Christmas on the Bayou

So, I'm sure that you all are wondering how we celebrate Christmas here on the bayou. You would think that we can't have parades or anything... well, I'm here to change your mind. Check this out!

And yet another cool crafty site!

So, I just think that homemade gift bags and tags are the coolest... here's another cool site with fun stuff to print and put together! Enjoy!
http://www.dltk-cards.com/

Another Cool Craft Site

I just found another cool website with lots of "kid-friendly" projects. Check it out....
http://www.favecrafts.com/

Hooray for me!

Happy Birthday to me!! I deserve to be happy! I proudly say that I am 41 years young today. I've been through so much in my lifetime, I deserve to enjoy my life now. I have super-great kids (and step kids); wonderfully funny husband; awesome friends and family; and a God that loves me! What could possibly make my life any more perfect?

So, my 40th birthday, I was still in Crosby. DD surprised me by decorating my office in all blue balloons... yes, I said blue! My birthday falls right after Halloween - she couldn't find black balloons! I had black roses and tombstones on my desk. And lots and lots of blue balloons! AND posted reminders EVERYWHERE (including the potty) that I was 40! I miss my gurls.

Happy Birthday to me!

for Debbie!

Debbie - I am so proud to know you! I am proud of you! In honor of your return to work, I'm also wearing pink today. You have inspired people that you don't even know. You are an inspiration to me for sure. I continue to pray for you and your family. God is good..... and you are blessed!

Bar B Que!

So... Mr. Corona (superintendent) told me when I first started that he needed to bar-b-que again... now that a Texan was "among us". Today is the day! YUMMY! I brought chocolate eclair desert - Thanks DD for finding the recipe, yet again, for me! I already smell like bbq. I CAN'T WAIT!

Rainy Days

I'm having a sad day today.... I don't know if it's the weather or not, but I'm missing my extended family in Texas. I miss DD blessing me all the time when I sneeze! I miss Kari sending me IMs for hugs! I miss Ms. Wilma's advise. I miss Mr. Batman's silly jokes. I miss Kim's smile. I miss Mr. D waving to me from across the street. I miss Renee fussing at her kids on the phone. I miss Becky. I miss Joyce... being lost as a goose - I think she's figured it out now though! I miss Dorie walking by my desk to go potty. I miss Debbie's awesome attitude - no matter how she really feels. I miss Doris. I miss Ms. Jo telling stories about Mason. I miss Donna.... in all her seriousness! I miss Diane's "mommy" hugs. I miss Sheryl's beautiful Christian attitude - she still inspires me! I miss Sherry's bubbly laugh. I miss Su's "you're wonderful" encouragement! I miss Susan. I miss Tammy - she always knew (and I hope continues to know) that I am here for her - she always makes me feel needed as a friend! .... I miss Crosby ISD.

Update

Things are moving along over here... in the Sportsman State! Kevin and I are both busy doing things around our little house. Kevin and my dad are getting the pole set for the electricity. We should be moving the trailer to the "big tree" next weekend. I suppose it will depend on how long it takes the light company to do their thing.

Mom is doing well. Her recovery is amazing! Her therapy is going well. She'll be up running marathons before too long!

Bible study is almost over.... sad! I'll miss it! I may have been behind on our studies every week, but I sure did enjoy it. I'm thankful for Julie. She has been a God-send to me. She gives me spiritual strength... even if she doesn't know it! THANK YOU JULIE!

We're headed to TX this weekend. It is already a well-packed weekend. Kari is coming over Saturday night for dinner and movies. I can't wait to sleep late and snuggle with my Pootman. I miss him sooo much! He's an awesome young man. Usually Krissi works evening shifts, so we'll get to spend the morning with her and Cody. It will be a cheap trip, but that's okay by me!

Anyway, there's our update. We're doing great. I hope all of our family and friends are as well. God is good.... all the time!

Anthony's Grades

Reading 84
Math 90
Band 96
Science 77
Health 100

Another Monday

I made it through my first week at West Baton Rouge Parish School Board. I'm really enjoying my job and the people that I work with. My supervisor and I are working on getting me started on various projects. I'm sure I'll be super busy within a month or so - or at least I hope! We made another trip to Texas this weekend. We didn't get to see Anthony, but we did see Krissi, Kady and Josh. All of the kiddos are doing well. We spent time with Kari, Tammy, and Susan at Chili's and then the Comedy Showcase. What a fun time we had! I really miss my girlfriends! We are returning this weekend to spend time with Anthony. I'm thinkin we may just pick him up and come back to Louisiana. He wants to see his Gramma and Popo. He spent time with his step-grandparents this weekend and said he had a super time. That may be part of why he's missing my parents. Anthony will be with his dad for Thanksgiving, so there won't be any extended visits with my parents until Christmas. Anyway... that's our latest news... nothing exciting! YIPPEE!! I love you all!

