Ev's Blog

Time Keeps a Movin'

2011-09-18T19:21:00.000-07:00

I don't know how this happens, but it seems like I lose track of time and don't end up blogging as much as I should (or would like to!). A LOT has happened since my last post- most importantly we moved to South Carolina! We love being here..but it is a very small town and no malls are nearby. This, of course, is good for the wallet but bad for the retail therapy a girl needs every now and then. Outlets are only about 40 minutes away- but I have a love hate relationship with those.

Anyway, we have great neighbors and live in an awesome house. We couldn't be happier with our set up here. We got a puppy and named him Moose. He is a German Shorthaired Pointer and he thinks he is boss of this house. And if I were to be honest with myself, I would admit he pretty much is. Wade has been gone for the month of September for a training, and this has been our first experience with detachment since getting hitched. We've done really well handling the two or three hour time difference (depends on where I am!). He is so wonderful at trying to communicate with me as much as he can and I couldn't have asked for a better man. You (and Wade) will be happy to know that I've also managed to kill TWO huge waterbugs (or FLYING/superfast roaches) all by myself. Well, Moose attacked one and it may or may not have been mostly dead before I finished him off with Raid.

This last week has been blur because I got back on Monday from a 12 day trip to Dallas, had an interview for a teaching position on Wednesday morning, and then found out I got the job late Friday. This is great news!!! I am so excited to get back in to the classroom with my own students and see how much they progress throughout the year. All that to say this weekend I went to do shopping for all my classroom supplies. Now I have to work really fast to set everything up and then get in there and get to know my kids!

Things I'm looking forward to: Wade coming home (7 days to go!!!), Halloween (maybe we could have a party???), Thanksgiving in TEXAS, Gulf Shores with the Kemp fam and Wade's first trip there with us, getting a fence for the dog with my first paycheck!!!

I'll try to post pictures of our new house soon!!

Overwhelm Me

2011-03-24T17:55:00.000-07:00

Overwhelm Me - Michael Bleecker

Take not thy presence from me

For I desire to know you more

For you are worthy of all

You’re worthy of all I am and more

I need to set my mind on things above

On the holiness and glory of my God

In the heavens and in my heart

Who created a mountain

And who set a spark that grew into a flame

That burns deeply for you

Overwhelm me, take me from this place and

Put me in the place where You are

Overwhelm me, shake the ground I stand on

I want to be dependent on you…

_____________________________________________________

I don't actually know if this song was written by Michael Bleeker or if it has another history. But lately I have been listening to this song a lot. I especially love the first line that says "Take not thy presence from me". And when it says "take me from this place, and put me in the place where you are". That line reflects my recent prayer...for the Lord to take me out of my selfish tendencies and remind me that I am wholly HIS. I am not my own. My life is His and without Him I am nothing. I am praying that I would constantly be reminded of this. However, I will admit that the last line kind of scares me a bit. "Shake the ground I stand on, I want to be dependent on you". It's hard to ask the Lord to shake the ground I'm on. I kind of like where I'm at...I don't like change much and I like being comfortable. But I do know that if life were always a cake walk and never had challenges, we would forget our need for Him and for the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross. The "earthquakes" of life turn us back to Him. So even though those harder times of life are tough and painful, I am thankful in the end that they turn my focus back on to Him and remind me that I NEED Him. I cannot do life on my own.

Would you...

2011-03-15T17:32:00.000-07:00

Well, we are down to 5 and a half weeks left here! Then we will be heading to our new house in South Carolina...complete with 2 bathrooms and MOST importantly a KITCHEN!!!! Now I am really starting to think about what the future holds for me and Wade. Will we be able to find a great church? Will there be plenty of friends to be made at said church? Will I get a job? What will it be? A full time teacher? A substitute? A receptionist somewhere? Is Wade going on any deployments any time soon? Will Wade's boss be nice? Are we going to like Beaufort, or will we be bored? When should we have a family?

Would you pray with us as we prepare to move to our more permanent location? Would you pray with us for God's guidance and revelation of His will in terms of ALL of these fears and questions? Would you pray that we remain calm as we think about all that our near future holds?

We cherish your friendship and your prayers. We love you.

I'm all FIVE!

