Christmas Recap

I love the holiday season! I love being with my family, the traditions, and all the fun that both of those entail.

Before we left though, it is important to document that we helped the Shelton's move to their first home. The Sheltons moved in a semester after us and we've been here together while everyone else has graduated and moved on. For some reason, it was hard for me. I think it was more envy than anything but still it was weird for me to move them out. Jeremy kept reminding me though that our time is coming very soon and we too will move out this coming summer. Boy are we ready! Jeremy is now working on his resume and looking for jobs so if you have any contacts let us know.

Ok back to Christmas, Sunday we went to Greensboro and celebrated with the Piners. This was our first year not drawing names and giving presents but it wasn't. It just proves that you don't have to have presents on Christmas to make it feel like Christmas. From there we traveled to Boone to celebrate with the Coxes. We also had to buy our national championship shirts while we were there. :) Our niece Madison is now 8 months old and is crawling all over the place. She provided much entertainment for us. She was so much fun to watch opening presents. She even tried to open mine. I can't wait until the day we have our own little one.
We left Boone around lunch on Christmas and went to Raleigh to celebrate with my parents and my mom's side of the family. They didn't wait for us to open presents so they had the pleasure of sitting and watching us unwrap all of ours. We enjoyed a yummy dinner before our extended family showed up. The "Yankee Swap" was fun and I ended up getting the best number of the night. Wednesday I did some after Christmas shopping with Mom and Jeremy. Jeremy and I bought some new end tables from Bombay, who is going out of business, with our Christmas money.

Thursday, we cleaned up all the Christmas presents and decorations and got our apartment back in order. We did a lot of cleaning and a lot of lounging around. I love long breaks where you actually get a chance to rest! Yesterday, Erin Ellis was in town from CA so we had breakfast together then I had lunch with Jenny who was in town from DC.
Ok that was probably more info than you wanted to know. I hope you had a great Christmas and are excited about the new year. I have very little pictures to share from Christmas ex. for pictures of Madison. I'll include some below. :)

Emma (Jeremy's mom) and Madison

Isn't she precious!?

Adrian (Jeremy's brother) was so excited to take this picture.

The Cox Clan

Merry Christmas

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. Isaiah 9:6-7

Our prayer is that this season you would remember the true meaning of Christmas and rejoice in the fact that God humbled himself to save us. Merry Christmas!

This was our Christmas card this year. Because we have seen how much paper is wasted by throwing away Christmas cards in the past, we decided to send out electronic cards this year. I know this is probably not socially acceptable but we are in the technology age so why not! Plus, I have actually have people's email addresses rather than their mailing addresses and it's free to send this. :) Thanks to Lance Michels for taking the picture for us!

I felt very loved today as my kids brought me many yummy goodies and fun gift cards. Also my most troublesome student gave me a present by NOT showing up today. Our day was pretty low key and fun! Merry Christmas everyone...I'm on break until the new year. (Have no fear, I will post again before the new year. :)

The Busy Christmas Season

I'm sorry my blogging has gotten so sparse lately. This has been such a busy Christmas season. The days are long as I try to entertain the kids enough to keep their attention. We are all ready for a break and it cannot come soon enough. Tomorrow at 3:45 I will be free until the new year. :)


We've been busy getting ready for Christmas. The shopping is finally finished and there are only a few more to wrap up. Tuesday we had both of our work parties, but I have to confess Jeremy's was much more enjoyable. Jeremy and his coworkers, being the designers that they are, tried to come up with creative white elephant gifts. Being silly they took pictures like the one below and had gifts made with the pictures on it. Jeremy did a decorative plate, others did a mug, puzzle, and mouse pad. (Walmart.com will put a picture on anything!) They were the most desired gifts of the night and were stolen many times.


Sunday we're off to Greensboro to celebrate the Piner Christmas then head to Boone for the Cox Christmas. We'll be back in town on Christmas evening to celebrate with my mom's side. It's hard to believe Christmas is already here. I feel like I haven't had a chance to really get in the mood because I'm not allowed to speak of it at school so my excitement has been sweltered. I'm hoping the excitement comes soon b/c time is running out...