I GOT A JOB!

West Baton Rouge Parish School Board.
Don't know the pay yet.
Grant Administrative Assistant
I work in the administration building in Lobdell (next door to where Kev works).
More later.....

Crafty ME!

I forgot that not all of my friends use FB, so I'm posting a few pics of the new window treatments in the portable apartment here.









This was my "challenge" window. It is the front window and is at a slope. I had to "tie" the drape down and then rig up a way to raise the curtain up and down..... IT WORKS! And I happen to think it looks good! (If I do say so myself!)















Ignore the mess.... crafts are messy! (and yes, Ruffles got in on the action)


Hope you enjoy the pics! It was a blast to make them! More crafty things to come... I'll keep working on them until I get a job! And that sure doesn't look hopeful at this point!

CraftBits.com

I found a really great craft web-site for those that are crafty... I guess, like me! Check it out for some fun stuff to do with your kids (or by yourself if you get bored). Enjoy.

www.craftbits.com

Tootin his horn

Stepping Up - Beth Moore

The ladies at the Grosse Tete Baptist Church have begun a journey together. We have begun the "Stepping Up" series by Beth Moore. It's a 7 week course where we will study the Psalms of Ascent. The Hebrew translation for ascent means "to go up". Just listening to the introduction today.... I SOO NEED THIS JOURNEY WITH FRIENDS!!! We are going to be studying Psalm 120-134. The scripture today that made the largest impact on me was Leviticus 9:22-24, "...And when all the people saw it, they shouted for joy and fell facedown." FACEDOWN! FACEDOWN! WOW! What an humbling word for me! I needed to share this with you all.... my friends and family. As things progress, I will keep you updated! I will be "stepping up"!

I am blessed!

So... look what was in my inbox this morning....

Church this morning

Kevin and I explored out of Grosse Tete this morning and attended a different church than Grosse Tete Baptist. We went to a church called Harvest Church, in Port Allen (about 15 minutes up the road). What a blessing! Their normal pastor wasn't there today, so I'm looking forward to next week so we can hear him teach; however, today's lesson was super! He called it "The Bible in a Nutshell". He told us how God created Adam as a perfect image.... body, soul, and spirit. Then how Adam ruined his accountability. And now, how we have to strive to regain that perfect image in God's eyes - body, soul, and spirit. What a blessing we received this morning. This pastor drew diagrams on a dry-erase board that I believe will stick in my head for quite some time. God is Good - All the Time!

Cajun Jambalaya

I try to keep tabs on Viv and follow her recipes! I love her photos! Kari is doing it some too. Man, if I would have only had my camera yesterday.... you gals would have gotten a treat!!! My cousin (Rhonda) and I made jambalaya yesterday - AND NOT OUT OF A BOX! OMG... YUMMY! My aunt kept fussin at me, telling me to keep my spoon out of the pot and let it cook. What a memory! (and a dinner!) I'll definitely have my camera from now on when I go over there... just in case. Oh yeh, for desert.... a german chocolate cake. Now, I don't like coconut, but it sure was fun toasting it. Thanks, Rhonda, for a super great afternoon and a memory that I won't soon forget!

For my surrogant Mother!

So, I've realized that a few of my friends are still blogging here. I thought since I have nothing but time on my hands I would blog again as well!

Here goes our latest.... We have moved to Grosse Tete, LA. We live on my parents' property (about 100+ acres) in our "portable apartment". Kevin has found working driving school buses for West Baton Rouge Parish School Board. I'm still searching. I don't mind our living arrangements, but I sure do hate not having a job.

Kevin and I have been attending Grosse Tete Baptist Church with my parents. It's not "home", but I have met a wonderful new friend (HI JULIE!). Don't get me wrong, the people are wonderful there and we feel welcomed, but I'm not being "fed". They continue to invite me to the bible study programs, but I just don't believe that's what I'm looking for. I need to be able to dance before the Lord and sing happy songs and clap and rejoice..... I usually fall asleep. It's not because I don't like the pastor. Pastor Billy is super for a Baptist preacher, but you guys know how I am.... I need to be entertained... even before the Lord! Just continue to pray for Kevin and I to find the "home" that we belong in. btw... the women's group is starting a new study program on Tuesday. I'm looking forward to it! Julie is leading us in studying "Stepping Up" by Beth Moore. Anyway... I'm really looking forward to it! (And YES, Tam.... I continue to read my devotional every morning! Thank you for the encouragement!)

Back to the job search (not my fave subject). I've applied for all sorts of jobs... NOTHING! I've done some interviewing but it seems like the job market here in Louisiana is about as bleak as it is in Houston... all of a sudden. There are no postings in the papers anymore. Continue to pray for the job that The Lord wants me in! I know it's there... the Lord just hasn't put me there yet.

