The Texas Townsends

Not Ready

2012-01-02T18:37:00.000-06:00

I head back to school tomorrow. And I am not ready. At all. And I don't just mean emotionally. I am NOT ready. As in I still have to finish lesson plans. And pull winter books. And print center activities to be laminated. And finish getting things labeled for the new little pumpkin I am getting on Wednesday. No. I am not ready. And I blame a fabulous Christmas break for that.

Our time in Florida was just plain fun. Memories were made. Too much coffee was consumed. Laughter was the norm. So were naps in the afternoon. And, now we are back. To mounds of laundry. Dinner to be cooked (for the record I am two for two in the making of dinner ... which is officially a roll where I am concerned). Suitcases to be unpacked.

And lesson plans to be completed. Which isn't going to be easy when I am channeling my inner Scarlett O'Hara ...

"I'll think about that tomorrow."

Welcome 2012!

2012-01-01T21:44:00.000-06:00

Well, here we are ... at the start of a new year. A clean slate. Full of promise. Full of hope. Full of resolutions.

Well, not so much. Because this is the year I decided to NOT make a single resolution. A resolution that I would keep for about 12 hours. Sadly, I kid you not.

So, take joy in the fact that this will not be the year I promise you a picture a day only to make it to day 21. And, I am aware that saying I actually made it to day 21 is a stretch. In my head I can at least pretend I made it to day 21, can't I?

This also won't be the year I keep my closet clean. Because where would be the fun in that? I know how much you enjoy the three times a year I clean the closet, post amazing pictures, swear it will absolutely stay that way ... only to do it again in the next 4 months.

I will also not resolve to lose the weight of a kindergartner. It could happen, but I am not going to promise it.

This will be the year Torrey turns 16. And gets her driver's license. Weirdly the getting of the driver's license will also be the day I enter the looney bin. Who knew?

This will also be the year Dean and I celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary. Wow. We have lived a lot of life together. Good and bad. Easy and hard. And I wouldn't have wanted to have lived it with anyone else.

We are trying to not eat out for the month of January. It is day 1 and so far so good. I got new pots for Christmas and am channeling my inner Ina Garten ... funny how the cooking shows don't show someone cleaning up the messy kitchen after!

I have spent much of 2011 reading and re-reading and re-reading One Thousand Gifts. So amazingly good. I have been trying to complain less and be grateful more. I made that decision in the summer. The summer where it was 110 degrees at 6:00 in the morning. For something like 45 days in a row. Just as a suggestion, always check the 10 day weather forecast before attempting to complain less.

Anywho ... this is my year to be intentional about seeing those things around me that God has given me and truly be thankful for those things. It is my year to make my own list of one thousand gifts. I pray that next New Year's Eve my list will be well over one thousand and will have turned into a habit where gratitude comes as easily as breathing.

Uno numero on my list? Two of my favorite people who bring out the best in me, love me on my best days and love me even more on my worst days, laugh with me, cry with me and are my greatest blessings.

Happy 2012 from the Townsends!

Making Memories and Mustachios

2011-12-23T18:07:00.002-06:00

Today is Jen and Ryan's 17th anniversary. Happy Anniversary! Ben and Carly came to spend the night at my Mom and Dad's ... because for some reason they wanted to spend their anniversary alone. Whatever.

Movies were watched ... mostly be these three. Or, make that four. Zoey seems to think she is a person. A little, furry person with an attitude. I am not to blame.

But, enough about the dog ... while they were doing, um, nothing, I was making mustachios. Because no Christmas would be complete without a mustachio or two or seventeen.

I was going to buy glasses with noses and eyebrows, but at $5 each there was no way I was going to buy 16. Which meant Plan B. Homemade mustachios. Start with black felt. I cut two at a time because I ~~needed~~ wanted them to line up perfectly. I just traced my mustachio on a piece of wrapping paper ... partly because it was Christmas, but mostly because it was on the table in front of me.

Cut out your mustachios ... see why using scraps of whatever paper you have is necessary?

I used Aleenes's original tacky glue and applied liberally ... I figured the more the better. Be sure to get the edges.

Stick your dowel in the glue. Some mustachio wearers said they would have preferred the dowel to be lower. I liked it higher. And, since I was the one making them, I won.

I added some extra glue on top of the dowel. Not sure if it was absolutely necessary, but I figured better safe than sorry.

Then top with the other mustachio ... see why I ~~needed~~ wanted it to be perfect? Now let dry. I "built" all of the mustachios on wax paper ... this is not an option. Otherwise your mustachio will stick to whatever it is left to dry on.

And when you are finished you have a mustachio (on a stick) ... sure to bring fun family memories when worn with a spirit of joy.

And, just in case you aren't feeling the mustachio, you could always wear it as a uni-brow.

And, why the mustachios you ask? Hang in there for a few more days ... it definitely was one fun family adventure!

Jumping Back In

2011-12-22T13:43:00.002-06:00

And the blogger slacker of the year award goes to ... drumroll please ... ME! It has been a bit too long since I last posted ... no excuses.

Anywho ... where were we? Yes, the blog ... we are spending our Christmas in Florida with my entire family. It has been 5 years since the last time we were all together for anything ... too long, but that is what happens when you are literally spread out all over the country. New Hampshire. Florida. Texas. Utah. Could we get any further apart?

We made it into town first. We drove all night. And by we, I mean Dean. Those kind of driving shananigans were much easier when we were younger. We may never recover! Torrey was excited to meet up with her Florida cousins. She had researched and planned a fun outing ... a trip to an indoor trampoline park.

After signing away our rights (ha!) and donning special gear (helmets and special shoes ... and new socks for Ben) the kids hit the trampolines. They made it past the "trampoline police" with ease ... Jennifer and I laughed and laughed when he quizzed a group of teenage boys about "his" trampoline rules. He took his job very seriously.

Carly demonstrated her mad jumping skills. There were also flips. And dance moves. And just general Carly-silliness.

Ben enjoyed playing basketball. Perhaps the NBA should try a season of trampoline basketball ... Ben seemed to be having a blast!

Actually, all of the kids had a blast. They jumped. And jumped. And jumped.

And when they tired of jumping they tried out the tornado machine. And then jumped some more.

At the end of the hour, they were all jumped out, exhausted and big sweaty messes.

But, I think they would agree that their first cousin adventure was a blast. I predict a family Christmas that is epic ... more to come!

Mary Did You Know?

2011-12-05T20:00:00.000-06:00

Jennifer got married two days before Christmas 17 years ago. It was a crazy time ... and I was an emotional wreck because not only was she getting married, but she was moving to Virginia. Away from me. Because evidently Ryan wanted her to live in the same zip code as him ... go figure.

Anyways, the wedding was in the evening. At some point, my mom had Laurie and I in the kitchen cutting various things ... from olives (I kid you not) to fruit. My mom had Christmas music playing ... or, rather, A Christmas song playing. After about the 100th time through of "Mary Did You Know?" I asked her if we could try another song. ANY other song. She told me she HAD to learn the song.

Crickets. Seriously, knives stopped in the air. I looked at Laurie and whispered, "Is she singing at the wedding?"

Um, no.

We still laugh about that moment today ... and, proudly, I know every line to "Mary Did You Know?" Please feel free to call if you are looking for a soloist for a Christmas wedding ... it won't be my first time to sing at a wedding.

I write that to remember it ... because let's face it, I'm getting old. But, today I have been pondering Mary.

My Kinderfriends open one piece of the Nativity each day. Today it was Mary. I often wonder how much Mary knew or realized would be asked of that teeny baby she was carrying. That tiny child she loved before she knew SHE would be THE one.

The girls her age waited and hoped they would be THE one. Prayed they would be THE one. And when Mary was chosen she did not refuse to be THE one.

It was pointed out to me today that Mary would have been about Torrey's age. 15ish. That thought alone has caused me to have remind myself to breathe a few times. It caused me to wonder about her parents when they heard the news. We never hear about them. Did they stand behind Mary and Joseph? Or did they walk away? What about her friends and and the townspeople? What exactly was the cost to Mary to be Jesus' mother? Did she know when she said yes?

I'm sure she would say it was worth it all.

Someday, we will be able to ask, "Mary did you know?" Until then, we ponder and wait.

Well, Well, Well ...

2011-12-02T19:45:00.000-06:00

Please go back and read that title with your hands on your hips ... because criminitly we have been gone for awhile. (And, the first i in criminitly is long and the other two are short ... that will be my only reading lesson for the night. I promise!)

And, yet, nothing has changed. Well, almost.

Volleyball is over. We learned a lot this season ... it was a hard season, but it is during the "hard" that we grow the most. And feel the most pain.

Torrey continues to do well in 10th grade. It is still hard ... I'm thinking college will be a breeze for her! Speaking of college, we are beginning to think and plan. She goes on a Texas college tour in March. A&M is mine and Dean's top pick ... I work with some sweet Aggies who are working their magic on her. There is still time to decide ... thankfully!

My parents came for Thanksgiving. We had a really great visit ... and it is going to be redone in a few weeks when we head to Florida for Christmas (WITH THE DOGS!) We really have a lot to be thankful for.

We painted and had new carpet put down in the guest room and craft room. Dean couldn't complain too loudly ... it is because of HIS dog that we had to tear out the carpet in the craft room to begin with. And that is all I am going to say on the subject. Dean did a fabulous job painting both rooms and the bathroom ... magnetic paint was even involved! In the process we decided to get a new bed and are now making a headboard. Does it ever end?

My class is beyond yummy. I have some seriously smart kids. (I am spending part of my weekend pre-reading chapter books to make sure they are appropriate for two of them ... they are in Kindergarten for crying out loud!) One of my smartest was overheard saying to one of his friends, "You have no idea how smart I am." Um, none of us do. Whenever I am asking someone to please stop doing whatever he will invariably say, "I love you, Mrs. Townsend." And it makes me smile because I know he is telling me that because he thinks I am being not so nice and he wants to get me off the ledge. However, he did ask me the other day if I ever yelled ... and I thought in my head please don't ask my family, but that also made me smile because EVERYDAY for almost 9 years I have asked God to let my words be gentle and my spirit be sweet. I cannot take credit for a kindly spoken word ... it is only because of Jesus.

We are mulling over some things right now ... mostly whether or not to put up a Christmas tree. We are going to be gone. Do I really want to deal with putting it up to enjoy it for a little bit only to have to come home and take it down while dealing with a mountain of laundry? Go ahead and leave your vote ... all two of you who read this much neglected blog.

We are also mulling over Spring Break plans. A certain someone is turning 16 that week and we are thinking about going somewhere fun. We are also thinking about summer. Torrey will be going on two mission trips and is anticipating them more than she is anticipating Christmas. I love so much that she loves Jesus.

I was asked to join a book club today. This isn't my first book club ... my friend and I made up our own a few summers ago and only let in people with kindles. We called it The Kindle Book Club ... original, eh? We mostly did it so we could meet without kids and drink coffee. I downloaded my book tonight ... The Dovekeepers. It takes place on Masada. I'm hooked already.

I am planning on making Christmas gifts ... probably should have started before now. Tomorrow will be a marathon day of crafting. I'm a little excited!

We went to the funeral for our friend, Stacy today. It was a little surreal to leave Kindergarten, go to a funeral, and then go right back to littles who needed me to not be sad. Unbeknownst to them they really did help me today. The service was a lovely tribute to a remarkable man. Completely God honoring ... but, I didn't expect anything less.

Sorry for the seemingly randomness of this post ... my brain has seriously been all over the place for the last few weeks. Although, sometimes in the random you can really glimpse a person's heart ... even if it is just for a second.

Christmas This Year

2011-11-29T20:43:00.000-06:00

A few days ago a friend posted on Facebook ...

"This year I am pondering what Christmas means to God."

Ya'll, I cannot get it out of my head.

What did that night in Bethlehem mean to Him? Was He surprised at the obedience of Mary and Joseph? Did He sorrow at their long journey into Bethlehem knowing they would find no room? Did He bless the innkeeper for having compassion in the offering of the stable? Did He smile and rejoice at the amazement of the shepherds? Was He pleased with how quickly they made it to the stable? Did He sigh at the beauty of that night knowing it would lead to the ugly of the cross?

And, how long did He have to wait for us to remember that He had promised this night so long ago? And that He told us EXACTLY how it would happen? Do you think that caused Him to shake His head just a bit?

He gave His best willingly. Because He knew. He knew there was no other way except through the ugly of the cross.

We lost a friend Sunday night. Quietly in his sleep, Stacy went Home. Well, maybe not so quietly ... because I dare say all of Heaven rejoiced at his making it Home. He bravely battled cancer ... never complaining. Asking God for healing, but more than that, asking God to be glorified. And, He was. He truly was.

Christmas takes on a new meaning this year. The lights on the tree cannot begin to compare to THE Light of Heaven. The presence of our family and friends cannot begin to compare to His presence. The greetings and well wishes we receive from those we love cannot begin to compare to the Good News He gave us so long ago. The gifts cannot begin to compare to His ultimate gift. A teeny, tiny baby ... born in a stable, but come to save the world.

God knew the necessity of the cross ... and only He could give it a beginning in a stable.

(This Christmas, as you see the lights on the trees and houses would you pray for Stacy's family? He leaves behind a sweet wife and three children ... today was his oldest daughter's birthday. I cannot begin to imagine the sorrow.)

Senior Formal

2011-10-08T21:43:00.000-05:00

Tonight is Senior Formal at Second Baptist. Senior Formal is clearly a Texas thing ... or maybe it is a Houston thing ... I have never heard of anything like it anywhere else. Senior Formal is put on by the Senior parents. Each Senior is given two tickets to give away to two underclassman couples. Needless to say, for a few weeks, the Seniors are VERY popular.

Torrey was asked by a boy in her class. One day Torrey was in the hall with her friends when the Dean of Students told her he had her tardy slip. She tried to tell him wasn't tardy, but he was insistent. When he handed her the tardy slip, it said "Will you go to Senior Formal with me? Jay" When she went out in the hall, Jay was standing there waiting for her ... and her answer.

It made me laugh when I heard how she was asked. Last year she missed too many English classes and during exams she had to sit in the Dean's office to "make up" the class. She was thoroughly embarrassed ... mostly because she was called out of class and everyone knew she was in trouble. Almost every day this year I have told her to not get called to the Dean's office again and to stay out of trouble. HA!