2011-03-05T09:40:00.000-08:00

I'm trying to figure out my "Love Language". I know that I should probably read the book before I decide this, and I plan to- but it is packed away in one of our thousands of boxes waiting for the move to South Carolina! In the mean time (and in all my free time!) I have been thinking about which type of love means the most to me. In case you aren't all too familiar with the book, these are the 5 Love Languages:

a) Physical Touch

b) Gift Giving (and receiving)

c) Quality Time

d) Words of Affirmation

e) Acts of Service

As I've been trying to think about which of these makes me feel the most loved, it is a really tough decision! What if I'm all 5 of these?! Does that make me the most complicated of all lovers? I need all 5 to feel loved! I need Wade to show his love by holding my hand, by surprising me with little presents, by spending time with me, by telling me how much or why he loves me, and by helping me (like by getting my gas because he knows it's one of my least favorite things to do!). It's true, I need all 5. What about you? What's your love language?

Lately Wade has had incredibly long hours. He leaves every morning around 5:30 and doesn't get home most nights until around 8:00. Not only that, but he also works 7 days of the weeks. They have so many projects that they have to go in on Saturday and Sunday to complete the projects. Even though I know he is learning a lot and preparing for his job, I feel so bad for him having to work so much. I want to do things to make him feel better when he gets home. Normally in this situation I would bake his favorite chocolate chip cookies, or make a special meal for him, etc. Without a kitchen I can't do those things...so if you have any inexpensive ideas for creative ways for me to show him that I am thankful for all his hard work that would help cheer him up after a long hard workday, please let me know!! :)

I'm so excited that my friends Marcy and JT are getting married in April and that I will be going home for their wedding!!!!!!! I can't wait. I love these two people. They are amazingly sweet, funny, awesome people and I called it a long time ago before they were even dating when I thought to my self- "What if JT and Marcy got married? They'd be good together." AND now they are!!!!!! YAY!!! His only fault is that he's an A&M graduate. But I'll try not to hold that against him...

There are a couple of 5K's coming up here in Virginia Beach, and I just might have to run one. Is it bad that I'm nervous to run a race in a military town because I'm afraid I will come in last!? haha

Life in Little Spaces

2011-02-21T11:59:00.000-08:00

This weekend Wade and I escaped to the Outer Banks, North Carolina area. We had a great stay at a really nice bed and breakfast type place (minus the breakfast!). We ordered steamed crab legs, shrimp and jalapeno poppers from a local take out place for dinner. It was awesome! The crab legs were perfectly delicious. Although, we

did get back to the B&B and realized we had no way to crack the crab legs! But, we survived using our hands and ended up getting ALL the meat anyway! :) Unfortunately, we did not think to take pictures until we were on the way back to Virginia Beach...but I will leave you with those pictures, along with pictures of where we currently live:

A random telephone booth along the highway to the Outer Banks.

Beautiful day at the beach!

Our current bedroom...please excuse the mess, but it is very small.
My favorite part of our new home, the teeny tiny shower. :)
Bathroom!
I know this has nothing to do with WHERE we live, but here are my V-day flowers from Wade! Didn't he do a great job!!! A week later and they still look awesome!
Lastly, the living room/kitchen.
At least we have a place to live and spend time together every day! :)

Another Go 'Round

2011-02-16T13:54:00.000-08:00

Here I am, more than a year later trying to resurrect my blog! Mostly this blog will now be to keep those of you in Texas (and anyone else who cares) informed about the happenings in the "Wevan" life adventures. By the way, if you haven't heard- I recently married the love of my life, Wade!

Two weeks ago Wade and I moved to another base, this time in Virginia Beach. We will be here until Wade's training ends and then we will move to a more permanent home in South Carolina! I can't wait to get there and set up our first house. And we even put a deposit down for a puppy!!! We decided to go with the German Shorthaired Pointer. This is a breed we have been researching for probably more than a year. They are very active and love the water, so the pup should fit right in! I think we are going to go for a boy- and we already have a name picked out...MOOSE! Hopefully it will fit his personality, because I LOVE that name!

Basically right now I am a stay at home wife. It was really fun for the first month...but these last two weeks have been a little more rough. I do not have much to do other than laundry, because at this new place we have no kitchen at all. This living arrangement also has a cleaning service...so I can't cook, and I can't clean. Before, those three things kept me fairly busy while Wade was at work...cooking, cleaning, laundry. But now? I only have laundry. SO in an attempt to not get addicted to soap operas and Jerry Springer, I have been running more frequently. I've been talking to Wade's mom about running a half marathon in May. A hug piece of me wants to do this- if I had a Bucket List, completing a half marathon would be on it. But I am a little scared to go for it. What if I get hurt? What if I just can't do it? Will Wade be disappointed in me? (He has run 2 USMC marathons- really fast by the way PLUS at least one half). But another piece of me says now is the time to go for it. I have all the time in the world to TRAIN. If I am going to accomplish this, NOW is the ideal time to do it. Please, if you have ever done a half...suggestions? comments? encouragement???

