. Between friends and family we celebrated 5 birthdays, 2 baby showers, and a wedding.

This month has brought with it many realizations. For example, I realized that I have lost a year of my life as I continuously forget how old I am and think that I am a year younger. My husband and family so generously remind me that I am, in fact, 26 but since I thought I was 25 this is quite depressing.

It has been a pretty depressing month as far as work goes. Not to be too negative Nancy, but I hate cold weather and it just makes it all worse. I have had a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad year and have lost the energy for my job. My class is out of control, talking back to me, throwing spit balls, being so hateful to each other, and they lack any motivation to work. I complete the viscious circle by coming to work every day miserable and unenthusiastic, therefore creating an environment that is unengaging for them. Now to add to all of the stress and pressure, we are in full swing TAKS mode, which is just a whole new ballgame. All in all....it's just been difficult.

The first weekend in January we celebrated Brian's birthday with his family. I failed to capture any pictures so just pretend there is a nice picture of us sitting at Chuy's right here -->.

Speaking of Brian, he officially became a graduate student, taking online courses from Georgia Tech. First class: differential equations. Sounds fun, right?

PS - He was not happy with me for taking this picture, but I felt this was important and needed to be documented.

The weekend of the 15th I had some college friends in town to celebrate a wedding. We were all officers in Texas State Teachers Assn-Student Program together while at A&M. We meet every summer to catch up and hang out. It's been a fun tradition and I hope we can keep it up.

The following weekend we went to the rodeo on Friday night with Brian's brother, Brett, and sister-in-law, Molly. My grandparents took me to the rodeo every year growing up, and I still look forward to going every year. This was probably the most traumatic rodeo I've been to because we saw a steer die when they were doing the steer wrestling event. We think the cowboy accidentally snapped his neck. They had to bring a tractor out to haul it away. It was pretty sad, but I am comforted by the fact that we do eat beef, so he will probably serve another purpose in his next life. So long little steer.

The next night we got together with friends for a game called Quelf. The pictures speak for themselves. And while we were at it, we wished Justin a Happy Birthday! (At least he's older than I am).

We finally made it to the end of the month!

Saturday we got together with my family to celebrate January birthdays. Happy Birthday Grandad, Chris, and Brian!

Sunday, I went to a baby shower for a college friend, who was also my bridesmaid. Congratulations Aaron and Erica. Can't wait to meet little Madelyn!

And somehow during this month I have managed to complete some projects and get some things for the house.

Burp cloths for Madelyn

New pillows for our new couches!

Now on to February: Super Bowl, Adult Social Night at church, bachelorette party, wedding, baby shower, family game night, girl's sewing day, school events....I think I need an energy bar.

Just Because

2010-12-25T18:37:00.001-08:00

Because I didn't get around to sending out Christmas cards this year...

Merry Christmas!

Sticky Notes

2010-12-11T07:39:00.000-08:00

I recently took at look at my desk and realized that I had piles and categories of sticky notes to remind me to do things. I had school notes, home notes, church notes, Christmas notes, leadership notes, etc. I wondered what that said about me.

I hate to admit that this has been the first Christmas season that has not been fun for me. Putting up our tree was just another thing on my 'to do' list. I hate that. I have lost all joy and passion for my job currently, because these kids drain me of any I start out with in the day. I'm tired of sitting in leadership meetings at work hearing crickets until I volunteer for something. I'm tired of sitting in PTA board meetings hearing crickets until I volunteer for something. I'm tired of sending emails to people asking for help and getting zero response. I'm tired of planning lessons for kids and they don't work out because I spend my time mediating fights about who's touching the unifix cube or who's hogging the glue. I'm just tired.

I feel that my stress has majorly affected my mood and general being. I have snapped at people at work and walked out of the room, without a care. (I DON'T do that!), I am too busy to care what people think about me, (I DON'T do that!), I matter-of-factly state my opinions without caring (maybe I used to do that, but I didn't think I did).

I've dreaded going to work the last few weeks and have begun to have a serious pity party. But I realized I have absolutely no reason to feel sorry for myself. Life may be rushed and difficult at times, but...THAT'S LIFE! I am so truly blessed that it is unreal. I have an amazingly wonderful, helpful husband. I have a loving family. I have my health. What is there to complain about? Absolutely nothing! I have added a sticky note to my pile that says, "Smile and be happy."

Apology Note

2010-12-04T20:55:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a rough day. I was espcially angry with my students' behavior and I scared myself with how angry I got at (and my reaction to) one child, specifically. This child talks back to me constantly, throws tantrums that can be heard down the hall, screams at me...the list goes on. Needless to say she made me very angry yesterday.

She called another student, 'idiot' so I took the opportunity to reinforce what we had JUST learned at our anti-bullying program. She proceeded to yell at me about an unrelated topic. All this to say that she sat out at recess and wrote the student an apology note, and then chose to write me one as well. The note is as follows:

Dear Mrs.Cox
im sroe for being bad in cass today. I ket belive I did that. I don't konw wot came over me. I wish I can rovers time and stor ovre. It was boble (probably) becames I didn't have befest.

As angry as I was I couldn't help but laugh at this note. Maybe she should have eaten breakfast and the whole situation could have been avoided. :-) On a lighter and similar note, I also whipped out my camera and took pictures of my students' behavior in class. I caught a girl playing with nickels on her face and just missed a boy balancing a pencil on his lip. I told them I am going to send them to their parents so they can see how they behave in my class, especially after I had given them directions. My principal said I needed to get out the flip video camera --- I think I might just do that.

Fresh Tomato Soup

2010-11-19T19:37:00.001-08:00

Well..........the fresh tomato soup didn't go exactly as planned. I made the soup and got it into the blender to blend or puree and that's where it all went downhill. The recipe says to take the top middle piece out of the lid to let the steam out and cover it with a towel. Well, I didn't want to get a towel dirty so I covered it with a paper towel and burned my hand. I decided it would be fine to put the top back on the lid. Either I didn't get it all the way back on, or the lid wasn't completely closed. Blend --> Screaming --> Husband jumps off the couch --> Tomato Soup ALL over the kitchen --> burns on arms and through my PJ pants on my leg -->oh, can we just go out to eat?

There was enough left in the blender to salvage for dinner, so after clean up duty we sat down to eat our fresh tomato soup. I think it's always hard eating something like that when you've eaten Campbell's your entire life. It tasted like a giant tomato. Not bad, but I probably won't make it again. A can is so much easier and less dangerous.

Here's the recipe!

Ingredients
2 cups fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
1 cup chopped onion
3/4 cup chopped celery
1 tablespoon thinly sliced fresh basil
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 pounds plum tomatoes, cut into wedges
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
6 tablespoons plain low-fat yogurt
3 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh basil
Preparation
1. Combine first 6 ingredients in a large saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 30 minutes. Place half of tomato mixture in a blender. Remove center piece of blender lid (to allow steam to escape); secure blender lid on blender. Place a clean towel over opening in blender lid (to avoid splatters). Blend until smooth. Pour into a large bowl. Repeat procedure with remaining tomato mixture. Stir in salt and pepper. Ladle 3/4 cup soup into each of 6 bowls; top each serving with 1 tablespoon yogurt and 1 1/2 teaspoons basil.
Nutritional Information
Calories:
58 (12% from fat)
Fat:
0.8g (sat 0.3g,mono 0.1g,poly 0.2g)
Protein:
3.1g
Carbohydrate:
11.3g
Fiber:
2.8g
Cholesterol:
1mg
Iron:
1.1mg
Sodium:
382mg
Calcium:
49mg

Soup Season!

2010-11-14T15:01:00.000-08:00

I am so excited for soup season! Well, I'm not looking forward to cold weather, but I have been looking forward to try a new soup (or enjoy some old favs) once a week. Last week I made a soup that I tried for the first time: Corn and Bacon Chowder. It has a pretty good flavor. I plan to post the recipes I try on here. If anybody tries them let me know how it goes!

Bacon Corn Chowder
Prep Time: 2 minutesCook Time: 14 minutesYield: 6 servings (serving size: 1 cup)

Ingredients
2 bacon slices
1/2 cup refrigerated prechopped celery, onion, and bell pepper mix
2 (16-ounce) packages frozen baby gold and white corn, thawed and divided
2 cups 1% low-fat milk, divided
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3/4 cup (3 ounces) reduced-fat shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese (such as Cracker Barrel)
Freshly ground black pepper (optional)

Preparation
1. Cook bacon in a Dutch oven over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon from pan; crumble and set aside. Add celery mixture and 1 package corn to drippings in pan; sauté 5 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
2. Place remaining 1 package corn and 1 cup milk in a blender, and process until smooth. Add pureed mixture to vegetables in pan; stir in remaining 1 cup milk, salt, black pepper, and cheese. Cook over medium heat (do not boil), stirring constantly, until cheese melts. Ladle chowder into bowls. Top each serving evenly with reserved crumbled bacon. Sprinkle with additional black pepper, if desired.
Nutritional Information
Calories:
215 (24% from fat)
Fat:
6g (sat 3.1g,mono 1g,poly 0.6g)
Protein:
10.8g
Carbohydrate:
33.6g
Fiber:
3.8g
Cholesterol:
15mg
Iron:
0.8mg
Sodium:
402mg
Calcium:
208mg

This week: Fresh Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese! :-)

N-O-V-E-M-B-E-R

2010-11-06T21:23:00.000-07:00

What a start to November!

Stars Game: check

A&M game in College Station: check

Emotional breakdown in the principal's office: check

Lady Antebellum Concert: check

Adoption Party: check

Still to come:

family game night

hair appointment

PTA meeting

Harry Potter 7!

Adriane's party

Thanksgiving week (many plans during my week off)

... and then it will be Christmas before I know it! Now, I just can't see why my husband ever thinks we don't have time for date night!

Man, time flies...and most of the time I'm having fun. :-) It's been a rough start to the month in terms of work, but I am just trying to stay focused on God's purpose for me this year. I have asked Him what he wants me to learn from this class and what they need from me. Oh, but it sure is exhausting waiting to find out!

On a personal note, the month has started off crazy busy, but fun.

A&M v Texas Tech in College Station

Lady A concert for Courtney's birthday

Adoption Party for some sweet friends!

I don't want to let November pass me by, but I sure am ready to start playing my Christmas music!

How Full Is Your Bucket?

2010-10-27T18:00:00.000-07:00

Some of you may recall hearing about this book if you were at Women's Dinner last Christmas.

There was a guest speaker who referenced this book and based her message on it. Since then, I have come across the book for kids and stumbled upon websites where teachers use this as a character education program in their class.

After the recent kid suicides in the news, the growing epidemic of bullying, and just my downright frustration from having to problem solve for kids calling each other (and their moms) fat, ugly, and stupid all day, I decided this program is a must for my classroom.

So, after a few weeks of eating more canned food that usual and a little mod podge...

TA DAA! BUCKETS!

I implemented this last week, having the kids write notes of kindness to each other and fill each others' buckets. After one week of them using ALL of my index cards to write 'Your cool' I decided they needed a little prompting. So, this week they had fill in the blank bucket fillers where they have to be looking for specific character traits.

I'm loving it! I can just say, "Is that filling their bucket, or dipping from it when you say that? Do you want to be a dipper?" Although, I did have to go to the extremes yesterday to tell a student of all the sadness happening in the news so he could realize how serious his hurtful words could become. Wow, the first time he admitted to guilt and showed remorse. Anyway, what a great tool to teach kids good character and hopefully ELIMINATE bullying from my room!

What's REALLY Wrong with the American Education System

2010-10-16T19:34:00.001-07:00

I'm sure most of you have heard of a new movie coming out called "Waiting for Superman". If not, I'll enlighten you. It's a documentary following 5 kids from the inner city who are trying to get into a charter school where they will receive a better education. There is not enough room in these charter schools, so the kids have to play a lottery in hopes they will be chosen.

I take issue with this movie. Shocker, I have an opinion. I don't take issue because I think that our educational system is wonderful and working. Actually, I agree that our current educational policies and systems are failing. However, I take issue with the fact that this movie is implying that we do not have good teachers in this country, and they are not doing their job. Why is our educational system failing? Well I'll tell you. First, we have people in power (whether they are government officials or test writers) who have NEVER been in a classroom that are making decisions for our teachers and students. Secondly, teachers are so worn out, burnt out, drained, exhausted, and expected to do so many other things besides teach that there is very little time left in the day to actually plan awesome lessons and...I don't know...TEACH! Lastly, education starts in the home.