ASU 3-PEAT

You should know by now that our house is not filled with UNC fans (I'm still not sure why not... why hasn't my brain washing worked yet? :P ) Though we are not all UNC fans, we can all agree on one team and that is Appalachain State. Jeremy is an ASU grad and therefore I cheer for them (they don't compete against the Tarheels). Friday we traveled to Chattanooga, TN to cheer on ASU for the 3rd attempt at a national championship. If they won they would make history, being the only Division 1 school to win 3 times in a row. Thanks to my brother (an ASU student) we were able to get tickets.

If you watched the game, you know Appalachain did make history! The game (if you want to call it that; they spanked Delaware, running away with the game) was amazing! SO much energy, excitement! Needless to say we had a great time and lots of fun!

Tailgating Fun

The cheerleaders tried to get everyone in the Christmas spirit with these hats.


Victory!

Christmas Fun

Thursday night our small group got together to celebrate Christmas and the end of another semester. Jaime cooked some yummy soups and we did a gift exchange (the white elephant way). The best gift was opened by Russ then stolen by Spence. I think Russ' face turned bright red...to match his hair and gift.

After the gifts we did a scavenger hunt which was so much fun! We played girls vs. boys and the girls killed the boys! We took pictures along the way to prove that we had completed a task. Because there were so many, I made a facebook album with explanation under each picture. Click the picture below to get to the album. It was such a fun night and just what a stressed out teacher needed. :)

Weekend of Fun

We had a great and very busy weekend! Friday night we FINALLY got to hang out with Matt, Cheri, and Ethan. They came over to eat dinner with us and cheer on the ASU Mountaineers in their semi-final game. Jeremy and Cheri are ASU alums and all of us were excited to see if ASU could make it to the national championship for a 3rd year in a row. It was an awesome game and I'm proud to say that ASU will return to the championship this Friday!

My brother Brandon is currently an ASU student and was able to get us tickets to this weekend's game. So we're going to travel to Chattanooga, TN this Friday to cheer them on! Also I'm excited about missing school and more importantly getting to stop halfway and see Bekah all big and pregnant. Bekah was my college roommate whose wedding I was in this summer. :)

Saturday we did some more Christmas shopping and we're only 3 presents away from being done! I love Christmas shopping...sadly it han't really felt like Christmas yet. Maybe it's due to the warm weather, the extended time between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year, or the busy-ness of school. But Saturday night I finally got in the Christmas mood more when we went with some new friends to our church's Christmas Spectacular. Monica and I work together now at school and her husband is about to start seminary here in January. We had a fun eating dinner with them and then going back to their apartment and playing Dance Dance Revolution. I had never seen anyone actually do this game and I was mesmorized. Sadly I have no rhythm and evidentally no feet/eye coordination. I had fun none the less.

Sunday we went to church, did some present wrapping, and then went back to church to keep kids for the last performance of the Christmas Spectacular.

Busy but fun weekend...it was really hard to go back to work today. 2 more weeks till Christmas break. I can make it.... hopefully..

Another year older

Today marked 26 years. Wow 26 just sounds older! I'm in my upper 20s now! What in the world!!??

Overall it was a great day though. I received many phone calls, text messages, facebook messages, and cards all wishing me a great day. The kids at school were excited about my birthday but it didn't keep them from being good for me. They were sweet though and threw me a "surprise" party. They can't keep surprise so I knew it was going to happen. Here a few pictures from the festivities.

Balloons my kids gave me

Front of my new coffee mug..
Back of it...its so appropriate

The cake..after devoured by the kids

I also received lots of candy and a Starbucks gift card, which was great.

Because it was my birthday, I refused to stay late at work or bring any work home. When I got home Jeremy was waiting for me, anxious for me to open my gift. I really think it was more excited about me opening it then I was. He did awesome though! He gave me this goregous jewerly box with 2 necklaces, 2 pair of earrings, and a bracelet in it. I was impressed! (Sorry I forgot to take a picture) After present opening we went out to dinner, where we stuffed ourself silly at the Cheesecake Factory. Pumpkin cheesecake=yummy!

So another birthday has come and gone. I look forward to seeing what will happen in my 26th year of life...it will definitely be interesting as we look forward to the next step of our lives after seminary...maybe a house...maybe a baby..:)

Week in Review

So my blogger stalkers have commented on my lack of posts recently so I guess I should update.

Black Friday I went out shopping with my mom, aunt, and cousins. We didn't get much shopping done but we did take this picture with Santa. It took numerous takes trying to get everyone to keep their eyes open.



