Flashback Fotos

Found these pictures as I was cleaning out closets and thought i'd share.

Brandon and I

Casie Leigh - Mom's miracle baby

Every picture you find of her is precious! She has always been so cute!

Megan Elease
I still prefer my tea with no ice! How funny!

Grandma, are you missing your living room curtains?
I think mom might have stolen them to make my shirt.

Personally I function better in the evenings. It's almost like this second wind hits me and I can accomplish more in one hour than I could have done throughout the whole day. All that to say, I stayed up late last night which resulted in me sleeping in til' noon. During the week I'm up before the sun even appears so staying up past the midnight hours isn't even an option. I wish I could say that I got a TON of work done towards the Garage Sale today, but sleeping through half the day kind of ruined that.

First, I need to stop and admit that I was wrong about something. I mentioned in my daybook that we could 'count dad out' when it came towards the garge sale, but to my surprise while I was sleeping the morning (or day - you decide) away he was hard at work. He went through his shop and decided out of 'his stuff' what he wanted to sale. Then him and mom cleaned out the shop so that we could set up some stuff in there and have more space for the garage sale. They even built a rack to hang clothes on.

Honestly, i'm a little nervous about this garage sale. I'm frightened that it's going to be more of a 'garbage sale'... but mom keeps reiterating the 'someones junk is someone elses treasure' saying.

We'll see.

There are times when i'm going through all of our 'things' and i think - Who is coming to this sale? Will they completely freak out if they know I owned this? What about that article of clothing? Maybe I shouldn't put that out. It's like everything about the past few years (or all 22 years of your life for those of us who have never had a garage sale) are out there in the open for everyone to see. I'm not gonna lie, it's kind of nerve racking.

What's really sad is that when I completely emptied out my closet and went through every piece of clothing that I own, the garage sale pile looked like a seperate persons closet. I did not realize how many clothes I had.

Here is my main thought towards garage sales....

always check your siblings (or any other relatives)
for sale pile because they just might sneak something of yours into it

Like that beautiful lime green shirt that you haven't worn in over a year, but you swear you love. :) haha! And I know you're thinking, 'hmm Megan, I'm pretty sure i've never seen you in lime green because you wear the same black shirt to every event that you attend' .... And i'd have to say, Hello it's nice to meet you, this is the new bright 'n cheery Megan who welcomes all colors into her life!

We went out to eat tonight as a family and shopped a little as well. Dad was in a really really goofy mood. I don't think many people see that side of him. He really can be funny sometimes - tonight was definitely one of those nights. It seemed like we were all laughing throughout the whole night. I enjoyed the time spent with my family tonight! (maybe it was the colorful shirt I had on instead of my normal nuetral? KIDDING!)

We encoutered a first tonight - while we were eating at a certain restaurant the cops came in and announced this....

We hope you are enjoying your meal, but we do need
everyone at this time to get up and exit the resaurant. I repeat, we need everyone to exit the restaurant right now.

Appearently someone called in a bomb threat with a muffled voice. Obviously they weren't too worried because everyone was standing right outside the door of the restaurant. If there was truly a bomb the 5 foot distance from the front door would not have saved us. Just saying!

Well i'm off to do some garage sale work before I go to bed! I'm pretty sure i've said Garage Sale a total of 50 times through out this post. Good night!

Thank you Father for being in control even when my life seems out of control. I thank you that while i'm still a sinner with junk in my life, You do everything in your power to pursue me and empty me of what does not need to be there. I'm overwhelmed by your faithfulness and your soveriegnty. Will You please continue to work in my life? Bring me to a true knowledge of who You are, what You've done, and all that You are capable of. I want to love You with all that I am!

A little break from Garage Sale work turned into a very long break that involved jazzin' up the look of my page. I was talking to a friend about scrapblog and felt the need/desire to update my header. Plus I've been cleaning out my closet and find it slightly ridiculous that everything I own is either black, white, brown, or grey. I'm seeing bright colors in my future! haha! Tell me what you seriously think about this here header! Honesty, folks!

Moving Along

There was a voicemail left on the phone last night from Region 7 letting me know they received my packet/information/application and I have been accepted. Yay! I can't think about it too much or i'll get super nervous.

I called the lady during work today to talk about a few things that both of us had questions on. When you enter the program you have to check which area you are going towards. A few weeks ago a woman that I spoke with told me to check Music so that I could get into the program and then if I wanted to I could switch over. The main thing was getting IN to begin with.