I don't know much about the other 49 states in our country, but I know enough about Texas standards and tests to know that I disagree with the way we measure "success". How can you teach our educators that every child learns differently and at different rates in one sentence, and then in the next you're saying, "Every child should be able to pass this one test on this one day this one way." I read some articles in college about standardized tests being biased. I remember thinking that that was the dumbest thing I'd ever heard. If you're taught the material, you should be able to suceed. Oh how naiive I was. The fact is that we have so many kids coming from so many situations that it is unrealistic to expect the same result out of all of them. And it is absolutely haneous to measure whether or not a teacher is a good teacher based on whether or not her entire class can pass a test. What if I told you that I got a student that barely knew addition when they came to me, but left me knowing multiplication and division? They may not be able to decipher a word problem to do the division, but they can do the basics. Did I not do my job at meeting that child where they were and teaching them based on their needs? Easy fix - Give kids a test at the beginning of the year, give me standards to teach, and then test them again at the end of the year. Hold me accountable that way. See if my students learned and grew from beginning to end. Isn't that the goal, that every child CAN learn?!

And DON"T tell me that our teachers are not doing their job. I work with too many fabulous women and men who pour every ounce of their being into teaching, sacrifice time with families, and work so incredibly hard to make sure our children receive a quality education. Tears are shed for these kids. Long hours are worked for these kids. Trainings are taken for these kids. Programs are implemented for these kids. This country has some great teachers who do everything they're told and everything they can to see our future succeed. It is unfortunate that many days we feel like we're babysitting rather than teaching, though, which leads me to my next point.

Education starts in the home. Until America realizes that education starts in the home no system or policy will be effective. As I mentioned before, we have highly qualified teachers who love their jobs, love their kids, and do everything they can to teach our kids. However, if we are receiving kids who have been placed in front of a TV for the first 5 years of their life (free babysitting), who have never been talked to, who have not had many social interactions, who can name their 10 favorite TV channels but can't tell me their address or phone number in third grade, who go out to eat and sit there with the Nintendo DS or portable DVD player at the table instead of conversing as a family (YES I HAVE SEEN BOTH OF THESE SITUATIONS!), we can only do what we can do. TV and its effect on
young brains is a separate issue that I have a strong opinion about, but it's just the tip of the iceberg in this case. Anyway, until parents take a more invovled approach in their child's education by reading to them, talking to them, teaching them, having high expectations for them, we'll go nowehere. Until we stop blaming our teachers for everything we'll go nowhere. Until we're not afraid to discipline our children and hold them accountable for their behavior and academics we'll go nowehere.

After spending much of my day yesterday (like I do every day) redirecting my class, waiting on them to get quiet, asking them to stop interrupting me during my teaching, I decided to do a multiplication problem on the board. I calculated that I spend approximately 8,000 minutes a year asking my class to stop interrupting me, repeating directions, mediating tattling/bullying...etc. What an eye opener! There are wonderful teachers out there who try very hard to do a great job, but unfortunately there are just so many road blocks we face each and every day that it becomes very easy to get get worn down and discouraged. I am hopeful that our policy makers will realize this soon. Otherwise, I am scared for our future.

Cooking for 2

2010-10-11T12:36:00.001-07:00

Cooking for two, I'm always looking for creative and resourceful ways to use leftover food. I found this recipe this summer and have been meaning to blog about it ever since.

Brian and I had ham and veggies one night for dinner so I went looking for ideas on how to use to leftover ham, without just simply baking it. I stumbled upon this recipe which may sound a little weird, but it is SO yummy! I think it's the sesame oil that does the trick. A little bit goes a long way!

Ham and Egg Fried Rice

Celebrations

2010-09-26T12:46:00.000-07:00

This week I participated in a recognition ceremony for the Teachers of the Year for Irving. Also this week, we had a Teacher of the Month dinner at Applebee's for our school. Each month a teacher is honored, where they receive a free meal, $15 gift certificate, and a free appetizer coupon (not to mention a super cool certificate to hang on the wall). It was a fun and busy week, and I am so thankful to those who took time out of their day to celebrate with me!

A sweet flower Mr. Tandy left on my desk Monday morning. (He's just that nice!)

Hanes people at the TOY Reception

Sweet Husband

My Mom

Flowers from Brian

The Walk

Sweet Teammates at Applebee's

Applebee's Certificate

My new certificates that I hang proudly so that I can talk to the kids about working hard, and being recognized for positive behavior rather than negative.

Guys Night Gone Wild

2010-09-17T19:35:00.001-07:00

The chicks decided to invade Guys Night. I think we just improved the evening some. :-)

The Guys

The Girls

Sweet friends I will miss dearly in just a few short months

Sweet Love from Abby

Friends

Cheese!

Celebrate Freedom Week

2010-09-17T15:29:00.000-07:00

Check out my cute kids!

coxclasscaptions.blogspot.com

Another One Bites the Dust!

2010-09-03T15:58:00.000-07:00

I have nothing exciting going on in my life other than work, so I guess that's what I'll keep posting about. I survivied week 2 of year 4 and am just loving my class. Someone asked me if I had a favorite and I can honestly say that almost (ALMOST) all of my kids are favorites in some way or another.

I have been working hard using enforcable statements and practicing the Love and Logic Discipline Techniques. I seriously need help with 'Consequences with Empathy'. It's just really hard for me to feel sorry for a kid making a bad choice when they're 8 years old...they should know better!

Anyway, I have experienced the normal frustrations of having so many kids at so many levels with so many needs: dyslexia, SpEd, ADHD, academically low, etc. I'm just struggling with how to constantly engage these kids who live in an entertainment-driven world. Many of them do not have the desire or know-how for study skills. I don't know...every year gets crazier!

I find it weird that I have waited my whole life for this job, and while I love this job I am counting down the days (years) until I can have a baby and stay home. I need to be content with where I am and just love life!

A few quotes from the week (I seriously need to write a book):

"We made a clown figer (figure), and it look-ed like GOD!"

"I couldn’t do my homework b/c my dad threw my clothes all over the floor and I spent the whole night picking them up." (WHATEVER - NO EXCUSES!)

1 Week Down!

2010-08-27T15:39:00.000-07:00

Boy am I glad it's Friday. I don't really know why, though, I have a busy weekend ahead of me...oh well.

I had a good week back at school. My goal was to leave work at a reasonable hour and not bring too much home. Well, that didn't happen! I left work by 5 every day, brought everything home and was on the computer until at least 8 every night. It is the beginning, however, and I hope it will slow down soon.

I have the most wonderful husband in the world who rubbed my feet and back every night, and did all the housework today while I was at work. I love him!

I am hopeful and optimistic that this will be much less tiresome and draining (physically and emotionally) than last year. I did get frustrated today, however, when I literally just felt like a nagging babysitter. I have already uttered the phrase, "I am not your babysitter," and "I'm sorry I'm not as entertaining as a TV, but there are time when you just have to sit, listen, and learn." I mean, my gosh, I try to make the lesson entertaining and engaging as possible, but there are times when kids just have to listen to know routines, instructions, etc. I am finding that this is VERY difficult, and I don't understand why. Anyway, new prayer and goal is to 1)remember that they are kids with short attention spans 2) keep lessons fun, and 3) keep my expectations high.

Quotes of the week:

Uplifting

(Scene: recess, hot, just took off my sweater)
"Mrs. Cox I thought your sweater was attached to your shirt."
"Nope"
"You look GOOD!"

Not-so-Uplifting
"Miss Wolff is the nicest teacher ever. I miss her."

"Mrs. Cox, why do you never smile?" :-( and I thought I was doing so good.

Favorite Things

2010-08-23T17:02:00.000-07:00

Planning, and Organizing
Creating, and Making

Fonting, and Copying
Laminating, and Cutting

These are a few of my fav-or-ite things!

Ok, so maybe some of them are not exactly fun, but this is one of my favorite times of the school year. I love getting in my room, taking my new ideas, and creating things to put them into action! I had even more fun this year because I moved to a brand new (newly built) classroom. So, I had a blank slate! It's quite a bit smaller from my ld room, but oh well.

Before:

After:

I know it doesn't look like it took 2+ weeks to do this, but what can I say...I am an anal perfectionist. I told my kids today that I'm a weirdo as I showed them exactly how to put their backpacks up with no straps hanging out, and exactly how to organize their desks so the desk fairy will come visit them on Friday...

It was definitely a more optimistic first day than last year. I think I have a good group of sweet kiddos, crossing my fingers! I am excited for a great FOURTH year of teaching. WOW!

More Pillows!

2010-08-03T16:01:00.000-07:00

I have completed two more pillows. I love each one I do more and more. I just loved these girly colors in the store and had to get them! Being away from my machine for two weeks definitely made me revert back to some of my beginner's troubles. So, sorry Melanee for the sloppy applique job! I'm working on it!

I think I am going to take a small break from pillows so I don't get burnt out before I get to everyone. I plan for my next task to be a TOTE BAG! Teachers can never have too many totes! It's almost as necessary an accessory as a purse! I'm excited to get take on a new challenge!

Letters to God

2010-07-27T13:27:00.001-07:00

I HAVE to make a book recommendation. While on vacation I read this book, and I am currently reading the partner book which is a self help or self guide book on prayer. The book is called Letters to God. It is also a movie, so I am anxious to see if it's on Netflix!

It is about a boy who lost his father at a young age and then is diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. His father used to write letters to God as his way to pray, and after he is gone his family reads them. The boy starts writing his own letters to God. His hope, love, and passion for Jesus changes his whole family, friends, postman, and begin a movement.

It is a GREAT book, and I am excited to read the book on personal prayer now. This is good if you're an experienced conversationalist with God, if you want to pray and don't know how, if you need to learn how to listen during prayer, etc. It's good for all types! Let me know if you're ever interested in borrowing it!

Disclaimer: It IS a tear-jerker!

Pillow #3

2010-07-14T13:55:00.001-07:00

I had some troubles with this one...machine trouble, thread trouble, Applique trouble, fabric trouble, and I'm sure just plain ole User Error! What I learned: it's pretty hard to royally screw up a pillow! Guess that's good for me! Melissa, I know you sew so please don't look too carefully at all the imperfections! :-)

Love Love these cute colors together!!

I'm an addict.

2010-07-12T18:25:00.001-07:00

...and I don't even care if it's weird that I'm making things for other people's kids. This project was just too cute to pass up, and now I can't stop! I had to start with my Lifegroup buddies, but now I think I'll go in order of upcoming birthdays. Jasmine, you're next! :-)

Things I learned from pillow 1 to pillow 2:
-I made a mistake making the opening at the corner
-I am getting better at rounding edges when doing Applique
-I stink at whip stitching (I actually need help with this - any takers?)

I look forward to many more of these fun projects and already have ideas for all the little kiddos out there! My goal: KEEP IT UP WHEN SCHOOL STARTS! :-/

Summer Sewing Project #4

2010-07-08T15:34:00.000-07:00

I am so proud of this project. I found it early on in my research for fun projects, but knew I needed lots of practice before attempting this. I decided to just go for it (with a small name of course :-))! I successfully completed Applique for the first time. I thought I had stuffing, but I didn't, so it's not quite complete yet. It's definitely not perfect, but I'll keep practicing!

Teachers Teachers Everywhere!

2010-07-01T19:35:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I traveled to Houston to be reunited with my college teacher friends. We were all officers in the Texas State Teachers Association - Student Program while at A&M. We vowed to reunite every summer, and this was our third consecutive successful reunion! We are all from different big Texas cities (DFW, San Antonio, and Houston) so we have rotated cities each year. So fun! I love getting together with these ladies once a year and swapping stories. We are all so different and have different experiences to share. I love it!

Amanda (4th), Manmeet (HS English - just quit to begin law school), Jennifer (MS Science), Audra (MS Language Arts), Allison (MS Math), Cassie (3rd)

Celebrating Allison's June Birthday

The Future Mrs. Anderson and Me

Erica (my old roommate and bridesmaid) joined us for dinner.

Summer Lovin' ... or Lovin' Summer!

2010-06-27T18:54:00.001-07:00

Some things that I am just LOVING about summer...

1. Eating fresh cherries like they are candy. I was first turned on to fresh cherries on a mission trip in high school. We picked the cherries straight from the trees and ate them. YUM!

2. Lifetime Movie Network. Yes, all the movies are about wives finding out their husbands aren't who they think they are, living with the enemy, etc. but I am sucked in!

3. The Bedford SnoBall. I have had red raspberry, tropical sunset and peach snow cones so far. I plan to try many more.

4. Working out early (9am) with the old people. The gym is practically empty, and it's fun to watch the old people.

5. Watching the Rangers have a great season! I am enjoying watching them with hubs.

6. The feeling of not having TV shows that I HAVE to keep up with at night. I have time to practice my sewing, read, look at school stuff...