It was hard to go back to school this week but I have to say it is getting better. The new class started on Thursday and what a difference 3 kids make. While I still have many difficult children, having only 20 kids is wonderful! Our new team member is great and we seem to have a lot in common which makes things very easy.

The semester is coming to end for Jeremy so he is busy writing papers and studying. He has registered for his final 3 classes!! He will take one in the January term then 2 in the spring...then its graduation!!! Jeremy has "senioritis" so please pray that he can persevere to the end.

My birthday is Wednesday but we celebrated last weekend with the family because Mom is in Paris for the week on business. Jeremy and I will celebrate on Wednesday with a visit to the Cheesecake Factory.

I think that's it...really our lives are uneventful these days. Hopefully this next semester will bring more updates as Jeremy looks for a job and graduation approaches. Thanks for checking in on me nonetheless and continuing to stop by through the lack of posts. :)

Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving! Here's a visual of today's festivities minus the HUGE family shot (all 20 people) which I'll post it once my cousin sends it to me. Hint: Put your mouse over the picture and the caption will come up.

Because it's Thursday and Thanksgiving, here's this week's Thursday Thirteen (well 10)---Things I am Thankful for:

1) That I am loved by my Savior. No matter what I do He could never love me any more or any less. I thank Him for his everlasting grace and mercy. This year has been an emotional and tough year but the Lord is forever faithful and soverign.

2) My amazing husband. I truly am blessed with a husband who is caring, loving, and has such a servant's heart. He puts up with my craziness, drama, and still loves me all the same.

3) My incredible family. I have such a supportive and loving family who not only are close by but that I get to see often (which is super important to me!)

4) My friends...you guys are great...thank you for being there.

5) Living in the seminary "bubble"-- though I joke about it often, I love that the Lord has us living in this bubble for this stage in my life. I have learned so much about being a wife, a mom, and a follower of Christ. I wouldn't change these last 3 years....well maybe not having a dishwasher I would.

6) Our church...they have a true heart for the Lord, for serving one another, and serving the world

7) That I live in a country where I am able to speak freely about what I believe, think, and feel

8) For the the little joys in life...pumpkin spice lattes, frozen yogurt, Grey's Anatomy

9) That I have a job where I can make a difference in the world and in our family. I'm thankful that I have had a stable job over the last 3 1/2 years while Jeremy has been in school.

10) That Jeremy's school is paid for so that when he graduates in May we will be school-debt free.

Blog Stalkers

Friday night Jeremy and I went to Moe's for dinner and we saw some old friends of our the Ishams. JR and Lindsey also attend seminary and were in a small group with us once upon a time. We asked them to join us for dinner so that we could check up.

As we began to talk, Lindsey and I realized that we didn't really have to catch up because we knew what was going on in each other's life. Not because we had seen each other recently but because we had been reading each other's blogs. Seriously I know more about Lindsey from her blog than I know from her actually ever telling me. Our husbands kept looking at us funny because talked like we had seen each other yesterday. Jeremy was confused why Lindsey never had to explain something to me or backtrack to explain a story. It was really quite humorous!

After we left I realized how much blogs have changed the way we communicate with one another. No longer do you have to call and catch up with someone because you can click on their blog and find out what is going on in their life. We have taken the human interaction out of knowing one another.

I have to admit that I am a blog stalker....I have a LONG list of blogs I check on quite frequently..many of which the people don't even know me. I believe that I have blog stalkers out there too so this week I am asking you to unmask yourselves and let me know who is out there reading my random thoughts. I would love to hear from you so leave a comment!

Also while you are at check out Jeremy's new web portfolio. We're getting close to the seminary finish line and it is time to start looking for jobs so we're posting his work in hopes that someone will see it and want to hire him. Feel free to point others to it as well. Thanks!

Thursday's Thirteen

13 Pet Peeves I have:

1) Houses and stores that decorate and play Christmas music before Thanksgiving!! Don't skip a holiday period. Plus you make Christmas anti-climatic if you celebrate for 2 months!

2) People who jump in line esp. when you've been waiting for a while

3) People who leave their blinker on forever after they have turned

4) People who are late when you are waiting for them

5) People who walk in the middle of the aisle in the parking lot when you are trying to go down.

6) People who don't turn right on red.