When I sent my stuff I checked Music EC-12 and Generalist EC-4.

The lady I talked with today said that I have everything covered to go the music route (which I already knew), but that I was going to have to take another test to go the generalist route. I knew this was coming so it's not really a big deal... it's just that the other lady told me sometimes they waver little things like that and I was almost hoping this was one of those situations. But it's not, and that's completely okay.

Since i'm super busy at work - joking - I spent the morning registering online for the PACT Generalist EC-4 test. I'm scheduled to take it Wednesday, June 23. This one cost $120 each time that you fail and have to retake it, but I have some study tools online and a practice test day scheduled to better prepare me for this one. Everything will work out in His timing - and i'm really in no rush. A little frightened to be honest. I've never done anything like this.... it's a big deal.

My interview is scheduled for Monday, June 8th. It's mainly a "Get To Know You" interview and a time to answer any questions that I may still have at this time.

I guess that's all the updates I have right now. Is it bad to ask for prayer? I always feel guilty asking for people to pray for me.... but here's me.... asking. Will you pray for me and everything towards this situation? I want His will, His way, His timing, His everything - all else is vain and completely not worth it.

Request

I don't have the courage to share with you everything that's on in my mind/heart/whatever.... but could you please pray for me? I literally don't know how much more I have left in me, i'm hurting so bad. I'm so upset with myself that I can't just get my act together and be this amazing strong person. I'd appreciate your heartfelt prayers on my behalf.

Simple Woman's Daybook

For today Tuesday May 26, 2009...

Outside my window... the sun is shining brightly and the rain has stopped. I'm so glad the warm weather is finally showing up! I need a tan really bad. Really bad.

I am thinking... that I don't really know if i'm ready for all this teaching stuff. Actually I know i'm not ready, but i'm thinking i'm really really really not ready. Going from never really having a job, to being a substitute, to possibly being a teacher in 3 months is pretty frightening. Especially when you've have very little training. I could freak out if I let myself, but i'm resisting every part of me that wants to do that. I can do this - I can do this... through Christ.

I am thankful for... friends who are nonjudgemental, encouraging, understanding, etc. I thought I was an open, honest person who wasn't afraid to share her problems, weaknesses, thoughts. I'm pretty sure we've taken that to a new level the past week. I'm so ready to see myself get past this and see what God has in store....

From the learning rooms... every student who passed the TAKS test, met all the requirements as far as attendance, and is progressing to the next grade level has the last 10 days of school off. Some of the teachers have only 2 students for the next two weeks. Basically, that means I am so not needed.... today I shredded papers and checked in a total of maybe 10 visitors in 3 hours. Did you hear me snoaring from across town? So bored.

From the kitchen... I have been going through mom's cookbooks and jottin' down some recipes into my 'Special things to remember for my future home and family' book. I'm going to make spicy almonds to snack on this evening.

I am wearing... White button-up high-waste t-shirt, black dress pants. I'm ready to put on something super super super comfy after this long boring day.

I am creating... piles and piles and piles of clothes and many other things from around the house for our....... are you ready for this?..... wait for it....... GARAGE SALE! We've never had a garage sale before (mom has a problem with letting things go), but I think she's finally ready for one. Seriously. Who knows if anyone will purchase anything because it's all so stinkin' old. The point is, mom is really serious this time, and that's a big big deal! haha! We have a little less than two weeks to get everything ready. I know that it probably seems crazy to tackle something like this in that short of a time span, but umm if we wait any longer she might change her mind. Check back with us after that and see if we survived!

I am going... to change clothes, unpack my closet, start making piles (keep - sale), reorganize my closet, take a break to make spicy almonds, and then move on to the next room.

I am reading... nothing specific at the moment.

I am hoping... that we get everything ready in less than 2 weeks. You can count dad out - which means mom and I have A LOT to do between now and then.

I am hearing... Candace Olsen laughing on Divine Design. Have I mentioned that she is my FAVORITE?

Around the house... Mom bought some cute black storage cubes to organize all her scrapbooking supplies. That lead to cleaning out the 'craft' room so that she could fit said cubes in the room, which lead to the garage sale idea, which ultimately means that I talked her into completely cleaning out the room and REDECORATING it. If you're going to move everything out, organize it, throw things away, and rearrange the furniture/storage cabinets - you might as well redo the whole room at once. I'm stinkin' excited. I'll let you know how it goes - and there are definitely pictures to come. Good, bad, and yes, even ugly!

