The Playoffs are Starting and I'm Going!!!

I was so afraid I was going to miss the Stars game tomorrow...just forgetting about it until the late afternoon. (I know, just how far have I fallen away?) Well, Sweetie Michael found some tickets on Ebay for a good price and we're GOING!! Michael is from Colorado and this is HIS team, and of course, the Stars are mine. This is going to be so much fun!!! Bring on the Quest. Check out some cool videos from this season here.

Happy Easter

What a lovely 3 day weekend. Michael took Good Friday off and joined me for a day of fun. My cousin, Jill, had her second child and first son, Hunter, on Thursday. Michael and I joined Mom to go see the precious baby boy on Friday.

Then Michael and I went to visit my aunt and grandmother at the Christian Care Center. We found my aunt cutting many of the residents' hair and my grandmother wanting to eat the ice cream sundaes they serve on Fridays. These ice cream sundaes are so delicious! We had a good time visiting with Nana and with her cousin, Louise.

Saturday, Michael and I did major yardwork. Not only did Michael mow, but he got out the chain saw and ax and went after some trees in the yard. I began pulling out weeds and tiny trees, and removing dead leaves or dying plants from the flowerbed. I became VERY sore from this work...still feeling it big time today.

Then Michael and I met with his family (Houston family came up for LTC) at the Olive Garden to eat lunch. They were all dressed up to get their picture made. Then after the families took their pictures, they came over to our house to visit and eat dinner (just Chic-Fil-A). I'll post some of the pictures after I scan them. They are growing so quickly!

A year ago Saturday, Michael asked me to marry him! I can't believe all that has happened since that day. God has blessed me beyond my wildest dreams. Praise Him! Michael and I bought this 9 games in 1 thing. He taught me how to play Chess Saturday night. I can see this becoming an obsession for me. You really have to think!

Easter Sunday, we went to Richardson East for a good worship service. It is so fun to see how dolled up the little kids get for Easter. I met a family that came from New Orleans and place membership at RE. They had a precious little girl that had at least 3 bows in her hair for her 1st Easter. She was adorable!!!

We then went to my bro-in-law's parents house in Plano. We had a fantastic dinner and hunted Easter Eggs. We also had cascarones. I had confetti all over me. The kids had so much fun! We also celebrated Andrew and Ashley's upcoming birthdays. Andrew has a new game system (I'm totally out of date on this, but it's supposedly really cool) and we gave him a gift certificate to buy some games for it. Ashley is into Care Bears and we got her this really cool one that plays a game like 20 questions. Really cool.

It's Time to Take Action

I'm a teacher. Obviously, education is important to me. I come from a family that is not lacking in teachers, coaches, or principals. The future of this country is important to me. I teach in a school where many of my students are illegal or their parents are illegal. I've been monitoring the protest closely. I love these kids and I feel for them, but I'm also a US citizen and can see the damage of having these illegal immigrants here. My brother, Blake, had a blog entry that opened my eyes a little more. Check it out here.

But the thing is, no matter who is in our country, our education system is crumbling. It will soon be an avalanche if it isn't already. Tuesday, on Oprah, Bill and Melinda Gates were showing what the schools have come to. You can check out the contents of the Oprah show here.

Did you know that 1 out of 3 freshmen will not graduate? That might shock you; it doesn't shock me. I teach in a district that has 5 middle schools. My school once had the students that the high school teachers do not want to get. My students have a higher rate of dropping out than those from the other middle schools.

According to schoolmatters.com, my school is labeled as a "fringe off a large urban city school." Yes, my school can be rough. It is definitely rougher than the other middle schools in the district. Is it rougher than the Dallas school my dad teaches at? Maybe, but probably not. We have outstanding adult leaders in my school that give more structure to the students. It may even shock you that my students wear uniforms. That is one of the best things for these students.

But the thing is, even if these kids graduate, their education is still on a low level. They do not have the skills to do much. Whose fault is this? As a teacher, I'm doing the best that I can and my students still are below everyone else in the district. The administrators are excellent. So, it the student? I honestly don't think so. I do feel that family/home life plays a major role.