If you are a Senior girl at Second Baptist, you can wear cocktail length dresses in any color. All other girls have to wear floor-length black dresses. I guess it is a way to keep the underclassman in their place ... I doubt they thought the girls would look so stunning.

Torrey and Gram ... once upon a time, Gram was taller than Torrey. Um, no longer the case!

Quick pictures before we left to meet her friends ... mostly so I could send them to family.

Torrey and Jay actually went to the dance with a large group of friends ... they all met at her friend's gorgeous house to take pictures and wait for the party bus.

Dean posted this picture on Facebook with the caption "I can't feel my legs" which is a line from the movie "New in Town" ... and it really was true. And, see the necklace Torrey is wearing? It is the diamond from my original engagement ring. It really looked perfect when she put it on.

The girls ... I figure there will be a lot of this going on tonight.

How long until the Seniors realize that making the girls wear long black dresses was a mistake?!

The boys ...

Dean and Torrey ... Dean held up pretty well.

The girls ... they were all gorgeous.

All of the kids ... and those stairs were pretty amazing.

Hey ... it's my blog and she's my girl and I will crop out the other kids if I want to!

We took them outside for pictures ... they lined themselves up like this. Oh. My. Word. At this point they were ready for us to leave!

It took a few minutes, but we finally got them all lined up properly. I would like to add that these are some of the nicest kids you would ever meet. They are kind and funny and know what is important in life. They are going to change the world someday.

Again ... my blog. Cropping can be a good thing.

And this look says "Where is that party bus?!"

And, for real I tried to leave, but then they would get themselves cute again and I had to take just one more picture.

I would adopt Dara if I could ... totally love her. Torrey knows how to pick her friends.

This was going to be the last picture of the girls ... I was headed for the door after this one ... for real.

And then they sat on the stairs and looked cute. While they were here the party bus arrived. The kids cheered ... I think mostly because they knew the parents were going to leave!

Torrey and Jay on their way to the party bus. One of the mom's had the great idea to take their pictures as they left the house ... the kids thought it was hokey and the parents thought it was great. For the record, I did not climb on the party bus to take pictures. I'm thinking I should get extra credit for that.

Can't wait to hear how her night goes! On the way to her friend's house I mentioned prom and Dean started to hyperventilate ... hopefully he'll get used to the fact that our girl is growing up before prom gets here!

iPhriday ... the dress edition

2011-10-07T20:00:00.001-05:00

Torrey has been invited to the Senior Formal at her school. Because she is not a Senior, she has to wear a floor-length black dress. Not only did it mean a new dress, it meant a fun-filled day of shopping. I took pictures of our choices to send to my sister to get her help. Fortunately for us she was helping ... we almost made a big mistake.

Our first choice. We liked. I realized pretty quickly this wasn't going to be as easy as I thought it would be.

The side view of the dress ... there was beading along the side and I wanted Jen to see the slit. It went on the maybe pile.

Torrey really liked this dress. It was pretty comfortable which is why it moved to the top of the list and stayed there.

The back of the dress ...

Dress #3. It was my favorite. She had a hard time with this one because it was a size 6 and she is a 2 (if only this could be my dilemma EVER!) Fortunately the time I have ~~wasted~~ spent watching "Say Yes to the Dress" paid off ... with a few strategically placed binder clips she was able to get a feel for what the dress would look like on her for real. Dress #2 is still her favorite ... this one is mine and Jen's.

Still not loving the dress ... mostly because it was freaking her out how big it was on her.

And this, kids, is what a $550 dress looks like. It went on the no pile as soon as we saw the price. It did look pretty on her though.

This is the back of the far too expensive dress ... pretty sure that train would have been a total pain.

Didn't love this dress ... ever. We sent the picture to Jen for fun.

Even pulled back it is no good. She couldn't get it off fast enough.

Here is where Torrey is trying to convince Jen that this one should be the winner. We actually bought this dress ... and then got a text from Jen and while we were still at the register switched to dress #3. Phew ... disaster averted!

We stopped at the tailor before we went home ... she was able to make the dress fit like a glove.

It was at this point that Torrey realized Jen was right ... she was super glad she didn't get the second dress.

Since her date is almost her height, Torrey decided she was going to get a flat shoe. We found these adorable shoes at a fantastic price. I'm pretty sure she will have the most comfortable feet at the formal!

Come back tomorrow to see our girl before her big night. Pretty sure Dean will be a wreck!

iPhriday ... the Catch Up Edition

2011-09-30T15:26:00.002-05:00

Well, I guess you could say I am a tad behind on iPhriday ... if a "tad" is what you can call not posting for almost two months. I think about posting ... but, the need for doing laundry or feeding my family or school or sleep sort of take precedence. School has been kicking my butt ... I love my little class, but, boy! Have I been busy. Here are a few of the pictures I have taken these past few months. Be warned ... you might want to get some coffee first!

Clearly the dogs were in bed when these two ventured downstairs ... the love affair between Nikita and the dogs lasted long enough for the pictures in my last post.

Torrey and I went school shopping before getting her hair cut (trimmed) ... she thought I might give in with these shoes. Um, no. Especially since they made her legs look even longer ... if that was possible!

Kirsten came over to spend the night. Dean was gone, so the girls decided a trip to Benihana's was in order. Deliciously great idea!

Still at Benihana's ... here is our chef cooking our dinner. He was good at what he does. And funny too.

Happy girl ... with a smidgen shorter hair. She is growing up too fast!

With the start of school comes the long drive to school in the mornings. I have come to rejoice in the drive though .... because I get to see this sky.

Same morning ... different part of the journey. The sky is glorious. Absolutely glorious.

Good morning sunshine! I made Torrey let me take her picture when we got to school because she always wore her hair like this when she was little. I haven't seen her wear it in this fashion for quite some time.

I have seen this view while on the playground for the past 5 years ... it only took me 700 days to finally take a picture of my view!

Closer view ... love seeing the tip of the steeple of the sanctuary through the trees.

Torrey and I made a stop one Wednesday night while killing time until dropping Torrey off at youth group.

This was my view before our meal arrived. Sometimes technology isn't such a good thing ... although she would probably disagree.

I lost my charm bracelet. Dean replaced it and put on two more charms. Stella (one of my Kinderfriends) asked me one day why I had a garbage can on my bracelet ... it makes me giggle every time I look at that little coffee cup.

Got this exciting text message one morning ... it wasn't unexpected, but it was still exciting! We will be getting a new niece/cousin on June 23rd next year. Can't wait!

This picture makes me laugh .... look past Sophie and you'll see Zoey sleeping on the couch and Zack sleeping on the floor. Someone got a dose of bravery this night!

Remember when I shared about little brother and sister coming home in this post? Well, here is little brother sitting between two of his brothers. He is loved. And so is little sister.

The moon. In the morning. I knew. I knew it was going to be one of THOSE days. It did not disappoint. Oh, full moon .... how I despise you.

We have spent a lot of time watching this. A lot. A lot. We have a week and a half left of the season ... Dean and I are beyond giddy. Because between games and practice the getting home after 6:30 at night is on my last nerve.

It rained. As in water from the sky. And I ran from window to window watching ... and cheering ... and clapping ... and laughing. We are in the middle of a terrible drought ... any amount of water from the sky is met with pure joy. Partly because of the water ... partly because for even a bit it drops our temperature down below the 100 mark. This has been the hottest summer/fall season on record ... still not complaining about it though. Although the day it went to 95 I started wishing for a sweater ... which is what 45 days over 100 will do to you.

This bumper sticker made me laugh ... and hope for the future.

Some of our wins are ugly ... the girls actually pulled a win out of this score (you have to win by 2) ... we enjoy the wins more than the losses.

These arrived at our house one day ... thanks Tom Brady.

Pumpkin season is here. I knew it as soon as I saw these at Target ... pumpkin pie pop tarts. Delicious.

Senior Formal is coming October 8th. Torrey has been invited by a boy in her class. Which means dress shopping with Torrey. She has to wear a floor length black dress. We took pictures of our options and texted back and forth with my sister ... she helped us pick a winner.

After dress shopping, we stopped for a quick lunch at Smash Burger ... and sent this picture to Dean along with a "muahahaha". Because it really is his and Torrey's spot.

We made a quick stop at Home Goods for apothecary jars and this little mouse ran close to my foot. A mouse chasing frenzy ensued ... eventually he was scared out of the store .... not before a woman jumped up on the shopping carts and Torrey was doubled over in laughter. When we left the store, we saw him climbing the wall ... which was freaky, but meant we could get a good picture. Torrey did the honors ... while I stood back. Far back.

Sophie comes down every morning ... before the dogs get up. This morning I spotted her sitting in the sink. Weird and cute all at the same time.

We are growing butterflies in my classroom ... here are the caterpillars that are ready to turn into a chrysalis. This was the first year we actually got to watch one turn into a chrysalis before our eyes. God is amazing.

Dean ate pudding ... and then did pudding face. Which made me laugh. And laugh. And laugh. It still makes me laugh.

One of my sweet Kinderfriends brought these in for me ... and immediately told me to "eat one" ... um, no. He thought it was hilarious that he brought them in for me. I should have taken a picture of the joy on his face!

So there you have it ... iPhriday ... two months late! Hopefully my blogging ability will not be as sporadic in the future.

iPhriday

2011-08-05T11:12:00.000-05:00

It's iPhriday, iPhriday, gettin' down on iPhriday ... I'm sure that is what the song was supposed to say. Do you think that girl feels bad for almost ruining Friday for all of America with her ridiculous song that won't stop playing in my head when it is Friday ... or Thursday?!

Our week has been busy ... Dean was gone, Torrey had volleyball practice all day for 5 days, I worked in my classroom. But, guess who forgot to take pictures? That would be me. Oh well. Here is our skimpy week in pictures ...

When Zack became a Townsend, the cats placed themselves in self-exile upstairs. Perhaps due to the fact that when he catches them he puts his paw on their back so they can't leave him had something to do with it. For whatever reason, Nikita decided enough was enough this week and has been hanging out with the dogs ... much to Zoey's joy. We were all excited about the progress ... it only took 5 years. Zoey got up on the ottoman with Nikita (with a little help ... bless her chubby heart) ... and said Best. Day. Ever.

Kita swatted at Zack's nose a few times ... to keep him in his place and to keep his paw off his back. Zackie didn't care. He agreed with Zoey ... Best. Day. Ever. I will admit texting Dean with the news that all three of them were sleeping within 2 feet of each other. It was my Best. Day. Ever. too. Now, if Sophie would join the party ...

Torrey spent her days at volleyball practice. She loved it. I spent my days shopping at teacher stores. I loved it.

The temperature reading of 104 is not a joke. It has been a bit warmish here this week. When Torrey got in Dean's car today it said 106. Usually I would be lamenting in sack clothes and ashes ... this year it hasn't really bothered me. An almost move to Canada will do that. I'll take the heat of the summer any day over 3 feet of snow.

My classroom is "shared space" ... which means on Friday I have to pack it all up into cabinets. Last year we got new cabinets that almost sent me over the edge. But, it didn't take me long to realize that I was able to get out of school on Friday in record time because of the cabinets. This year I added a few more bins and labeled every drawer. This picture is for Jen because she figured out how to make the cabinets work while I was looking for a cliff to jump off.

I hope your iPhriday was great ... I'm looking forward to this next week. I head back for inservice and The Help comes out in theaters on Wednesday and I am going with 21 people to see it ... super phun week ahead!

iPhriday

2011-07-29T14:08:00.000-05:00

I just realized that this is the last iPhriday of July ... which means the summer is just about over. Torrey heads back to volleyball practice on Monday (two-a-days) and my school year officially starts the following Tuesday. Some years I hit this point and want to throw a big two year old fit. Not this year. I am somewhat ready to go back. Now, that isn't to say that by the end of August I won't be wishing for Summer, but right now I am looking forward to getting back into a routine.

But, today isn't about that ... it is about this past week in pictures. All taken from the iPhone (which I still love). Enjoy!

I spent Monday with part of my team from school planning for this school year. And, while I am looking forward to next year, you really cannot go to an all day planning session without coffee. Grande please.

I made a stop at Target and sent this picture to Jen ... along with the message about the number of box tops on the package of Kleenex. Carly's school collects box tops and I drive my family crazy with my obsession to save them so Carly can win a prize. I'm wondering if I should go into therapy.

This is the back of my car ... from the same trip to Target ... BEFORE I put anything in my car. Everything you see in my car is for school. And, my pile is growing. Got to love back to school.

Sadly the 4:30 on the clock is not for the afternoon. Insomnia is alive and well this week. I have had the worst time sleeping ... clearly I am a girl who needs a routine!

What? Doesn't everyone take a picture of their cat sitting on the counter next to a banana at 4:30 in the morning? I am not kidding when I said I need a routine ... but once I have one again you won't be seeing random pictures like these!

Happy iPriday!

She Called Tonight

2011-07-28T01:31:00.001-05:00

Torrey has been in Pensacola this week with our church youth group. They are on a mission trip ... they call it "a mission trip with a camp feel." They spend their days serving the people of Pensacola and their nights are spent worshipping. Last year she came home sick but begged us to send her back again. Remember?

Anyways, the kids get to pick their "track" ... service, VBS, sports camp, set up (it was pretty cool to see those kids on the live feed in the worship area moving from seat to seat praying over whoever was going to sit there before the kids were let in the room). Torrey picked evangelism.

I'm going to stop here and remind you that Torrey is a bit shy. Well, more than a bit. She doesn't love to order her own food or her drink from Starbucks. I really questioned her decision and wasn't super quiet about it. (Shame on me.) She stood her ground ... she told me that she needed to get stronger in sharing Jesus. (Double shame on me.)

So, early Saturday morning, Torrey headed out for the drive to Pensacola. Full of excitement of all that was going to happen. Dean and I couldn't wait to hear about all that was happening to her and through her. Um, the phone didn't ring. At all.

We have gotten texts ... welcome to 2011 with a teenager! Here are some snippets from our "conversations" this week ...

"...I'm super excited to get there."
"Today was so much fun. We talked to a bunch of people ..."
"No. I really don't want to go home. I love it here." (um, that one hurt ... not going to lie!)