7) People who stop in the middle of an aisle in the store to have a conversation and block the whole aisle

8) Email forwards---don't send them to me please

9) When people who hit the wrong button and reply to everyone on a listserv when they only meant to send it to one person

10) Students who say it was an accident when I know they did it on purpose (most of the time I catch them in the act and they deny it)

11) People use apostrophes incorrectly as well as homophones esp. there, their, and they're

12) People who make judgements based on someone else's opinion rather than forming their own

13) People who don't return phone calls in the allotted time they said they would

Ok so I realize this is a lot...and I realize that many of them are due to a lack of patience on my part. I just thought I would share. :)

A Day of Rest

Two posts in one day...aren't you surprised?

Thanks to the Veterans I had a much needed day off from school. At the end of last school year, one of my students gave me a $50 gift card to a local spa. I decided it was much needed at this time so I called on Friday and scheduled it for today. Oh my gosh, it was wonderful!! It was an hour of total relaxation and pampering for my full body. I would highly recommend one if you ever get the chance. Thanks to the lovely ladies of Iatria for the wonderful day!

After that it was haircut time! If you've kept up with my blog, you know how much I love haircut days. Here is the final result...it doesn't look as good as it did afterwards since I went walking with Alyson and Miranda.

It was so nice to have the day to do whatever. I actually got to go visit Jeremy at work complete with a Frosty. I participated in one of their office golfing games and got to hang out with them for a while. It was a great day and I wish I could have more days like this.

Come On Defense, Let's Turn It Over

Sunday Jeremy and I went to Charlotte to cheer on the Panthers. We found some cheap tickets on stubhub.com and decided it would be nice to get out of Raleigh.

On our way in, we decided to stop Bojangles for a little pregame lunch. It was by far the slowest Bojo I had ever been too and it took us 30 minutes to get our food. As we were eating, my dad called me asking if we wanted to meet up after the game. He was there with his company up in the skybox. He asked me if I wanted to speak to someone and my brother gets on the phone. They had been planning this for weeks and hid it from me. I'm still not sure why they were hiding the fact that he was coming with him. I guess they thought I would be jealous. Needless to say, I was a little jealous that BP got to sit in the box where it was warm and food was free.

Once we finally arrived at the stadium we made our long trek to the top. I knew we were pretty high, but I didnt know we would be 3 row from the top in row 32! People got winded just trying to get to their seat. While the game wasn't too exciting, our surrounding fans cracked us up. Next to me were 2 rednecks (who smelled bad) who constantly made comments about the sponsors and calling people on their cell phone telling them how much they paid for parking. Next to Jeremy was an older man who had the worst ear hair and kept yelling, "Come on Defense, Let's Turn Over" every time we were on defense. Jeremy was about to scream.

After the game, we met up with Dad and BP and went out to dinner. It was a fun day though the Panthers didn't pull out the victory.

Exciting News...

In my last post, I failed to mention some other exciting news. Erin, one of my roommates in college, and her husband Scott have been in the process of adopting an adorable brother and sister pair from Uganda.

They first traveled to Uganda right after they got married to work in the Amani baby cottage. After they returned to the States, they realized how much they wanted to bring these two home. They went back to Africa in April thinking they were going to go to court and bring them home. Well...long story short...it didn't happen and you can check out their blog (by clicking on the picture above) to see their whole journey. But the reason for this post is that they are FINALLY going to be able to bring them home 7 months later. Erin is currently on her way over there so please be praying for her and the kids. It really is an amazing story! Praise the Lord for His timing and provision!

Rollercoaster of Emotions

My students and I are in the computer lab for their "Fun Friday" activity. This by far has been their favorite Fun Friday and it took me no effort to plan it (just sign up for the lab.) God knows how much I needed this break. These kids are wearing me out.

The beginning of the week started with some glimmer of hope as my principal began working on finding a new teacher to create a new class. Over the last few weeks, she had said that I would be able to move one of my students that has been giving me the most trouble. Well Tuesday she informed me that she was keeping in my room because she didn't want to do that to a poor new teacher. Well what about me and what he has been doing to me all year? The child is very low academically and thrives in a smaller group size. Everyone my team told her that but it didn't seem to matter. Instead she moved one of my other boys who was once a behavior problem but now working nicely for me. Then she had on the list to take my 2 strongest boys out. I was so upset...this was not helping the dynamic in my class at all.