Another way I have decided to occupy a little more of my time is to volunteer. I found a horse barn nearby that does horse therapy with special needs children. I am so excited to do this! I've heard a lot about this since college and I'm anxious to learn about it and be able to serve however I can. I will keep you posted on how that goes...I start the training program tonight!

A Fresh Start

2009-08-10T20:31:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's been 3 months since I posted my last blog! So many things have happened since my last post...the only way for me to really say all of those things is to make a list!!! :)

June:
1) Wrapped up the school year. I'm actually going to miss all of my students. You know, I think sometimes teachers bond more with students who they have a lot of problems with...
2) My friend from college, Brandi came to Dallas to visit me!!!
3) Left Dallas and flew to Amsterdam alone! My first time going alone internationally! It really wasn't a big deal...I think I could do it again no problem.
4) Landed with Wade in Nairobi, Kenya. It was so great being back there!
5) Watched a lot of ER episodes with Wade's mom and sister. It reminded me of how much I used to love that show!

July:
1) Spent time being the only girl with the Kreamer guys. It wasn't too bad...they let me pick a chick flick one night...and I chose P.S. I Love You! It doesn't get much girlier than that one! :)
2) Watch season 3 of King of Queens...best show ever!
3) Took Brenda, Belis, and Mitchiel to church and lunch one Sunday. They were hilarious!
4) Went to Turtle Bay in Malindi, Kenya and saw the Indian Ocean, coral reef, wild and out of control eels, got henna, got a little bit of a tan, had the best beach experience in my life. It was truly amazing and beautiful. I want to go back as soon as possible! :)
5) Flew back to Dallas, feeling very sad to leave Kenya and Wade.

Now, some big things that are coming up!!!
1) Start off the school year the right way...
2) My cousin Rebecca's wedding in College Station!
3) Moving Kelly to the apartment next door to her current apartment...haha :)
4) My ex-roomie Brooke's wedding!!! So excited about that!
5) Wade coming to Texas! Yay!!!

A Thought to Share

2009-05-05T19:42:00.000-07:00

Once I heard Matt Chandler preach a sermon and he mentioned these verses from a book in the Bible that is often forgotten. Ever since I have heard these verses, I have come to love them and I think about them a lot. Lately these verses have been on my mind, so I thought I would share them:

"Though the fig tree does not bud, and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The soverign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights."
~Habakkuk 3:17-19

Even though we may having nothing, and even though everything around us may seem hopeless...we still have the Lord and he is what makes us live and breathe and move. We still have hope because we have Him. He is to be praised whether we have all we would ever want and need, or whether we have nothing- which can be so hard to remember, especially in our times of need and in our times of self pity... but He is all we really need, and we should praise Him for who he is...the verse proclaims Him- God my Savior. Savor that thought. It's beautiful.

FYI- Hillsong has a really great song that goes with this whole theme. It's called Desert Song, check it out! It's awesome. :)

Eyes on the prize

2009-04-01T20:10:00.000-07:00

For spring break I went to Pennsylvania with Wade for a few days and then we drove down to North Carolina for his uncle's wedding. We went through Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, and North Carolina! Now that's a road trip!! It was a lot of fun! The wedding was outdoors and beautiful (but also a little cold!). That's a picture of us at the wedding. Cute... :)

Things at work have been really crazy lately! I've just been swamped with getting ready for the Math TAKS! On top of that I am trying to do extra things to earn points for a grant we may receive next year. So I've had lots of paperwork and never have any time during the day to get some things done! But I'm just keeping my eyes on the prize- extra money next year! I know it will all slow down soon...after Math TAKS. I told my students that if they all pass I will wear a chicken suit for a day! They are really working hard because they want to see me in that suit! haha

I can now run 2 and 1/4 miles!!! YAY!!! But- my 5K I was training for is on a weekend I will be out of town. So I need to find a new 5K. If you know about one- send the info my way and I'll run it with you!!! :)

I love lists!

2009-03-04T18:30:00.000-08:00

1. TAKS Reading test is over! I feel so relieved. But I also know I'll feel even better when the results are in!
2. Time to prepare for TAKS Math test...
3. God is truly using a few students to train me in having patience and compassion. I don't know how great of a learner I am though!
4. 10 days until I fly out to Pennsylvania for a few days and then take a road trip to North Carolina with Wade to go to his uncle's wedding. :)
5. I can run 1.5 miles without stopping. Who cares how long it takes me (15 minutes to be exact) because I am just happy to be able ti run 1.5!!! Only 1.7 more to go to be ready for the 5K in April!
6. I'm so happy the sun is out now when I'm getting ready for work. It makes me wake up and not dread going to work!
7. Dentist appointment coming up Monday morning- and I really hope I have no cavaties!!! Yikes!
8. I went to Old Navy this weekend for the back to basics sale and got some really great deals! But my credit card is a little bruised! haha But not too bad. Promise.
9. I'm crazy mad at the bachelor. You see, this is the first season that I've actually watched. All I can say is: what a jerk, those things he said are things men who cheat on their wives and leave their families say, and I don't ever want to watch that show again. I'm sticking to SURVIVOR!
10. I have nothing to say for #10, I just wanted to get to an even number! haha