Bill gates says that we are teaching American students curriculum for them to survive the 1950's, not curriculum to survive the year 2006. You can see his website here. In Texas, I'm not sure if that statement is true. I do see a need for our kids to get into technology more than they are.

So how do we fix this problem? If we're worried about illegal immigrants taking so much money from hospitals and the like, how much more will we fret over all the jobless dropouts that will do the same thing in ten years?

My "solution" is to fix families first. But really, I don't see much change occurring. I think America is about to fade from the limelight. I've often cried over the thought of the life my future kids will live. This just confirms my suspicions of how bad things really are.

It is Important to Believe

This is an article from Reuters that discusses how Jesus walked on the water.

By Jim Loney
MIAMI (Reuters) - The New Testament says that Jesus walked on water, but a Florida university professor believes there could be a less miraculous explanation -- he walked on a floating piece of ice.
Professor Doron Nof also theorized in the early 1990s that Moses's parting of the Red Sea had solid science behind it.
Nof, a professor of oceanography at Florida State University, said on Tuesday that his study found an unusual combination of water and atmospheric conditions in what is now northern Israel could have led to ice formation on the Sea of Galilee.
Nof used records of the Mediterranean Sea's surface temperatures and statistical models to examine the dynamics of the Sea of Galilee, which Israelis know now as Lake Kinneret.
The study found that a period of cooler temperatures in the area between 1,500 and 2,600 years ago could have included the decades in which Jesus lived.
A drop in temperature below freezing could have caused ice thick enough to support a human to form on the surface of the freshwater lake near the western shore, Nof said. It might have been nearly impossible for distant observers to see a piece of floating ice surrounded by water.
Nof said he offered his study -- published in the April edition of the Journal of Paleolimnology -- as a "possible explanation" for Jesus' walk on water.
"If you ask me if I believe someone walked on water, no, I don't," Nof said. "Maybe somebody walked on the ice, I don't know. I believe that something natural was there that explains it."
"We leave to others the question of whether or not our research explains the biblical account."
When he offered his theory 14 years ago that wind and sea conditions could explain the parting of the Red Sea, Nof said he received some hate mail, even though he noted that the idea could support the biblical description of the event.
And as his theory of Jesus' walk on ice began to circulate, he had more hate mail in his e-mail inbox.
"They asked me if I'm going to try next to explain the resurrection," he said.

If we explain everything in the Bible, we will lose our faith. I believe what I read in the Bible without any proof, therefore, I have faith in its words. How dangerous it would be to prove everything in the Bible. I can't figure out this guy. I guess he is a believer...

PS...Anyone else having issues with uploading pictures that past week?

How Rude!

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - A textbook used at schools in the Indian state of Rajasthan compares housewives to donkeys, and suggests the animals make better companions as they complain less and are more loyal to their "masters," The Times of India reported Tuesday.
"A donkey is like a housewife ... In fact, the donkey is a shade better, for while the housewife may sometimes complain and walk off to her parents' home, you'll never catch the donkey being disloyal to his master," the newspaper reported, quoting a Hindi-language primer meant for 14-year-olds.
The book was approved by the state's Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party government but has sparked protests from the party's women's wing.
State education officials in Rajasthan, a western state known for its conservative attitude toward women, said people should not be upset by the comparison, the paper said.
"The comparison was made in good humor," state education official A.R. Khan was quoted as saying. "However, protests have been taken note of and the board is in the process of removing it (the reference)."

Cartoon Time

Michael came up with a funny cartoon (at least I thought it was funny). We put it down on paper. Let us know what you think:

We're Not in Kansas Anymore

I've always feared tornados. I have had nightmares for years that deal with tornados. Sunday night, you know - when it was POURING down rain, I watched the Discovery channel's series on the perfect disasters. The one that dealt with tornados was of course set in Dallas. They called the show SUPER TORNADO and showed what would happen if an F5 (really it was bigger) hit Dallas. Wow. I wish they had shown how the city was going to be prepared, but no - there was no sense of comfort at the end of the show. Most tornados occur around 5:00, aka rush hour, due to the day's warmth. I'm thankful that I now live a few minutes from work. :)

The Dallas Stars

I'm a big Stars fan, but I'm also a big Razor fan. If you know who he is, then you'll probably enjoy his blog. Today he wrote about how many of the Stars drive trucks or SUVs...just kind of describes the team for you.

