19 minutes

I stayed up late last night to finish this one. I think it is my favorite of the summer so far.

This is one of those books that makes you want to change the way you live. In the midst of a tragic, violent act, each reader makes various judgments about the players involved--while at the same time being unable to truly place blame on any one individual.

Each character was sympathetic and it was easy to identify with some aspect of most of them. As a school teacher, it made me want to be intentional about showing compassion to those students who are on the outskirts, who are mistreated and do not fit in. It made me angry. It reinforced how every situation or incident can play an integral part in the psyche of any person.

I stayed up late last night to finish this one. I think it is my favorite of the summer so far.

This is one of those books that makes you want to change the way you live. In the midst of a tragic, violent act, each reader makes various judgments about the players involved--while at the same time being unable to truly place blame on any one individual.

Each character was sympathetic and it was easy to identify with some aspect of most of them. As a school teacher, it made me want to be intentional about showing compassion to those students who are on the outskirts, who are mistreated and do not fit in. It made me angry. It reinforced how every situation or incident can play an integral part in the psyche of any person.

Living out of boxes...

This is us. We are living out of boxes.

But life is good!

In one short month we have completely transplanted our life and are beginning a new life. When I look back on the details of the way everything has played out, I know that God both initiated and organized every step. I love that He cares about the details of our lives...

There is so much left to do, but I am thankful to have the month of July to get settled.

It's so nice to see family on such a regular, casual basis. What wonderful opportunities that I hadn't realized I'd been missing.

My goal is to be completely settled by the 11th because I have a meeting at school on the 12th, and I want to focus on getting my classroom ready at that point. I continue to be very impressed with this school system, and I can't wait to begin this leg of my career.

And we continue to get settled one box at a time...

This is us. We are living out of boxes.

But life is good!

In one short month we have completely transplanted our life and are beginning a new life. When I look back on the details of the way everything has played out, I know that God both initiated and organized every step. I love that He cares about the details of our lives...

There is so much left to do, but I am thankful to have the month of July to get settled.

It's so nice to see family on such a regular, casual basis. What wonderful opportunities that I hadn't realized I'd been missing.

My goal is to be completely settled by the 11th because I have a meeting at school on the 12th, and I want to focus on getting my classroom ready at that point. I continue to be very impressed with this school system, and I can't wait to begin this leg of my career.

And we continue to get settled one box at a time...

Locks of Love

So after months of postponement, I finally made the big cut and sent 101/2 inches of my mane to Locks of Love. It was time. Probably past time--I was to the point where I felt like a granola girl, and I was having constant headaches from the weight of my ponytail. It was quite an experience, and I took a few pictures to document the event...

BEFORE: I put my hair into 5 ponytails all around my face, and Tanya cut each one of them at a time. It was nerve-wracking, but she is the one person who I trust to do such a drastic thing.
DURING: This is just one of the 5 ponytails... AFTER: holding my hair.

So after months of postponement, I finally made the big cut and sent 101/2 inches of my mane to Locks of Love. It was time. Probably past time--I was to the point where I felt like a granola girl, and I was having constant headaches from the weight of my ponytail. It was quite an experience, and I took a few pictures to document the event...

BEFORE: I put my hair into 5 ponytails all around my face, and Tanya cut each one of them at a time. It was nerve-wracking, but she is the one person who I trust to do such a drastic thing.
DURING: This is just one of the 5 ponytails... AFTER: holding my hair.

Our New Digs

We found a house! We're closing on the old house on the 21st, the new house the 22nd, and moving the 23rd! Crazy. Our new house is in a small community near my hometown and close to our jobs. We're pretty close to Mom and Dad's and Lindsay and Daniel's too. This is so exciting, but stressful... Better get back to packing, but I am lucky because I have Lindsay, the master organizer, here to help me.

***EDIT***Here are some inside pics per request...

We found a house! We're closing on the old house on the 21st, the new house the 22nd, and moving the 23rd! Crazy. Our new house is in a small community near my hometown and close to our jobs. We're pretty close to Mom and Dad's and Lindsay and Daniel's too. This is so exciting, but stressful... Better get back to packing, but I am lucky because I have Lindsay, the master organizer, here to help me.

***EDIT***Here are some inside pics per request...

Dead Weight

In response to my friend Jen's challenge and my tentative moving date (June 21 with sale pending inspection), I have decided to chunk the dead weight. I mentioned in a previous post that I am a pack rat. Yesterday, I threw away* sweaters that I hadn't worn in years, old magazines and invoices, some cassette mixes, a clock left at the house by previous owners, and pictures/posters that haven't been on the wall since I lived in a dorm room.