On top of that, I had conferences this week. Lots of questions by parents and staying till 7:30 two nights in a row. It was emotional draining. Finally, Thursday afternoon my principal gave us her list and she had made some changes. She didn't take both of my highest boys and she switched out my behavior problem! We also interviewed a possible candidate and we liked her so hopefully we'll open the new class soon. Finally some happy news!

This weekend is a 3 day weekend for me. Thank you Veterans! I wanted to get out of town as I am tired of Raleigh but neither Jeremy or I could think of a cheap place to go. We settled on going to a Panther's game when Jeremy found some cheap tickets on stubhub. While I like football, I'm sure you can guess who is more excited. :) I am excited however to go to Charlotte and get away. Also I finally scheduled my massage for Monday that one of my students gave me last year. It is much more needed now then when he originally gave it to me.

This year will be the end of me...

The Weekend's Events

Sadly I don't have a picture but Saturday was Father Daughter Day as Dad and I spent the day together at our alma mater cheering on the Tarheels. Jeremy was busy playing intramural football and Mom was at the hospital with Ma-Ma (my grandma...and she's doing better now...she just had some chest pains) so Dad and I head off to the game. We tailgated with my aunt and uncle and their friends and it was some kind of yummy! Uncle Mark is a phenomenal chef and we had a gourmet tailgate including shish kabobs, marinated tomatoes and cheese, baked potatoes, and eclair.

The game was great...we finally pulled out a victory though it got scary at times. We're hoping Butch will one day lead us to a winning season and some great bowl but right now we're giving him some leeway since it's his first year.

Dad and I had a great time and it was great just to be able to hang out just the two of us. In addition, I got to see many old friends at the game and catch up with them so that was fun.

In other news, our friends the Hoppers are pregnant and my heart has hit a twinge of jealousy. I've got baby fever no doubt and the more our friends get pregnant the worse it gets. It is all in the Lord's timing but selfishly I wish it were sooner than later.

Also today after church we happened to walk into the same restaurant has our friends the Rileys and the Michels. They invited us to join them and it was a great time to check up with them. Mr. Riley is a great story teller and I was enjoy hearing him. They were so kind to pick up our bill at the end so I wanted to thank them again publicly.

It's been a lazy Sunday afternoon thanks to early releasee on Friday that allowed me to do all my planning for the week. Sweet Alicia has been praying for me that the Lord would give me time to do this and He answered and we are so grateful. Thank you Lord for the much needed rest. We're off to small group...

Thursday's Thirteen

I knew it would happen...I was so good this summer about keeping this updated but now life has gotten crazy. Today's 13 will reveal the 13 things I've been doing instead of blogging.

1) Teaching

2) Lesson Planning...last year one of my teammates and I planned everything together. Now she's in a new position and so I'm somewhat by myself. Planning 4 subjects by myself is time consuming.

3) Writing report cards... surprisingly we're already through the 1st quarter so it was now time to start the dreaded reports. They are so time consuming! What happened to the days when we gave As and Bs and just averaged the grades together they made all quarter? Not anymore in Wake County.

4) Attending a thousand meetings...I'm on the student support team which has 3 meetings a week, plus grade level meetings as well as staff meetings

5) Attending Spanish class every Tuesday night. I am taking a Spanish Class for Educators on Tuesdays nights. It's fun but time consuming.

6) Maintaining the school website.

7) Trick or treating...Last night I went out with my friend Kim and her two daughters out in their neighborhood since the seminary doesn't celebrate.

8) Having coffee dates...and loving Miss Alicia who speaks truth and wisdom into my life always. Love her!

9) Doing laundry...we had lots

10) Setting up conferences with parents and having to call parents of misbehaving kids

11) Running a booth at our small group's neighborhood Fall Festival. We did bobbing for apples...it was quite gross actually. All the kids spit

12) Teacher Workday-- again more meetings upon meetings

13) Getting scammed...ok long story short...I was trying to sell my Palm Pilot (b/c I don't use it enough) on Craig's List. A man agreed to buy it and when it was time to exchange the money, he was trying to do some weird wiring mess and we realized it was a scam. Luckily, we were smarter than him and we saved ourselves from being a victim.

Friday Five

Life has been crazy and I haven't had time to ponder up an awesome Thursday 13 recently so I thought today I would do a Friday 5.