Randomness

Well, I've been on Spring Break for the past few days. I can't believe it is nearly over. I have been working really, really hard this week and I want to RELAX!

I started my Spring Break on Friday by going out to eat with my fantastic husband, Tim and his fiance. That was really fun. We went to Cabrerra's and had some fantastic food. Michael and I split this trio of chicken....Soooooo good!

Saturday, Michael and I went to see his nephew, Andrew, play soccer. Andrew is five years old and most of his teammates are seven years old. You could see what a couple of years does for an athlete. That was a lot of fun as well.

Then, Saturday night, we went out to eat and then go bowling with some of Michael's co-workers. They are also engaged and they are from South Africa. Absolutely cool accents! They always sound polite. I'm sure us Texans just hurt their ears! I stink at bowling, but Michael did awesome. We found out that they hadn't been to church in a long time (while being in the States) and they didn't feel right, so they also visited us at church Sunday. They enjoyed it and may come back.

Monday, I tried to strip the paint off of some furniture. I also did a bunch of laundry. Michael's family had a family reunion of sorts at Luby's. I know my dad would have enjoyed that gathering. Tuesday, I tried to stain the furniture. I then decided it would be best to paint the furniture. So that's what I did. Wednesday, I put all of the furniture back, organized/decorated the book shelf in the bedroom, hung things on the walls and tried to put up curtains in the kitchen. Michael will have to do that since I've come across all sorts of problems. I also met Michael for lunch in Coppell. Today, I brought in my summer clothes into my closet and organized it into colors of shirts. Let's see how long that last. I have bleached about everything in the house. I have surface-washed the couch, spot-cleaned the carpet, vaccumed, swept, mopped, done more laundry, washed dishes, moved all of my china to a new location, and I need a shower! :) I can't believe how a house gets so dirty when you do your best to be tidy.

Tomorrow, I am going to the movies (Curious George) with Michael's sister, Emily, and her kids. I hope to see my parents too. I haven't asked them if they're available. Then I will be preparing for the end of Spring Break. I dread going back to school. I wish it were summer already!

Poor Edgar!

I am soooooo hooked on the show 24. Monday nights on FOX at 8:00. Last night was a two hour special, which I was very okay with. I am never ready for the show to end after just an hour...it just leaves you hanging. So, if you are aware of the show, but missed the second episode last night because you didn't know they were doing a 2-hour special...here's the gist of it: The key card that was stolen from Lynn (Rudy!) was used to let a man carrying nerve gas into CTU. CTU didn't realize until the gas was being released. They sealed off rooms as quickly as possible, but Edgar did not make it! I CRIED!!

I love the relationship between Chloe and Edgar! Also, Kim was informed that Jack was still alive. I bet the man she is with now is also a terrorist and now he's locked in with all of CTU. I bet as well that Tony is going to kill the terrorist that is being questioned because he was sent to the clinic when the gas was released. When Tony finds out that he had a hand in killing Michelle, its over. Ah! This show is so wonderful and intense!!

1/2 of a Year!!!

Today marks 6 months of marriage for Michael and me. I was in a meeting with my principal and a bunch of teachers when we were talking about what today meant to each of us. I mentioned that I married Michael 6 months ago. Someone said, "Ah, the first year of marriage. I remember wondering if I had made a huge mistake that first year. Anyone else?" A chorus of agreements rang out. I have not felt this at all! Every day, I wake up wondering how come I got so lucky. There have been adjustments, but never did I wonder about my decision. I asked them if I was doomed because I have never doubted this decision or felt ?trapped? in the marriage. I have lived with a number of people (girl roomies and brothers) and I can adjust to anyone. I can honestly say that because I am married to Michael, every aspect of my life has improved. Here are 6 things I admire most about my husband:

1. He never says a negative thing about life, unless it is REALLY bad.

2. I have never seen another male care for his family so much.

3. He works so hard. He's an honest worker and does it correctly and completely.

4. He is able to look at the big picture and let the little things slide right on by.

5. He begins most of his days by asking God to remind him of the opportunities our jobs bring us as Christians.

6. He has the capacity to love so deeply. I am at awe by how he loves me.

Thanks, babe, for a wonderful 6 months!