I wish I had access to Dean's phone because she texted him some pretty cool messages about her excitement after one message in particular ... she had looked forward to that particular speaker for a long time. Suffice it to say that she had a blast and loved every minute of her time in Pensacola.

Or, so we gathered from her texts ... because we hadn't heard her voice all week. Until tonight, that is. The phone rang at 11:30 and it was our girl.

And, the really cool thing was that she was overflowing with excitement to tell us all the things that had happened to her this week. I will admit that I cried. She has struggled with one girl this year ... as in all year. Rush Week brought them back together. She was able to love on a friend walking a hard road tonight. She talked to a woman about Jesus for 45 minutes today. My girl. My shy girl. She was like a tea cup that was overflowing and more and more is poured into the cup. I could have listened to her all night ...

But ... she had a plan to head to the beach for one last hurrah, so off she went and I was left to ponder all that she had shared. And as much as I have missed her, I wouldn't have kept her home and away from this experience for anything in the world!

iPhriday

2011-07-22T12:00:00.001-05:00

Well, a quick look at the calendar tells me it is iPhriday ... that and the text message I received before I woke up this morning. It never gets old ... and, it doesn't make iPhriday appear any sooner.

Happy hour at Sonic. Love. Strawberry slushes for $1.01. Or, three strawberry slushes for $3.03. Puts a smile on your face!

Torrey drove me home. I'm not sure I will ever get used to this, but she is pretty good. She had a drive time this week ... but just observation. Only two more to go. Hopefully a pill will be discovered to turn her back into a 5 year old before her birthday in March!

This may only be funny to me. I still have the ringworm ... due to the fact that I am not religiously putting on the medicine. Sue me. Anyways, I discovered my bandaid had slipped down my leg, which was funny ... but, when I realized it had slipped down on the opposite leg? Hilarious!

I got a pedicure this week ... and the girl next to my girl convinced me to have my girl put on a design. Her selling point? I have large toenails and it would look good. Gee, thanks. But, I am loving my summer toes. They will be gone before Kindergarten starts ... mostly because I try not to cause distractions if at all possible!

And, there it is ... iPhriday with only 4 pictures. Because that is all the pictures I took! I'll try to do better next week. You do not need to text me with your disapproval. You know who you are.

iPhriday

2011-07-08T12:04:00.000-05:00

I would call this one the "Florida-Edition" of iPhriday, but not all of the pictures were taken in Florida ... so it will just be iPhriday ... which will make my sister very happy. Evidently she is now living for the iPhriday posts.

The flowers at the front of our neighborhood. I love them very much. Only because of the Black-Eyed Susans. When my parents lived in Massachusetts, the circle in front of their house was full of Black-Eyed Susans during the summer. Can't wait to see my mom this week.

Nikita has found a new spot to sleep. Zack's crate. Which is funny for two reasons ... 1) because Kita still HATES the dogs and 2) because if Zackie ever went in his crate and found the cat there it would be his best. day. ever. Ever.

We headed for Tampa early on Tuesday morning. Always exciting when you see your plane arrive. And, Southwest Airlines ... the Townsend family loves you. A lot.

Ready to head to Florida ... to work on her tan. Because she was looking a bit pale!

First stop? Tijuana Flats. I kid ... we stopped by Jen's to pick her up and then we hit the Flats.

And, the reason she had to be picked up. Still broken. She is really over it. Thanks guy for hitting her with your car. (Well, he didn't hit "her", he actually hit her car.)

My mom was giving choices for dessert. I was helping by being her "mouth" with the tongs. It really made us laugh. Perhaps I should take my show on the road!

We visited my cousin Adela and Aunt Flo. Adela had an adorable kitten. Torrey fed the cat water ... and fell in love with the little buggar.

Adela's youngest son ... and my brother's mini-me. Adorable. Sadly he is the only one I took a picture of. Worst blogger ever.

One good thing about my mom having had knee surgery and Jen breaking her foot ... fun toys for the kids to play with. Torrey gave the walker on wheels a twirl. Carly has already claimed Jen's boot when she is done with it. I tried out instagram ... not sure how I feel about it. Maybe I should have an instagram iPhriday? We'll see.

There was a lot of this going on this week. Little Big Planet on Playstation 3. All FOUR of the kids loved it ... yes, we are counting Ryan in with the kids. Trophies and hats were won. There was lots of laughter. Lots.

On Friday we were going to go to the beach. And then there was a monsoon. For real. It rained all day long. Which caused us to call "Pajama Day" ... best. decision. ever. We watched girl movies and made snacks. There was melted chocolate involved. Carly was in charge of dipping things in the chocolate. She started with marshmallows and quickly moved onto other things ... crackers, goldfish, popcorn. We suggested cat food ... thankfully she chose not to listen to us!

Mom and Dad came over for dinner. Pajama Day was still going strong. We tried to tell them they HAD to come in their pajamas ... they chose not to play along. We watched "Secretariat" ... loved. I knew how it would end, I just didn't know that the horse would win so spectacularly.

Another iPhriday in the bag ... let's call this one the Pajama Day version. Because I loved that day and want to live it again. And again. And again.

iPhriday

2011-07-01T18:48:00.000-05:00

Don't judge ... iPhriday this week is a bit lame. It is hard to take pictures when you are only home. I kid ... I actually left my house (one day) and took ZERO pictures of the fun girls day out or of Torrey driving me ... I try not to freak her out when she is behind the wheel. Staying Alive 101.

Now, without further ado ... iPhriday ...

We got some surprising news this week ... well, it was only surprising for a day and then it was a little sad. I took Dean's picture when I told him ... mostly for my sisters. I hope it made them smile.

We went out to dinner for our anniversary. This is my dinner ... little pockets of deliciousness. Dean thought I was crazy at first ... then he lined up my plate so that "Brio" would be at the top. Which is why I married him ... he gets me.

Dean's dinner. I knew what he would order before we went into the restaurant ... from his drink to his salad to his meal. Nineteen years is nothing to be scoffed at kids.

Sophie appears ... again. I should start taking pictures of her little hiding spots. It really doesn't need to be said, but the dogs were in bed at this point. As soon as she knows they are in bed she appears. It is a gift.

Zoey is a ~~little~~ lot chunky. We have reduced her food, but haven't seen any evidence of it. Dean did some reading on-line and discovered that her weight gain is because she is eating her food too fast. Which is why there is a big shiny ball in her food dish. It is supposed to slow her down. It is working great ... she barks until we take it out and then she gobbles up her food. Welcome to my world.

And, that is iPhriday ... the lame edition.

More Than Bronze

2011-06-27T15:07:00.000-05:00

Today is our nineteenth wedding anniversary. N-I-N-E-T-E-E-N-T-H. There really isn't a "traditional" anniversary gift for your nineteenth anniversary ... although the modern gift is bronze. Bronze?

Typically, the coming of our anniversary is for Dean and I to celebrate quietly, but this year it feels differently. This year we have watched several friend's marriages dissolve ... as in that is it. And each one has been upsetting to us ... and made us want to fight for our marriage all the more. We have a lot to fight for!

Because there has been a lot of living for us in the last nineteen years. We share a daughter. We have moved across the country ... twice! There have been more pets than I care to remember (please don't remind me of the hamsters!) We have moved into 9 different homes. We have built 3 houses (or, should I say HAD built!) We have gone to Israel. And Mexico. We have spent many, many hours on the beach. We have worshipped together. We have laughed. And cried. And shared. And grieved. And dreamed. And loved.

I would daresay our celebrating our 19th anniversary is worth more than bronze.

iPhriday

2011-06-24T22:25:00.001-05:00

Well, peeps, it is Friday ... or, iPhriday. I realize it has taken me a bit to get these pictures up. I sort of dragged my heels a bit once I started to receive threatening emails. And when I didn't respond to the emails ~~Jennifer~~ she who shall remain nameless started in with the text messages. I guess when you feel you helped create something you think you can say "jump" and expect the other person to say, "How high?" Note to self ... be more careful who I collaborate with.

Truth is, this week's pictures are a bit lame. We have been mostly home doing nothing. Which you know I love. But, here are your pictures, Jen ...

My view on our ride home from the beach. I sat in the third row. The whole way home. Do I really need to say that I was moving VERY slowly the next day? I am not ashamed to say I am getting old. Sitting in the way back was too hard for Gram and the girls wanted to sit together and they were watching movies. Hopefully my name will be spelled correctly on my Mother of the Year and Daughter in Law of the Year trophies.

The view out my front door. My crepe myrtles are in full bloom and everything is green (which is a bit scary since we haven't had rain since April or March ... our water bill is going to be through the roof!)

Cats made it home on Monday. They were not happy. At all. Sophie gave me the cold shoulder. She has since forgiven me, but, she made sure to let me know I was in the doghouse ... so to speak.

Speaking of back ... the ducks made an appearance again. What is up with that? Annoying. Zack barked and barked and they sort of flew off (not for long) and then he strutted around the backyard all proud of himself. Dogs are funny.

Remember the no rain thing? Well, look what appears to be coming our way. Rain. It rained and rained and rained on Wednesday. Sort of freaky at first ... because we haven't had it in so long. Now I know what Noah and his family felt like when it rained ... what is this stuff?!

Torrey was going to lunch with a friend and we made a quick stop at the Hob Lob on our way into Houston ... I boldly went inside without my umbrella (it wasn't raining at the time) ... Torrey said you are going to be sad when we come out and it is raining. Clearly she has the sight because it was pouring when we came out. And by pouring, I mean buckets and buckets. She was sweet and made me go get the car and come back and get her ... since she had spent hours straightening her hair and all. Teenagers.

I sent this back and forth to my sister a few times until I was happy with it. Now that I look at it though I am wondering if it needs a period. Maybe I'll ask Grammar Girl ... or wait for someone to comment.

Another iPhriday is in the bag. How many until it becomes a tradition?

And the Cousins Came

2011-06-15T00:01:00.000-05:00

My dad arrived this morning with Ben and Carly. They weren't in the house long before we headed to the beach ... inner tubes in hand.

For the rest of the week we saw a lot of this ... inner tubes in the water. Pretend you can hear the screams ... because there was a lot of that going on too!

I also saw a lot of this the rest of the week ... Carly dragging Torrey back out to the waves. Carly was in heaven ... TWO big girls to hang out with. I should have gotten pictures of her straightening her hair beside the big girls. Heaven.

Dean rode the waves with the girls. There was a lot of seaweed and Ben was not a fan. At all. Dean was either riding the waves, keeping watch to keep boys away from the girls or standing strategically so that the girls could watch the boys without being too obvious. He grew many gray hairs this week!

The seaweed drove Ben to the sand. He didn't seem to mind. Occasionally he would go in ... but he never stayed in for long. He became quite the hole digger. Ben made it seem like fun ... the girls always joined him ... but not for long!

Our beach set up changed a little bit with my dad's arrival ... actually, we only looked like this one day. My dad quickly learned that only Dean and I sat on the chairs and he claimed one for himself (much easier than dragging chairs and umbrellas to the beach!)

Ben and his hole ... finished just in time for lunch! Which means we will be back to the beach soon ... and then off to the pool. Got to love a week at the beach!

Back to the Beach

2011-06-15T00:00:00.000-05:00

After lunch (and a rest) guess where we went? That's right ... back to the beach! But, can you guess what we did?

There was sitting ... but, only by the adults! What is it about going to the beach that makes it so fun to read a book?

The girls hit the water ... with the inner tubes. Seriously a great investment!

Ben even joined us in the water this time ... but only for a little bit. He was still hating the seaweed. Can't say that I blame him.

We were awfully glad that Ben and Carly could come to the beach with us. They had always planned to come ... but for only one night. And then the car accident happened and it was too much for Jen to come with the broken foot. Fortunately they were able to hitch a ride with my dad ... who came without my mom because of her knee surgery.

Guess who went back to digging holes? Another great day at the beach came to a close ... but the kids weren't done with the fun. They had a great game of hide and seek ... by the end of the week they changed the rules to SILENT hide and seek (wonder why?!) played in the dark. Summers and cousins ... they just go together!

Our Days Are Beginning to Look the Same

2011-06-14T18:29:00.000-05:00

So, here we are ... Tuesday. Which is still a good day, but, you are beginning to realize your vacation is coming to an end. At this point we had a pretty good routine going ... wake up (late-ish), go to the beach, come back to the house for lunch, rest, go back to the beach, go to the pool, head home for dinner. Repeat again tomorrow.

The girls stayed in the inner tubes the entire time we were at the beach. Dean went back to Publix to get two more because Ben and Carly will be here tomorrow. And, Dean and I found out how much fun the inner tubes were because we gave them a whirl today. FYI ... when you are a little bit older, it is a bit difficult to get out of the inner tube gracefully. Just sayin'.

The water was exceptionally gorgeous today. There are bands in the water where the color changes ... from green to teal to aqua to purplish. So beautiful.

Here Torrey is demonstrating her wave riding abilities. It is really fun ... especially when you catch a "big" wave. "Big" for this part of Florida is really quite pathetic.

Even our chairs/towels/bags/snacks looks the same. We were completely in the groove at this point. I loved coming out to the beach to our chairs and umbrella already set up for us (in the same spot) ... it was so convenient!

Torrey in the living room ready for dinner ... or is it lunch and ready to head back to the beach and then the pool? Who knows ... we were all so relaxed and enjoying our time at the beach!

And, Gram doing what she did every day ... reading a book in "her" chair. She would read, watch a little TV, rest, read, watch a little TV ...

And so ended the Tuesday of our vacation. Tomorrow the cousins come ... wahoo!

Also Known as the Day We Wised Up

2011-06-13T18:56:00.000-05:00

Two things changed our beach vacation today ... a golf cart rental (we praised Jesus for the golf cart all week) and $7 inner tubes from an early morning Publix run. We were still in vacation nirvana ... because the second day of vacation still has almost as many days left as the first day of vacation. Trust me it sort of went downhill from here.

The girls and I hoofed it to the beach ... Dean stayed home to wait for the golf cart. I know it appears I made them carry everything. I promise it was the opposite.

Almost ready to hit the waves ... first a sorority girl smile. She loves it when I tell her she has a sorority girl smile.