5 Great Things that Happened Today

1) Our principal announced we were going to open a new 3rd grade class so now I get to have a smaller class. I'm really only losing 3 to 4 kids but it makes a difference! (also I get to pick the kids!)

2) My most difficult child (who stirs up the whole class) was absent today so the class was so much calmer and well-behaved.

3) It's raining! I usually wouldn't say this is great but since we are in a severe drought at the moment it is lovely!

4) It's date night with my husband...Mexican food and a movie here we come!

5) It's the start of the weekend and we have a teacher workday on Monday. For once, my grade level doesn't have a million things to do so I actually can work in my classroom and do report cards. Yay!

Ok that was kind of silly but with all the negativity of my last few posts, I thought I would surprise you with something positive. Hope you had a great day and an awesome weekend!

You're Not Mean Enough

My principal told me this today. In the last post, I told you that my principal vowed to help me solve some of the issues that were going on in my classroom. Because every kid knows who the principal is, she sent her intern into do an informal observation. Of course, the kids showed their true colors so she got a true picture of what I deal with on a daily basis.

Today we had our post conference to discuss her intern's findings. My principal listened to my positions and then pointed out some areas of improvement. One area she said is that I'm too nice to the kids. She says that I expect them to do what I say (DUH! who wouldn't think someone would do what they ask esp. when you are the adult and they are a child), but she says I don't have enough follow through when a kids misbehaves. She says I'm not mean enough.

I would agree with this because I feel like there are very few options I can use as a consequence. The consequences I do have are not affecting some of these kids who are always giving me trouble. They don't care that I call their parents or that they have to walk part of their recess. They simply don't care! As for being mean, I would agree that I am not mean enough. I'm not mean by nature...I want to love on these kids and show them Jesus as much as I can (without saying it). Many of them don't have that love and support at home and I want them to feel like they have it at school. I'm just confused on how to do both...how to be firm but loving.

In thinking about this, I am so worried about how I will be when disciplining my own children. Will I be too much of a softy? Luckily I have an amazing Savior who is there to offer guidance and support. In addition to him, I have a terrific husband who will be there to support me and help. As I've told him, I feel like the Lord has used this stage and teaching to teach me how to be a better parent.

Ok so fast forward two hours after the conversation with my principal, one of my problem child decide to have a huge outburst because I asked him to move to the back of the line. He blows up yelling at me in the hall, stomps up the stairs, and refuses to come into the classroom. Needless to say, I was hot! I was very unprofessional in my tone with him but I had had it with his fits of rage...and I was out to prove that he wasn't going to do this anymore. So I put my foot down and called the office to come and get him. I proved my point as he spent the rest of the afternoon in the office. The kids from that point were scared because they had heard my tone and by golly we had a calm afternoon for once. So maybe being mean does work...

Are you a mopey faced Christian?

This was a line from my brother-in-law's sermon this Sunday. He was discussing our roots and where we as Christians plant our lives. He preached from Jeremiah 17

"Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart departs from the Lord...Blessed is the man who trusts is in the Lord, and who hope is in the Lord for he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, And will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit."

I felt like the Lord was speaking to me through these verses about my current state. Though I do trust in the Lord, there are many times this school year when I am trusting in my own abilities and strength to make it through. My quiet times have suffered as well as my prayer life because I'm thinking I have to do it all. I feel like I'm just trying to keep my head above water...planning, grading, going to meetings. I have many difficult kids this year and I feel like every day I am having to fight fires rather than teach. It is all just very overwhelming!

Overall, I feel like I am letting my circumstances affect my mood and disposition. My principal even noticed it the other day and brought me into her office. Of course, like I usually do, I broke down into tears out of mere frustration. She vowed to help me and to come up with strategies so that I could be more successful. While she can help me in the classroom, I really need to seek the Lord. He has shown me time and time again I cannot do this is in my own strength. This "anxiety in the year of drought" is causing me not to be a fun person to be around. I am not going to yield any fruit with the attitude I have now; I am not being a strong witness to my peers because all they hear is me gripe about my classroom troubles.

So I ask that if you get a chance, please pray for me. Pray that I would seek the Lord above all else and rely not on my own strength or understanding. Pray that the Lord would give me strength, wisdom, and guidance.