Lent

Yesterday was Fat Tuesday today is Ash Wednesday and little me was unaware that this was the time to fast from something for 40 days. Now, I'm not Catholic, but I do think focusing on the Lord for 40 days is a splendid thing. I realized this in the early afternoon and had to find something to fast from that I hadn't had so far today. My weakness is ice cream. So, I'm declaring now a fast from ice cream for 40 days. What will you fast from?

Are you the 2,222 reader?

Look at the counter to see if you are the "fortunate" one to be number 2,222. Congratulations, I think.

My Hard Working Husband

I rarely see someone work as hard as Michael works. He has been working fairly late, and brings his work home with him. He worked at home late last night and then got up at 4 AM to do some more work. I bet he'll bring more work home tonight and get up by 5 AM tomorrow. I am so glad he is so determined to be good at what he does; I just wish he could get some rest.

FOUR

Four jobs you have had in your life:

1. Babysitting/Child Care
2. Secretary in HS building
3. Waitressing
4. Teacher

Four movies you would watch over and over:

1. Sound of Music
2. Mighty Ducks
3. Airplane
4. Miracle on Ice

Four places you have lived:

1. Dallas
2. Abilene
3. Rockwall
4. Farmers Branch (I try to block out my time in Plano)

Four TV shows you like to watch:

1. 24
2. Oprah
3. American Idol
4. CSI

Four places you have been on vacation:

1. Colorado
2. Disney World/Land
3. Vermont
4. Vancouver

Four web sites I visit daily:

1. Blogland
2. C-FB ISD
3. Dallas Stars
4. Google's Personalized Page

Four places I would rather be right now:

1. Mom and Dad's as Mom cares for Maddie
2. The Olympics
3. On the couch
4. Movie Theater (Its been a long time since I've been there)

Brrr...It is COLD!!

We realized early Saturday that our heater wasn't working anymore. The fixer-upper guy is coming today, Sunday. That means we sat next to our fireplace all of Saturday and wore tons of clothes to bed last night. Michael even wore a tabogan to bed. It is so very cold. Michael is covering his ears to keep warm in the picture below.

Way to Go Mo!

Mike scores for the USA!

Top Men in My Life

I am following Blake's lead and listing the top men in my life.

1. Michael~ This guy is amazing! I know most don't know him very well yet, but he is top quality. Our ROCK group (9th and 10th grade Bible study group) hostess mentioned Sunday that he is just wonderful. I couldn't agree more. He is sweet everyday, but he goes to great lengths for days like today. His mother and sisters raised him right. God really blessed me with him. Thanks for all that you are, babe. I love you!

2. Dad (Tim)~ Excellent example on how to be a man. I've never seen him really upset but yet I have/had a healthy fear to never wrong him as a child of his. He always tells us how proud of us he is. I never want to disappoint him. A true man when it comes to handling pain, but also leading a family spiritually.

3. Oldest Brother (Brett)~ Smart, funny, outgoing. That's Brett. He has found such a calling to serve by helping people with finances. Michael and I put so much trust in him as we were house-hunting. He gave me my first sister by marrying Jenny. Thanks!

4. Older Brother (Blake)~ I became closer to Blake since he actually stayed in the same city with me for more years than Brett. My 8th grade year/his senior year was a learning experience for me. He helped me tons in Abilene my freshman year/his senior + year. Then, Blake and I lived close to each other after I graduated college. He has become more and more of a friend. Anyone will tell you he is the sweetest guy. I love his wife Jaime too.

5. Steve Sargent~ My best friend for many years. Steve got me through things I never thought I could. He encouraged me with my walk with God and will always be dear to me. He is truly mission-minded. I pray that he and his wife bring thousands to God.

6. Mike Cope~ Best Bible teacher I ever had. Tons of respect for this man.

7/8. Gramps/Granddaddy~ Loved them both. Sure wish Michael could have met them. I know Gramps would have thrown math questions at him. Michael would have also understood Perkins humor a bit more if he had known Granddaddy.