a little of this, a little of that

2009-02-21T22:23:00.001-08:00

I am terrible at shooting on the Safari game at Dave and Busters. I am good at shooting hoops in the basketball game. My beautiful flowers are still sitting on my kitchen table, and I want them to stay fresh and healthy forever!

Favorites

2009-02-08T16:44:00.000-08:00

Inspired by my sister Kelly, I decided to show my favorite pictures (at least my favorites out of the ones I was able to save from my old laptop...). So enjoy!

7. The Nile River from the plane.

6. A side street in the middle of Rome.

5. Ft. Morgan in Gulf Shores, Alabama.

4. Sisters at Christmas. :)

3. Lazy cat.

2. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with a rainbow in Arlington, Virginia.

1. Hands down #1. A beautiful sunset in Kenya while I was on safari.

2009-02-03T18:27:00.000-08:00

My friend Ashley in Hawaii tagged me for this, so here goes!! ;)

1. Go to the 4th album in the place you store your pictures on your computer
2. Select the 4th picture in that album (no exceptions)
3. Post it in this post with an explanation and link it back to your tagger
4. Tag 4 people to do the same thing

Explanation: This picture was taken on my first trip to Annapolis to visit Wade. We're sitting in the visitor's center at the Naval Academy (where he goes to school). I guess there's not much to explain about the picture, so I'll just brag on Wade instead...he works so hard! It is so crazy all of the things he has to do at the Academy. They keep him busy all the time. I am very proud of him because he works so hard, does a great job, and keeps a good attitude about it! *And the best news is- there's a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel!!!*

I tag-
Kelly, Amy King, Lacy, Wade (it's about time for you to update) :)

Time for a change...

2008-12-22T10:52:00.000-08:00

Oh Moses.

Wade and me at his sponsors' house. :)

Well, I decided it was time for a change to the blog layout! So enjoy the new color scheme! Because I'm such a fan of lists and I can't think of anything more clever to do, here is a list of recent happenings:

1) I have been off work for a total of 3 days and I'm SO.BORED.

2) Wade is in Kenya and I miss him terribly. But we did Skype on Saturday which was great! Skype is not as hard to figure out as I was afraid of. :)

3) I was in Annapolis last weekend and we watched the Parade of Lights which is where all the boats/yachts decorate for Christmas and then parade around. It was interesting and fun!

4) I am done with my Christmas shopping. 3 gifts left to wrap, which I keep avoiding.

5) I have a horrible cold. I sound like a boy going through puberty! It's ridiculous. Plus I've used more kleenex in the last 3 days than I have ever used in my life. This is not normal for me!

6) I'm having dinner with Julia tonight and it's going to be so fun!! :)

7) I'm probably having dinner with Misty-misdemeanor tomorrow night (and possibly Megan GORDON) which will also be a lot of fun!

8) I leave for Gulf Shores in 4 days. I WILL get a tan, no matter how chilly it is. I can't let Wade get too much darker than me! haha

9) I promise to start blogging a little more often. Especially pictures. Be looking for my pictures from Gulf Shores soon!

10) Christmas is here and I can't even believe it! This fall went by so fast. I hope the spring also goes fast- and I'm looking forward to doing a lot of traveling on the weekends.

11) I made my first batch of home-made macaroni and cheese and it turned out to be pretty decent. Actually, really great!

12) Last night was the neighborhood Christmas party. I had 2 glasses of Riesling wine (which my sister tried to tell me I was going to die because I'm also on cold medicine). At least all I had to do was walk upstairs to get home because the party was downstairs in my landlords' house.

13) I hope you have a MERRY CHRISTMAS!

I AM NOT...

2008-11-13T20:20:00.000-08:00

I saw this on Jennifer's blog and thought it was fun. I guess you write opposites of how you honestly feel! Plus I have nothing else to do...so here goes:

1) I am NOT desperately ready to see Wade, and I am NOT thinking only about when I do get to finally see him again!

2) I am NOT supposed to be going to bed because I have work tomorrow.

3) I did NOT have 3 sodas this week.

4) I did NOT promise to go to work with a more positive attitude this week and then fail at every attempt...and then cry a lot when I had a rough week...