7. Sunshine and swimming pools. I enjoyed the pool for the first time this weekend, and it was so much fun! I got a nice little tan and am liking that too!

8. Ice Cream. Enough Said.

9. Sundresses. I just LOVE wearing sundresses right now.

10. TIME! Time to get projects done, time to do housework, time to plan for school, time to try new recipes. Thank you Lord for the gift of time. I truly am thankful for this rejuvenation time.

Happy Anniversary!

2010-06-23T06:13:00.000-07:00

Happy Anniversary to my wonderful husband! These last three years have flown by, but they have all been the best years of my life. We are so blessed, and I am so thankful that God was thinking of me when He created you! I love you!

Fun Weekend

2010-06-21T14:39:00.000-07:00

On Saturday Brian was in his best friend's wedding. He has known Lee since High School and was his roommate all through college. The four of us went on double dates in High School and College, so it was neat to see them finally tie the knot!

On Sunday we celebrated Father's day with Brian's Family. His brother cooked some AMAZING brisket! Thanks Brett! But before we headed over there, we stopped by to see my daddy as well. Happy Father's Day!

Summer Sewing Project #3

2010-06-15T13:53:00.001-07:00

Burp Cloths for baby Riley Walker:

Summer Sewing Project #2

2010-06-12T16:43:00.000-07:00

Burp Cloths for Benjamin Borg. I take comfort in the fact that he will be spitting up on them because they're still not that great. After talking with my friend Anique, I think the tension is messed up in the machine. I had troubles with the fabric bunching up at the end and I had to overlap it...Oh well. At least it's just for spit up! :-)

It's been awhile...

2010-06-11T17:47:00.000-07:00

I can't even find a post with a picture of Brian and/or me in it. So, I will post this

and say that I am so pumped for summer. I wish I were spending part of it in Hawaii, but I'll take whatever I can get!

Summer Sewing Project #1

2010-06-06T13:11:00.000-07:00

Complete!

Front

Back

I tried not to get a close up because the stitching is quite awful, especially around the edging...so please don't look too hard. A few bobbin troubles and stitching mishaps later I have a complete project! I have several pieces of material cut so I will be practicing this craft to make it better. I'm just so proud that I already have one thing done. Summer Bucket List - here I come!

Summer Bucket List

2010-05-31T06:06:00.001-07:00

Well...it would be a lie if I didn't say that I could not be happier that summer is here. I knew on the first day of school that I would have a challenging class ahead of me and they did not disappoint. However, I have been feeling an overwhelming amount of serious guilt the past few weeks that I have not been better. I have not been a good role model of self control. I have not been patient. I have not shown enough of the caring side to reach these kids. I found myself blowing up just about every day because I was so tired of being talked back to, argued with, etc. I truly believe my stress throughout this year is a contributung factor in that I went from 0failures on TAKS last year to 5+ this year, along with the fact that the level of the reading test went up 115 points in one year! INSANE! It has been a hard month of May and I am so glad to have it behind me so I can start fresh.

Anyway, this leads me into my Summer Bucket List - all the things I want to accomplish before summer kicks the bucket.

This year has caused me to do some major self reflection in God's plan for me in the classroom, how I handle His children, how I glorify Him through my actions etc. So...

#1 Begin to pray for my 2010-2011 Class.

#2 Become an 'expert' in Love and Logic Discipline System by finishing my book and watching some videos.

#3 Come up with new techniques of engaging instruction and effective discipline without damaging the self worth of my kids.

#4 My mom is bringing me her sewing machine so I plan to start sewing. I hope to complete about 1 smallproject a week.

#5 Get back into my routine of working out daily. My goals are to run a 5k on the treadmill at least once a week and bike a marathon on the bike at the gym.

#6 Cleaning and organizing projects around the house (cleaning out the front room, baseboards, blinds, fans, etc).

#7 Learn to crochet and complete a project.

#8 Get back into a daily routine of just being in God's Word, meditating on it, and figuring out how to apply it to my life.

#9 Find new and healthy recipes to try!

#10 REST!

I am interested to know...what's on your summer bucket list?

Joke of the Day

2010-05-25T13:07:00.001-07:00

I had lunch with several of my kids today and these are the jokes they told me. They thought they were SO hilarious! Enjoy!

Why did the dead chicken cross the road?
To get to the "other side."

Why did the dinosaur cross the road?
To take the place of the chicken.

Why did the dolphin cross the ocean?
To get to the other tide.

Why did the chicken cross the road with a Bible?
He was going to Church's Chicken.

Why do people chase chickens?
Because they want to get some hot wings.

What a Week!

2010-05-23T17:52:00.000-07:00

chigger bites and possible poison ivy
throw up
runny nose
sore throat
one night of 3 hours of sleep, which led to complete exhaustion the next three days...

You'd think we had a household full of sick kids! Nope just us!

Can I just say that I am SO ready for summer! These past few weeks have been CRAZY and the next two won't be any better. More long days of work and meetings at night. I can do it! 6 days and 2 half days... 6 days and 2 half days...

Quick Dinner Idea

2010-05-16T16:42:00.000-07:00

These last couple of weeks I have been getting off late, leaving work at school, and sometimes bringing it home. For some reason this has been the busiest End of Year ever and I can't seem to catch up. The end is in sight, though! All that to say that this week I was looking for something I could literally pop in the oven when I walked in the door. Last week I failed in the health department (oh well) so I was trying for some better options this week.

Someone at work told me about this so I decided to try it. Can I just say that I was shocked at how good and flavorful this meal turned out. WHAT IS IT? I know the suspense is killing you...

Sprinkle this

over some chicken and bake!

What I love even more about this is that one packet lasts me 4-5 meals (at least!)because a little bit goes a long way! And with two people we really don't go through a lot that quickly anyway.

So, I know it seems too simple to be good, but I was impressed with the flavor. Pair with some fresh or steamed veggies, and some rolls - QUICK healthy meal!

Also, the chicken tastes even better the next day, cold and cut into small pieces, and added to a salad. YUM!

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-09T10:02:00.001-07:00

My latest creations using my new favorite craft medium - MOD PODGE!

Happy Mother's Day mom, nana, and aunt debbie!

A different kind of post

2010-04-30T18:32:00.001-07:00

Preface:I have been recently contemplating the purpose for my blog. I don't have any kids to post cute pictures of, nothing really exciting ever really happens... So, I got to thinking. There are all these blogs with good ideas on them -cooking, crafts, etc. Maybe I'll share some of my projects and ideas as well (assuming I have any). I wanted to think of or share things for the busy working girl and/or busy mom. I don't know how long this will last, but hopefully I can come up with some useful things to post!

It's possible to eat quick and healthy meals.
I am definitely a type A personality. Some people call me anal, cheap, and straight. I prefer the terms detail oriented, thrifty, and well organized. I actually have learned to love these qualities about myself because I have learned some creativity and it is fun for me to think of ways to save money for our family.

My first post has to do with thriftiness and my desire to constantly find quick healthy things to eat. The past few weeks have been challenging because of TAKS tutoring after school, coupled with other obligations, I wouldn't get home until 6:00sometimes. I was determined not to just throw in a pizza and be done with it. (Although I do love the occasional pizza) Hence, I am always on the lookout for quick healthy options. I am hoping to try a new recipe every week or two and share the good ones!

My first favorite I'll share is my current on-the-go breakfast. Recently I have been really enjoying a yogurt fruit smoothie for my breakfast in the morning. At just around 200 calories it is a very filling, quick and easy breakfast.

Fruit and Yogurt Smoothie

4 oz orange juice
1/2 cup vanilla yogurt (much better flavor than plain)
1 cup frozen fruit (my current favorite is frozen blueberries and a banana I cut up and freeze)

Blend and DONE! I like these ingredients because they are inexpensive and will last me several weeks.

Here is where my thrifitness comes in...I Mod Podged the container to reuse for SOMETHING!

TGIO!

2010-04-28T13:05:00.000-07:00

Thank GOODNESS these dreaded tests are OVER!!!

Possibly some fun stories and pictures to come...

Menu Plan Monday

2010-04-25T11:50:00.000-07:00

Monday: lefotovers

Tuesday: Black bean and Cheese Quesadillas (using the leftover tortillas from last week's casserole)

Wednesday: Terragon Chicken, Veggies, Salad, rolls

Thursday: Pan-Fried Pork Chops, Rice Medley, salad

Friday: Cheddar Chicken (thanks Charlotte for the recipe), salad, rolls

Saturday: Manicotti, Salad, Garlic Bread

Sunday: Cox Family Birthday Dinner

**Yes we're eating salad every night, but with 2 people you have to or it'll go bad! :-)

All in a Day's Work

2010-04-23T13:43:00.000-07:00

Ok, so all of this didn't happen in one day, but it DID happen this week. I find it funny after looking back on my previous post.

Crouching Tiger Hidden Poop:
I was informed by a student that X had an accident in their pants and it stunk. I look over to find X hiding under the reading table. They were sent home from school early that day. :-/

Pencils are not 'Toys':
I look over at this student not once, but twice, throughout the week as he is playing by himself in the middle of class. I think he was using his pencil to pretend it was a machine gun or something, but let's just say that the pencil was positioned just in the right place to look very obscene. I redirected him to get back to work and I don't think he had any idea what I was thinking...

Monkey or Boy?:
Today we were doing partner work, reviewing math concepts. I look over to find two boys spooning on the ground (inadvertantly). One is picking something out of the others' hair and they looked like a momma gorilla grooming its baby. Strange...

Moment of Silence:
I explained to my kids the intention for a moment of silence and gave them several options of what they could do besides TALKING! One of them was to say a prayer if they so choose. The next day I see a majority of my class 'praying' and one little girl holds up her hand and states, "In the nayme of LAWD Jesus and HOOLY Spirit AM-EN!" The rest of the class amened after her. :-)

Then I got to explain why ghost spirits don't exist, where spirits go, and correct a girl on her Easter knowledge. No, we were not supposed to die on Easter. Hey, they brought it up!

My momma has been with lots of men:
I got to hear a sad story of a young girl cuddling up to her mom out of fear the boyfriend would hurt her. Apparently after beating the mom she broke up with him and heard about him on the news, running naked in public.

Lost Tooth, Literally:
"C, don't carry your back pack with your teeth. Put on your back."

30 seconds later...

"Mrs. Cox! My tooth fell out!"

Yes, his tooth fell out onto the floor and we could not find it.

"Do you see why I told you not to carry your backpack with your teeth?"

Ugh...I am EXHAUSTED!

A New Perspective

2010-04-19T12:55:00.000-07:00

As I was reading around our Sunday School passage yesterday I read these verses. What a perfect passage for a teacher to read! It talks about how we view and regard children. It mentions that each child has an angel in heaven who looks after them and is in the presence of God. It definitely is a wake up call of how we should view each child, as God's child, and is a wonderful and encouraging verse to read. All of you moms out there may want to remember it as well on those days when your little darlings are getting the best of you. :-)

Matthew 18:10-14
10“Beware that you don’t look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels are always in the presence of my heavenly Father."

Parable of the Lost Sheep

12“If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost? 13And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he will rejoice over it more than over the ninety-nine that didn’t wander away! 14In the same way, it is not my heavenly Father’s will that even one of these little ones should perish."

Menu Plan Monday (on Saturday)

2010-04-17T15:08:00.001-07:00

Monday: Leftover Buffet

Tuesday: Lifegroup - Pizza and hopefully some fabulous dessert from Jen Fisher :-)

Wednesday: Mexican Chicken Casserole

Thursday: Terragon Chicken, Steamed Veggies, and rolls

Friday: Ribs, Potato Salad, Green Beans

Saturday: Family Cookout

Sunday: Chicken Stir Fry and Brown Rice

Seriously?

2010-04-12T08:33:00.000-07:00

A: Mrs. Cox, have you ever had a nose job before?

Biography of a Teacher

2010-04-04T17:21:00.000-07:00

For my district Teacher of the Year application one of the essays I had to write was a biography of who and/or what has influenced me to become a teacher. I thought I'd post it because why not? I have nothing else to post right now and you might learn something new about me!

As a six year old I sat in my kindergarten classroom daydreaming of becoming a teacher someday. Back then I dreamed of being able to write on the chalkboard all day. As I progressed throughout my school days, my dreams and goals, of course, grew with me. There are two influences in my life that undoubtedly are the reasons I became a teacher: my faith that God created me with the gifts and desires for teaching and more, and my very own teachers that I grew up watching and taking notes from.