NOW they were ready to hit the waves. Seriously, it took forever to get them in the water. Both of them were conscientious about putting on the sunscreen. Torrey was afraid she would burn. Seriously? I think we are past the point of burning ...

Today I watched a sailboat come up on shore. It entertained me for a few minutes.

And then I went back to searching the waves ... we did see a few schools of dolphins (are they called schools?) which just makes you happy, happy, happy.

Here is where I did my watching from. And reading. And resting. And sitting. And relaxing. And talking. Ahhhh ... I love vacation.

My two most favorite people. Love. Love. Love.

Torrey and Meghan. It was fun to have another daughter for the week ... Meghan is definitely a keeper. That is until it comes time to pay for college!

So, we drove forever looking for a place to eat and ended up in a restaurant 5 minutes from the house called The Old Florida Fish House. It was delicious!

The girls ready to eat ... at this point it was almost 8:00 and we were all starving!

After dinner we rode into Seaside to get snow cones. Legendary. Not as good as Mam's, but fun. They make and serve the snow cones from a retro trailer. Super neat. I fell in love with the lights. I've been trying to figure out where to hang them in our back yard!

Funny story, while Torrey was ordering she felt something on her leg. She thought it was a bug and went to brush it off ... it was a tree frog climbing up her leg. Disgusting! We watched the little buggar climb up the trailer ... all the while Torrey was freaking out!

It was a good day. We ended rested, full, and happy ... and dreading the end of the vacation. At this point in the week I tried to figure out a career that would mean a move to the beach!

Good Morning Paradise!

2011-06-12T18:41:00.000-05:00

The first day at the beach is always magical. Dean says it is the best day because you know you still have the whole week in front of you. We woke up rested and ready to hit the beach. (Dean and I braved Publix the night before ... for the love of the crowds! I did run into someone I knew from school ... I threw that out there for my sisters because they made fun of me because I kept running into people I knew when we were in NYC.)

Dean went ahead to rent our umbrellas and beach chairs. It was supposed to be a 4 minute walk. Someone clocked it while on a full-out sprint ... there was no way the walk was 4 minutes. But it was a very pretty walk.

The neighborhood had wooden walkways that led to the beach. They dipped and curved through the sand dunes. There were also pretty parts where you went over bridges and around ponds. And two inches from front porches (nosy me was in heaven!) Very serene.

But, no matter the length of the walk, when we actually got to the beach ... gorgeous! This was my view for most of the week.

I kid ... this was my view. We spent most of the day on the beach .... and on the phone searching for a golf cart to rent! One word to describe our first day? Bliss. Pure bliss.

Because Getting There is Half the Fun!

2011-06-11T14:20:00.001-05:00

So this morning we got up VERY early, loaded up the car (think Beverly Hillbillies ... oh brother) and headed to the panhandle of Florida to spend the week on the beach. We were super excited about the trip ... even the drive.

Last year, Torrey went on her mission trip to Pensacola. While on that trip, they took all the kids to Lambert's in Foley, AL. Torrey fell in love. And insisted we MUST stop on the way to the beach. So, stop we did.

And then we waited ... because there was a long wait to get in. And it was 3:45. I think we waited about 45 minutes before we got in the door. Totally worth it.

Lambert's is known for throwing rolls. Hot rolls. The size of your head. We became quite good at catching them. Although they weren't throwing them too far for us ... some tables were making catches from at least 20 feet away. Impressive.

Torrey brought her friend Meghan along for the fun. Which was fun for all of us. Dean really enjoyed keeping the boys away from BOTH girls. HA!

We also brought Gram along. She really liked Lambert's. The drive was hard for her ... but, she was a trooper.

Dean and I ... and the rolls the size of our heads. For the record, I caught Dean's roll for him. I was VERY good at catching rolls. I'm thinking a new tradition has been started for Christmas!

Equally as big were the cups. And there was one guy who was in charge of making sure we had refills. Refills. Um, no thank you.

If our fun at Lambert's was any indication, our week at the beach is off to a great start! Can't wait to actually MAKE it to the beach!

iPhriday

2011-06-10T16:40:00.000-05:00

My sister had a "car mishap" (completely not her fault ... for real) and ended up with a totaled car and a broken foot. From pressing on the brake. Which is what happens to a mom who is trying to stop her car when her kids are in it. So, the broken foot has left her on the couch ... bored out of her head. Which has been good for me because she answers my texts very quickly. All that to say that she has been bugging me about posting the iPhone pictures all week. At some point she sent me a text saying "to please please please call it iPhone Phriday." Which I almost did ... until Dean suggested "iPhriday". So I give you Dean and Jen's first collaboration. And if you knew the two of them in real life, you would know that that has given me so. much. joy. So much.

Anyways, here is our week ...

We have two cats. The littlest of which is Sophie. She is skittish. If you were to come and visit you would NEVER see her. Her hiding skills are quite good. She doesn't really care for most people ... Dean and Torrey included. But, I am her favorite. When she knows the dogs are in bed she comes downstairs to say hello. So, for all you who doubted she exists, Sophie says, "Hello. Now go away."

Nikita is 10. TEN! Which is 70 is cat years. He isn't so skittish ... he will say hello as long as it doesn't involve him speaking to the dogs. It is a love-hate relationship ... he is the hater. FYI ... Kita's fur is as soft as a bunny. For real.

Dean. He isn't as in love with the iPhone as me ... mostly because of the picture taking. Sorry. Can't stop now.

On Wednesday, Torrey and I had lunch with Mrs. Cherry. She is the Lower School secretary and she takes good care of me Monday-Friday. Most days I tease her about getting me a sub ... which only backfires on the days I really need a sub because I have to preface the asking by saying, "This is for real." Love Love Love Mrs. Cherry.

Starbucks. And my girl. Love that she loves Starbucks as much as me. She is drinking a yummy chocolately/coconut drink. Think Mounds bar in a Starbucks cup.

Torrey said, "Take my picture." And I couldn't have loved her more! Dean wanted to know if I bought her the hat ... um, no. I have the pictures.

I took a few pictures before I let her know that she had it on completely wrong. I almost didn't ...

Boy did we laugh when I told her she had it on wrong ... she was cute both ways.

I got my hair cut and high-lighted on Thursday. Definitely necessary. For real.

Finished product. Only would have been better if I had shown you the before. But, I try not to embarrass myself if I can help it!

Made a quick stop at Jo-Ann's ... walked out with nada. Can't believe it myself. They didn't have what I was looking for and I didn't need anything else.

Oh, Zoey. She has taken over this part of the couch. But only if someone is sitting with her. And, most nights she looks just like this. I took a few pictures of her (dern red eye) and she was watching me ... but did not move. Ridiculous.

I took this one for my sister who diagnosed my ringworm on the phone. I was talking to her and out of the blue told her about this weird thing on my leg. She informed me it was ringworm ... Dean agreed (I guess the iPhriday thing was their second collaboration) Funny thing is Carly also has ringworm ... on her leg. So, not only do I have a birthday buddy, but I also have a ringworm buddy. Love.

We are heading out of town in the morning. Which means the animals had to be boarded. The dogs go to the pet lodge (more room to run outside). The cats go to the vet. Getting those two in that carrier is the most stressful part of the trip ... mostly because Sophie gets so scared and she is a little houdini. I should have taken a picture of them at the vets ... Nikita was completely under the towel hiding.

And, that was our week. See you next Phriday!

Today is Wednesday

2011-06-08T22:19:00.000-05:00

I know that seems like a funny title, but I kept forgetting all day what day it was. I thought for awhile it was Friday. And then I thought it was Thursday. And then I was back to Friday again. And all the while it was Wednesday.

Reason #1 why I need to work. Because otherwise I have no idea what day of the week it is unless I do "calendar" first thing in the morning. And while I like to think that "calendar" is at least somewhat entertaining for my Kinder-friends, I'm thinking Dean and Torrey would think I was two steps from the nut house if I started singing the days of the week. Perhaps I should sing the song anyways regardless of what they think of me. Or not.

I have been a bit under the weather ... but, still taking pictures with the iPhone. Seriously love. And, when Torrey told me to take her picture in Target ... best. day. ever. For real.

(And, just so you know I almost typed something about my mom having knee surgery tomorrow. No. Not tomorrow. FRIDAY. Everyone, all together now, "Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday ..." Good grief.)

So quickly, what are we up to ... well, I am trying to figure out my camera. I took this class here. Helped. Somewhat. Will keep practicing and experimenting and trying. Not trying to go professional ... just want to be able to take a decent picture with something other than the iPhone. (Have I mentioned how much I love?)

Dreaming of this. Can't wait. Soon. Very very soon.

Finished my summer reading book. And the summary that goes with it. Was not my favorite book ... but, you can learn something from anything if you look hard enough. I had to look very very very hard.

Going to give this a try. No try. Do. Thank you Yoda that lives in my head. Join with me ... you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Haircut tomorrow. Can't wait. For the love of the roots. They are terrible. Very very terrible.

Planning a project. I may or may not have snitched it from my favorite place to visit when I am at my sister's. I will admit I did not take the picture and send it to me so I would know how to make one for someone else in my family. Yes, Jen, I am talking about you.

Still have to do a post about Canouan. We just dropped off the underwater camera. Torrey said she took lots of pictures of turtles and fish. Tried hard to not appear to be jealous. Failed miserably.

Got a coffee from here today. My new fave is cinnamon dolce latte. Grande please. Torrey tried some mocha coconut concoction that was sinfully delicious. She did ask if it was good ... is it wrong that I suddenly had a flashback to the honey latte disaster of 2008? Could I sue them for post traumatic stress disorder? It. Was. That. Bad.

We have lost the doo-hickeys that attach the roof carrier to the roof. And one key. Well, I say one because only one lock is locked. Dean and I have looked everywhere. Except where they are. Grrr. There is a plan b ... we will only look a little like the Beverly Hillbillies. Only a little.

And, that in a here there and everywhere kind of way is what we are up to this week.

iPhone Friday

2011-06-03T22:30:00.000-05:00

The last week of school, Dean and Torrey arrived at my classroom door with an iPhone in hand. For me. Cue angels singing. Greatest. Invention. Ever. I am getting very good at playing Angry Birds, I have a text conversation going with a 65-year old colleague and am taking pictures of everything. And, I do mean everything.

And, some of them are too good to not share. So, here it is ... iPhone Friday. I will try to blog my favorite pictures of the week. This could become an every week thing ... or this could be it. (No need to comment, Stephen!)

Welcome home, little buddy. You are loved. Terribly, terribly loved.

Hard to see in the blurry picture (they were my first ones I took), but sister has some eyelashes ... gorgeous. Nothing like the love of a Grandma!

My crepe myrtles are blooming. So pretty.

Frohberg's Farms. Love visiting here. Especially in the summer when the produce is so pretty.

This DISGUSTING bug flew into my head one night when I was on the back porch with the dogs. I had to take a picture of it to send to Jen. She thought it was gross too.

On our way to Linda's ... I sent this one to my dad. He texted back "who's the Mexican?" Cracked us all up.

Resting in between swims at Linda's ... actually, we were waiting for food.

Family picture ... I'm sure it won't be our last!

Strawberry Shortcake for dessert on Memorial Day. FYI ... it was delicious!

The butler's pantry is clean. I had to document ... who knows how long it will stay like this!

Torrey took a bunch of pictures of Farrah Fawcett (aka Zoey) ... she is in desperate need of a haircut. Or a clip to keep her hair out of her eyes!

And, one last one ... summer is here in Houston. It was 99 degrees on my way home this afternoon. Oh, summer heat, I did not miss you!

Happy iPhone Friday!

Sneak Peek

2011-06-02T22:08:00.001-05:00

I intended to blog about Torrey's trip to Canouan today ... but, alas, she is not home and while I could throw up the pictures, I think I might have her guest post and share the fun she had. But, for now I leave this picture with you. Happy drooling!

"New" Living Room Furniture

2011-06-01T21:44:00.001-05:00

We ordered new furniture on our anniversary last year. It finally arrived in October. And I promised to share. And I promised again to share. And I promised ... blah blah blah. Anyways, here is our "new" furniture. So happy with it ... it completely transformed the room and turned it into a spot that you want to sit down and spend some time in.

My paisley chair and ottoman. Love. It is comfortable and the perfect spot for grading papers, reading, watching TV and talking to Dean. Torrey loves it too. And so does Zack (grrr).

The two chairs by the window. They are a goldish color and coordinate with the paisley chair and the couch. The pillows are from Pottery Barn. They have the same color as the chair in them along with a hint of blue.

We all love the couch. It is super comfy. And very high off the ground. The paisley pillows match the chair and the blue pillow and throw are from Pottery Barn. The coffee table we have had since we lived in Orlando. It matches the side table and the sofa table .... which you can't see because it is behind the couch.

Side view. The round tables are from Target. Love them. The lamps are from Target or Lowe's or Home Goods. We got matching lampshades from Pottery Barn.

I just love the way it turned a room that was awkward into a room we all love sitting in and spending time together. It isn't uncommon for Torrey to come and sit with us at night while she does her homework. Who knew that furniture could so change a room?

Here are my thoughts on the room. First, we aren't done. I'm not sure what to do with the wall behind my chair. Board and batten? A bunch of old picture frames (empty) painted the blue color of the pillow on the couch? A series of canvasses (we have a photo shoot scheduled next week with Marla & Shane ... can't wait!)? Secondly, the window treatments. We have plantation shutters on the windows in the kitchen and regular blinds in here. I'm thinking we should go with plantation shutters in the family room because then you can't put up curtains and I love the look of plantations shutters. Decisions. Decisions. Decisions. But, all in all I love how the room turned out. We struggled with furniture placement because of where the TV and fireplace are located (clearly designed by a man!) It has been neat to see the room turn into our favorite spot in the house. Now ... on to our bedroom!

Movie Night

2011-05-31T21:41:00.001-05:00

Tonight I had a movie night with several of my teacher friends. It was loads of fun ... and there is only one picture of the night. One.

And, I did not take it. I totally swiped it off Christine's Facebook page. I forgot to take a picture of the friends who came and ate and laughed and celebrated summer with me. I forgot to take a picture of the too much food I made. I totally and completely forgot. Clearly I have summer brain.