5) I did NOT skip the Wednesday staff meeting.

6) I do NOT remember one of my Christmas presents that has already been ordered and then repeatedly remind the person who ordered it for me that I am looking forward to getting it!

Well, that's all I've got for now. I guess I really am kind of tired. But here's a picture of the best date ever to leave you with... (except they're at the top...I can't figure out my new laptop!!!)

From east to west...

2008-11-09T18:03:00.000-08:00

Last night I was reading Psalm 103. The Lord really spoke to me through this scripture and I wanted to share it, although I am not so great with words...so I will leave you with the verses that stood out to me and hopefully the Holy Spirit will bring you some joy over the realizations of God's greatness.

"The Lord is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love.
He will not always accuse,
nor will he harbor his anger forever;
he does not treat us as our sins deserve
or repay us according to our iniquities.
For as high as the heavens are from the earth,
so great is his love for those who fear him;
as far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
As a father has compassion on his children,
so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;
for he knows how we are formed,
he remembers that we are dust." (vs. 8-14)

"But from everlasting to everlasting
the Lord's love is with those who fear him,
and his righteousness with their children's children-
with those who keep his covenant
and remember to obey his precepts." (vs. 17-18)

And these scriptures remind me of a quote from a newly favorite movie of mine...
"I am a great sinner...Christ is a great savior."

Faithful Citizen!

2008-10-27T18:25:00.000-07:00

Hey friends! It has been waaaaaaaaay too long! Here's what's been going on with me:

First and foremost, I voted today! Early voting is definitely worth it. We only had to wait somewhere between 30 and 45 minutes. Although, Dad and I had to wait for Mom to finish bubbling. Apparently she is a bubble perfectionist when it comes to voting. I can only imagine what it would be like if she were one of my students taking the TAKS! haha As a second-time voter I had much less confusion. I am just ready for the election to be over and find out who the next man in charge will be.

I've seen 2 AMAZINGLY GOOD movies recently. The Secret Life of Bees and The Duchess. Both tear-jerkers so take your tissues!!! You have to see them though. I promise your life will be changes (well, that may not be entirely true, but it's a good thing to say to sway people to do what you want them to).

Wade was here a few weekends ago. We drove to Lubbock for the Tech vs. Nebraska game. He understands what I mean now when I say there is nothing to do in Lubbock. He also understand the smell of cows blowing in the wind...

I don't know if I even posted about when I went to visit Wade in Annapolis! That was a month or so ago. It was so much fun! I am so glad that I can visualize it now when he's telling me where he is/went/is going to.

My laptop is slowly dying so I am using my dad's until my new one comes. Supposedly it was shipped out today so maybe I'll get it by the end of the week?! Then I will post a picture of the beautiful flowers that my (not so) secret admirer sent me by surprise! What a great guy...

My house=Lizard Lounge

2008-09-19T21:24:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I was getting ready to take out some trash as I was on the phone with my amazing boyfriend. As I picked up a bag that had been sitting in the kitchen floor, a lizard (gecko to be precise) JUMPED out at me, causing me to scream in poor Wade's ear. I looked and looked for the lizard and could never find him. Of course, for awhile there I was paranoid that it might be on me! But I don't think it ever was. I was hoping it had crawled back under the bag and was going to end up outside on the curb with the trash.

No such luck. The lizard apparently still lives in my apartment. That's right...he is still shackin' up in my kitchen!

What do you do to get rid of a lizard? You can't squish lizards with a shoe or a fly swatter like you can a bug. I'm not brave enough to catch it in a cup because they are too fast and will run out of the cup before I can throw it out a window!

You see- these are times when I need Wade here. A man. A man who is not afraid. A man who is definitely not afraid of a 1 inch lizard...

The imposter...

Moses, ready to kill...

A lil love, a lil hate.

2008-09-11T19:24:00.000-07:00

HATES: when Moses knocks over things, burning food smells, spiders, roaches, tornadoes, waking up early, wanting things and not having them, not being able to talk to/see Wade as much as I want, migranes, colds that last for more than one week, being cold!, when things don't go as I plan...

LOVES: Colorado, any beach, oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, books by Francine Rivers (currently reading The Scarlet Thread), taking pictures, the stars on a clear night, pretty music with or without words, going on walks which may one day turn into runs(!), my family, Wade, thunderstorms without tornadoes, game nights...

Faithful

2008-09-02T18:08:00.001-07:00

I survived week one in my third year of teaching 3rd graders! Having a 3 day weekend was very refreshing.