Because I knew from a very early age that teaching was what I was meant to do, I have never questioned the fact that it is God’s plan for my life. The summer after I graduated college I struggled with finding a job. I remember talking with someone who told me to ‘Be patient. God has already hand picked your class and it will all work out.’ I still remember that today because this year I believe it more than ever. This has been a year of challenges and my patience has been tested, but He has shown me the plans He has for me, how I can reach and love all of my students, and how I can extend my gifts and desires to reach other children in my community.

It’s ironic to think that my all-time favorite teacher was my third grade teacher, Mrs. Calhoun, and I ended up teaching third grade. I know it may sound a little cliché to say that it was my own teachers who influenced me, but if I said anything else I would be lying. It was Mrs. Calhoun who taught me to be loving and fun, yet firm and fair. It was my 4th grade teacher, Mrs. Mueck, who taught me a classroom management tool I use today. It was my 5th grade teacher, Mr. Duty, who taught me a discipline and management system I use today. It was my 7th grade English teacher, Ms. Cronk, who taught me to be friendly and understanding with my students. It was my 11th grade English teacher, Mrs. Mitchell, who taught me to have high expectations for my students: to teach them rich content, and expect them to succeed. I remember each and every one of my teachers. I watched them. I not only learned the positives, but I also learned some things I did not want to do with my own students. My teachers taught me many objectives throughout the years, but the best lesson they taught me was how to become a great teacher.

I am recognized as a leader in my grade level and was asked to serve as my grade level chair after only my second year of teaching. I feel that this award, being recognized by my peers, is one of the greatest accomplishments I can claim. However, I am hopeful that my greatest accomplishment will someday be a student contacting me years down the road and telling me of their successes in life.

Teaching is one of the most important things in my life. I have been working and planning my entire life with one clear goal in mind: teaching. Many experiences and wonderful people have influenced the kind of teacher I am and the kind of teacher I will continue to be. I will continue to work hard and set goals for myself and my students so that they may be successful.

April Fools!

2010-04-01T13:23:00.000-07:00

Today I gave the kids an 8th grade math test with prime factorization and variables, among other things. I told them that they HAD to know this for 4th grade. The principals were really worried that we weren't ready yet so they just had to do the best they could and I couldn't help them one bit.

Throughout the room I heard, "What?!" "This is hard!" "I don't even know this." "I stink." "Dang!" "What is fac-tore-i-zation??"

APRIL FOOLS!

Celebrations

2010-03-14T14:52:00.001-07:00

This week has been a wonderfully uplifting week. Each day I was congratulated by fellow teachers, administrators, students, and past students. On Thursday my teacher friends and I went to Chilis for a semi-celebration for my Teacher of the Year Award. (Really it was Open House, we had to stay late, and we use any chance we can to go out to eat together). Anyway, it was Chilis' Birthday, I guess, so we all got a Hot Fudge Brownie Sundae in a shot glass-thingie. My kind of shot!

Friday afternoon as soon as I got all the way back to my room I was called back to the front office. Upon entering the office I saw a beautiful flower arrangement sitting there for me. My in-laws had sent it to the school for me. SO SWEET!

Saturday the 13th my mom turned 50. We took the day and had a Girl's Day Out. We went to brunch, had manis and pedis, saw a movie, and then headed back to my house for a family dinner. Here we presented her with a gift basket of 50 items to celebrate her turning 50. It was such a fun day and I'm really glad we were able to celebrate my mom in such a fun way. She does so much for everyone else and sacrifices a lot. I hope you felt special mom! Love you!

Teacher of the Year!

2010-03-10T14:26:00.001-08:00

:-)

What a Way to Start a Monday

2010-03-08T13:14:00.001-08:00

I came in this morning to find an email stating that I had been nominated for Teacher of the Year. Wow! The principal included all the nominations with the reasons people nominated me. I was in tears before 7:30 this morning. Voting will be this week and I'll find out Wednesday, but just reading the wonderful things makes me feel blessed to even be thought of so far. It was a great day - nothing was going to ruin my great mood. This has been a very trying year so I am so thankful to be recognized in this way.

Here are a few of the wonderful comments sent in:

Cassie Cox

I nominate Cassie Cox. She holds a position as Grade Level Chair and she participates on PTA board. She is a teacher who gets here before her students arrive and will stay late to make sure she is doing the best and has the best things available to her students. She is also a continuous learner, she will read about new teaching methods and implement things she sees in books or online in her class. Her students shine because of the kind of teacher she is.

She is such an amazing teacher who always puts her kids first and sets such a great example for them. Her organization, willing to try new things and willingness to share her ideas with others helps students and teachers succeed at their highest potential. She has the skill to help all ranges of talent and ability in her class…and every time you walk in her room, students are aware of procedures and expectations. Cassie is such a hard worker and her talent shows through her students and team.

Cassie is always excited about other’s successes and has interest in her entire team’s progress, not just her own classroom.

Cassie spends much extra time finding lessons that fit the entire team and are tailored to our students’ needs. She is always ready to share her very best ideas and creates a family atmosphere for third grade. There is definitely no “competition,” we work together as a family because of the standards she has set.

Cassie is a big team player in the Hanes family. She is quick to volunteer her time and efforts to things that benefit the whole school both academically and socially.

Cassie is extremely invested in her students. She works hard to make her classroom meet the needs of her kids and truly believes in them. In particular, she has a student that has been sent to Wheeler for the last two years for poor behavior. Cassie works overtime to show him she believes in him and doesn’t just want to do what’s easy and send him to be someone else’s challenge – she wants to be the one who makes a difference. It has tested her patience and strength, but she has handled it with poise and grace. And while dealing with this student, she still provides a top-notch education to the rest of the class.

Mrs. Cox is very knowledgeable in every subject she teaches. She is a natural born leader who is able to guide her team to success. She exhibits all the qualities of an expert teacher with fresh new ideas. She is caring and loving towards all students as well as her colleges. Mrs. Cox would make a fabulous TOY. I vote for her!!!!!

I think Cassie is a great teacher and someone to look up to for all of her hard work. She is dedicated to the kids and their success and that is what makes a great teacher. She is also very active outside the classroom as she sits on the board for PTA.

From the mouth of a 3rd Grader

2010-02-23T05:50:00.000-08:00

Quotes of the week:

"Mrs. Cox, can I go to the nurse and get a hot pad? I have a cricket in my neck."

Scene: science class, writing about simple machines.

"Mrs. Cox, do you mean screw like the thing you twist or screw like..."

Scene: hallway, going to lunch

Mrs. Cox: "After today we're not going to take paper to lunch anymore. You need to enjoy your lunch and talk with your friends."

A: "Um, I have no friends that want to talk to me."

I'm not going to write what I was thinking, but this is a sad and true fact.

Feeling Sentimental

2010-02-11T15:05:00.000-08:00

What a beautiful day! I am loving this snow! I was driving to work this morning in the snow and Pachabel's Canon in D was on the radio. Can I just say how beautiful it was listening to that as the sun was coming up, with almost a blue light glistening on the snow? Ahh..mazing.

It snowed ALL day nonstop. I opened the blinds and turned off the lights, and that's how we had class today. We watched it snow all day long.

At the end of the day I took the kids outside to get a picture and then told them they could have a snowball fight on one condition: NO HITTING MRS. COX! I did enjoy a sweet moment with my "special friend" here as he's eating the snow as it falls.

After school I worked to get about six inches worth of snow off my car so I could drive home. Then on the way home I heard Winter Wonderland on the radio. LOVE it! It was a beautiful day and I am thankful to see God's beauty shown in this way.

**Random Quote of the day (while I'm giving instructions):
"Mrs. Cox, wouldn't it be weird if I had a fork and I threw it against the wall?"

Anyone who doesn't understand why teachers lost patience easily...just spend a day in my shoes. :-)

A Great Big 'Ole Cox Update

2010-02-06T06:38:00.000-08:00

February is what I am going to call a Whirlwind Month. Brian and/or I are busy pretty much every day of every weekend with at least one thing on the agenda - church activities, Family Game Nights, Baby Showers, Family Dinners, Service Projects, etc. It's going to be busy, but it will be Spring Break before I know it!
I thought I'd give a general update on the two of us since we've both got a lot going on.

Brian
Right now Brian is looking to change up his job a little. He had his yearly review last week. His boss told him he was doing everything right and he could not ask for anything better. Unfortunately, the rating system at Bell is lame. Bosses rate their employees, send it to "upper management", and they change all ratings to fit a bell curve. So he got a 3.3 when he really was rated with solid 4s and 5s. For a perfectionist like Brian (and me) this is annoying.

Anyway, he's fine with it. To be able to move up in the company he needs to work on other areas to get more experience. So this week he talked to his boss (whom he loves and doesn't want to leave) about other areas. He had many worries this week about leaving his group hanging, not being able to finish his work, etc. He prayed about it and the next day all of his fears and concerns were answered with a solution. So he feels good about the move. In April it looks he will start working on the 429, redesigning it to reduce cost and weight.

Cassie
Along with a busy February outside of work I am feeling overwhelmed at work as well -lots of meetings, parent conferences, trainings, etc. going on during my only free time.

The only job update for me is that I had a fairly good week with my class. I was able to stay calm, with a few exceptions regarding an exceptional student. I have sent him to the office 3 or 4 times in the last 2 weeks. I am done being nice about it and I have to advocate for the 21 other kids in there who deserve a lesson without interruptions to get someone to sit down, stop kicking the wall, stop throwing is pencil and pen, stop talking, etc.

Oh and I guess it's new and exciting that I will be moving to a brand new classroom next year. 3rd grade gets the new wing! It's way smaller than I'm used to, but I am looking forward to a blank slate and new creations!

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Recent Purchases

We went to upgrade our cell phones last night. HAHA. I'm laughing because you have to purchase a data plan with any cell phone these days. I'm sure you remember a previous post I made about texting. Brian was not happy but I tried to explain to him that no one else besides us lives in the stone age. However, I admit we do not, in any way, need a data plan. Currently we use MAYBE 100 minutes a month of talking time. So, we ordered our phones online - FREE - and I will soon have the minimum texting plan so I can at least read them! I may reply to you if you're nice. :-)

We also went to Cavanders and Brian purchased himself his first pair of Justin Boots. This was a big decision, but I'm glad he spent his birthday money before next January!!

Current Reading

At B&N last night Brian purchased a book on how science proves Creationism. This interest came from videos he's watching at work with some co-workers. He sounds excited about it. He is also currently reading through the Old Testament.

I am trying to read Harry Potter 7, here and there. I am also reading a book grandad got me called "Education for Human Flourishing: a Christian Perspective" and I'm trying to read through the Bible using a guide. Right now I'm in Genesis, Acts, Psalms, and Matthew all at once. I love reading it this way to see parallels throughout the text.

Current Goals for the Future

Brian really wants a patent someday. The only problem is anything he comes up with will be owned by Bell Helicopter. But it is a goal of his to have a patent someday, hopefully soon.

My goal is much farther away, I think. I have always had it in the back of my mind that I would love to open up some sort of childcare center (NOT a daycare!) for underprivileged children to try and reverse the cirlce of poverty through education. This week I had an overwhelming feeling of a way I could possibly do this through a ministry at my church. It was just an idea, I don't know if it's even plausible, but I may be looking into my idea. My hope is to open up some sort of non-profit Education Center for teen moms. My thoughts would be to educate their children, preparing them for public schoool, but with Christian teaching as well. It's a VERY RAW idea at the moment, but I could totally see myself in this area one day...lots more details and thoughts I could expand on later. Just pray that if this is of God that He will keep it on my heart.

Success!

2010-02-02T16:07:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we went back to the first day of school. I was calm. I was cool. I was collected. I retaught things like how to raise your hand, how to sit in your seat, how to talk respectfully, etc. It worked and was a much less stressful day. Today I did have a few minutes where I could feel myself getting upset, but I made a conscious effort to speak calmly. I would say it was a success...let's hope I can keep it going.

A Nun in Disguise

2010-01-30T12:25:00.001-08:00

Two of my favorite childhood movies are Sister Act I and II. If you don't know the storyline it's about a Vegas Showgirl who witnesses a murder and has to go into hiding at a convent. In Sister Act II Whoopi Goldberg's character is called back to St. Francis Academy to revive the rundown and deliquent music class. I figured out today that there was a reason that I was compelled to buy the DVD as an adult.