One of my favorite things... taking pictures. I'm not a pro and don't even have the slightest clue what i'm doing. I just love to pull out my camera and mess with things to see what I can 'capture'!

A few plans for the rest of the week... working, cleaning, organizing, preparing for VBS, and who knows what else.

Here is a picture thought... sunset at Lake o' The Pines - Spring Break 2009.

More Daybooks!

Stellan's Story

One of my favorite blogs to visit is that of MckMama's. When she was four months pregnant she was told that her baby boy would not live. She blogged throughout her pregnancy and shared everything that was going on when they would find out more news. She openly shared about her faith and how she gave her son to God. "I trust you with my baby."

What is so amazing is how many people have heard about Christ through her story.

What's even more amazing is that it continues to go on and on and on. Their story aired on the NEWS tonight and she again openly talks about God. It's not everyday in America that you hear someone (publicly) on the NEWS talk about God and give Him all the glory.

I would definetly recomend her blog to anyone. She's so encouraging, funny, honest, and open. But tonight if you simply want to here the short version of Stellan's story that was broadcast on the NEWS - click here!

Everything I need to know I learned in Kindergarten

We had already sent a student to the office for saying a cuss word that I'm pretty sure I didn't even know existed when I was in Elementary School, when another student decided to call their fellow student a female dog. By this time I was tired of kids running up to me tattling on every little thing another person did wrong.

Minutes later a group of kids came to me saying that a boy had said the S word. I got the students attention and motioned for him to come see me. The whole time he's walking towards me he's defending himself; continual whining talk. I told him that I will not speak to him while he's acting like that... when he stopped I explained to him that I was going to talk first, not him.

"I don't care what anyone did to you. I don't care if they were wrong for doing it. I'm talking to you. I'm going to ask you a question and if you are honest you can sit out for 5 minutes. If you choose to lie you will sit out for the rest of PE. Now did you say the S word?"
nods head "Yes mam."
"Go sit down. I'll tell you when to get up."

The lady who was helping me had been inside the building taking a student to the restroom so she didn't witness any of this. When she returned I explained to her why he was sitting out.

"He said the S word."
"Did you ask him what the S word was? Because it could have been shut up. That's a bad word to them"
"I didn't even think about it. All these kids using fowl language got my mind on a roll in that direction. I just assumed it was the other S word."

I walked over, bent down to his level, and asked him what S word he said.

"Shut up."

Talk about feeling like an idiot.

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Another little girl insisted on calling her classmate names after I asked her not to. When he got upset because she said 'he was fat' she then started bawking like a chicken (complete with arm motions). I told her that she was going to sit out for acting the way she did. And of course, she tried to resist that too. I kept my ground and was firm until she obeyed.

After a few minutes I went to talk with her. I wanted her to know why she was sitting out, to explain to her why her actions/words were wrong.

I bent down and explained to her that it was very wrong to call someone names even if she truly thinks they are ugly, fat, or a chicken. It is not nice. She started to defend herself and tell me what the boy had done... when someone is mean to you they want you to get mad and upset - and when you do, you are letting them win. No matter what anyone does to you I want you to choose to be sweet. When you do that, you are winning. So can you play and be sweet no matter what? Yes.

A few minutes later she ran up to me saying that someone had thrown dirt in her eye.

"Be sweet. Remember?"

She came back a little later tattling on something else... I told her that I still wanted her to be sweet, to which she replied, "when does it work?"

Appearently she was ready to win. Maybe I didn't do so good with my explaination.

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It was super hot around 1 pm this afternoon and many of us wanted to jump in a pool of ice. My favorite quote was from a lil' kindergartener who said, "I'm sweating so bad - i'm sweating like a hot cow."

And how exactly does a hot cow sweat?

(still sitting outside) There was a bug crawling on my back and while I could see it, I couldn't quite reach it to flick it off. I asked this precious little girl sitting next to me to get it off for me. What was I thinking? Little girls and bugs? She ran away, and when I let her know that it was gone she came back. haha... She insisted that it was a baby spider even though I told her it wasn't. She informed me that baby spiders only have 3 legs and they are not allowed in the sun.

Did you know that?

(Cari, how did I do on my title? bwah ha!)

Simple Woman's Daybook

For today Sunday, May 17, 2009...