Book Review: A Thousand Splendid Suns

Over the summer, I read Khaled Hosseini's first novel The Kite Runner and I wrote a review. Because I enjoyed the first one so much, I was very anxious to read his 2nd novel. Evidentally I wasn't the only one and due to popular demand, I was 645 on the Wake County library's waitlist. Two weeks ago, I finally got my chance and it did not disappoint!

In looking for a picture of the cover, I found this review from the NY Times which I thought better explained the novel that I ever could. If you click on this post title you can read the whole review but I will quote a few things here.

"Whereas “The Kite Runner” focused on fathers and sons, and friendships between men, his latest novel, “A Thousand Splendid Suns,” focuses on mothers and daughters, and friendships between women. Whereas “Kite Runner” got off to a gripping start and stumbled into contrivance and sentimentality in its second half, “Splendid Suns” starts off programmatically and gains speed and emotional power as it slowly unfurls." I agree with the reviewer in that the book got off to a slower start and did not seem to be quite the page-turner like the first novel. Again though as I read this book, I couldn't help but praise the Lord for the freedoms that I have as a US citizen. I praise the Lord that I am able to choose my husband, walk out in public without being covered, and to attend school. I am also thankful for my relationship with the Lord and my heart feels burden for the people of Afghanstian who believe the lies of the Koran.

Fall, Football, and the Fair

Because of my crazy week, I really haven't had time to blog what's been going on with us. We're having a lazy Sunday afternoon so I thought I would update you.

Last weekend we did what we do most Saturdays during the fall...cheer on the Tarheels! It was an excellent victory over Miami and we had fun tailgating as usual.

Dad and Uncle Mark grilling hamburgers

The table of yummy food...notice the Carolina table cloth and plates!
Mom thought something was funny!

Jeremy and I excited about the Tarheels!

Thursday, Jeremy's sister Erin, her husband Nathan, and daughter Madison came for a visit. Nathan is a pastor in Boone and the family needed a little break so they came to visit us for an extended weekend. We went to the State fair on Friday and consumed many calories. The best food by far was the fried Snickers bar! Yum! Madison had enough of the fair by 8:45 so we made an early exit.
Madison!

Saturday the boys went with Dad and Brandon to the UNC/USC game while the girls had day full of shopping! Though the Tarheels were not victorious, the girls were and made many excellent purchases.

Today the weather has been beautiful and we've enjoyed watching more football on TV and some reading for pleasure. I LOVE FALL and I'm so glad it's here!

Thursday Thirteen

My brain is tired this week but I couldn't let my fans down. :) So we're going easy for this week's 13.

13 of My Favorites!

1) Activity: spending time with Jeremy, which I've gotten very little time of lately
2) Time waster: Checking facebook and other people's blogs
3) People: My family..they are the best. I love hanging out with them!
4) The Tarheels
5) Drink: Coffee, esp. pumpkin spice lattes from Starbucks
6) Color: green
7) Food: Crab legs
8) Song: Come Thou Fount
9) Shows: Grey's Anatomy and The Office
10) Season: Fall (Yay, it has finally arrived!)
11) Candy: Peppermint Patties
12) Flower: Tulip
13) Favorite footwear: my rainbows

Ok I know this was random but like I said my head hurts. :)

They are making me crazy...

This has been the craziest most stressful week. My students are having a difficult time getting along and following directions. They are disrespectful to me and to each other. They don't respect my authority and feel like they can talk back and argue with what I say. They have anger issues and want to hurt themselves or others. Then there is their parents...one accused me of letting my kids evangelize in class, one of hurting her child on her purpose. It just never ends...

I feel helpless. I don't know what to do. I've learned to pick my battles but there are so many. I feel like more of a firefighter than a teacher. I've talked to my principal, the school counselor, the psychologist...everyone offering their sympathies but never a real solution.

I'm sorry to complain..

Thursday's Thirteen

Today's Thursday Thirteen is The 13 Craziest Names I've had/Seen in My Teaching Career: (no lie these are all real!)

1) Matches
2) Cashmiere
3) Sapphire
4) Sapphire's sister Jade
5) America
6) Chardonnay
7) Tequilla (wonder what these parents' favorite drinks were)
8) Sienna
9) Basadar
10)Shriek (pronounced Shrek)
11)Yayshara (9,10,and 11 are brothers and sisters)
12)Hamidat
13)Amokowomo (it was a last name)

12 and 13 are African names so they have a reason for being unique but seriously, I wonder what some of these folks are thinking about when they name their children.