It's no secret that this has been a very challenging schoolyear for me, with one particular child who challenges me literally every minute of the day. My class is out of control, backtalking, arguing, constantly out of their seats, figeting during teaching, off task during center work, off task during independent work...and the list goes on. You get the idea. I have become one of THOSE teachers. At school I'm never in a good mood, so stressed and at a loss of what to do with these kids that I find myself sitting in class staring into the air, wanting to cry, not knowing what to do, and counting the minutes until they are gone.

I came home yesterday after a very hard day, exhausted, angry, almost in tears. My sweet husband let me vent and generously offered his advice, all of which I already do or have told myself that I am too weak to do. But I admitted that I just need to bite the bullet and do it. I had prayed earlier in the week for God's help, once again, realizing I can't fix this on my own. I felt there were three things He wanted me to remember throughout the day: 1) No one is perfect 2) These kids are human beings, sinful by nature, therefore not perfect 3) HE loves them!

I woke up this morning determined to make a change in myself. I got online looking for some articles with strategies to use with difficult classes, classroom management, discipline styles, etc. I found this wonderful article that was talking all about stress management for teachers. Several things this doctor had written made so much sense. "It's not the big occurrences that bother us, they don't happen often. It's the small things when we find ourselves saying, 'Get quiet class,' 'Are you supposed to be out of your seat','Get back to work'". This gets extremely tiring and after about 5 times of saying it you're ready to run away and never come back.

Anyway, he went on to say that "Upset is Weakness and Calm is Strength." Easier said than done. He talked about how when you get upset all this adrenaline is released into your bloodstream and it takes 27 minutes for it to be completely gone - for your 'rush' to leave, leaving you feeling exhausted. Many teachers are wired all day, running on this adrenaline rush. They get home and crash, not able to do anything productive in the evenings. What a revelation!

I kept reading other articles of his and will end up ordering his book because I loved them all so much. All that to say it was all on my mind when I went to shower. I was determined to change, use these strategies, make a difference in myself and my learners. While in the shower I had the realization that I have to be Sister Mary Clarence. I have to go in Monday and turn this class around for their benefit and for my sanity. "It's a brand new day, people, a BRAND NEW DAY."

So with the Lord's enlightenment and the strategies of Dr. Jones these kids will be getting a nun in disguise on Monday morning. I am going to go back to the first day of school and start over. I am hoping for a newer, calmer, more energetic self.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcgscTnXRzA

A Very Merry-Wonderfully Blessed-Fun-Delicious-White Christmas!

2009-12-25T20:43:00.000-08:00

I wished for just ONE White Chrismtas and I got my wish! I was so excited on Christmas Eve when it was snowing.

It led to some unfortuante events for my family, which I hate for them, but I was amazed at their positive attitude despite the situation. I was thankful to have them there because they almost went home instead of continuing the trek to Fort Worth.

We enjoyed great times with family, opening gifts, and of course pigging out!

We were "snowed in", had a big slumber party, and got to wake up all together on Christmas Day!

After playing in the snow...

Brian and I carefully drove home to do our Christmas with each other, get cleaned up, and make it to Weatherford for the Cox Family Christmas.

This is where I discovered the young talent of the newly-formed group - The Cox Brothers. Talented and handsome, wouldn't you say?

After a wonderful Christmas dinner we made it home and sorted out all our loot. Wow -how wonderfully blessed and I'm sure spoiled we are! THANK YOU cannot express the amount of gratitude we feel towards our family for making this a Very Merry-Wonderfully Blessed-Fun-Delicious-White Christmas!

Merry Christmas from our house to yours!

'Tis the season to be...BAKING!

2009-12-22T17:57:00.000-08:00

It is the season to be baking! I attempted some new things this year - making some yummy sugar cookies, decorated with royal icing, and I tried two new cake ball flavors - peanut butter and mint chocolate. I will say that the mint chocolate was a good idea because they taste like thin mints! YUM!

I now know why people gain weight during the holidays. I made these things for a luncheon at school, our Christmas party, Chrtistmas party with the kids, gifts for people, Spivey party, and so on and so on...

I'm just glad to now have more time to do it. I just need to find a hobby that doesn't tempt me to take a lick here or a bite there...dan-ger-ous.

Dizzy December

2009-12-05T19:24:00.000-08:00

Wow what a wonderful time of year! I love Christmastime! Unfortunately it goes by WAY too fast! I am thankful for that during the school day, but not so much on the weekends.

We started off the first weekend in December by having our annual Christmas Party with the Sunday School class. Because of the growing number of babies in the class we decided to have it at the church this year to save time and have more of it! I had a great time. I spent the week before Thanksgiving getting things ready, so I felt good to go - no stress! It was such a fun night with friends!

Then today we went to Six Flags for Brian's company Christmas "party". WHAT WERE WE THINKING?? It was so unbelievabely cold! It was a somewhat disappointing start to the day as most of the rides were closed, but they seemed to open up little by little as the day went on. We enjoyed a free lunch and found our inner child as we rode the tea cups, the Yosimite Sam ride, and the old timey cars. We had a good time just hanging out the two of us...that seems rare these days!

We came home, and our brains must have been frozen. I thought it would be a good idea to stay outside for another two hours and finish hanging Christmas lights. It makes me enjoy the warmth of my blankets so much more!

Next weekend we'll be babysitting Friday night, Family Game Night Saturday, gotta finish up some Christmas shopping at some point...and then before we know it, it will be Christmas! Time sure does fly, but sometimes I wish we could slow down the fast pace of the world today!

I hope you all are finding rest and enjoying time with loved ones during this dizzy December!

Salt on the Floor...What Are You Thankful For?

2009-11-22T19:26:00.000-08:00

The other night Brian dropped and broke my salt shaker, ceramic pieces and salt flying all over the kitchen. At first I was a little upset that our first "gift" from our wedding had been broken, but I quickly got over it.

It got me to thinking. This is really the biggest tragedy we have faced in 2 and half years of marriage. We are healthy, safe, loved, and other than a few stressful days at work like any other hard-working American, we have a wonderfully blessed life. So, with Thanksgiving approaching, I decided to make a list of 10 things I am thankful for.

I am thankful that breaking a salt shaker is the saddest thing that has happened to me and that it got me to thinking about being grateful.

I am thankful that I got to use my creative brain today to come up with ideas for our Sunday School Party.

I am thankful for dark chocolate and Dr. Pepper. :-)

I am thankful that I get a week away from school and children to reenergize and go back with a fresh attitude.

I am thankful that I can freely worship my God who loves me despite myself.

I am thankful to have a job.

I am thankful for my family and extended family who loves me, and that they are all healthy.

I am thankful for music.

I am thankful that our VERY LARGE student loan debt will be completely paid off in another 2 years.

I am thankful for my wonderful husband who tells me to lay down while he folds laundry, cleans the dishes after dinner, and rubs my feet at the end of an exhausting day.

Happy Thanksgiving!

A Finger-Lickin' Good Time!

2009-11-17T15:02:00.000-08:00

Last night our Lifegroup met up at Babe's for dinner. I prepared myself for the wonderful yet miserable meal by only eating pretzels and grapes for lunch. I had a HORRIBLE headache yesterday afternoon, but imagine that, as soon as I started eating I felt wonderful! I prepared all day for feeling miserable, but how can you not stuff yourself when eat Babe's fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and bicuits?! YUM-YUM!

Brent, we sure did miss you, but I am more than willing to be miserable again so that we can go with you next time! :-)

Umma, I have a cracked egg in my pocket.

2009-11-12T13:40:00.000-08:00

Mrs. Cox: "J, what are you doing? Come over here."

J: "Umma, I have a cracked egg in my pocket and it's all over my hands" (as he's pulling a RAW, CRACKED EGG out of his coat pocket, throwing it on the ground, and staring up at me with egg guts on his hands).

Mrs. Cox: "WHY do you have an EGG in your coat at school?!"

J: "Ummma, I don't know..."

Truly amazing. Never did I think I would utter those words.

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T10:54:00.000-07:00

I contemplated having a Halloween post with a soap box about how Halloween has turned into an excuse for young girls to dress up in lingerie to look as slutty as possible, and call it a costume. I was going to write about how with all the feminists we have in this country today that maybe we should concentrate on educating young girls, and build them up to have enough respect for themselves, so they won't have to try and demand it or get attention from boys in such a provocative way. But instead of going on about that I will let you use your imagination about how I feel and what I would say, and simply say to you Happy Halloween! I hope you all have a wonderful day with your family, friends, and kiddos! I will be enjoying a much-nedded date night with Brian and we are excited to finally just hang out just the two of us!

One Halloween pic: My team and I as our book characters at school. We have Freckleface Strawberry, A Bad Case of the Stripes, Harry Potter, Hermione Granger from Harry Potter, and a baseball player. Fun times! PS - it was very difficult for me to leave the house with my hair looking like that! :-)

Attitude is Everything

2009-10-24T10:10:00.000-07:00

It's been no secret that this has been a difficult school year for me, full of lots of changes, lots of busy work, and lots of long stressful days with disrespectful children.

Last Tuesday during our no TV Tuesday I was rereading Judges, trying to better understand our Sunday School lesson. Upon reading the footnotes I stumbled upon a verse I believe God very much intended for me to find. I told Brian just the day before that I was so frustrated with myself because every morning I would drive to work and ask God to take hold of me and be ever-present in my day. Every afternoon I drove home depressed because I had failed, yet again, at having a positive spirit that didn't give in to the school-wide complain festival. It literally was causing me to be in a constant state of stress, exhaustion, and negativity.

So I stumbled upon this passage: Psalm 51:10-12. This passage is written by David, crying out to God after he had committed adultery with Bathsheba.

10 Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

11 Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.

12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

In verse 4 David says "Against you, you only, have I sinned." Recognizing your sin is the first step in removing it from your life. I felt that I had recognized what I was doing wrong, but I was not trusting God daily that He really could overcome everything I was doing, everytime I was tempted to open my mouth and complain. Finally recognizing that is what changed my thinking.

So, after reading this and praying about it on Tuesday night I woke up Wednesday with a renewed, willing spirit. I caught myself thinking about all I HAD TO DO that day while getting ready and I quickly forced myself to think of something different. I jammed out to my praise music on the way to work, making sure to sing (scream is more like it) so that I wouldn't think, and I made a conscious effort not to get frustrated with my kids or raise my voice. When something happened during the day which added yet more busy work to my plate, I emailed Brian to get it off my chest instead of bringing it up to anyone else. To top it all off I was "validated" at our staff meeting that day. Our instructional coach came in and took pictures of my classroom for going above and beyond in Balanced Literacy. It truly was the best day I have had all year long.

I came home Wednesday in a great mood and not depressed or exhausted! It was AMAZING to me how much my attitude changed not only my mental state, but my physical state as well. To God be all the glory! He truly is responsible for giving me the willing spirit to sustain me.

You know you're working too much when...

2009-10-03T07:03:00.000-07:00

-Not once this week, but twice, you bring work home, set it all in the front seat and your car beeps at you because your "passenger" doesn't have their seatbelt on

-You are so exhausted at night but can't fall asleep because you're still thinking about work

-You get your best ideas laying in bed or in the shower, still thinking about work

-You spend so much time sitting at traffic lights you get books out, read an entire book in the amount of time you're sitting there, and begin to plan the lesson for it

TRUE STORIES! This was my life this week. Although I do have to say that the sitting at the light one helps me from being frustrated at how long I'm having to sit there AND I'm getting some work done...less to do at home!

Needless to say this was an extremely overwhelming week not only for me but for my entire team. It has been a rough start this year. I very often feel frustrated with myself because I am finding myself in a bad mood quite a lot. I know it's an attitude thing and I just need to change it - it's hard though. Definitely something I'm working on.

My husband was amazing this week. He did the dishes, laundry, dusted, cooked dinner one night I had a late meeting, rubbed my feet when I asked, and still was asking "Is there anything you need me to do?" While I am so thankful to him for that it depresses me a little because I want to be at home more, taking care of the house. I feel joy in being able to do that and it just hasn't been possible lately. However, I'm not going to turn away a helping hand! :-)

Things will get better. This too shall pass, but for now I am enjoying a few free moments of peace & quiet, and relaxation this weekend. Thank you LORD for that!

Walking Down Memory Lane

2009-09-30T18:34:00.001-07:00

Two weekends ago Brian and I took a trip down to College Station. We visited our friend Lee and went to an Aggie Football Game. This was the first time we've been back since we graduated, really, and we were excited to go. We definitely felt old, though, being around all those "college kids."

