I think I might!

I think I might just start blogging again. I just wanted to play today and make sure I could get back into my blogger account.  I'll play more this weekend...

First day of School

I've not posted in quite some time, so I thought I would share some pics. I asked my kiddos if they would send me a picture of themselves on their first day of school this year since I couldn't be there with them. Here is Anthony - first day of seventh grade! He's so handsome!

And here's Krissi on her first day of college - San Jacinto Community College. I remember the campus like it was yesterday. She looks more and more like me every day! Scary, huh?

No matter what has happened or will happen.... I love my children with every bit of my soul. They are my life. I am blessed.

50 YEARS

The party was a huge success! Mom and Dad really enjoyed themselves and the pictures that Mem and I gave them. Those that came... THANK YOU! Those that couldn't make it... you missed a super great time! I am proud to say that my parents have celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary.

The Party!

Wow! It's time for "The party". I can't believe it's already here. And of course, true to nature, I've not completed the table decorations. I work better under pressure. Kari is on her way right now... I can't wait for her to get here! The music is all downloaded. The food is all planned. The tent is set up. The yard mowed. I'm so nervous about this going off without anyone getting hurt or anything getting broke. Pray for peace this weekend!!! I'll post pics as soon as I can.

The Kent Girls

I sure hope you guys like these pics. We were very excited that Kari did these for us. HOWEVER, please do NOT tell Mom & Dad. They do not know about them yet!

What I have learned....

What I have learned while being in Louisiana, the Sportsmen's State:

Every gas station has at least one gambling game.
I don’t like gambling.
There are lots and lots of trucks stops and the truckers don’t look for little cars like mine.
Basketball is lots of fun to watch.
The capitol building and the new bridge are beautiful at night.
There are two bridges in Baton Rouge – the old one and the new one.
Grosse Tete (the town we reside) means Big Head when translated from the French language.
Baby cows don’t always live – no matter how much you love on them.
Kevin can hunt! And is a good shot! (no luck fishing though).
I really can’t get along with my dad – no matter how hard I try.
It is possible to make new friends.
There really are stars (lots of them) in the skies at night.
My mother is fragile. She isn’t the strong woman that I remember from my youth.
My extended family does accept me and Kevin in their world.
T-mobile doesn’t get good reception “down the bayou”.
Blue Bayou does exist (even though I think it is actually spelled “Bleaux”.
You do NOT go to Baton Rouge on an LSU football game day! And you don’t leave your house on game days without your purple and gold on.
Email really is awesome!
I have terrible road rage and would prefer taking the scenic route to/from work.
“Living off the land” isn’t quite what I expected (a person can’t live on radishes and mustard greens alone).
How to knit.
The drive to Texas isn’t bad; but the drive back is just plain cruel!
I have yet to figure this one out – people are buried ABOVE ground – sometimes stacked on top of each other.

Ecstasy!

I have lots to blog about... but, I just wanted to share a moment of ecstasy (yes, I had to look the word up to spell it correctly). Is this but the most perfect moment for any dog??? You know he's thinkin he's in heaven! Beautiful sunlight. Perfect fishing. Wind in his hair. Eyes closed. Nothing better!

Have a beautiful weekend everyone!

I need a change!

I want to change my blog. I'm not sure how though. I know how to change the template, but can anyone recommend a site that will help you personalize it? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

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!