I miss being in the schools! I miss my children! I miss Texas. Things are very different here. It's like a different world. People move slow. Things move slow. I'm struggling to adjust.

I've taught myself to knit... I've been crocheting for 20 years. I'm struggling with it, but I'll get there. I made curtains for the portable apartment and they look super. Still digging through photos that I can put up on the walls.... not a lot of wall space. We're going to be fixing the flooring in the trailer in the next few weeks and taking the couch out... that should be interesting. We're going to put some small recliners in instead.

Ruffles is wonderful! He enjoys being out here. He runs like crazy! Chases everything... from coons to birds and me! Gumbo (the red-eared turtle) has at least doubled in size in the last 6 months. He spends time outside in the dog kennel every day to soak up some rays. I don't know if he likes it or not.... turtles aren't real emotional. ~grin~

I'm going to go work on my last window treatment and clean up my mess. I love you all and miss you desperately! DD I will continue to update you here!

new template

So... I really like this template! I just can't figure it out! Good grief... technology and me! What am I going to do????

Life Update!

So I've not given a "life update" in a while... here goes. Kev and I are living with his mom in Dayton right now. It's not the best of situations, but it is a roof over our heads. Times are hard... they are for a lot of people right now. We've been blessed with family and friends that can help. I have notified CISD that I won't be returning next school year. We're still confident about moving to LA, but it still still considered "up in the air" at the current moment. (I know... doesn't sound very confident, huh?) I am confident about leaving CISD. I need to make some real money! I love it here...... BUT! Anthony is just wonderful. He lives with his dad, but spends quite a bit of time with me while his dad is working. That will drastically change when he and his dad move to Friendswood after school is out. (boo hoo! - I miss him just thinkin about it) He is playing baseball again this year. He likes his teammates and coach. He's doing very well. Krissi is living with Cody in the Northshore area. She and I have had a "tiff" and she's not speaking to me right now. It's hard work being a mom. It's hard work being a wife. Life is hard work! I pray that I find the courage to turn it over to God to handle. God... please give me the strength and patience to be everything to everybody. I'm exhausted and need your help. I can't do this alone!

Chamberlain

Okay... so my fave author ever is Diane Chamberlain! She is so wonderful! She even has a super blog. Anyway, I'm reading Before the Storm. The sequel will be out in June. I'm enjoying this book. I'd recommend it! Heck... I'd recommend any of her books!

btw - I finished The Middle Place. What a super book! It is already being passed around our office. Creatively written. Inspiring. Beautiful. Life!

The Middle Place - 2nd

Okay.... through a few more chapters... I'm still laughing and still crying... and having some "ahha" moments!

The Middle Place

So... the book club is reading a new book... one that I recommended! We saw a clip of this author and I fell in love with her. http://www.kellycorrigan.com/ Anyway, I'm on chapter 7 already. I've cried several times. I've laughed "out loud" twice! wow! A book that makes you laugh out loud! I can't wait to read more.

I finished Fire and Rain by Diane Chamberlain last night. OMG! I couldn't put the darn book down until I finished it. It was amazing! I won't say anything more about it... just in case Kari decides to read it! I love reading love stories that don't have nasty, raunchy(sp) sex scenes. I have my own sex life... I don't like to read about other peoples'! Anyway, it's a beautiful story about love, friendships, and finding oneself in the world. It's one of her older books, but well worth the read! I'm going to read her latest book Before the Storm when I finish reading the one I'm working on now. Check her out.... She's my fave! http://www.dianechamberlain.com/

Happy Reading!

So... Tam and I haven't ventured out very far, but I thought you would like to see a picture of what we should go see. ~grin~ We've been busy at the conference learning all sorts of cool stuff. When we get back to our hotel room we really haven't wanted to fight the traffic and usually end up in bed early! No complaints though!

I miss my husband, but I am learning a lot. A lot that I can share with the girls.

See ya soon!

A Break!

Well... I'm headed out of the office for a 4 day conference. Tam and I are leaving terribly early in the morning. I'm looking forward to some time away, but I'm also very apprehensive about it. I hate leaving "my office" to someone else for 4 days! I hate leaving my husband for 4 days! I hate that I can't see Anthony on Thursday for our regular visit. BUT... I deserve a break. I deserve a chance to find out about some new products that could benefit the Curriculum department. I'm thankful that I was given this chance to venture out for "my gurls"... oh yeh... two of them are coming to the same conference. I'll have my laptop - that will keep me connected to my office.

Gotta run... the washateria in Dayton is calling my name!

Another day - Another Dollar

So... I've mentioned to most of the people in our building that I will be leaving at the end of this school year. It kills me when I think about leaving "my gurls". The people here have become my family. They went through the divorce, my depression, Krissi's problems, losing Anthony, the wedding..... my life! BUT... they are memories... they don't pay the bills. I'm going to miss these gurls! I love you girls!