While in CS we had to experience some of the things we miss about the place. We ate at Fazolis, Chicken Oil Company, and of course had dessert at Dairy Queen. I made a trip to Aggieland Outfitters and HEB. Of course we went to the game and enjoyed it SITTING DOWN! WHOOP to that!

While there I was reminded of some very fond memories and some not as fond memories. The humidity reminded me how it took almost my whole first year for my hair not to turn into a giant frizz ball every time I stepped outside. As I walked passed the buses and was blown in the face by their hot exhaust I was reminded of my years waiting for the bus and taking me straight to Harrington Tower! As I was walking past Old Main St. I was reminded of the time I had to pick up my friend from the dorms on Northside because he was too embarrassed to ride the bus due to the hickies he had all over his neck. Haha!

We had a great time. I definitely have no regrets about college and miss it at times. We considered at one point staying while Brian got his masters. I am thankful now that we didn't because I realize that I wouldn't have made all the wonderful new friends at First Euless! I'm so blessed to be where I am now!

Remembering 9/11

2009-09-12T15:22:00.000-07:00

Yes yes I'm a day late. 9/11/01 will always be forever engrained in my mind. I'm sure it is for me like it was for those who were teenagers when Kennedy was shot or when Pearl Harbor was attacked. However, ever since I started teaching school it has meant so much more to me. The kids I have this year were born in 2001 and have no knowledge of that day. Because we are still dealing with some of the issues surrounding the day I feel a sense of duty in educating them about it.

Yesterday we had a very sombre moment in my class as I reflected on my experience of that morning. I was a junior in high school. We were coming in from our morning marching band practice (don't laugh, it's a skill!). All the teachers had their TVs on and I was so confused. I really had little to no knowledge of the Twin Towers or what was going on. I remember going into the Band Hall where we also turned on the TVs. All I saw was a burning building and I couldn't help but think "What is the big deal. It's on fire." Oh the ignorance.

Obviously as the days and weeks progressed I learned more. Last year Brian and I watched a documentary called 144 (I think) Minutes. Awesome. I feel that that documentary will truly capture you and give you an appreciation for the devastation that occurred. It's on the History Channel every year so I encourage you to tune in and watch it if for no other reason than to remind yourself, and never forget.

I continued my lesson by showing the kids a book with real pictures taken from Ground Zero. They were so fascinated and seemed to be as confused as the rest of us. The most awesome part was I then showed a kid-friendly video. At one point they compared the attack to Pearl Harbor. My kids lit up and screamed "Pearl Harbor!" because I have been model writing about my "adventure" in Hawaii. It's so cool when they make a connection or you can visually see something you taught them!

Anyway, I have included some pictures of a Memorial Quilt we made in class. We wanted to honor those who lost their lives and the heroes who worked so hard that fateful day. Take special notice of a poem written called "There Used to Be a Life." So special.

1 down, 35 to go

2009-08-29T06:12:00.000-07:00

Yay, I made it through my first week as a third-year teacher! There were a couple of moments that I had my doubts.

I feel I got off to a rough start. I don't know - last year's first day just went so amazingly smoothly maybe it's just too hard to top it. But because of the crazy week of room set-up I never felt like I was caught up and fully ready. I am just anxious for the day when all the kids know the routines well and I can get down and dirty into some good teaching.

I think it will be a more trying year just because I have some behavior problems that currently I am at a complete loss of the correct way to deal with them, and this is probably the lowest academic class I have ever had, generally. I have 11 out of 21 students that came with notes from their 2nd grade teacher that they qualify for accelerated reading instruction. That means I am required to read with each of them in small groups for 30 minutes everyday. It's doable, but I'm nervous! I'm ready to just get going already! This year is definitely going to require patience and understanding, but I can do it!

Meanwhile, I am so thankful to my husband who understood my exhaustion this week. We had nothing fancy for dinner, most nights work came home with me, and I was treated to a foot rub before I retreated to bed at 9:30 every night.

Highlight of the Week: As I was walking out of the cafeteria to go eat lunch my kids were waving to me. One little boy stopped me because I thought he needed to ask me a question. Nope, he just decided to tell me, "You're preeettttty." I dread the day that I'm old enough not to be told that anymore. :-)

Back in the Saddle Again

2009-08-23T14:01:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm gearing up for another year of teaching. I feel like my room is physically ready, but as I sit here on Sunday afternoon I definitely don't feel mentally prepared. As a somewhat experienced teacher I now know what's coming. Eek! This was a crazy year coming back as we had construction going on during the summer. Furniture was scattered all over the building, approximately 18 new people were added to/replaced at our school, and we got a new principal who made some changes.I have been nervous about this year as team lead. 4 of the 6 of us are either new to 3rd grade, new to Hanes, or new to teaching so I have my work cut out for me this year. However, I think it will be a great year. My prayer over the summer was that God would truly give me a perspective of being a servant at work - to my kids, their parents, and my colleagues. Interestingly enough part of our staff development was on being servant leaders. So friends, as I begin a new year I ask that you pray for me to keep my attitude of servanthood, and that on days that I want to cry (which I already did once last week) I will seek and find comfort in the Lord. Here are some pics of my room. Yippee!

Menu Plan Monday

2009-08-16T18:04:00.000-07:00

Like I mentioned in my previous post I have been planning our menu since we got married...since I was on college really. (And I'm not the only freak out there!) So, here is take 2 of me posting it on the blog to share ideas. I don't know that this will last long because I will get pretty busy soon and probably won't be blogging as often. If any of you ever have any questions/ideas for a recipe feel free to share or ask!

Monday: leftovers

Tuesday: Chicken Manicotti and rolls

Wednesday: Cheesy Burgers and Tater Tots

Thursday: Mexican Chicken Casserole, served with corn

Friday: out to eat

Saturday: Steak, served with baked potatoes and green beans

Sunday: Grilled Chicken Sandwiches, served with chips and sliced peaches

**I have used two meals from kraftfoods.com this week. I LOVE kraft foods because they're easy to search and narrow down what you're looking for, and it's pretty simple to find some healthy and budget-wise options.

Menu Plan Monday

2009-08-10T11:27:00.000-07:00

I stumbled upon this website through a friend's blog and I found that I am not the only freak out there! Something she does on this website is called Menu Plan Monday where she plans her menu for the week and shares recipes. The point of menu planning is to save money because you're only buying what you need at the grocery store. I have always done this because it just makes sense to me to know what you're going to eat and only buy what you need. People make comments about me being weird or anal, and sometimes it's a little hurtful, but hey I think I am being resourceful and using our money wisely! So, I'll give it a try and see how it goes. I will try to post things you can look at and try as well. Enjoy!

Monday - Grilled chicken, served with roasted potatoes and salad
Tuesday - Southwest chicken wraps
Wednesday - Crock Pot Pork Roast, served with salad and cut pineapple
Thursday - Baked ziti, garlic bread
Friday - Bisquick Chicken Pizza, salad

A Must-Read

2009-08-06T19:38:00.000-07:00

In preparation for our trip Brian and I went to Barnes and Noble to get a book or two to read. I was already reading The Shack, but I wanted something else for when I finished it. As many of you know I am a fan of criminal TV - American Justice, Cold Case Files, Snapped, 48 Hours Mystery...all true stories, by the way. So I was browsing the religious/inspirational section for a book and of course I pick up (and end up buying) Murder By Family. This amazing book is a story of a son who successfully plotted the murder of his family and his father's forgiveness.

I picked up this book the day we left Hawaii to come home and by the time we arrived home I had finished it. Every second I got on the way home I had to read this book. I don't know what it was about it, but I just couldn't put it down.

I definitely connected with the book because this all happenend in Sugar Land, TX. Many of the things described here are very real to me because the author(the father who forgave) was describing many areas in Texas in which I am familiar. The son and brother that was murdered attended Texas A&M at the time. As the father was writing about certain instances that helped him through the first few months after his son's death he began describing the Aggie Muster of 2004. I was there. It was just an awesome and horrific feeling reflecting back on this experience that I was apart of and knowing that this crime had happened, but I was somehow able to honor Kevin (the murdered son) in some way.

Not only is this book scary in many ways, it is also an awesome example of a man's forgiveness - an ability that comes from an undeniable faith. What an awesome opportunity to share God's love not only with his treacherous son, but with everyone who now reads this book! It is unimaginable that your son tries to kill you, and successfully kills your wife and other son, but his ability to forgive just showcases the power the Lord had in this man's heart. If you are ever struggling with forgiveness or just need a good read, please read this book!

**Loser Alert** After I read the book I had to watch the 48 Hours Mystery Episode they did on this story. If you're interested it's on YouTube titled "The Sugar Land Conspiracy."

Day 7 - July 23, 2009 - Honolua Bay and Shopping

2009-07-31T13:31:00.000-07:00

Brian hadn't gotten in much snorkeling so today we went to Honolua Bay. It was supposed to be one of the best places on the island for snorkeling. He said it was pretty awesome. Since it was a Bay there wasn't really a beach area. It was all rocks. So, I set up my chair and finished reading The Shack. And then I was joined by some unwelcome visitors. Roosters and chickens were wandering around on the rocks. They were a little too close for comfort so I took some pictures then made sudden movements to shoo them away. Thankfully some people came and sat there later so they were gone.

After we left Honolua Bay we decided to hang out on the beach at our condo for awhile. I liked this beach because it was never crowded and there were always chairs provided that you could lay down in. So I layed out for awhile and then Brian and I reverted back to childhood and went boogie boarding for awhile. I was envious of these kids all week who had no inhibitions of running and jumping in the water. We had a good time. Of course the waves were never really strong enough to bring us back to shore so we would position ourselves and have "races" as to who got the farthest. We had a really good time and I was starting to feel sad when we left because I knew our time in Hawaii was coming to an end.

Next, we went shopping for souvenirs in Lahaina. Our first stop was to try some Shave (not shaved) Ice that we read about in the book. Obviously the author had never been to Granbury, TX because it was no different that a good old-fashioned sno cone. A nice cool treat on this very hot day, nonetheless. We stopped by the historic Banyan Tree in front of the courthouse. Then, Brian went "oyster diving" for my souvenir - a pearl. :-)

After our shopping adventures we went to dinner, came back to the hotel, and enjoyed one last sunset walk on the beach. It was nice. Then we went back up to our room and packed up while we turned the rest of our store-bought mai tai mix into frozen mai tais.

This was the last night this week I said goodnight to Hawaii while listening to the waves just outside our door.

Newlywed Count: 2 today 8 total

Brian going snorkeling

My little visitors

Banyan Tree

Picking His Oyster

Day 6 - July 22,2009 - Haleakala

2009-07-30T17:55:00.000-07:00

Today was a day of disappointments. We got up early to go see the national park and crater at Haleakala. Yet another long, winding drive. By the time we got to the top I had another case of nausea from mountain driving. We got up there and couldn't see the crater at all because it was so cloudy. We went up to the summit and I got a good view of the clouds.

While we were on this side of the island we decided to try out a south Maui beach. We opted for one that said it was pretty secluded and less windy than other South Maui beaches. Secluded is right! At one point we were the only two people there. Less windy...I would hate to see the other beaches! We sat down and had lunch here. By the time we had finished with lunch our towels were covered in sand from the wind blowing. So basically we were laying in the sand. :-)

We were going to stay there all day and I think we lasted maybe an hour. So, we just went back to the hotel and hung out there for the rest of the day.

view of the summit from our first stop

cloud-covered crater

cloud view at the summit

South Maui Beach

Brian resting at the hotel

Day 5 - July 21, 2009 - Random Adventures and a Luau

2009-07-29T17:33:00.000-07:00

Today we were excited to go to an authentic Hawaiin Luau. Before that evening we decided to see a few more things around town first.

Nakhele Blowhole
First, we visited the Nakhele Blowhole, a hole where water splashes up when the tide is high/waves are strong. It was yet another site where I underestimated the hike down the rocks. It was interesting. We got to see it a little active, but the water never splashed up too high.

Olivine Pools
Next, we wanted to go check out the olivine pools that are supposed to be not as well-known. There are little pools that have formed by rock formations right on the ocean. It was again a pretty good hike, neat, and still a little cold for me to get in. I found a little "chair" in one of the rocks, sat down, and we had lunch here.

Beach
We also checked out another beach before heading back to the hotel. It was a little crowded, but oh well. Again, extremely hot sun! We didn't spend too too much time here.

The Luau
Awesome! We had a good time. It was neat seeing them dig up the pig, the performers, and our waitress was great. Each time she came to our table she said, "Hey Texaaas!" We sipped on mai tais and lava flows while watching the great show.

Here we were asked two more times if we were newlyweds so we're up to six times now.