Saturday my Mom, Dad, sister (Kelly) and I went to Greenville to visit my Grandad. Every time I visit him it gets harder and harder to see him in his condition. He is in his 9th year having Parkinson's Disease. It is a very complicated disease. Luckily, the progression of his disease has been rather slow. He started off having tremors in his legs and hands. Now it is much more disabling. He can hardly do anything for himself. But when I see his situation, even though it is painful to see him, I see how big, detailed, and faithful the Lord is.

This man, my Gradad (Rev. Harry O. Ball), married a woman at a young age. Her name was Patricia. A few years later she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclorosis (or M.S.). This was at a time when doctors didn't know much about M.S. They didn't know whether or not it was contagious. People looked down upon my Grandmother because of her disease. Even so, my Grandad stayed with her. Soon, she became paralyzed in the legs, and eventually her entire body was paralyzed from the collar bone down. She could do nothing for herself. My Grandad had to turn her in the middle of the night (to avoid bed sores), had to cook for her, had to feed her, bather her, fix her hair, put on her clothes, the list goes on and on...What an amazing man of God to stay with the woman he loved and take care of every detail of her life. Even the things we cannot think of at the moment.

When my grandmother died at a firly young age, my grandad was suddenly diagnosed with Parkinsons. I think it was about 3 years later he re-married. His wife now is very active and strong. As his health continues to fail, she is there for him and helps him with every detail of his life. She has to do all the same things he had to do for my grandmother.

Isn't it amazing how God took my grandmother from this world to be with Him, which yes, was sad? But it was necessary. My grandad would not have been able to provide for her the way he had always done as his Parkinsons progressed. Then the Lord provided my grandad with a wife who is there to help him. His timing is perfect. When I see what He has done in my grandad's life, I think:

What a good God we have- one who provides for every detail of our life!

Anyway, that's what I have been thinking about since we saw him this weekend...Sorry this one was so long. For those of you who made it all the way through- I hope it blessed you- even just a little bit. :)

Back in Business!

2008-08-23T21:29:00.000-07:00

I finally have time to do a blog! I had an amazing time in Pennsylvania with Wade and his sweet family. It was great to meet half of his family, and they were very nice. Then he came to Texas for a week. It was so much fun! I taught him all about the importance of the Alamo, and considering his previous stance on the battle I'd say he's come a long way...

Summer went by way too fast. This past week was my first week of work. I stayed at the school late every night. I don't remember having to stay so late last year. I am pretty excited about this coming year, but I kind of have mixed emotions about it. I love being an influence on kid's lives- especially with the kids who need a good influence the most. It is tiring though. No one ever said work was supposed to be easy, I just hate how it can be emotionally draining at times- and very stressful. Rumors have already been spreading about some of my future students. I keep hearing about how bad some of them are, which isn't too exciting for me. Even so, I kind of feel privilaged to have them because I know I can try to be a good role model.

Everyone (as in their previous teachers) says I need to get one of them moved out of my class. I can't decide. I guess I kind of feel like they are the ones I have been given. Perhaps the Lord has placed them with me for a reason. I know it will be extremely stressful if they turn out to be misbehaving all the time. Plus, the Lord never gives us more than we can handle- and maybe he wants to teach me patience or something! I have been asking for that, and I heard somewhere once (I think from Beth Moore) that when we ask for patience God doesn't make us carefree, instead He gives us learning opportunites to grow patience. I believe there is a lot of truth to that for sure! OR maybe they will just be moved to straighten out their behavior! You just never know! (I'll keep you posted as to their behavior!)

I am now a HUGE fan of Brooke Fraser. I'm pretty sure she was part of Hillsong and now she has an independent album out. It's fantastic. AND you can download it from itunes for only $5.99!!! Woo-hoo! It's called "Albertine". Check it out!

Today...

2008-07-31T19:13:00.000-07:00

Here are twenty four things that have happened in the last 24 hours:

1. I finished packing for my flight to Knoxville, TN (around 9:30 PM).
2. Went to bed earlier than any other night this summer- 10:30.
3. Didn't sleep a wink because I was anticipating/excited about seeing Wade today for the first time in 10 weeks!
4. Woke up at 5:00 AM to go to the airport for my flight. That is WAY too early to be getting up!
5. Boarded the smallest plane I have ever been on. I think it holds only 30 people!
6. The plane's air conditioner broke as we were waiting in line for the runway.
7. We had to go back to the gate and get off the plane.
8. We waited. For some reason my toe started to bleed (from a previous shaving mishap)and I had to go buy a band aid at the airport store.
9. I offended the cashier because I said her accent sounded kind of like a Kenyan's...she was from Liberia...
10. Found out the flight had been completely canceled. WHAT the mother?!
11. Had to wait in line to see about catching a later flight.
12. Was told I had to wait until tomorrow, or catch a flight into Knoxville later tonight during a possible storm...
13. Decided (with the help of Wade, his family, and my mom) that it would be better just not to go to Tennessee after all.
14. Instead, chose to apply my ticket to go to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania next Monday to visit Wade and his family in their home state- yay for still getting to meet everybody and also being able to stay longer!
15. Had to quickly request my baggage to be sent back to me, becaue it was about to leave for Knoxville without me! And a girl just can't go without her make-up!
16. Worked with Mr. Lucas at the ticketing counter and got my ticket to Pennsylvania with no extra cost! Thank you, Lord!
17. Was picked up by my dad at the airport approximately 4 1/2 hours after I was first dropped off by my mom.
18. Ate lunch with my parents and my pastor and his wife at Busy Bee.
19. Teared up with laughter at lunch, due to both a hilarious (and random!) conversation about PASSING GAS and being delerious from sleep deprivation.
20. Took a 2 hour and fifteen minute nap to try and get some zzzz's.
21. Cuddled with Moses. Awe...sweet kitty.
22. Picked up Chicken Express for dinner. YUM-E!
23. Watched a show on Animal Planet about animal attacks and became even more concerned about the mountain lion population that supposedly lives in my neighborhood.
24. Talked to Wade, and we decided it was good I didn't end up coming tonight because it's storming pretty heavily there right now!

ALL that to say- everything happens for a reason. I am no longer going to Tennessee, but I will be able to see Wade in a couple of days and for a longer amount of time. So, I am really excited and can't wait to be in Pennsylvania! I think it all worked out for the best in the end. Soon I will post pictures of PA, not TN!

1%

2008-07-22T14:46:00.000-07:00

Brandi came in town and we had a blast. That is the only picture we took together (sadly).

So I took this personality test (thank you, Brooke). Apparently I am an INFJ. When I read the description about this personality, it seemed really accurate! It should also be noted that only 1% of the population is INFJ- which makes me special (and no, not "special" in a bad way)!! You should take the test and see what personality you have!

(http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/JTypes2.asp)

Then read up on your personality type by going here:

http://www.personalitypage.com/high-level.html

Here's a little bit about me (an INFJ):

INFJs are gentle, caring, complex and highly intuitive individuals.

**They are usually right, and they usually know it.**

INFJs have uncanny insight into people and situations. They get "feelings" about things and intuitively understand them.

They may tend to internalize conflict into their bodies, and experience health problems when under a lot of stress.

They have strong value systems.

Only one percent of the population has an INFJ Personality Type, making it the most rare of all the types.

INFJs are concerned for people's feelings, and try to be gentle to avoid hurting anyone.

** indicates something important for you to remember!! :)

Delays

2008-07-17T12:40:00.001-07:00

Here I am, waiting on my friend Brandi to get in to Dallas from Amarillo. I haven't seen her in about a year and a half and I am so ready to get some hang out time in with one of my best friends! Her flight was delayed a little, so I have time to update you guys on some recent happenings in my life.

Let's start with my trip to Port Aransas/Corpus Christi. I went with my sister and a bunch of her friends, plus 2 babies. It was really a good time- so thank you to Kelly for letting my tag along!

This picture pretty much sums up the whole weekend. The 2 minute ferry delaying our beach time...

The strobe light jellyfish at the aquarium. That's not it's scientific name- just a lil name I gave him. Those neon light zoom around his entire body. No joke. It was so cool!

One of the only pictures of me from the weekend. Standing in front of the USS Lexington (it was HUGE!). It was very windy there...

Pelicans are neat birds. :)

Next: For those of you who don't yet know, I enrolled in graduate school last fall to get a Master's in School Counseling. I was enrolled in a co-hort program which is an intense and fast paced program that allows you to complete your degree in a year and a half. It is very hard to do! I knew this going into the program, but I found myself incredibly stressed and overwhelmed working full time (teaching a TAKS grade) and going to school full time. Since about January, I also had mixed feelings about being a school counselor. You see, I love my job as a teacher because I get to be around kids and provide them an education, but I am also "second mom" to these kids for 8 hours (sometimes 9 if in tutoring) of the day. In the counseling program I was learning that a counselor's role the majority of the time is filled with paperwork. Yes, I would be able to work with a certain set of students one on one from time to time. But, I wouldn't really be building the same kind of relationship with children the way I can as a teacher. The majority of my time would be acting as a third administrator/testing coordinator.