Outside my window... mom got some new cushions and pillows for the chairs out on the deck - the flowers were a little droopy last week, but were in full bloom last night. I can't wait to spend the summer days out there. So pretty!

I am thinking... these shoes are super cute. They look so stinkin' comfy.

I am thankful for... being able to work at the same place as my mom. We save gas by riding together everyday. I never thought i'd be working at the same place as my mother, let alone a SCHOOL. It's been a good experience.

From the learning rooms... I'll be sending off all my certificate information this week and then we'll wait to see what happens next. I think i'm more excited about seeing God work through it all than the actual process coming along.

From the kitchen... Casie, Meagan, and I cooked dinner Thursday night. And I know that that was 4 days ago, but it sounded better than saying, "there are dirty dishes, floor needs to be swept, counters are cluttered, etc..." We had scrambled eggs, toast, bacon, and banana nut bread. It's so fun to me to cook for someone else. I'm still in the stage where I love to cook - hopefully it won't ever die.

I am wearing... blue 'testify' t-shirt, black trash bag shorts, pink moccasins, hair down, lil' make up.

I am creating... nothing. I was creating a consistent, very disciplined work out routine, but mom has advised me not to work out today because i'm sick. Today is day 9 - I so wanted to be able to complete this 30 day SHRED in 30 consecutive days.

I am going... to post this prayer request (from Mckmama's blog - Not An Island post) and ask that you pray over it as you read - Today I found out my husband has been having an affair. We have two little ones and I'm holding it together for them, but inside I'm done in. It's a little late, but please, please pray for us. Marriage is not a temporary thing to me. Two hours ago I would have said he felt the same way. Now I don't know.

So many women were honest enough to share what they were struggling with in the comment section of this post that Mckmama left; i'm going to post a request left by random women each week until I feel that I need to stop. If you feel lead pray also.

I am reading... still reading the same books as the past few weeks - don't know when i'll get around to finishing those.

I am hoping... to be open and honest with the Lord, let down any walls that could possibly be up, and move on towards victory.

I am hearing... Mercy Me playing on Casie's computer as she surfs the web. And China crunching on her 'supper'.

Around the house... well, as you just read, China is finishing up her dinner, mom is preparing ours, casie and I are catching up on E-mail/facebook, and dad should be home in the next hour.

One of my favorite things... decorating magazines, tv shows, blogs, etc. I really love the parade of homes they have twice a year - being able to walk through peoples homes and get ideas - LOVE IT!

A few plans for the rest of the week... working everyday this week at school, music appreciation dinner on Wednesday, possibly hanging out with a friend, and then we'll see....

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you... one of the flowers mom planted on the back deck. I took a few pictures the other day just messing around with my camera. I love how it's slightly blurry!

If you would like to join or simply read other daybooks - click here!

Update

Just wanted to update you all on the Teaching Certificate process.

Yesterday I was out running errands so I stopped by to see if I could sign up to take the test again. This time I'd only be taking the reading section since that's the only part I haven't 'passed' yet. The lady asked if I wanted to take it right then.... ummm, I guess?

Just incase she recognized me from last week and was wondering why the heck I was there again, I explained to her that I was getting my alternate teaching certificate and needed to make higher than an 85 on Reading. Last time I missed it by 5 points - making an 80.

I called mom to let her know that I was about to take the test instead of waiting for another day. She reassured me that I'd do fine either way and reminded me not to read too far into anything if I don't meet the minimal requirements again. Then she let me know she was praying.

After a quick restroom break (and a few prayers), I started the test.

There were 20 questions. One type was where you read a short paragraph and answered the questions by what was implied. I'm more of a stated person. The other type gave 2 sentences and you had to figure out why the two went together; cause/effect, fact/example, etc..

I took my time, read through each question/answer multiple times, and finally finished. The lady pulled up my results on the screen (knowing what I needed to make) and looked back at me with this look.

For the life of me I couldn't find the results on the screen.
"Where is it? Where does it show it?"
Points to the screen

Reading - 99

I wanted to cry! As I walked to the car I thanked the Lord outloud over and over and over... I didn't care how much of a goob I looked like. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!

Everything is almost ready to be sent off to Region 7 (deadline is May 29) and then i'll wait for the call to be interviewed. Until then I wait - not worry. And if I get accepted I start in June.