Day 4 - July 20, 2009 - Road to Hana

2009-07-28T16:01:00.000-07:00

Phrase of the Day: unending and unimaginable beauty

Today was probably our favorite day, but definitely the longest and most exhausting. We did the Road to Hana (a winding road up the mountains with many places to stop and view along the way). We just had a great time looking at all the sights.

Just a few highlights:
- we found a watermelon-scented flower (I have a picture)
- Nahiku Road was our favorite stop with a beautiful road and beautiful views
- we enjoyed the black and red sand beaches (however the red sand beach was difficult to hike to in wet flip flops!)
- we saw tons of pretty waterfalls
- I absolutely loved the sound of the tide coming in over the smaller rocks - it was very calming and neat
- the road home was absolutely awful with many areas unpaved, just as windy, and crazy local drivers! I definitely got sick to my stomach from the back and forth movement and it was unpleasant.
- we ate at a fun restaurant in Lahaina where I got a few neat pictures

This is the largest chunk of pictures so I hope you can view them all!

Day 3 - July 19, 2009 - shopping and beaches

2009-07-27T13:52:00.000-07:00

Word of the day: intense

What do I mean by this, you ask. I am referring to three things here - the wind, the waves, and the sun. We'll get to that later, though.

First, we started off our day with breakfast at The Gazebo (a small restaurant recommended to us). They are well-known for their pancakes. Little did I know each pancake was the size of my head so I order a regular order. I could barely finish one! I had banana pancakes and Brian had Banana Macadamia Nut pancakes with coconut syrup. He loved them! Then, we were joined by the birds. Yes, one repeatedly flew onto our table and ate directly off my plate! How rude!

Next we headed to the farmer's market and the grocery store to buy our breakfast and lunch things for the week. We did well. We only spent $60 and for a place that has OJ for $8 that is stinkin' awesome! And we had plenty of food!

After shopping we tried out the beach at our condo. It was here that Brian started his fun of taunting the crabs. It was kind of fun making sudden movements and watching them scamper back into their hole. After we got bored we moved on to Ka'anapali Beach.

And on to the intensity. The water here is very cool and I could only manage to get in it a couple of times. This was one of the days because the sun was so intense! So HOT! So, after I was crispy I got into the water only to be swept away by the intense waves! I was just trying to wade in the water but the waves would not allow me to do so. At one point I noticed a man watching me so I tried to play it off as I was trying to be washed up by the tide....but I'm not very smooth. I ended up with sand everywhere and let's just say the shower floor was covered. And lastly, I decided that I do not have the hair-do to live in Hawaii. The wind is insane. At one point I found myself feeling like a football player doing that drill where they run and push that weighted pad across the field, just trying to walk against the wind.

And finally, we ended our day with a nice sunset dinner on the balcony. It was a great day to get acquainted with Hawaii!

Newlywed Count: 1 Today 4 Total

view from our balcony

another view from our balcony

view from a breezeway at our condo

brian at ka'anapali beach

view of black rock from the beach

sunset from our balcony

sunset dinner on our balcony

Day 2 - July 18, 2009 - Pearl Harbor and Pacific Aviation Museum

2009-07-26T12:25:00.000-07:00

3:30 am. I'm awake! This time change is killing us. We do lay in bed, in and out of sleep until about 5:00 and then we get up to start the day. We were told to arrive at Pearl Harbor early. We arived at 6:45 so we sat in the car eating our breakfast for awhile.

Our first stop was to walk through the museum area and then visit the USS Arizona Memorial. This was a neat experience. My favorite part was seeing real artifacts, letters, pictures, etc. from that time. I love this time in American History! It was interesting. The Memorial was neat - very solemn, since we had to look in silence out of respect for the ones lost at sea, never recovered from the water.

Our next stop was the Pacific Aviation Museum. Brian was excited to visit here. It was neat, but he was a little disappointed. I think he expected to see a little more. The one plane we didn't get a picture of was the original plane that George HW Bush did his flight training in. They had his log book, pictures of him and everything. It was really neat. I love Presidents that have served our country!

Unfortuantely since we were up so early, we had TONS of time to kill before our 4:45 flight to Maui. We drove around looking for a place to eat lunch. Another somewhat frustrating experience. We decided that Honolulu was bound to have good Chinese with such a big Asian influence so we ate at Wong's Garden. We were the only white people in there and Brian felt very awkward. I liked it. I had the best spring rolls ever! We ate pickled cabbage for an appetizer and even ate with chop sticks (we tried anyway).

We headed to the airport way early because we didn't know what else to do. So we sat in there watching a movie and the birds would frequent the boarding areas since the doors and windows are always open there. There were two birds eating crumbs off the floor and they were both peg-legged. Very weird - each one was missing a foot. Some weird Hawaiian way to track birds, perhaps?

We arrived in Maui, enjoyed the great views near our condo and went across the street for dinner. We were exhausted so we came back to the room, settled in, and fell asleep to the gentle sound of the waves just outside our room. Awesome.

Fun fact of the day: We started a tally of how many times we were asked if we were Newlyweds. At this point we are up to three times.

Below are our pictures from Pearl Harbor and the Aviation Museum.

Tomorrow: beaches.

Journey to Hawaii

2009-07-25T13:41:00.000-07:00

For my High School Graduation my aunt gave me a journal to take with me on my trips that summer. Ever since then I have really enjoyed journaling through my trips, taking note of some memories I especially wanted to savor.

Brian and I just spent a glorious week in Hawaii! This trip was different, though. This time Brian and I sat down together each night and discussed important memories from our trip that we wanted to remember. I decided to go a little more high tech this time so we took notes in Hawaii, and I will be writing about our times on the blog. My hope was to go day-by-day so that you could expereince what we did each day. I tried to capture God's beautiful creation each day, but words won't do it justice, I'm afraid. So bear with me through the first two days or so and then the pictures get good! Enjoy!

Day 1 - July 17, 2009 - Traveling to Honolulu
Today is the beginning of our 1 week vacation. My wonderful friend Whitney picked us up at 4:30am so we could make our 6:15 flight. Thank you Whitney! The first flight was 3 hours to LA, and then another 5 hour flight to Honolulu. We were not impressed with the first plane or its attendants. Clue #1 - there was a dirty tissue in my seat when I got there and if you know me and my germaphobe ways, that was NOT ok! It got better though! We were utterly and completely spoiled on our second flight. We were on a Boeing 767 with fully reclining seats and we were fed way too much food! It made the longer flight very pleasant, though. :-)Thank you mom for such a wonderful first class gift. We could not have gone on this trip without you!

We arrived in Hawaii at around 2pm (7pm Texas time). After getting settled in to the hotel we walked around a little to check out Waikiki Beach and go find something to eat. We were not especially impressed with the beach with all the hype it gets. It was much smaller than expected. Little did I know that none of the beaches in Hawaii are especially large, but still beautiful nonetheless.

As we walked around Honolulu (Waikiki) it reminded us of Mexico - very industrial, but pretty run down. Strangely enough, in the midst of all that was some very high-end shoppping such as Chanel, Gucci, Cartier, Tiffany's...I didn't go in any of those stores. :-) We walked around aimlessly looking for somewhere to eat dinner. This is no easy task with me (who honeslty doesn't care) and Brian (who honestly can't decide). We ended up at this not-so-good place where I ate a hamburger that tasted like meatloaf. Not my favorite taste in the world. We were determined not to eat anything we could have here, but at that point I wished we had just gone to McDonalds. Oh well, part of the experience!

After going back to the hotel we hung out in the hot tub until we were wrinkly enough. We were determined to make it to 9:00. I think we went to bed around 9:00 that night (2:00am) Texas time so that was pretty good for being up since 3am!

Since this day was all travel I only have a couple of pictures of Waikiki Beach. Enjoy and tomorrow we go to Pearl Harbor!

Instant Messaging, Text Messaging, and all other forms of technology that require us to dumb down the English language

2009-07-09T06:34:00.001-07:00

I have a soap box. It's just a small one that I've only been building since I was in High School, sitting at my computer, instant messaging with my friends who couldn't spell worth a darn. Now that I am a teacher, trying to impart some sort of knowledge on children, the future of our country, I feel I have a voice to speak on this incredibly "imporatant" issue that is taking over our nation and making our future illiterate and generally poor at communication.

Learning the lingo of all these shortened, instant gratification messages is like learning a whole new language. I'm too busy trying to teach the original English language. Idk, what do u thnk? <--- I see several problems with this sentence.
1) kids writing this lose the use of the contraction don't, not understanding that it is two words combined - do not - to form one word. And I can say that because kids (and adults) don't know what contractions are because people still don't know that they're means THEY ARE and you're means YOU ARE!
2) The homophone know and no. They know it starts with a k - that's good, I guess. Do they know the difference?
3) When you shorten the word 'think', leaving out the vowel, you forget...was I supposed to put an -a or an -i there?
I wonder why kids these days have absolutely no phonemic awareness or phonics skills, and have trouble decoding and spelling words. Maybe I'm stretching a little far here, but you get my drift. Not only are our language skills being effected in print, but in general communication skills as well.

What is the hype all about? As many of you probably know, Brian and I do not have text messaging. This is mostly because we really don't use it and it costs extra. (You know who you're dealing with, right?) This seems to cause miscommunications A LOT when people send us text messages that we never receive. They think we are ignoring them or we have changed our phone number. Instead of getting phone calls to clear up missed text messages we get emails asking us our phone numbers and whether or not we received the text. Really? Now I am the first to admit that I am socially awkward and don't always know how to have a great conversation, but am I really so stinkin' lame that you can't just give me a quick call on the phone?

Ok, I admit that there are some useful times to use text messages. For example, when you're in a staff meeting and you're not listening to what's going on, or when you're sitting in a movie in which you paid $15 to go see! How about when you're sitting around the dinner table with your family? I mean those people are so dull that I just can't handle making eye contact anymore that I have to fixate on my phone to whoever is more important on the other end. Oh, and the best time to text is when you're driving! Yes! There is no point to pay attention to the road anymore. We are all such great drivers that we should just focus on whoever can't wait 5 minutes to talk to us.

I submit to the fact that this is reality and really not a huge deal. What does it matter in the end anyway? When you have a blog, though, you have to make it useful! I've gone on long enough. I am not naiive enough to think that I will not EVER have text messaging or some sort of instant messaging some day. I'm sure I will. I leave you with this promise: I will never ignore you to text my friends, and I will always type complete sentences...just because I have to after this blog. :-) Hey, if anyone wants to hang out this week give me a call!

New Car...Finally!

2009-07-03T16:42:00.001-07:00

After anxiously awaiting the transfer of my car from Maryland it finally arrived! We went and picked it up today and I am so excited! I was wondering if I would have a little separation anxiety since my other car was my first car, and I have been driving it for the past 8 1/2 years. I'm doing ok so far. There are too many new things to learn about this fun new car! Here are some pictures, and of course I had to brand it with my pride!

Living Forever

2009-06-25T19:44:00.000-07:00

They say celebrities die in threes and that seems to hold true this week as we have lost Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett, and then Michael Jackson. As the news coverage was dominated by the self-titled King of Pop I couldn't help but feel a sadness that he had passed away. Obviously as someone as "big" as Michael Jackson you sort of expect them to live forever, and as the media and fans say, he will live forever through his iconic music.

As I processed this phrase "live forever through his music" I couldn't help but recall the verse from Matthew 6:19-20.

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

I look at this in two ways. First of all, I saw a fan recall her absolute worship and adoration for MJ and I felt sad for her. Where is her treasure? Where is her heart? I watched as so many people idolized and treasured this one man who, yes was extraordinary at what he did, but in the end what does it all matter? No doubt the treasure of his music will continue to be played, but is that really "living forever?"

Secondly, I saw coverage of a man that stored up many treasures on this earth and left them behind in his legacy. Cool, but is he living forever with our King? Isn't that the important issue here? It is my sincere hope that at some point in his life he did pray for salvation and truly does "live forever" with OUR King!

I feel that this nation continually fails to recognize the true King that does live forever. I am the worst of them all. It's so easy to focus on the tangible goals, things, and people that we lose sight of our salvation and eternal life through Christ. I fail miserably every day and I can only pray God's forgiveness as I strive to love Him and store up treasures in heaven - where they matter.

Celebrating Two Years

2009-06-24T12:47:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Brian and I celebrated two years of marriage!

This seems very unsubstantial after reading Cara's blog about her 10 year anniversary. :-) Nontheless, two years down, MANY more to go! It has been a great two years, filled with wonderful experiences and accomplishments. Since we've been married we have:
- both gotten jobs we love
- bought 1 (almost 2) cars
- bought a house
- gotten a great head start in savings and paying off student-loan debt
- traveled - been to Mexico, Jamaica, Grand Caymen, and soon Hawaii
- learned that communication is KEY
The list could go on.