But, as you can see, there were movie snacks. And they were delicious.

Memorial Day 2011

2011-05-30T21:16:00.001-05:00

Happy Memorial Day! And a great big thank you to those who fought and are fighting to preserve our freedom. We do not forget and we do not take it for granted. Some left home as mere boys and returned as men. Some never returned. We are grateful. Forever grateful.

We could not mention Memorial Day without giving a shout out to Dean's Dad who proudly served in WWII. We are thankful for his service ... and thankful that he was one of the lucky ones who returned. (Um, and can I just say, I love the "Love, Ray" up in the corner. Love. Love. Love.)

Where were we? Memorial Day. Well, we headed up to Linda and Paul's ... only it was only Linda's because Paul was in Germany (boo to working for a German company that doesn't celebrate American holidays!) Dean had to fill in for Paul. We brought the food and when I told him I was bringing chicken Dean said we could do burgers ... but, remember how many times I have said no one crunches a bun like Paul? Paul ... you were missed. For more than your bun crunching abilities!

There was corn on the cob ... that made us smile. He makes me smile. A lot.

We swam in the pool. And played catch over the bridge. And talked. And laughed. And ate. And were just generally happy that summer is finally here.

And tried to keep Hattie from jumping on us in the pool. For real. She forgets her size. She could drown one of us one of these days. Good thing she is cute!

And, speaking of cute. We were glad to have this girl home to celebrate with us. She had a blast on her trip to Canouan ... more on that soon! Hope your Memorial Day was fun and full of remembering those that made it possible!

Before and After

2011-05-29T20:23:00.000-05:00

Torrey was invited to go to the Caribbean with a friend from school and her family. She was thrilled. Dean and I were ~~thrilled~~ jealous, but let her go anyways. She left last Saturday for a week on an island we had never heard of before in a group of islands we didn't even know existed.

Here is the girl we sent to the island of Canouan last Saturday.

Please note the pale complexion. We know she tans easily. We knew she would come home with a tan. We just weren't expecting this ...

Hello Miss Coppertone! Hard to tell because we took these around 1 in the morning when she finally got home ... but, boy is she dark!

And, just because it made me laugh, I made her lie down on the floor to see if she would be camouflaged ... she is almost as dark as our hardwood floors!

Hello Summer! We are glad you are here!

Home

2011-05-24T06:12:00.001-05:00

Home. Just one itty-bitty 4 letter word, but it has so many different meanings. Love. Peace. Hope. Rest. Place of belonging. Place where I can truly be myself. You get the idea. It is where we come home to after a long day ... that place we long to be.

For two months this winter we thought we might be moving to Canada. And, whatever just went through your mind is exactly what went through mine during that two months. I struggled with many things about that possibility, but one thing I did not struggle with was the fact that I would go. And go semi-willingly. Because Dean and Torrey are my home. Where they are is home. Even if it is in a foreign country where you buy your milk in a bag. And have temperatures in the winter that would make a polar bear smile.

I spent a lot of time praying. Asking God to show us clearly that this was His plan for us. We could push open the door ourselves, but if God wasn't in it, it would be miserable. Eventually He closed the door. Home is still Houston. And, when that door closed, we all breathed a sigh of relief. Because we knew without a shadow of a doubt we were where God wanted us to be.

Today I was at the airport to see two littles finally make it home. There were a lot of people there. A lot. And when the big sliding doors finally opened and they came through, we cheered. A lot. And then swarmed. (Natural instinct, peeps. Natural instinct.) Over and over the dad told the little boy, "All these people prayed for you buddy. All these people love you." Oh yes we did and yes we do.

And, I got to hold little sister. Big sister went to her grandmother and told her, "My teacher needs to hold her." And then as I held her she said, "We prayed a long time." Sigh. God is faithful. And He is good.

I wonder what those littles thought as they came through those doors. Because a week ago they thought they were alone. That they had nobody to love them. Meanwhile, a world away, we were waiting. And praying. And longing. For them to come home. They were not alone. We were for them. God was for them.

My sister said it gives her a picture of what it is like when someone comes to know Christ. We prayed for my Uncle Hillard to accept Christ our whole lives. So many friends and family who knew us prayed with us ... not because they knew him, but because they loved us. They cheered right along with us when he finally accepted Christ days before he went home. They were for him. God was for him.

Today will stay with me forever. I am grateful that I got to be a part of this story. That I got to watch from the side lines. I know that people will say that this family changed those two little lives. Duh. But, really, that family will never be that same. I will never be the same. Because of those two littles. Because of the day they realized they had a home.

Monday Morning Miracle

2011-05-23T20:36:00.000-05:00

Today has been a good day. As in good in epic proportions. And it is Monday ... which is enough of a miracle. But, that isn't my Monday Morning Miracle.

I told you in my post here that my class has prayed for the adoption of a little brother and sister of one of the girls in my class. I told you that on the last Wednesday of the year it became official. But there was more to the story ... as Paul Harvey would say.

Little sister has been sick for almost 3 weeks. More sick than any child deserves to be. The fact that she is still alive today could be the Monday Morning Miracle. But it isn't.

Sweet Mom and Dad flew to Ethiopia to go to court to become the parents of these two children knowing they would have to leave them in Ethiopia until their paperwork was taken care of and they would then return to bring them home. The returning part could take a few weeks or it could take months ... there was no definite timeline. That was the plan all along ... but, when God is writing your story, expect to be blown away.

Little sister's sickness was quite serious. Life and death serious. There really isn't anyway to care for this child in Africa serious. You MUST get her to the states serious. And while her parents were doing everything they could in Africa to get her home, we were doing the only thing we could do in the states. Begging God to bring her home.

There were three health tests the children had to pass for the embassy to even consider allowing them to leave early. This morning word came that they had each passed the tests. Praise you Jesus!

(On a side note ... I found out they passed the tests while at Starbucks. I burst into tears just as it was my turn to order. Poor guy behind the counter. I promised him they were happy tears.)

And then there was an embassy appointment which would decide whether or not the children could come home early. Tonight the Mom and Dad are on a plane headed back to the states ... with little brother and sister. Unexpected. Unbelievable. A Miracle. Praise you Jesus!

There is no part of the journey to these two that hasn't been filled with emotion. The overwhelming emotion being pure unconditional love. They are terribly loved ... ached for, wanted, anticipated, prayed for, loved. Tomorrow morning I will be at the airport to celebrate their homecoming. To watch them meet their new brothers and sister. To join together with others who love them to just say "Praise you Jesus!"

Go here to read their story. I promise you will not be able to read it without falling in love with them too!

Where My Heart Is

2011-05-16T21:13:00.000-05:00

I haven't blogged in forever. But, do I really need to tell my faithful two that? I started this post with the title "Where My Head Is" ... but changed it to the more appropriate title above. Because my heart is full, full, full.

We are at the finish line of the school year. Friday is it ... the last day of school. If you know me, you know that the month of May is hard for me. This year feels the hardest of all.

I am struggling with the "HOW"? How do I say goodbye to 18 littles who were strangers in August and a part of me by May? (Ok ... by the second day of school!) How do I let go of 18 littles who loved me on my best days and worst days? How do I let go of littles who taught me more than I taught them? How do I let go of littles who changed my life?

This year one of my Kinderfriend's family was in the midst of adopting a little girl from Ethiopia. We started the year praying for "little sister" and walked the journey with a God-filled family. In January we found out there was also a "little brother" ... um, the jumping up and down ... you would have thought they were coming home with all of us. (I may, or may not, have been the worst!) On Wednesday we will celebrate as the Mom and Dad go to court in Ethiopia to officially adopt the littles we have prayed for all year. And we did. not. miss. a. day. Not one. That may be one of the sweetest parts of this year ... praying those two cutie-patooties home.

We desperately asked God to heal a sweet mom from cancer. Again, we did. not. miss. a. day. She is in remission. The sweetest part of that journey (if there is a sweet part in watching a family journey through icky cancer) was watching my littles become strength for her child. They helped him stand when he couldn't. They loved him through this year. They gave him a year of joy instead of a year of hard. They never stopped trusting when it was difficult for adults. They never stopped believing in the One who heals.

We have learned a lot. We learned how to read. We learned how to count and tell time. We learned lots about dinosaurs and rocks and shells. All things I have taught before and could teach with my hands behind my back and my eyes closed. But, the greatest things we learned this year didn't come from me.

The greatest lessons we learned this year came from loving a Saviour who gives us good. Whether that good be walking through cancer. Or traveling an adoption journey that isn't easy. Or trying something that we think might be beyond us, He promises us good. He promises us He is enough.

So, tonight, my heart is full. Full of the goodness He gave me this year when He gave me these 18 littles to love. And that is "How" ... that is how I can send them on. Because as much as I love them, He loves them more. Look out First Grade ... not only are they ready, but they are amazing!

Easter

2011-04-24T11:32:00.000-05:00

Easter has been and will always be my favorite day. Trumps Christmas and Valentines ... even my birthday. And, we all know how I love my birthday.

Our day was quiet. Just us. Which is how I am liking it lately. I think I am on the verge of turning into a hermit. I attribute it to the fact that we leave the house at 6:30 in the morning and most nights don't get home until 5:00 at the earliest. I love what I do, but when I am home, I don't want to leave.

But, enough about my hermitish tendencies lately. Easter. Love it. Every thing about it. Except this year I took ONE picture. No pictures of fancy clothes. No picture of the festive meatloaf I made for lunch. (For real. Meatloaf. And, it just might become a new tradition ... because Dean, Torrey and Gram love my meatloaf!) No pictures of us just being family. None.

But, I did take a picture of Torrey's Easter ~~basket~~ bucket. Only because I take one every year. Needless to say, I am a bit in love with her Easter ~~basket~~ bucket.

Happy Easter! He is risen. He is risen indeed!

Easter in Pinehurst

2011-04-23T18:02:00.000-05:00

We drove to Linda and Paul's for a family Easter today. With everyone's schedules it was just easier ... it being the real day didn't matter. We just wanted to be together.

Because, wouldn't you want to spend the day with this cuteness?

And she really is this cute in person ... well, perhaps cuter, because on the blog she is silent. In real life she is not. At all.

Gram came with us ... which was a treat for all of us. She had surgery on her eye and is still sporting a broken elbow, but she came. She is a trooper.

We started our fun in the pool. Linda sent us temperature readings throughout the week. It is still a little cold for me ... but not for these two!

Or this one ... who has turned into a fish. And, clearly cuteness runs in the family. All three are darlin'!

We spent our time eating, catching up and laughing ... what we always do. There was a ton of delicious food. And not a picture for proof. Oh well.

When Torrey heard there was going to be an egg hunt she declared the three littles were "...going down. I've got the eyes of a fox!" She really is nice ... I promise! Mikie decided to put her to the challenge and hid eggs in the house for her ... he was almost able to disprove her "fox-eyes" theory!

More chatting ... actually waiting for the BIG egg hunt. Does it look like she is ready to go?

Clearly she didn't think she was cute enough and had to add an accessory to cutify herself!

And they are off! There were a ton of eggs and three littles determined to find them all.

Her basket wasn't quite full enough ... on to find more eggs!

So cute ... she ran past about 30 eggs trying to catch up with the bigger kids.

Taking a break ... with three eggs in her basket.

Linda, aka Neeni, making sure to not miss a moment!

Cheese ... and then ready to get back into the action.

Disaster on aisle 3 ... someone fell on a run down the hill and spilled eggs everywhere. I promise he is OK ... just sad for the moment.

Happiness returns ... his sister helps him pick up his loot and announces that we are "going to pause" ... as in the egg hunt. She is a hoot.

Picture time. As a mom of one I have never experienced this before .... but how do you get a good picture of three little ones? They are all looking a different place!

Back to the pool ... and a game of throw the ball and splash your mother. Oh, I loved it. Not.

And our Easter celebration day was complete with an appearance by the Easter beagle.

Thanks, Linda and Paul, for a great day. So glad your pool is open ... but, you may be sick of us by the end of the summer (insert evil laugh here)!

And She's Off!

2011-03-26T21:15:00.000-05:00

I am still traumatized over taking Torrey to Kindergarten back in August of 2001. So, what has transpired this week has left me looking for a therapist. Because I am not ready for little girl to grow up!

This week IT happened. Torrey started drivers ed. Boo. But, Thursday will go down as the worst day of the week ... because she took her test to get her permit. And passed.

Which led to today's fun adventure ...

Her first official time behind the wheel for a driving lesson with her dad. Oh, sure she was all smiles as they were leaving the driveway.

Dean? Not so much! I sent him with the camera (picture of the day ... remember?) When I looked as soon as they got home, he had it set to open on this picture first. Hilarious!

Not sure how either one of them felt about the first time on the road ... fortunately we have a lot of time to practice before she gets her license!

Wash Your Feet Day

2011-03-24T21:07:00.000-05:00

I teach at a Christian school. Which brings me joy. I have taught at several different Christian schools, but this one is different in that we go to Bible as one of our specials. There are teachers in our Lower School who only teach Bible. Do I even need to say that they make it real and relevant to the children?

As we begin the Easter story, our Kindergarten Bible teacher tells the children the story of the Last Supper and how Jesus washed the disciples feet. And then she washes their feet. We simply call it "Wash Your Feet Day" ... and I look forward to it like a Kindergartner looks forward to Christmas.

The first time I witnessed "Wash Your Feet Day", I was not prepared ... at all. They started by putting out one foot ...

And, criminitely, how cute are Kindergarten feet? But, wait ... it doesn't stop there ...

Because then sweet Mrs. Jennings goes around and washes their feet and whispers prayers over the children. And, all the while the child whose foot she is washing is listening and grinning and knowing that they are loved.

My first year she whispered to one little girl, "Jesus loves you so much" ... and the joy on that sweet ones face is a look I will never forget. Because that little one NEEDED to hear those words. She NEEDED to know that she is desperately loved by our Savior.

And what am I doing while all this is going on? Taking it all in ... with tears streaming down my face. Every year I pray that my children will be changed by our Bible class ... and I know that I will be changed too.

Burgers, Snow Cones, Strawberries ... Oh My!