For those of you who may be wondering, I am going to continue to live at home through the summer. I want (and need) to move out because I know that there are things that can only be learned through living on my own. But right now it only makes sense to stay here for a few more months. If I get accepted into the program it is possible that I may have to move, in order to be closer to whatever school district I'm placed in. It is also possible that I get placed right where I'm at and not need to move out of town. But there's no way to know right now.

So I guess that's all the updates I have for the moment.... I'll keep you posted as I go. (although you may not even care - haha)

Grab ur Partner

Mom and I have been DANCIN it up - okay, so more like attempting to dance - with her new workout video. We should probably stick to music in the Kilgore family and leave the dancin' to the pros. You will not be seeing either of us on that show in this lifetime. It is flat out hilarious! We get more of an AB workout laughing at each other than we do actually dancing. We're no good, people.... no good!



The rest of us had a great time sitting on the couch watching mom, but i'm thinkin' she got her feelings hurt because we kept laughin' at her.... So now i'm lookin' a fool right there with her! That's love!



Tonight is day 3 of the 30 day Shred (my workout video) - so far successful with my discipline. Mom has been so sweet to SHRED with me since I "dance" with her.


Except that when I look over to see my partner this is what I usually find....

I might need a new partner; what do you think? This one's not so encouraging... haha :)

What's the world comin' to?

It's a hard life people.... real hard.

Be careful, Cari, this is what high speed could do to ya!

Fishermen

Cast all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you.

1 Peter 5:7

I read a blog entry the other day where a woman was talking about casting all of our cares and burdens on the Lord. She looked up the definition of cast and this is what she found -

to hurl: throw forcefully

As I was driving home the other I day I got to thinking about that. See, the problem for us is that we tend to cast things like a fishing rod. We reach back, throw it out with a little flip of the wrist, and then as soon as we feel a little tug or tension we reel it back in.

I'm pretty sure that's not what He meant.

Lord Jesus, help us, teach us what it truly means to cast, hurl, throw forcefully, shed, get rid of all our burdens and cares and give them to You. Because even though we can't grasp it or understand it, You do care for us. We want to experience true freedom that can only come from You. In order to do that we have to learn to surrender everything that we are clinging to.... to empty our hands.

Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day!

We love you, Mom!

Even if you don't know how to 1, 2, cha cha cha!


Thank you for all that you do!

Saturday Afternoon

Okay, since I heard so many people talking about it... I bought the 30 Day Shred by Jillian Michaels at Target this past week. One of these days i'm determined to get to it. Now I know that everytime I mention working out people roll their eyes at me, but I just want some kind of physical activity in my life. I never work out and i'm so out of shape. Mom was with me when I got it and decided to get her a workout DVD also - Dancing with the Stars.

She's currently 'Dancing with the Stars' right infront of me and i'm about to lose it. She needs a little more practice on the hips, if you ask me. If I knew she wouldn't totally kill me i'd video tape her and post it to this blog. Better be glad it's Mother Day weekend otherwise I might have done it.

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I finally got my hair cut today at Salon Pink in Longview. Thursday evening I drove by around 8 to see their hours of business, and there happened to be 3 of the 23 hair stylist still inside. They were able to schedule me for 2 days later. Yay for that!

The girl who did my hair seemed to be in her mid 20's. While she was cutting my hair I noticed this picture collage of a baby boy on her wall. There were also pictures all over her vanity of the same little boy. Then I saw it - November 2008 through March 2009. That's less than 2 months ago? O my goodness... I would have never known, she's so friendly and seems to be doing okay. Would it be rude if I asked about him? Surely not if she has this many pictures up.

So I did it.

Do you mind if I ask what happened with your son?

Oh, no mam. We lost him to SIDS; one of those unexplainable things. He was actually born with Cleft lip. We took him to Dallas to have surgery and he passed away a week later.

I sat there trying to decide what to say. When I got in my car to leave the thoughts were flooding my mind - you could have said this or this or this. Doesn't it always happen that way? I wanted to offer some kind of encouragement, but I had nothing.

She has the perfect job to use her sons story as a witness. Tons of people from all different backgrounds come into that salon on a daily basis. Her son's loss wasn't a surprise to God - we know that. But I wonder if she did?

Whether she knew it or not, God used that moment to remind me that there is far more going on here than we'll ever understand. Everything that happens to us has an eternal purpose; a bigger picture than we could ever imagine. Any person we come in contact with may need to hear our story or see how we handle our journey. We never know all that is going on.