My how times have changed

This weekend for once was a quiet weekend where we had no real event or task to attend to. Friday night we were finally able to get together/eat dinner with the Derbys. Everytime I see them I am reminded how much I miss them now that I can just walk over to their apartment. On the way, Jeremy and I were discussing how our Friday nights have changed since we've lived in seminary land. When we first moved here, we had couples over all the time or went out with someone almost every weekend and now it's rare that we go out with other couples. We asked ourselves when did this happen and we realized its because most of the people we hung out with have moved or now have a baby and don't go out like they did. Most new moms have to worry about feeding times or are so exhausted they dont want to hang out late. So we decided we either have to join the baby club or find new friends without kids. (No offense to our friends with kids...we still would love to hang out with you too!)

Saturday Jerm had two intermural football games which is always fun to attend and catch up with all the girls. Then we had to go to the grocery store b/c we were seriously out of everything. Today was low key with church and small group.

I'm dreading going to school already. I know many of you have had to endure me saying this many times through out the year but its only week 5 and I feel this way. This group is running me ragged... please pray that the Lord would give me strength, wisdom, and patience. I finally told Jerm that next year I think I wanted to look into something new next year after he was out of school. So pray that the Lord would give me discernment. Also pray for me personally that I would trust and wait on the Lord in all things and realize that His timing and will are perfect and not to be anxious about anything. Thanks guys...I appreciate you keeping up with me and also for praying for me.

Thursday's Thirteen

As many of you know, I love to read blogs so I thought today I would share 13 blogs I check regularly (I have more but this is only a Thursday 13)...click on each name to visit them.

1) Blessed, Believing, and Blogging Browns-- my friend Jamie's blog... some of my favorite entries include funny things her youngest daughter Austin Kate has to say.

2) The LittletonsMy college roomate Erin's journey towards adopting two beautiful kids from Uganda.

3) WinDot My friend Cheri's blog on her life as a new mom. She has a super cute little boy whose picture frequents the blog almost every day!

4) Living Proof Ministries Beth Moore's blog with daughter. She writes just likes she talks which makes you feel like you are her close friend having a conversation with her.

5) The Fruit of the Spirit is not a Coconut Our friends Trevor and Keva's blog---they too are in the process of adopting a little boy from Ethopia. I check her daily to see if they have received word. :)

6) JD Greear Our pastor's blog

7)GirlTalkCJ Mahaney's wife and daughters write about Biblical womanhood and other great topics.

8) Musical Sea (private blog)--This is the blog of our friends Josh and Krista who are serving in N. Africa. I love reading about their new life and catching up on their daughter Lydia.

9) The Yoze in Asia (again due to the nature of their work, I'm not sure if I can reveal the site) but they are an awesome family from our church who are serving in Asia. They are amazing writers and their love for Christ radiates through their writing.

10) Lindsey's Blog My friend Lindsey's blog...always fun to see her new pictures!

11) On the Road to Emmaus Our former neighbor's Paul and Miranda are also adopting from Ethopia and their blog is very Biblically focused!

12) The LairFriends Cher and Stephen.. former NY actor/actress couple who rock it on Sunday mornings. Both are hilarious which makes their blog even more fun.

13) The Derby's x3Kevin and Stef's blog

Ok I may have offended a couple of you because you didn't see your blog on here. Have no fear, I do read your blog..I just didnt have room here. If you want me to read your blog you also have to tell me about it as well as update it regulary. :)

Have fun with some new reading!

Mom Turns 50 (Almost!)

On Tuesday, my mom turns 50!! Because of everyone's schedules, today was the only day the family could get together so tonight we celebrated her 50 years with an awesome dinner by Dad, cake by me, and lots of presents. Here's the recap:
Mom's Chocolate Cheesecake (in many varieties) with the OVER THE HILL candles!

Mom begins to read Ma-Ma's card about the day she was born.

Ma-ma cries just thinking about what she wrote in the card.

Jen's present

Dad's present

Ma-ma's present

My present..digital photo frame

Happy Birthday to You!

Blow out the candles!

Happy Birthday Mom! We love you and hope that the next 50 years were as fun as the last!