This Morning

So.... he didn't kiss me goodbye this morning. I love this crazy man! I just can't believe that he didn't wake me up and kiss me bye.... he always does. He must be nervous about the customers coming to the shop today. He better kiss me when he gets home to make up for it!

Here's a pic of Anthony and Kevin last Christmas. Silly guys!

New Look

So... I've been tinkering with my blog this afternoon. I would love to be able to do this kind of stuff full time! Well, I hope you all like the new look. Don't put it past me to change it again sometime this weekend though! ~grin~

Thought I would post some old pics that you guys might enjoy! This was Anthony in Kindergarten. Adorable, huh?!?!?!

FRIENDS!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFz-FMj-9Ps

I've got some of the most spectacular friends in my life. Thank you.... for being my "Bella"!

Prayer Request

Anita Abernathy's son, Steven, received an eye injury during a soccer game. He waited a few days until he finally let his mom take him to the eye dr and now it's very serious. He is at risk of losing his vision in that eye. She will be taking him to see another specialist in the morning. Please help pray for this young man who "just loves the game"! Pray hard! and pray often!

For those that pray to our saints.... Saint Lucy is the patron saint of vision.

Just in case you don't know Anita - she is the admin assistant to the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum for CISD.

The Shack

http://www.theshackbook.com/

So... the ladies at NES are involved in their own little book club. Tammy talked me into reading this book so I could join. I have to say... with much resistance.. I finished reading the book. I went through every emotion known to mankind while reading. I can't call it a religious book.... it is a beautiful story of one man's life. A story of forgiveness, prayer, belief in God and mankind. Wow! I've never gotten so much out of a book.... EVER! I can tell you that Tam and I wanted to put the book down several times. It's thick (not size, but more like deep to understand). DON'T QUIT READING! There is a chapter for everyone. One chapter will hit home for you... I promise! It did for me and Tam. Enjoy it and read it with an open mind. God Bless! If anything matters; everything matters!

I forgive you....... I forgive you........ I forgive you.......

MLK Day

Not much happening today. I'm working for a few hours to get a few things caught up. Anthony wasn't feeling well this morning, so he's with me in the office. (yes, he had school today) Moma Ruth is doing better. She is responding to questions and comments that we make to her. Kevin worked today... bummer! I love spending time with him! He brightens my day! I love that crazy man! Tam and I are getting reading for the TCEA conference. I dont' have enough clothes to take. I sure hope it's nice and warm that week! I have lots of capris.

So... what I ponder today... I really miss my momma! I never thought that I would say Grosse Tete, LA is my "home". BUT, it is. I didn't grow up moving around. Sheldon was my home. But, when Mom and Dad moved and I went through the depression then, I felt homeless. How stupid is that, right? Then, they moved to Cleveland.... that wasn't "home" for sure. Then, when my grandmother passed away and my parents got this wild idea to move to Grosse Tete.... where did I belong then???? The divorce came along and all I wanted to do was get to my Momma... no matter where she was. I realized how much I belonged there. I miss my Mom and Dad and my cousins and aunts & uncles. I belong there. And Kevin - what does he think? He just wants to be with me. He wants to be where ever I am and where ever I'm happy. What an awesome man that I have. Do I think that we'll move there? YES. Do I have any idea when? NOPE! Do I think Kevin and I will be happy there? DEFINITELY! Will we miss our family and friends here? OF COURSE! I just want to spend the rest of my life with my man and keep him happy. He and I deserve to be happy! If you were able to get through my boring diary writing.... pray for us! Pray that we make the right decision. I love my family!

Momma Ruth

Great News! Ruth woke up yesterday! She opened her eyes and everything! They still aren't sure how many brain damage has been done, but we should find that out soon. She is still scheduled to move today or tomorrow to a rehab facility. Keep praying!

a little happier

Okay... so my cuz just sent me this silly video... it at least put a grin on my face!!!

UGH!

Why do I let people get to me so much? Why can't I just shrug them off? Why can't I just say... piss on you!... and be done with it? Why can't I walk away? Why do I walk away and cry? Are these questions that I should be asking of the world? You are my friends and my family... does anyone have a solution???? btw... alcohol doesn't help!

Woo Hoo!

OMG! A relatively boring day! How exciting is that!!!! Okay, Kari left with a serious migraine - that was a bummer (but, she's feeling better now). Tammy spent the day working on our "scanning computer" that acquired a fabulous virus for the wonderful world wide. I have Anthony tonight, but he's too busy watching a movie to spend time with me. It's one of those weird sci-fi movies that I don't like - bummer! Kevin stinks - no literally smells bad! I cooked fried rabbit, french fries and corn - quit grossing out..... they were raised to be eaten! Ruffles needs a bath and a haircut. Noodles needs to quit shedding. Gumbo needs to be fed. So, there's my life today... nice and boring! woo hoo!