She was an encouragement to me today!

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Now, if you need something more interesting to read, here are some of my favorite findings from this week.

Mckmama gives some Natural Cleaning Ideas

Emily, at Chatting at the Sky, shares some advice for mothers who photograph their children.

And take a look at The Nester's Fabric File-To Go - what an awesome idea!

Oh, and ummm, mom is now eating ice cream. So much for that work out. She claims that it's just enough to get her up and going again. sure.

Test-y Day

In order to apply for the certification program you have to meet the minimal requirements on certain tests (ACT, SAT, Accuplacer, etc). Instead of taking a composite score they look at the individual score for each subject.

My results were the same on each test; I'd do above average on one section (math) and fail the other (reading). There was no going around it - I was going to have to retake one of these tests before I could even apply for the program. Frustrating.

Do you remember taking the ACT and SAT in high school? Do you remember what a daunting process that was?

NO THANK YOU!

I wasn't about to put myself through that again. Someone else can use their time to fill in all those millions of bubbles. Not me.

Mom remembered that Panola offered the Accuplacer exam. You could schedule a time, pay your money, take the test, get the results immediately, and even retake it as many times as you want. Seemed like the way to go.

When I got there the lady mentioned that there were only 12 questions for the math section and 20 for the reading. Heck yes! I'll be out in no time.

Except not.

I thought I was going to go insane. At one point I realized I was twisting my chair back in forth - maybe in an attempt to keep myself alert and alive. No one stopped me so I'm guessing it didn't bother them.

Not to mention, the lady who was giving the test was TALKING during it. I seriously had to plug my ears and might have even rolled my eyes.... I just needed to concentrate and she so wasn't makin' that possible.

When I was finished taking the test my results printed immediately. The lady acted completely shocked and started giving me compliments about how high my scores were. She made me feel awesome, but then I saw the scores for myself.

Math - 111
Reading - 80
Writing - 7

They seem alright at first glance.... but do you see the HUGE difference in my math and reading?

Once again the reading isn't high enough. Frustrated to the max, folks. Makes me want to cry - yes, i'm that much of a baby.

You have to make a minimim of a 75 on math (check) and an 85 on the reading (zero check). I'm so left brained. Give me details and I can make up some steps to figure out the answer for you. Even if I can't remember the exact equation I can figure out a way to get the correct answer. I'm good at problem solving. Not so good at reading... obviously. I'm one of those people who has to read a paragraph about 10 times before I understand what the person is saying. And that's after starting over the first sentence 5 times because I realized I already forgot what we were talking about. Even though it may not seem like it, I do well on the grammar sections of test, just not quite enough on the reading passages.

Those stories today were whacko. Whoever makes those tests could do the students a favor by atleast giving them something interesting to read. Do they want them to fall asleep?

So I don't know what to think from here. I can't apply for the program until I pass the reading section. Is this a shut door? How long do you keep paying and trying to pass a test before you realize it's not God's will for you? Why am i even paying all this money for something that i'm not sure I'm going to love?

I'll be okay in a few days. I'm just a little upset at the moment. No one likes to fail something - especially by 5 points.

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On a happier note since I couldn't work today I got to pick up the kids from school. Not all of them; Katie, Cam, and his friend. I always try to talk to them on the way home, ask them how their day was, etc... today they were very talkative amongst themselves. (Which i'm pretty sure was probably a good thing since I'd just received my test results. Not so much a sweet person at that point.)

This was part of the conversation that I overheard -

Katie: I'm free yers ole.

Eli: Your sisters in Preschool so she doesn't have to wear uniforms. Her teacher doesn't make her wear them, she gets free dress.

Katie: No, I wore a dress yesterday.

Katie: You got a pink shirt on.

Me: Yes, i do.

Katie: I like pink. Why you not wear pink flip flops with your pink shirt?

Excuse me for breaking an obvious rule.

While we were eating snacks Katie decided she wanted some of mine too.

Katie: hey, we can share... (sticks her hand in my chex mix and chooses my favorite part)

Me: You're eating those? They're my favorite. (pick your battle, Megan, pick your battle)

Cam: What is lead?

Eli: You know like pencil lead that you write with, except not... the kind you put in guns.

Have a good day tomorrow!!!!

Habla Espanol?