2011-03-18T16:14:00.001-05:00

When we woke up today we had a plan ... which was a first for us this Spring Break. Spring Break for Torrey and I could be called the "Week of the No Plan" ... and it was fantastic. But, Dean was home and we had a plan ... partly because we had to cram a whole week of fun into one day. Dern the "Week of the No Plan"!

We started with lunch at Smash Burgers ... a first for us.

It was OK ... Five Guys is still our fave. I got a salad ... which Torrey said was my problem. Perhaps.

There was then a fun for me trip to Pottery Barn. There are no pictures because it was only fun for me ... the only thing that kept Torrey in the game was knowing that right after we were finished in Pottery Barn we were headed to ...

Mam's House of Ice. Oh how we love! We discovered this little trailer of icy goodness last summer. It is only open during the warm months (thankfully MOST of the year in Houston) and the only draw back is the almost hour drive to get a snow cone. Worth the drive. And the usual half hour or more wait. This was our first snow cone of the season ... it won't be our last!

After the snow cone goodness, we drove to my favorite farm stand to pick strawberries. Seriously. If you visit me in the summer, I guarantee you will get a snow cone and a trip to Frohberg's. You may not love either as much as me, but just pretend.

At this point in the post, I want to throw out there that Blogger is being wonky. It is allowing some pictures, but not others. Huh? I may or may not be to blame. Whatever blogger.

Right before I took this picture, we passed a group of women and one of them exclaimed, "No one told me there would be sweating involved!" Which caused us to giggle ... and then Dean got a whiff of manure and this picture HAD to be taken!

Oh field of strawberry goodness ... I would pick every single ripe strawberry if I had three weeks! The field stretched on and on and on. Super fun for this city girl.

Torrey had been wanting to go strawberry picking most of Spring Break. At some point we decided to wait until Dean could go with us ... neither one of them had been strawberry picking before. Huh? She loved it.

I loved that I didn't have to pick one single strawberry. Oh, I kid. I picked about ten. The only thing my two strawberry pickers did not love were the bees. There are some things you don't tell people about until you are absolutely certain they can't back out.

In the end, one bucket had 4 pounds and the other one had 3 (slacker, Dean) ... which means we now have 7 pounds of strawberries in the fridge. Um, anyone know what to do with that many strawberries?

When we left the field we spotted this little beauty ... since we were so close to St. Patrick's Day, we got a good giggle. Because I'm pretty sure this isn't the "pot o gold" everyone thinks of when they think of a rainbow!

In the end it was a glorious day. Well, it was glorious in the beginning too. And the middle. And the ...

Why We are Adding a Few Locks

2011-03-09T22:00:00.000-06:00

Spring Break is two days away. Two. If you are quiet you can hear the angel's singing. It has been a long two and half months. Very long.

We are staying home this year. Well, half of us are staying home. Dean will be in Orlando for meetings. Torrey and I are pretty bitter about it. He comes home the evening of her 15th birthday ... which only adds salt to the wound.

With or without him we have plans ... none of which involve me going to see that Bieber kid's movie. Which is totally contrary to Torrey's belief. I have bigger plans ... cleaning out our closet (AGAIN ... I think it will have to become a bi-annual event!) and adding some locks to the front door. Mostly because I discovered these on the camera when I got home ...

The past two weeks have been "Interim Term" in high school. Which basically means for the past two weeks Torrey has been doing fun things. The first week is all about service ... she served at a homeless mission. And loved it. This week has been a little different. On Monday she went on a walking tour of downtown Houston ... didn't love so much. Last night she went to see Billy Elliott on Houston's version of Broadway. Loved.

Tonight she was headed to see the Blue Man Group. They have to dress up a bit ... tonight was more casual. Dean snapped these for me ... mostly because I haven't really seen her since Monday night since she has been out late.

And, seeing these kind of made me cringe. And, not just because I posted a picture of my girl standing in front of a huge empty wall that needs to be repainted.

No ... I cringed because cuteness is growing up. When did this happen? And how? And who gave permission?

But, I've got no time to sleuth out the answers ... I've got to go add to our lock situation. I've got a feeling we are going to be needing them soon!

43 Things about Tracy...

2011-02-12T09:34:00.002-06:00

As is my annual tradition, each year on February 12^th, the 12^th of February, I “hack” Tracy’s blog to post a birthday wish. Today, 43 things about Tracy...

She loves and trusts God. She loves me. She loves Torrey. She never talks bad about me to her friends. She’s a GREAT Teacher. She likes a good nap. She picks a lane and stays there. She protects Sophie. She makes me laugh. She is a book worm. She does a terrific Barney Fife impression. She is smart. She pours a mean Diet Coke. Jesus wants her to be happy. She doesn't like talking on the phone. She hates the smell of fish. She is a blog stalker. She’s addicted to Starbucks, lemon heads and Angry Birds. She has an unusual attraction to frosting. She’s craftsy. She likes to be home. She always takes the smallest slice. She can always tell when people are full of it. She wishes we got an electric blanket 18 years ago. She is Ben’s birthday buddy. She loves the beach. Easter is her favorite Holiday. She sorts in piles. She has 383 emails in her inbox. She proofreads all my important emails. She doesn’t like change but is always willing to breathe through it. She colors inside the lines. She is shy. She makes delicious rolls. She doesn’t like cold weather. She cries on the last day of school. She is already planning her (Torrey’s) wedding. She knows a touchdown is worth 6 points. She is sweet to her friends. She is a “little” competitive. She was there when I caught my first firefly. She changed my life for the better when she said, “Where’d you get that?” and then said “Yes.” She is 29 (again) today!

Happy Birthday, Tracy! Torrey and I both love you very much!

Dean

I Am Aware ...

2011-01-25T21:18:00.000-06:00

It is Tuesday. Which means I SHOULD be posting my Project Life Week 3 post.

Please notice the word SHOULD. Because tonight I can not.

Before you panic ... the pictures are taken. I have carefully kept track of what happened and what I want to say. I will be ready to post tomorrow.

But tonight ... oh tonight, I just can't. Someone has a fever. Someone taught Kindergarten today with a fever. Someone should not have gone to school today with a fever. Someone is going to school tomorrow with a fever.

And, I know I shouldn't ... but, it is the 100th day of school and my little peeps are coming to school dressed like they are 100 years old. Oh for the cuteness ... I will not miss it for all the world.

I realized I should not have come to school today when (firstly) a mom said to me "I love you. Let me start with that. But, you look terrible. Go home. I'll take your class." and (secondly) when the making of the Fruit Loop necklaces nearly did me in. For the love ... 18 Kindergartners simultaneously making Fruit Loop necklaces with 100 Fruit Loops. ("Can I eat one?" "I need help." "My needle came out of the string" "Can I eat just one?" "I need help." "I have to make a pattern?" "When will I get to eat this thing?" "I need help." "Did you know I LOVE Fruit Loops?" "PLEASE CAN I EAT ONE?!!") It would have been easier to herd cats. All I'm sayin'.

So, tomorrow. I'll post the pictures tomorrow. Even if I have to do it in a fevered state.

Project Life ... Week Three

2011-01-25T19:53:00.003-06:00

Oh, yes peeps, I have made it to week #3 ... and, yes I am aware that several of you are shocked. Whatever.

Another one bites the dust. This time it was the washing machine. Totally over things breaking. Big things breaking. Praying this week is break-free ... our wallet and psyche can't take much more!

Martin Luther King's Birthday. I spent the day at school with my Kinderfriends. Part of our day was spent doing a service project. We packed 21 boxes for a platoon of Marines serving in Afghanistan. Sent with the love and prayers of 72 Kindergartners. Doesn't get much sweeter than that!

We don't do Teacher Appreciation Week at my school. Instead, families take turns blessing teachers for the week. We never know whose turn it is or what week they have or even if it is a week someone will bless us ... surprises just arrive. These lovelies arrived for me today ... and instantly brightened my day!

We heard about the Texas sky before we moved here. Words and pictures can't begin to describe its beauty. Tonight I stepped out into the backyard and couldn't get over the beauty of the night sky. Gorgeous!

Dean's 43rd birthday. We went to dinner at Outback ... much to Torrey and Dean's joy. Our lives feel out of control busy right now ... between school, work, volleyball practice, this day alone was crazy. It was sweet to stop and breathe and celebrate Dean ... if even for just a bit.

Torrey wrote this card to Dean. She called it "The. Best. Card. Ever." and made me take a picture of it. I do believe it was the best card ever. Because she meant every word.

The moon is full. Which would explain a lot. Since becoming a teacher, full moons have taken on a new meaning. And that meaning is not good.

There you have it ... week #3. And to week #4 I say, "Bring it!"

44 Things About Dean

2011-01-20T21:10:00.000-06:00

He loves God. He loves me. He loves Torrey. He takes great care of his mom. He works hard. He accomplishes more by 6 in the morning than most do all day. He drives fast. He doesn't honk his horn anymore when he drives. He loves his dogs. He is funny. He doesn't love to read. He is a New England Patriots fan ... even when they stink. He is smart. He is politically savvy. He is willing to sit through a Justin Bieber concert ... because he loves his girl. The thought of walking Torrey down the aisle makes him cry. He doesn't like roller coasters. He won't eat cherries. He tries to like coffee. He brings me coffee at school and always gets it right. He gets up early, not because he has to, but to help me in the morning. He always loads my car in the morning. He goes to the beach because Torrey and I love it. He makes me laugh. He loves to worship. He knows all the words to most hymns ... all 4 stanzas! He can play the guitar. He doesn't like clutter. He is quiet. He thinks before he speaks. He doesn't like to have more than 5 things in his email inbox. He talks about writing a book. He will do anything for Torrey. He is the loudest cheerer at Torrey's volleyball games. He doesn't like to see us sad. He can fix things ... garbage disposals and wagons. He reads my blog and smiles when he does. He is teaching Torrey to drive. He can recite most lines from any MASH episode. He can speak well in front of a crowd. He doesn't forget names. He dreams of visiting Italy. He changed my life for the better when he asked me to marry him. He is 44 today!

Happy Birthday, Dean ... praying your 44th year is full of good things! Torrey and I both love you so much!

Project Life 2011 ... Week Two

2011-01-18T20:14:00.000-06:00

Week two. I actually made it to week two. Look at me go. And, please know that I am totally patting myself on the back and giving myself fireworks claps ... it is how I tick.

I am posting this over at Jessica's blog ... her blog totally made me believe I could actually do this. I do not know her in real life ... which is probably a good thing. Since I stalk her and all. I am supposed to put the Project Life button on my blog or on my post ... if Jessica and I were real life friends she would know that I am technologically challenged. I figured she would forgive me for a week or two while I tried to figure it out.

So ... here we go ... this is what we did this week. Please contain your excitement!

Rainy. Gloomy. Cold. Totally describes the weather today ... and my mood. Not sure the reason for my foul mood, but it has lingered and lingered and lingered today. Praying for the sun tomorrow ... both outside and in me!

Family dinner. Moments to come together. Moments to laugh. Moments to reconnect. Moments to talk about our day. Seems like not long enough moments, but these days I'll take whatever moments I can get. Gram is home. Our family is complete.

It. Is. Freezing. When we left the house it was 31 degrees this morning. It warmed up some, but not much. I was so happy when Dean turned on the fireplace tonight. The family room was cozy, cozy, cozy. Perhaps another one tomorrow night ... it is supposed to be even colder tomorrow!

We got new furniture in October. I love it all, but I am especially in love with my paisley chair. Seems I am not the only one who loves the paisley chair. Zack is in love with it too. Which explains why my beautiful paisley chair is covered in towels. Dern dog!

She is a playa' ... a volleyball playa' that is! Torrey played on her school's 9th grade team this year and fell in love with the game. She is now doing club volleyball, but is only on the practice team (her choice). She goes to practice two nights a week from 7:30-9:30. Yes. AT NIGHT! She always comes out with a smile on her face ... and utterly exhausted.

We made it to the weekend. Wahoo! There were a few moments when I wondered if we would ... some weeks are just long like that. But, here we are ... at the beginning of the weekend. A weekend that will go too fast ... but, don't they all?

The guest room closet. Gag. I couldn't really get in there too well to truly do it justice ... this snippet is enough. I spent hours in here today and ended up with a plastic tub (plus some!) for a garage sale and a black trash bag (plus some!) for the garbage ... and a cleaner, more organized closet. My goal is to purge this room by January 31st ... so I can move on to something even grosser. The craft room. Give me strength

To Dream, To Serve and To Rubberband

2011-01-17T19:46:00.001-06:00

Today our country celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday (or King Luther's birthday as my class came to call him). MOST schools had the day off ... due the fact that it is a national holiday.

Notice I said MOST ... we had school. I will not grumble about it on May 20th ... but, I did grumble about it today.

However, if we hadn't had school, we wouldn't have had a really cool day of service. Each grade level did something to serve ... that is what has become Dr. King's legacy. The fact that each of us has the opportunity to serve.

Kindergarten packed boxes for troops serving in Afghanistan. We THOUGHT we would have enough to pack 12 boxes.

Clearly our cup runneth over ... because we were able to pack more than 12 boxes.

We were able to pack 21 boxes for a platoon of Marines. One of the Marines is the uncle of one of my students. We pray for him every day. And I do mean every day. Can't wait to hear what they think when they get them ... pray they know that they are loved and appreciated.

This may look like an ordinary rubberband to you. Today it took on more significance in my classroom. Half of my students got rubberbands this morning. They were treated like royalty. They got to sit in the coveted front row during calendar, got to get drinks, got stickers, and got to line up first for lunch. My non-rubberband wearing friends were not feeling the rubberband love. There was close to a mutiny in my classroom ... until the afternoon when friends with rubberbands had to give rubberbands to friends without. And then it was done all over again.

A lesson was learned. I promise you it was not learned without complaining. And there were declarations of "just wait until my mother hears about this!" Hopefully it will be a lesson they carry in their hearts and live as they deal with others who may not look or act just like them. My prayer is that they would love as Jesus loved ... color blind.

This Just In ...

2011-01-15T12:29:00.000-06:00

I realize there are several days I haven't blogged about. Some days I thought I never would ... only because I am a bit crazy and didn't want everything to be out of order. But, then I discovered the little "post options" button at the bottom of my posting page and realized I could back date.

Insert singing here.