So after much thinking, crying, and prayer I came to the decision to drop out of graduate school. It was a really tough decision because I was halfway done when I quit, and I had become friends with the people in my co-hort. Everyone has always told me that I would want to get out of the classroom at some point, and that I needed a back-up plan for when that day comes. When I would hear people say this it made it an even harder decision! But then I started thinking. Maybe I will get tired of the classroom. But wouldn't I get tired of counseling? Don't we all get tired of our work at some point? Isn't that why we retire? The way I see it, I will probably get tired of working no matter what my job may be.

I guess one day I might decide to go back to graduate school, but that has been delayed. Or, maybe I am not meant to be a counselor. Maybe I am meant to be a teacher. So, at least for now, that's what I'll be.

I will leave you with a verse that I often think of when I consider whether I made a good decision.

"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." -Proverbs 19:21

You see I had plans, but I don't think they were God's plans. He makes sure that when we stray to chase our own rabbits, He always pulls us back to the beaten path.

Wordy Wednesday

2008-07-09T18:41:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow I leave for the beach! I'm so stoaked!!! I thought it would be appropriate to include beach-ish lingo to describe how excited I am...

I am: ready to go to the beach (Port Aransas). Woo-hoo!!!
i dream: weird things
i think: about the future
i know: I should not be worried about things I can't control
i want: to be at the beach!
i have: an addiction to Cokes
i wish: I didn't feel sore from working out...
i hate: Chinese food
i miss: Wade :)
i fear: spiders, snakes, and traveling (except I always enjoy it once I get there...)
i feel: happy and loved
i hear: a movie on TV
i smell: like Velvet Tuberose (from Bath and Body)
i crave: to know more of Jesus
i search: facebook all the time, haha
i wonder: if I could ever live in a foreign country? That would be fun!
i regret: not saying the right thing to some people, or not holding my tongue.
i love: looking at nature (stars, mountains, oceans, sunsets, rivers, trees).
i ache: in my stomach almost all the time...
i care: about my family and about Africa.
i always: get nervous about silly things!
i am not: a very good singer.
i believe: that salvation comes from Jesus only.
i dance: for fun!
i sing: mostly in church.
i cry: i am mad or tired.
i don’t always: treat Moses (the cat) nicely.
i fight: rarely.
i write: some short stories.
i lose: and I hate it!
i never: like to miss work.
i listen: to my iPod.
i can usually be found: in my apartment, classroom, or my parent's house.
i need: rest (and thanks to summers, I'm getting it!).
i am happy about: seeing Wade in 3 weeks and meeting one side of his family. :)
i desire: to be a good photographer.
i hope: I have a good group of students this year!!!

A Birthday and Rome

2008-07-08T20:10:00.000-07:00

First of all- Happy Birthday to Wade (even though he's already in bed and won't read this for awhile)!!! He's one good lookin' cowboy...

I want to live in one of those apartments in the reddish building one day. In Rome, Italy.

Sweet home Alabama

2008-07-03T16:47:00.000-07:00

My second favorite place in the U.S. besides Texas- GULF SHORES, ALABAMA!!!

Sunset on the beach. Can you see why I love this place??

They have the same hair. haha Kell and Stell.

An action shot of the madness that is Stella.

Yes, those are my chips. The odds don't look good for me...

Frisbee on the beach! Yay!

The Shamba (garden) of Life

2008-06-30T20:04:00.000-07:00

My sister suggested I do a photo-blog since I love taking pictures. I thought that was a good idea since I tend to mess up anything I try to say, so for now I have a photo-blog. A year ago (from tomorrow) I was able to go to Nairobi, Kenya on a mission trip with the Rafiki Foundation. Here are some of my favorite pictures:

About to skateboard down the hill, receiving encouragement from the kids!

The whole gang, all 79 kids (maybe a few are missing).

Me with Brian C., Kilonzi, and Blessed.

Mama Miriam's family. Love them so much.

Jennifer and me about to eat on safari. I just love the clouds in this picture- please ignore the make-up free face. It seemed like the appropriate thing at the time (going make-up free). Looking back I can see just how inappropriate it actually was!

The Great Rift Valley. Beautiful.

Simba? Nala?!!!

I love giraffes. By far my favorite animal.

Kenya is beautiful.

The older boys playing soccer. There's Wade (shout out!)! On the left. :)

Mueke and Mitchiel

The Lord has blessed me greatly by allowing me to go on this trip. It is something I will never forget. I hope to go back someday and see my Kenyan brothers and sisters in Christ.

New Beginnings...

2008-06-20T15:21:00.000-07:00

So, I am now a blogger. Well, I used to be a Xanga blogger in the past but I gave it up. Now I am turning a new page and starting a new blog/online diary. Mostly, this is so I can leave messages for you, Kelly (my dearest-and only- sister). But who knows? Maybe I will even write some witty advice or stories on here. You never know.