Brian surprised me with a delivery from Edible Arrangments - chocolate-covered strawberries, yum! I don't know how we'll eat them all!

We went downtown to see a movie, and then had dinner at PF Changs. It was a nice evening and we had a good time really celebrating each other. I very much look forward to our future together. I love you, Blue Eyes!

A Breath of Fresh Air

2009-06-16T11:29:00.001-07:00

The first two weeks of summer have been very busy. I haven't had time to sit down and take a breath. However, the first two days of teaching Vacation Bible School have been a breath of fresh air! I was a little unmotivated as the school year just ended and I really wanted a break. However, I sucked it up, got the room ready last week, and have worked the last two days with kids who have completed first grade.

This breath of fresh air I am referring to are the kids! It is so nice to hear things such as "Excuse me, may I go to the bathroom?" instead of "I gotta use it." or "May I use the red marker, please?" instead of "That's mine!" or "Yes m'am" instead of "huh or ye-ah". I especially enjoy hearing these kiddos reciting a memory verse from the day before, listening to them talk and share ideas, come up with new ways to do things...the list goes on. You can always tell children who have parents that talk them, read to them, etc. I love it! I have hope for our future!

I know this sounds bad, but when you work in a place where you hear stories of kids talking about their parents drinking and driving, siblings doing drugs, etc. sometimes you wonder what the future of America will look like. Needless to say, I have enjoyed this small breath of fresh air.

I mentioned a busy first couple of weeks. I thought I would update you on some of my goals. I have completed two self-taught piano lessons. I now know Frere Jaqcues, I can play an 8-note scale using 5 fingers, and I can play that scale while playing two different chords of harmony. The trick is moving back and forth from chord to chord. That is something I am currently working on perfecting.

So, that's me for now! My goals for this week are to work out every day, work on the piano, get back into a daily quiet time and prayer time, finish some planning for school....I think that's ambitious enough for now. :-)

Busy Little Bees

2009-06-07T10:28:00.001-07:00

It's been awhile since I've posted on the blog. We have been pretty busy lately and now that I am finished with closing out the school year I have time to sit down and breathe! I have a few events to catch you up on so bear with me and I hope they're in order!

On Memorial Day weekend Brian and I traveled to Camp Copass with some Sunday School friends for a weekend retreat. We had so much fun getting away and getting to know our friends even better! We feel incredibly blessed to be at First Euless and to have developed the friendships we have. We hope these are friends for a lifetime!

Next, we attended the Casting Crowns concert and Ranger Game with some SS friends. It was yet another good time out with friends! I love Casting Crowns and it was a fun night!

Then the end of school came. It's bittersweet because at the end of the year the kids are absolutely wild and pretty much unmanagable, so going home to peace and quiet at the end of the day is always nice. However, I had a great class and I will miss them. I have a student or two that I wish I could keep forever, and it was very hard letting them go! I tell people that for the benefit of their child teachers need mental and emotional breaks from dealing with so many kids at once. I believe that with all of my heart. This is a picture of some BEAUTIFUL flowers a student and his parents gave to me. I told Brian I had to take a picture since my husband never gets me flowers, but my students do. :-) No, really, I just thought they were too pretty!

And last but not lest we kicked off summer with a guys/girls night on Friday, and a concert on Saturday. Steve, Donna, Dad, Brian and I traveled to JerryWorld for the grand opening and George Strait concert. We had a good time but there were definitely some down sides to the evening. One, it was a SIX HOUR concert! I hate to say I was a little bored by the time George got on the stage. Secondly, it was FREEZING in there and I was shaking I was so cold! And lastly, and worst of all, the sound was awful! Much of the concert we could not even understand the words. Luckily George and Blake Shelton's songs were recognizable enough that we could just know what was being sung by the music. All in all it was a fun evening with family, though!

I will continue to stay busy and I am looking forward to a fun-filled summer! I have some goals such as deep cleaning the entire house, scrapbooking, teaching myself to sew and play piano, teaching VBS, buy a new car, go to San Antonio for a TSTA reunion, definitely some planning for school and some trainings this summer, celebrate two years of marriage, vacation in Hawaii...and the list goes on! It should be fun!

Plans

2009-05-10T11:49:00.000-07:00

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

After I graduated from college I set out on a frustrating endeavor to find a job as a teacher, looking specifically for a job in 1st grade. Not many people want to hire first year teachers, but I finally found a job teaching third grade. It definintely was not what I had planned, but I was just excited to be teaching. Over the last two years I have been incredibly blessed with two great classes and have really loved teaching third grade (generally).

Last year and this year I had the possible opportunity to move down to a non-TAKS grade. Last year it didn't work out because of numbers. This year, I was asked to stay in third grade and become the new lead teacher! I was very excited at this opportunity. Yes, I did want to move down, but I feel that this new step is an awesome step to take.

Long story short, although things have not been going according to my plan the last two years or so, the Lord has blessed me in ways I couldn't have imagined with his plans for my life! It makes me realize how important it is to look at His promise in Jeremiah. He always has plans for me, I just have to learn to trust Him!

You...Are...So Beautiful....To Me!

2009-05-01T14:50:00.000-07:00

On December 24, 2008 I turned 24 years old. This was a milestone birthday for several reasons. One, it was my golden birthday (you turn the age of the date of your birthday), it was the first time that I realized I truly was an adult, and I started to feel old because I thought I'd be having babies by 24. My mom had me at 24so that was the target age, I guess.

Over the last few weeks I have just further convinced myself that I am old. I can no longer even go outside, even on an overcast day, without wearing sunglasses. Even when I am wearing sunglasses I notice myself still squinting. I have decided that this is the reason for the newly-developed wrinkles under my eyes. Furthermore, I have found a couple of white, NOT GRAY - WHITE, hairs while drying it in the morning. Oh my nana would be so jealous! And lastly, I have recently gotten these bumps on my eyes which I assumed was a reaction from bad eye makeup or remover. After further investigation I have self-diagnosed myself with skin tags, "which generally occur after mid-life" according to the internet. WHAT?!

All of these "things" coupled with the fact that I've just felt uncomfortable in my body lately has not been great for my self-image.

Today at school one of my special ed students (this is important because he never talks) asked another student if he thought I was beautiful. He said, "yeah" (in a slightly gangster-ish tone)and then when I asked the special ed student if HE thought I was beautiful he also said YES! He never speaks to me! I can't tell you how much that made my day!

No matter how ugly and decrepid you feel, there's always an 8 year old out there who sees something else in you...

Kids

2009-04-25T07:37:00.000-07:00

Here is a recent picture of my kiddos. As crazy as they make me, I do LOVE them!

You Know You're an Old Married Couple When...

2009-04-22T13:51:00.000-07:00

These are true occurrences in my life that I thought were humorous. I hope someone gets a laugh!

- You discuss things like finding loop holes on your taxes

- Your nightly discussions revolve around this thing called "work". What ever happened to playing nintendo or dominoes while enjoying some (a whole package) of freshly made chocolate chip cookies?

- You say to your spouse "I was thinking..." and they reply "I was JUST thinking the EXACT same thing!"

- You begin a sentence and your spouse can finish it for you

- The household "roles" are unstated but understood

- Silence becomes golden

- You enjoy spending time with the opposite sex, not having to spend ALL your spare time with your significant other. You still love them the same!

- Your spouse(husband) is out of town and you sleep with his manicure set underneath the covers so that if someone tried to break in and rape you you can pull it out and stab them

- Your bed feels empty if you're sleeping alone

- Sitting on the couch at the end of the day, just being with each other, is the best part of your day

- Your husband says "Why do you only bake for other people and not me?"

AND.....

- Your spouse(husband) decides he doesn't need to close the door when using the restroom anymore

:-)

Have a great day!

Rest

2009-04-15T14:47:00.000-07:00

The last few weeks have been nonstop. I feel that I have not been able to catch up with the fast pace of this world. Spring break was a restful week and I don't think I ever recovered from sleeping in and staying up late!

I have been involved in the planning and orchestrating of multiple baby and wedding showers, church events, family gatherings, etc. I don't mind, of course, because I love planning! There have been days when I have just felt incredibly run down and have just enough energy to slightly move when I'm sitting on the couch at night. :-)

The most exhausting times, however, have not been the constant going, the everlasting event planning, but the 7/5 (7 hours a day, 5 days a week) attention I have to pay to 21 little darlings. I don't know if it's because I am irritable or they are going crazy, but my kids have been so hard to handle lately! I found myself saying this morning that I have no drive to be at work right now. I dread going every morning, tutoring kids who don't care for the math TAKS, speaking when no one is listening, saying 1,200 times a day, "Put the pencil sharpeners up!", "I was talking!", "Please raise your hand.", "What were my instructions?"

I absolutely hate the fact that those words came out of my mouth. "I don't even want to be here anymore." I vowed to never be one of those teachers that hated their jobs. And I don't hate my job; I love my job! But really, after 30 weeks of school you would think that the rules would be pretty clear-cut, right?

I had an awesome Easter worshipping the Lord! It was a great reflection time, taking the TIME to really look closely at His sacrifice, His love, His suffering, and His resurrection. I found myself driving home yesterday, loving the worship songs on KLTY, and praising God that I had rest in Him. No matter how tiring it is to have to repeat myself all day long, I find rest in Him!

Up to my eyeballs in diapers!

2009-04-09T18:02:00.000-07:00

The past year or so it has been Baby Shower GALORE. Don't get me wrong, I do love throwing showers for all my wonderful friends. Let me see...last year I think we had 8 babies born in our Sunday school. Currently, one baby was just born, one due in two weeks, one due in May, one due in July, and one due in October. THEN we have FIVE people at school who are pregnant due April, May, June, July, and August. WOW!

Needless next to say I am up to my eyeballs in diapers and I'm not even pregnant! Anyway, the point of this blog was to showcase my new love of diaper-caking. I made three of them for our recent duel-shower at work. I had SO much fun!

Celebrating Whitney's Birthday

2009-03-21T14:39:00.000-07:00

Thank you

2009-03-17T09:39:00.000-07:00

Needless to say this has been an interesting past few days. I just want to take this time to say thank you to all my wonderful friends who have been praying for my family. I feel so blessed to know that I have a group of people that not only care about the well-being of me, but the well-being of my family as well.

Please continue to pray for physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. Please pray that the Lord guides me as I talk with my brother. Please pray for submissive hearts and complete surrender to Christ. Finally, please pray for financial provision during this trying time with so many things going on.

I love you all and appreciate your thoughts and support more than you know.

Nothing

2009-03-07T19:02:00.000-08:00

I really have nothing new and exciting to post. I guess it is a blessing that nothing is going on - no bad news. Just blessed!

They Love Me, They Love Me Not

2009-02-15T07:45:00.001-08:00

One day after one of my kids told me that I'm mean sometimes (which I attribute to the frustration of 42little ears who hear what I say and do the exact opposite, combined with the added stress of 9 instructional days left until TAKS!) I end up with all this loot! The final count was:

6 heart-shaped candy-filled boxes
3 coffee mugs
2 stuffed bears
2 bookmarks
1 glass bear
1 bracelet
countless valentines
candy, candy, and more candy

What am I supposed to do with all of this stuff??

Happy Valentine's Day!

FWSSR

2009-02-07T13:21:00.000-08:00

We made our yearly trip to the rodeo. I loved going to the rodeo every year with nana and grandad. We would go get our cowboy gear, buy our Justin boots, and head to the rodeo for a fun time! I must admit, as an adult the rodeo seems so much smaller, a little less GRAND. However, I still have fun and I look forward to making it a yearly tradition with my children someday.

Quotes of the Week

2009-01-31T07:40:00.000-08:00

So, the past 2 weeks have been....painful. It has been a very frustrating, extremely annoying time as my kids seemed to forget how to listen to a single word I said, follow directions, etc. In all of the madness I was able to take note of a couple of quotes said by them this week. One CUTE one, one NOT so cute one.

Quote #1
"Mrs. Cox, in like 20 years, do you think humans will be extinguished?"

Quote #2
Student: "Mr. Tarver..."

Mrs. Cox: "Do I look like Mr. Tarver to you?"

Student: "No, but well somtimes when I look at you I see a little bald spot on your head."

Mrs. Cox (whispering to myself) Don't listen to an 8 year old....Don't listen to an 8 year old...DON'T listen to an 8 year old.