Since the end of the school year is approaching there is a lot of testing going on right now. With that being the case, each day there is the possibility that I could get pulled from one place and moved into another. Today I got moved into a 1st grade bilingual classroom with about 20 kids who spoke spanish. The teacher was right outside the class testing individual students throughout the day incase I needed her, but I managed to make it fine.

With high school and college combined i've had about 3 years (six semesters) of spanish. You would think I'd be a pro by now, but i'm so not. I know the correct sounds for all the letters which means that I can read it very well. Remembering all the meanings for the words is the hard part for me. My brain can only hold so much information. Okay, so I was a terrible slacker when it came to foreign language. I knew what I could do to get an A or B in the course and that's exactly what I did... but I didn't learn/study enough to be able to really use it.

It's days like today when I wish I would have payed more attention in those classes.

Have you ever heard that music students do best with foriegn language classes? (Totally irrelevant - just popped in my head.)

I had fun testing out my spanish skills today. The kids quizzed me on my colors and a few verbs. I tried to speak as much as i could to them in Spanish - even if it was only one or two words - I got the point across. They thought it was silly and I felt super cool so it was a win/win situation! haha!

I do catch myself wanting to speak with an accent now... my thoughts even have an accent... do you do that too? You know how you hang around someone for so long and you start picking up their speaking habits. I've got to get this out of my system before I get to church tonight.

Adios!

Simple Woman

For Today May 5th, 2009

Outside my window... i feel like my answer is always the same for this. Let me think for a second. Got it. The pool guys came and put in a new liner this week; water is slowly rising and should be swimmable (is that a word?) within a few weeks. Mom also bought some plants this past weekend, so the deck is looking very colorful and pretty!

I am thinking... that I love my job for the next month. I'm so excited about it. Today was so much fun!

I am thankful for... a soveriegn God who supplies all my needs.

From the learning rooms... NOTHING NOTHING NOTHING! YES! Sunday afternoon I kept thinking I was forgetting something, but then I remembered 'NO CLASS'! haha!

I do have to take a test on Thursday in order to apply for the Teacher Certification Program. If you think about it i'd greatly appreciate your prayers.

From the kitchen... the table is full of all the goodies we bought tonight. We spent the evening in Longview celebrating my birthday. I got to choose the restaurant and every other place we visited tonight. There is a new store that I knew my mom would love so I wanted to go there. We each got a new t-shirt (with scripture and cool designs) and they're super cute! Maybe i'll post pictures later.

I am wearing... my pink Rock Of Ages T-shirt; O come, let us sing unto the LORD, let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Psalm 95 Some comfy shorts, house shoes, and hair in a pony tail.

I am creating... absolutely nothing. I have an hour and a half during the day where I sit at the front desk at school and check in visitors. It can get pretty boring sitting there with nothing to do. It's smack dab in the middle of my day. What a perfect break! I'm creating a new habit to read my bible during that time. (Which reminds me of a t-shirt my mother has that says 'Arrest me. I prayed at school today.')

I am going... to post this prayer request from another blog. Mckmama wrote a new entry where she invited all the readers to share a need/prayer request if they had one. She is going to personally pray for every comment that was left. She challenged those who left comments to pray for the person who commented directly above them. The lady just before me said this, Please pray for D and H, who have been told they will never have a child of their own, and also for R and M who's baby boy was a victim of SIDS, and that was followed by three miscarriages. Both couples are in great need of prayer. If you feel lead, lift them up also.

I am reading... my new Purpose Driven Connection magazine that my sister bought me for my birthday. It has a small group bible study DVD that comes with it - I wonder if it's any good? The Psalms. And one of these days i'll finish Heaven is Real by Don Piper and Waking the Dead by John Eldridge.

I am hoping... to increase in my knowledge, intimacy, and faith with Christ.

I am hearing... the news on tv; they are currently talking about sports - BORING.

Around the house... Mom and Dad have gone to bed. Casie came in this evening for all the bday festivities so she'll be spending the night here. I'm about to call it a night also.

One of my favorite things... hearing all the interesting things the kindergarten students say to me. I had to pull students out one by one again today and ask them questions about their favorite things for a book the teachers are putting together.

One 5 year olds favorite TV show is The News. Poor Thing. She has no life.

Another boy has zero interest - What is your favorite song? nothing favorite book? nothing favorite toy? umm nothing, oh my sisters toy. I felt like I was talking to myself. haha!! I wanted to tell him, "sweety, do yourself a favor and choose something YOU LIKE for yourself. Just make a decision."