9. David (father-in-law)~ He has accepted me from day one. He makes me laugh by his bluntness. I enjoy arguing with him on almost every topic imaginable.

10/11. Shaun/Mike (Bro-in-laws)~ True brothers. We argue, we fight, and we share. They have done so much for me already.

My mind and body are tired.

I've had a lot of things going through my mind recently. There are different situations that have arisen that have knocked me out cold emotionally, spiritually, and mentally. It has almost put me into a depression. Luckily, I have a husband and friends that are there for me and have encouraging words. What I had to learn earlier in life, I am re-learning now. That lesson was to give it to God and let it go...really let it go. Earlier this week, I would pray with little faith of seeing any change. I knew I had to change my mindset. I want to pray, knowing God has the same desires and is working everything out in His perfect and mighty plan. I am working on praying that way and then not stressing over the issue...TRUSTing God completely. I may see something amazing as soon as this weekend, or honestly, never. I have to be okay with this.

School has been hectic. I have had an ARD each day this week and parent conference tomorrow. It is approaching the middle of February. I always dread this part of the school year. Maybe we get spoiled during Christmas. We come back after Christmas and then it is MLK day. Then, nothing but school for weeks! Spring Break seems so far away. This is really the time to push tutorials...I'm having as many as I can. After this really horrible week, I've got to stay late and decorate before hitting the road for a 5 hr trip. Joy.

I'm sleep-deprived. We have had wonderful things going on after work, but I need my sleep. I need to not worry about anything, go to bed at a descent hour, not have to get up early for a parent meeting, and just sleep. Last week, before I had any reason to fret, I wasn't sleeping well. So, nearly two weeks of little sleep can really get to you.

Sorry for being "Debbie Downer." The thing is I really am blessed. I love my friends, even if they make poor choices...haven't we all done that?? I looked through our wedding album today. Family, friends, God, and love. That's what I have. Most of my students don't have all of that. I am truly blessed. Praise God.

It's February?

Yesterday was groundhog day. We will have 6 more weeks of winter. Did winter ever arrive???

Today is our 5 month. Michael and I spoke last night and we decided that we have laughed every single day since we married, except for his food-poisioning day (aka, Michael's worst day of life). We are truly happy. It seems that so much has happened in these short 5 months: Katrina, our tree branch blown down by Rita, entire tree blown over by cold front, colds for both that required doctor visits, food poisoning for Michael, pink eye for me, Canon getting a liver, almost 2 birthday celebrations, Michael's grandfather passing away, my former student dying, and so much more. Even through those hard times, we were able to lean on one another and support each other...or get hiccups from laughing so hard.

Michael's birthday is Monday. We'll both be 26! Yes, I'm older by a few months, but I look like the kid. Tonight, I'm treating Michael to Ruth Chris' steak. Then his parents are treating us to the Harlem Globetrotters. Saturday we will spend time with friends and Dave and Busters. Sunday is the Super Bowl. Monday, his actual birthday, is actually not booked. Then on Tuesday, in continued celebration of the big 26, we're going to the Mavs/Lakers game.

I had dinner last night with a friend that I hadn't seen in a long time. It is so good to hear of good decisions being made in the lives of those whom I care about. God does bless those who seek Him.

Next Friday, I'll be the only person decorating for the Spring Social. Me. I've never been to a dance, but I'm expected to know how to decorate for one. Wish me luck on that one. Then it is off to Houston. Michael's old roomie and his wife are staying at our house and we're staying at Michael's sister's house. It's a big house swap! Maybe we should do something that would be done on Trading Spaces. I would love to see what they would do in our house!

I'm on the lookout for missing undershirts. I have lost a whole pile of Michael's undershirts and we have searched every room, every drawer, and under everything. They're gone. Even our cars were searched.

Today, I sat in a parent conference with a child. Her IQ is one point above mental retardation, but for some reason, we can't share this with the parent. The poor kid was getting chewed out for her grades. I had to get up to leave. I'm going to give her a big hug this afternoon. It is so sad.