So, I have gone back and done some Thanksgiving posts here and here and the start of our Christmas fun here.

Happy reading ... a bit late!

Trying

2011-01-13T21:21:00.000-06:00

I am TRYING to update my blog daily. It is harder than it seems. Because some days nothing funny happens to me ... and we all know I am all about the funny.

It has been freezing in Texas. And we all know I don't do cold. Dean has been wanting an electric blanket for a very long time and I refused ... about two weeks ago he brought one home. To "try". The other night I told him I was glad he finally got me the electric blanket I had been asking for. HA! It is my new BFF. And the reason I no longer want to get out of bed in the morning.

School is good. Work is good. Life is good. Things seems to be smooth ... for now. Torrey brought home her paperwork to register for next year's classes. She wrote down 3 honors classes and I wrote down one AP class. We may or may not be BFF's next year.

And, lastly, one of my Kinderfriends announced they wrote their name very small on their paper (insert evil Kindergarten laugh here) ... I was quick to say that was OK I would use my "teacher eye" to see it (insert evil Kindergarten teacher laugh here). A different Kinderfriend was quick to say "your teacher eye sure does come in handy!"

If only they knew.

Project Life 2011

2011-01-11T06:00:00.001-06:00

For my birthday last year, Jennifer and Ryan gave me a Project Life album. Basically you take a picture a day. For 365 days.

I have tried not to think of January 1, 2011 at all since then. Because I knew I would have to actually start the album on that day. And we all know what a success my last attempt at such a project was. I may have gotten to January 18th. Oh, I kid. I am totally padding my number ... it was more like January 10th. Yay me.

But, it is a new year. And a new start. And a new album. Which I will finish ... even though Dean and Torrey are taking bets on how long I will last. I have already passed Dean's date and when I took a picture tonight I passed Torrey's. Take that.

Here's how it will work. I am taking one picture a day, but I am not posting them every day. Clearly my downfall the last time ... at least that is my story! On Tuesdays I will post the previous week's pictures. For all to enjoy.

So, without further ado I give you Project Life 2011 ... The Townsend Edition.

Seems like everything is breaking around here. Dern. Hot water heater. Direct TV is messed up. Garbage disposal. Garage doors. Enough already. Dean googled (or YouTubed) how to fix the garbage disposal and he replaced it himself. Rock Star.

Torrey used Christmas money to get a new watch. In Justin Bieber's color. Which makes me smile ... because purple was Donny Osmond's color too.

I was heading into the house when they caught my eye. Crepe Myrtle buds past their prime. By about 6 months. Ugly? Oh, yes. But this verse ran through my mind "and provide for those who grieve in Zion - to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning and a garment of praise instead of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor." (Isaiah 61:3) I know that from the ugliness of buds that are dead will come beauty. And gladness. And praise. Let it be so with my life, Lord. Let it be so.

Back to school. Back to early mornings. Back to struggling to get it all done. Back to funny things my kiddos do and say. Back to the grind. This is the hardest "leg" of the year - a straight shot to Spring Break without one day off. I struggled this morning with the fact that Torrey is halfway through ninth grade - tick tock tick tock. Stop the clock already!

May 12, 2010. The day Torrey got her braces off. Best day ever! Today we had a "retainer check" at 5:15. At 5:40 (after staring at a sign that said "we value your time blah blah blah") she was finally seen - and out in minutes with a good report. She always wears her retainer ... because her cousin is on round 2 of braces and she only wants to have to wear them once. And, yes, we thank him often!

She is darlin'. And I do mean darlin'. Sweet little thing had double knee surgery in November. She is still a bit gimpy, but we are seeing progress. She hasn't been cleared to jump or run, but she is trying to do both. As well as she is feeling, she still ~~demands~~ wants to be pampered. But that really isn't anything new!

2011 is the year of Tracy's iPad. Dean was the original owner, but he made the comment that what he really wanted was an iPod touch ... which I had. He agreed to a trade and I was quick to say "no tradesies backsies" and I haven't looked back since. It is definitely a good thing!

It was time. Actually it was long past time. I was in desperate need of a haircut and today was the day. And I love it. And weigh about 10 lbs. lighter!

You Never Know What Will Happen

2011-01-10T19:21:00.002-06:00

When you send your dogs out into the back yard at night. Most nights it is "ho-hum" same as always. That was not to be the case tonight.

We heard Zackie barking and sent Torrey to ~~GET~~ let them in (both dogs were out). She went out the door and was back in within seconds. BECAUSE THERE WAS A RACCOON ON THE FENCE!!

Please take a moment to imagine the freaking out that ensued. By me. Because my babies were in the backyard with a raccoon. Who surely had rabies. Because don't all raccoons have rabies?

When Dean and I went out there was no raccoon to be seen. Zackie was feeling pretty good about his raccoon hunting skills. Zoey wasn't too sure about the whole thing. I was breathing easier once they were inside rabies free.

Dean questioned Torrey about the raccoon and his location. Then she said it.

Maybe it was a cat.

Never a dull moment in our rabies free house!

It Had to Happen

2011-01-09T20:52:00.001-06:00

It is January 9th and we are FINALLY getting Christmas completely packed up. I would like to say that we ALWAYS have it packed away by the 1st, but not this year. Perhaps it is because our Christmas was so fantastic and we didn't want it to end. Yeah. Let's go with that. Because we all know the real reason it took us this long.

That's right. I am blaming my BFF. Procrastination.

Anywho, most things have been packed away for over a week. Just the tree ... the bare tree ... sat in the middle of the family room mocking us. Dean decided he was going to have me help him carry it into the garage still fully up.

I will pause while you laugh.

Because clearly I am not the only one who sees the crazy in that plan. The tree is 9 feet tall. And I am a weakling. No matter how you do the math you come up with impossible as the answer.

And then the Frontgate catalog came in the mail. They have Christmas tree bags that are ingenious. When you look in the catalog they show perfectly cone-like bags that are "full" of a Christmas tree. The bag became plan B.

First of all, getting that tree IN the bag involved blood, sweat and tears. And three people. And it became clear that the perfect cone-like bag is NOT full of a Christmas tree in the magazine, because ours is anything BUT perfectly cone-like.

And, thankfully none of the neighbors were around as we dragged it out of the house and into my garage. Because they would have known that we really are six degrees of crazy!

Red Rover, Red Rover ... Send Tracy Right Over!

2011-01-03T19:52:00.000-06:00

I told myself I would post EVERY day in 2011. And then 2011 hit ... and, here I am for the first time this year. On January 3rd. How am I doing?

Our Christmas season has been fantastic. One of the best. Seriously. I have pondered and pondered and pondered this sweetest of seasons ... and only one word can describe what my heart is feeling ...

... from the tip of my toes to the top of my head, sheer joy. So much to tell. So much to share. So much to remember. So. Many. Pictures.

But, tonight you will have to wait. Because school is back in session tomorrow and I have a few things I want to work on tonight.

But, tomorrow night I will be back and I will share ... so rest well and start brewing some coffee. You are going to need it!

Monday of Christmas Vacation

2010-12-20T15:14:00.000-06:00

We finally got to my parents late afternoon on Saturday ... we actually made it in time for dinner. We were supposed to have a family dinner, but Carly was really sick, so the McGregor's couldn't come (Jen and Carly did sneak over for a bit later that night) On Sunday, Dean dropped Torrey off to spend the night with Gretchen ... still BFF's after all these years! We rested and relaxed ... and basically did nothing.

On Monday we started our day with a girls shopping trip. We started at, where else? Target. Mostly because the Starbucks is oh so convenient!

The "girls" who made the girls shopping trip so much fun ... Jen, Mavis and Mom-to-you.

We knew Zackie would be fine at my parents ... he likes people. Zoey, on the other hand, we knew would be skitchy. She likes her family. Period. And, there was no amount of convincing her that Grammy and Papoo were her family too. She spent a lot of time sitting on Dean's lap ... I do mean a lot of time. On Monday night, Zack was up there first ... and those of us who know Zoey, knew it wouldn't be long before she made her way up there too!

Monday night also marked the lunar eclipse ... the last time it was seen was ... well, a long time ago.

I will admit right now that I did not take these pictures ... one had to be up in the middle of the night to take these pictures. Jennifer and Ryan did the honors. They had gone to Epcot earlier in the day and picked up Torrey from Gretchen, which meant ...

that she was up at o'dark thirty with the McGregor family to see the eclipse. Not sure being a McGregor was what she thought it would be that night!

More fun to come!

Getting There is Half the Fun

2010-12-17T20:12:00.001-06:00

Last year, right at Christmas I called my parents and said we would come for Christmas if we could bring the dogs. They agreed rather quickly. Which surprised me. Because I was only kidding about the dogs, but I wasn't kidding about coming for Christmas.

Fast forward to November and Zoey having knee surgery. We were nervous about boarding her. And then we found out the boarding place would have to move them to a downstairs room for almost double what it costs for an upstairs room. They tried to sell it to us because they would have a TV in their room.

Clearly the girl on the phone forgot we were talking about DOGS. Who don't watch TV. Good grief.

We made the decision to bring them with us. And were shocked at how great they did.

They stayed in Zack's crate and slept most of the way. Happy as larks.

Surprisingly, the only one who asked "are we almost there yet" was ... um, me.

Bah Humbug ... No More!

2010-12-09T23:50:00.000-06:00

Today started out hard. And early. At 5:00 this morning, I discovered a smallish water spill in our half bathroom. That would be the one with the hardwood floors. It didn't take me but a few seconds to realize that said water spill wasn't from the cats spilling a glass of water (seriously thought in my head that perhaps they had CARRIED a glass in the bathroom and dropped it ... perhaps 5:00 is too early for me to get up in the morning!)but rather from a drip drip drip COMING FROM THE CEILING!

I may or may not have been more concerned about the floors than I was about the water coming from the ceiling.

Of course I was more concerned about the floors. Hardwood floors people!

Anyways, it was discovered that one of the hot water tanks (in the attic ... only in Texas) was not installed properly and sadly, we needed a new hot water heater.

Ya'll we just had double knee surgery on the dog ... and unfortunately she wasn't covered under Obamacare. Some days you just want to scream. And, today was my day.

But, it gets better, because in October we got tickets to go see our Church's Christmas program. For tonight. And while I had been looking forward to the program at 4:59 this morning, suddenly I wasn't feeling too Christmasy.

But we went. And we were grouchy. Dean may or may not have tried to figure out when I would be going through menopause ... he learned quickly that some things are better to NOT try to figure out. If you want to live in peace and harmony and all.

So there we sat ... and it didn't take long to remember that Christmas is really all about Jesus. Slowly we forgot about new water heaters, and shananigans at school, and all the things that have to be finished before next Friday ... the menopause thing might take a little longer!

It was beautiful. And full of all things Christmas. And full of Jesus. And I loved it. And took pictures ... without a flash. They are terrible, but I must share. Mostly so I will remember .... because Dean has already told me next year he is hiding the camera!

Santa rode in on a sleigh ... and I waved. Because I know I am on the "Nice List". Santa was hilarious. But, then you knew he would be ... being jolly and all.

The Worship Center was full of angels. Some were on rolling riding things and some came in on stilts and at the same moment they popped out their wings when they were worshipping baby Jesus ... do you see Him?

The shepherds came to worship baby Jesus ... along with their sheep and goats. Who knew baby goats were so cute?!

And then the wise men made their grand entrance. And grand it was! The last king comes in a procession that included an elephant.

An actual full grown elephant. In the Worship Center. And while he is walking around the Worship Center, the choir is singing "Do You See What I See?" And I had goose bumps. And couldn't look away.

Because think about it ... God created that massive wrinkly beast. And He saw that it was good. Don't you think given a chance an elephant would have worshipped Jesus? I do.

And, just so you know ... we were sitting on the front row and that huge elephant walked RIGHT BY ME! And it took my breath away. And then my breath came back. And I wished it didn't ... because clearly he doesn't bathe every day.

The evening ended with "The Hallelujah Chorus" ... and know who was first on her feet? A severely handicapped girl in a wheel chair. Oh, she didn't actually stand on her feet, but she had her hands in the air and she threw her head back ... worshipping her heavenly Father who created her perfect in His eyes. He saw her worship and her praise ... and it was good.

She sat in front of us last year and brought me to tears. I waited. And watched. And cried. Because she knows the true meaning of Christmas ... Jesus.

And I Smiled

2010-12-08T20:46:00.000-06:00

Sometimes something arrives on your phone that just makes you smile. Tonight was one of those times. My sister sent me this ...

And I was in love. With my girl. With my sister. With Christmas. With it all.

Sometimes it really is the simple things.

Procrastination is My Middle Name

2010-12-08T20:14:00.000-06:00

So, the girls I work with think I am organized. I just grin and nod my head ... as if to say, "of course I am organized".

Truth is, I am anything BUT organized. Dean could write post after post after post of how unorganized I am. But he won't. Because he is nice like that.

Some days I think I can blame my being unorganized on being busy. Maybe that is a legitimate excuse. Some days I could blame it on a case of adult onset A.D.D. - oooh! Look over there! Something shiny! Some days I could blame it on trying to take care of everyone else first.

Some days any one of those excuses might work. But here is the truth ... none of those things are the truth. Because we are about a week from a big trip, and I have a self assessment to finish, and lesson plans for next week to finish, and 80 ornaments to turn into snowmen, and presents to wrap, and ... and ... and ...

You get the picture?

So, with all of that looming in my NEAR future, what am I doing right now? Right this very second? Loading songs into itunes.

I am not kidding. Perhaps my FIRST name should be procrastination!

Freezing ... But Not in My Heart

2010-12-07T21:02:00.001-06:00

It was freezing in Houston today. But, then it was freezing in most of the country today. I do not like the cold. At all. Which is why I live in Texas. I can do temperatures in the 115's in the summer, but give me temperatures in the 30's in the winter and I begin to fall apart.

But, not today kids. Not today. Know why? Because today my heart has been here ... remembering one glorious day this summer.

There was an oil spill in the gulf, but this day on Anna Maria Island was perfectly perfect. And, this picture ... perfectly perfect. Soon not only my heart will be here, but my whole body will be here too. And I can't wait!