And the answer that melted my heart was from a little boy who needs special attention. He can be a little overwhelming and is extremely hyper all the time, but I can't help but love him. When I asked him what his favorite song was he sat up real straight and popped out, "Jesus loves me".

A few plans for the rest of the week... working the rest of the week 7:30 - 3:30 each day (except Thursday), Adult choir on Wednesday, visiting a friend who teaches 2nd grade in Jefferson on Thursday morning, Test Thursday afternoon and then picking up some kids at 3. I think I might want to see a movie this weekend - i haven't done that in a while.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you... a few weeks ago I had no money in my wallet... and I'm too terrified to take any out of my savings. The rod that is supposed to be up to hold my curtain is missing, so I had to improvise and RIG it.Zero money to buy a rod, zero money to buy a curtain - I used ribbon and my old shower curtain from the dorm life. I can't believe it's held this long. It's starting to droop, haha!

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A new year

Brandon: What do you want for you birthday, Megan?
Me: ummm, I don't know. The Shred workout by Jillian on the Biggest Loser.
Brandon: Hoooooww about.... a month of tanning at the salon down town? Because um.... you need one reeaaal bad.

Point taken. Thanks.

Tomorrow is my 22nd birthday. I decided to work instead of take the day off because really and truly I do not need another day to myself. Relational beings we so definitely are - and I am here to confirm that for ya! Today was a weather day so I slept in, got ready, and headed over to Longview to spend some birthday money.


I know you are probably tired of hearing about my bathroom redo and could careless to see any more pictures, but I had to show you my new vase. Mom got it for me at H*bby L*bby on sale for my birthday - woo hoo! It matches perfecto! She even spent her evening clipping all the flowers, placing them in just the right spot, and securing them into the foam. What a wonderful mom is she?


One of my favorite things, that I did pretty much all by myself within the past year, was tackle this bathroom. Do you remember what it looked like before? It's been months since the project has been finished, but I still find myself looking for these colors when i'm out shopping. It hasn't gotten old yet, and that makes me happy. I still wish I could paint the cabinets a dark chocolate. And the hideous faucets that stick out like a stinkin' sore thumb, yeah. It doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful, but that would make it complete!

When the time comes to have my own home...... oh how fun will that be? Decorating all the rooms - YAY! All the decisions are destined to drive me insane, but I'm still excited about it.

Hope you have a fantastic day tomorrow! I'll be SUB-paraprofessional-ing it up!

Flashback Fotos

I found these pictures on my mom's computer as I was flipping through her files. Definitely time for some... four year flash-back fotos! (idea stolen from Cari)

I must say that was a fabulous hair day. No lie - i've always said this is my favorite senior picture because of my hair. Is that vain?

ahem... sorry.

These were (obviously) taken on the actual graduation day. Hair is a different length and style. Not so much an awesome hair day. Okay, we're done with the hair - promise! Aren't mom's blue eyes so beautiful?

Casie and I - she's grown up so much!

And Karen, in case you were wondering, I really do know Kendra in real life and we are actual friends! Here's a picture for proof! haha! My high school quartet!


Haven't changed a bit, have I? hrm...

A New Beginning

To be honest I wasn't really looking forward to this day. Mom wanted me to walk across that stage really bad, so I was really doing it for the family more than for myself. But I have to admit - participating in that ceremony today brought more joy and peace to my soul than I ever imagined. Just for a moment I needed to rest in that!

There is something about ending one chapter of your life and beginning another. It's like this excuse to start over brand new. And that's exactly what I need right now in my life. The college experience wasn't enjoyable for me - not like everyone said it would be. But that's only because I wasn't prepared spiritually for what was ahead. I have a Savior who makes ALL things new, despite what you did yesterday (even if yesterday is the past 4 years). And even when you take the easy road and major in something very broad, He opens doors and gives you second chances. Just because that's who He is.

So today i'm 'Being Still and Knowing He is God'.

It never even crossed my mind that I would get emotional today. As I walked down that aisle with the Brass Quintet playing I was caught off guard by the rush of emotions that came over me. Scanning the crowd for familair faces was not an option - that increased the tears. Today has been a great day! And since Papa Bill never got to experience graduation for himself, I let him wear my cap for a moment. Whose idea was it to create that sort of hat anyways?

Thank you, Lord God, for new beginnings. Thank you for simply being You.