Headed to the Funny Farm

2010-12-06T21:48:00.000-06:00

I'm about to have a nervous breakdown ... and I am not kidding.

And it isn't because I found out today that my self evaluation is due on December 17th. If you didn't know, doing a self evaluation is sort of similar to giving yourself a root canal without novocaine. Please know that I did not jump up and down with joy. At all.

No, my nervous breakdown tonight is being induced by a calendar we received via email today. It would be Torrey's college guidance calendar. Help me Rhonda.

Seems "we" have to take a SAT subject test for Biology because she is taking honors Biology. Um, what is that? There is more on the list ... I tried to read it, but all I could hear in my head was Charlie Brown's teacher.

Somehow I think we aren't going to be able to stop this clock. And the ticking is getting louder.

Do you think if I pre-pay for a nervous breakdown they would give me a discount?

We Are Alive!

2010-12-05T23:31:00.000-06:00

I have no excuse for not posting on the blog. I really thought that I would post daily in December ... well, here it is the 5th and it is the first time I have ventured back in a month. And not because we haven't done fun things ... we have. And not because I haven't had any funny stories to tell ... I do. And not because I haven't tried a new thing or two ... I have tried more than two new things. I'm not real sure where we have been or why we have been MIA.

But, peeps ... WE ARE BACK! Yay for you!

And, I thought I would tell you a funny story or two. Or three. BUT ... the sickness hit our house this weekend. I knew I was getting sick on Friday afternoon. By the time I got home I was feverish and full on sick with a cold. I went to bed at 4:30. In the afternoon. I am not kidding.

Saturday wasn't much better. I rested in the afternoon, but when I woke up I was in misery. Dean gave me some Nyquil ... which caused me to instantly go into a Nyquil induced coma. But, Sunday came and I was really feeling MUCH better.

But, now it is Sunday night and tomorrow (and Tuesday and Wednesday) I will be at a conference which means I had to get everything ready for a sub. Which means you will have to wait until tomorrow to hear about our fun.

Or, perhaps you will be waiting until January!

Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T11:42:00.001-06:00

We spent Thanksgiving at Mike and Jess' in Bryan. It was our first trip "to the country" to see their new home. Left feeling a bit jealous ... we often wish we didn't live in such a big city. Linda and Paul were there (of course!) as well as Debbie and Mike, who were visiting for the week. We ate until we were stuffed. Laughed until our cheeks hurt. And drank up the yumminess of the three littles ... because they are scrumptious!

Linda was put in charge of making the stuffing. She was a bit worried at first, but she pulled it off deliciously!

While cooking was going on downstairs, football was going on upstairs ... I think everyone was happy with the outcomes.

Ellie was trying to figure out how to sneak Uncle Mike's dog from him. Unfortunately for her, Angel is not up for grabs. And, yes she is wearing angel wings. Because we all know about the angel who was at the first Thanksgiving!

Great Gram and her Ellie girl.

She is loved ... and always up for a snuggle!

Not the first picture of these two ... and I daresay it won't be the last. A-dor-a-ble. The both of them!

Speaking of a-dor-a-ble ... this one. Oh for the yumminess. Not even kidding. And, to see her in motion ... humming as she is always going and going and going. Oh. My. Word.

At this point there was much hoopla going on in the kitchen ... and these two were posing for pictures.

Oh, sure, he might try to say he was keeping the kids out from under foot ... more like stirring them up.

If you are looking for a kid to snitch, Austin isn't it. That is because I fully intend to snitch him at the first possible chance ... and I don't want someone to get the chance before me!

Love all the sweet memories we have had with Dean's mom ... so many holidays, but more than that, so many ordinary days. Don't know what we did to ever deserve such a blessing, but so glad we did it!

Paul was given one job to do ... drinks. We gave him the hardest time about his job ... or his lack of doing it. Next time he may give "drinks" to Dean and be in charge of stirring up the kids!

Suzie enjoying some sweet potato casserole with Auntie Debbie ... well, actually the marshmallow from the top. We all know food tastes so much better when it comes from someone else's plate ... or directly from the casserole pan!

Everything was delicious! Jess out did herself ... and, I did get pictures of Jess, but her eyes were closed in most of them and I fully intend to be invited back next year, so I didn't include any of those in the blog!

Here is reason why we will probably never have a hammock in our back yard ... because I am not ready to cash in life insurance just yet.

Torrey showing how it is done! Thanks Mike and Jess for the funnest and most delicious of days!

Making of the Mayflower

2010-11-25T11:02:00.001-06:00

On the days leading up to Thanksgiving I found this while cruising crafty blogs. And I knew. I knew I HAD to make them.

As we all know I totally embrace my love of procrastination ... which meant the day before Thanksgiving found me making boats.

And, let me just be the first to say ... I was instantly in love. Because they are darlin'. Absolutely darlin'.

Once they were done I filled them with candy corn ... because I happen to know three littles who love candy corn as much as Zack! But, if I had planned ahead I would have gotten autumn colored M&M's ... but by the time I decided to whip these up, candy corn were all I could find. Note to self ... procrastination is really not your Best Friend!

And, here they are completed and in their new home ... between snowman guards. They were loved ... but, I think mostly for the candy corn!

If you are planning to make these, I think it called for so many yards of brown felt ... um, don't go crazy. You don't need that much ... I am now sitting on enough felt to make a fleet of Mayflowers! Which means if you are related to me and feel you need a Mayflower (or two or three), let me know ... goodness knows I've got the felt!

Freeze Frenzy

2010-11-03T20:40:00.000-05:00

My tale begins with the fact that Dean is out of town.

And, right away you know that my tale isn't just a tale. It is a sad tale. Because whenever he is out of town something happens. And, usually that something is terrible.

Tonight would be no exception.

My night started out good ... I watched election returns. And danced. And danced. And danced. It was a good night in America.

I headed off to bed at 10:30. Tired would be an understatement. I got to our bedroom door and stopped ... there was a strange noise.

Um, remember, Dean is out of town. I knew instantly that whatever was making that noise was not going to be good.

Let's just say that our freezer has an alarm on it. Let's also just say that said freezer alarm had apparently been going off for awhile. For quite awhile.

And, I did what I usually do when something bad happens and Dean is out of town. I called Dean. He told me he would clean out the freezer when he got home ... on Thursday.

Well, there was a soupy mess of berry juice in the bottom of the freezer that would become a soupy, frozen mess of berry juice if we waited until Thursday. So, I stopped whining (sort of) and cleaned out the freezer.

I am proud to say I only cried once. When I threw out the melted container of Blue Bell peppermint ice cream.

There is a happy ending to this story ... Dean doesn't travel again until after Christmas. Which means all major appliances are safe until then!

I Voted ... Did You?

2010-11-02T20:59:00.001-05:00

Torrey and I booked it out of school so that I could vote. I know I could have voted early ... but, there is just something about voting on the second Tuesday in the month of November.

There was quite the line ... which was frustrating and exciting all rolled into one. I love seeing people exercising their right to vote ... our country was 80 years old before all men were given the right to vote and 130 years old before women were allowed to vote. You better believe I am going to make my voice heard.

And, just in case you think your one little vote doesn't matter, remember 210. 210 was the number of votes that decided our president in the 2000 election. Well, 209 ... because the deciding vote was mine. All mine. You are welcome.

On our walk back to the car a woman asked us if we voted. We said we did. And then she told me that she just found out today that she is a Republican and that all these years she has been voting wrong. She said she had to call her niece and tell her she wasn't really a Democrat after all. HA!

Tonight I am watching to see what our country is going to do ... we are on the verge of taking our country back. And that is exciting. A month from now, or a year or two years our country could look completely different ... praying that we return to being a country who is not afraid to rely on God's help to become great.

Bieber Fever

2010-11-01T20:29:00.002-05:00

Last Monday, Dean and Torrey headed to Los Angeles for an adventure of epic proportions. Dean had scored tickets for the Justin Bieber concert at Staples center. There was a convertible involved. And an In-N-Out burger. And a trip to see the stars on the sidewalk.

And, I was home. My choice. I thought it would be fine. And then the pictures starting rolling in to my phone. And all I wanted to be was where they were. But, you know what? I wouldn't have gone even now knowing how fantastic their fun was. Because the best part of the trip was just the two of them ... together.

Oh, but there were pictures ... because if I wasn't going, Dean WAS taking the camera. And, I was so glad I made him take the good camera! Let the fun begin ...

Dean couldn't resist a picture of Torrey in the convertible. They both loved it ... and she is now begging him to get a convertible. When she got in his car at the airport she said, "Daddy, your car is lame." Ha!

They watched a TV show being made ... NCIS Los Angeles. No sign of Chris O'Donnell or L.L. Cool J. Maybe next time.

Lunch at In-N-Out burger. They did not become fans. For the record, they say Five Guys is MUCH better.

And then they drove to the Griffith Observatory for a view of the Hollywood sign and amazing views of Los Angeles.

I loved this picture the minute I saw it. She is fixing her hair. Her clothes are comfy for an early morning plane ride. But the smile ... that is the smile I see on her face when she makes it to my classroom at the end of the day. Happy to see me. And, that is why this picture will forever make me smile. Because it is just my Torrey.

Oh, and this one? It makes me smile, too. Because he is mine as well. And, I know how much this trip meant to him.

Our "star" checking out the stars. Dean said there were soooo many it was hard to find ones that you knew.

An oldie but a goodie!

And, then it was time to head to ...

Now, let's stop here to say that this was 2 hours BEFORE they opened the doors. They didn't eat dinner ... because someone was afraid that they would be late. So, Dean stood outside waiting to get inside and get something for dinner.

Also, when the tickets came in the mail they were accompanied with a parking pass. Dean made the decision to drive instead of walk. When they got there, they found out that they didn't have to wait out front with the throngs of screaming girls, but instead could go to VIP doors.

Dean texted me about 30 minutes before the doors were supposed to open to tell me it was a madhouse out front but they were waiting at their VIP doors with about 15 people. He was pretty pleased with himself.

Um, the joy didn't last long ...

Can you find Torrey in the throng? Her hair is pulled back just a little. This was minutes after some crazy girl in the crowd insisted she saw Justin Bieber inside and a near riot broke out!

But, soon all was right with the world because they were in their seats and dinner was served. Torrey changed her shirt and texted a message to JB and it flashed up on the screen ... several times.

And then she plopped herself on the ledge and waiting for the show to begin. Dean had no idea what kind of tickets he had gotten (for free ... remember?) ... but, they were in a suite with 8 other people. Big comfy chairs. Some guy coming around with desserts. Perfect view of the stage. Dean was in Nirvana. It made the night even more special.

Torrey texted me this picture. I texted her back asking if it was a hamster ball. Um, no. It was how JB made it to the stage ...

tada! Let the show begin!

Torrey was already a fan ... but, by the end of the night she had converted her dad too! He was impressed with how talented he was ... and, perhaps a bit surprised too. I guess he was more than a pretty face!

I daresay of all the sweet memories Dean and Torrey made, this one will be the one Dean carries in his heart forever ... his girl. Joy. Anticipation. Just the two of them.

We are painfully aware that there is a clock ticking. The ticking is getting louder and soon she will be off ... but these moments, these memories seem to slow down the clock just a bit. And we will take them ... even if they are just for a night!

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T20:48:00.002-05:00

This was a weird Halloween for us. It was the first Halloween that Torrey wasn't going door to door asking strangers for candy. And, then coming home and hearing the lecture of never taking candy from strangers. I guess it really is a weird tradition. And, don't even get me started on the tooth fairy!

It was a quiet night for us. We don't usually get trick or treaters ... living on a street with 5 houses will do that. So will keeping your lights off. Honesty is a good thing.

Dean was watching the football game. I was in the kitchen messing around getting ready for school and Dalila (who keeps the house clean for us ... she is a necessity ... trust me!) when there was a commotion going on behind the sofa. I thought it was the dogs messing around.

Um, it was one dog messing around.

Sure ... he looks innocent enough. But, if you have ever met Zack, you know that he is a dog who is full of himself. It is a good thing he is cute ... because if he wasn't he would be back where he came from by now! (It is also good for him that Dean looooves him ... he knows he can do whatever shananigan and he will be safe!)

Well, this is what he was really after ...

That's right. Crazy dog loves him some candy corn. And, that pumpkin has been moved all over the house and he still spots it. And scratches and waits patiently for a candy corn ... or two ... or three.

And, just so you know ... if you ever give him a candy corn, throw it. He about ate my finger tonight!

So, from our house to yours ... Happy Halloween! Hope it is full of candy corns ... and dogs that make you smile!

Somedays

2010-10-27T18:56:00.000-05:00

I know God has a plan for everything He does. I know.

I know that God's ways are best. I know.

I know that God so desires to be glorified in every part of our lives. I know.

I know that when we can't see His way we just have to trust. I know.

But, then there are days like today. I have a sweet friend in my class whose even sweeter mama is going through chemotherapy for breast cancer. And, that alone I struggle with. But, today he came to school wearing a heart monitor because there is possibly something going on with his heart.

And, even though "I know" ... I don't get it. I absolutely don't get it. Because this family doesn't need this right now. They have enough. Enough.

I don't get it. But, I am going to watch. And pray. And pray. And pray. And I know that I am going to see God glorified. In a big way.

Please pray for my little friend and his family. Pray that the heart thing would be nothing. Pray for complete healing for his mom. Pray for my little friend as he watches him mom walk this journey ... it is not easy to be 5 and suddenly realize that this could not be good. At all. And, pray for his dad ... who is holding it all together. And pray for me ... that I would be who my little friend and his family need me to be this year.

L.A. Baby

2010-10-25T19:02:00.001-05:00

So, I have said it before, but I'll say it again, Torrey likes one Justin Bieber. And, that one Justin Bieber is going to be in concert at Staples Center ... TONIGHT! Well, Dean is an amazing Dad ... and just to prove it he wrangled himself some (free) tickets to the concert tonight. (Working at Staples has MANY perks!)

Which is why our girl skipped school today and spent her day here ...

L.A baby! (Insert theme music from "The Beverly Hillbillies" here.) I was proud of them for stopping for a picture ... I'm sure they were sick of me texting "ARE YOU TAKING PICTURES?!" But, just so you know ... Dean took the good camera with the telephoto lens to appease me. More tomorrow ...