Today, my task is to throw away Maggie's toys that she has ripped stuffing out of...( I've had to face the simple truth that I'm NOT going to sew them back together... nice idea, right?!), clean out drawers, and trash some of my "collectible" cards (of the thank you note, Easter, St. Patrick's day genre...).

Although I'm having to MAKE myself go through this process, it actually feels good--even sort of freeing. The motivating factors for me are, "Do I REALLY want to pack this on a truck and move it 4 hours away?" and "Where the heck am I going to put all this stuff in my next house?"

What's weighing you down that you should chunk?

*Goodwill, Salvation Army, or Missions Bin at church... still pondering.

In response to my friend Jen's challenge and my tentative moving date (June 21 with sale pending inspection), I have decided to chunk the dead weight. I mentioned in a previous post that I am a pack rat. Yesterday, I threw away* sweaters that I hadn't worn in years, old magazines and invoices, some cassette mixes, a clock left at the house by previous owners, and pictures/posters that haven't been on the wall since I lived in a dorm room.

Today, my task is to throw away Maggie's toys that she has ripped stuffing out of...( I've had to face the simple truth that I'm NOT going to sew them back together... nice idea, right?!), clean out drawers, and trash some of my "collectible" cards (of the thank you note, Easter, St. Patrick's day genre...).

Although I'm having to MAKE myself go through this process, it actually feels good--even sort of freeing. The motivating factors for me are, "Do I REALLY want to pack this on a truck and move it 4 hours away?" and "Where the heck am I going to put all this stuff in my next house?"

What's weighing you down that you should chunk?

*Goodwill, Salvation Army, or Missions Bin at church... still pondering.

10 years and still going strong...

My high school graduating class of 1997...

I can hardly believe it! My 10-year class reunion is just around the corner. It is just 2 months away...

I don't quite know what to think about it. My graduating class was a pretty tight knit group, and many of us have kept in touch over the years. I still don't know what to expect though because you hear all those stories...

My mom said that at hers, old-school couples were hooking up, and that it was a pretty dangerous atmosphere. I don't expect anything like that, but what DO you expect? I imagine it can be a pretty awkward thing for the spouses as well. It will be interesting to see who people married, pictures of babies (although there aren't very many that I know of in our class...), what classmates look like, etc... I don't know what to wear! I mean, what DO you wear to something like this?!?

Did you go to yours? What was it like? Will you go to yours? Why or why not? Any thoughts, opinions, or stories are welcome!

My high school graduating class of 1997...

I can hardly believe it! My 10-year class reunion is just around the corner. It is just 2 months away...

I don't quite know what to think about it. My graduating class was a pretty tight knit group, and many of us have kept in touch over the years. I still don't know what to expect though because you hear all those stories...

My mom said that at hers, old-school couples were hooking up, and that it was a pretty dangerous atmosphere. I don't expect anything like that, but what DO you expect? I imagine it can be a pretty awkward thing for the spouses as well. It will be interesting to see who people married, pictures of babies (although there aren't very many that I know of in our class...), what classmates look like, etc... I don't know what to wear! I mean, what DO you wear to something like this?!?

Did you go to yours? What was it like? Will you go to yours? Why or why not? Any thoughts, opinions, or stories are welcome!

Everything Changes!

Everything is changing so fast. During my hiatus from blogging and temporary overdose with facebook, everything about my life has been going under complete transformation... Patrick and I are moving back to the Nashville area this summer. He has accepted a job as a building superintendent, and I have accepted a teaching job. It should not come as such a surprise to me because we have been open to the idea for awhile, but we had no idea on what time table... or that it would happen THIS soon. At the end of April, we went to the beach for a long weekend, and we just dreamed outloud about our future... as is so easy to do at the beach. Several opportunities hit us at once, and here we go!

We are so excited!!! But also soooo overwhelmed! I used to be a free-spirit, one trunk kind of mover. I cannot count the number of times I have moved since college... You want to move to Charleston for the summer? You want to move into the mansion (XO) next semester? YOu want to take a break before grad school and move to Tuscaloosa for the summer? I know you want to live in my trailer for your last semester!?!? I was always up for it. Since I have been in my house for two years, I have become quite the nester. I have always been a bit of a pack rat--having kept my penpal letters from my friend Amelia when she moved to Kansas, every Birthday card, encouragement card, and even some thoughtful thank you notes... I have pictures and memorabilia from all vacations and mission trips. My closets are full! I'm freaking out...

Not to mention that I have the stress of selling the house, leaving my job, friends, church, surroundings... and moving to a new house, new job, new (and some old) friends, church hunting, and new surroundings... We are definitely in the chaos stage of the diagram right now!

Even so, I am confident, excited, and at peace that this is the right move for us. We have thought and prayed for so long, and God has just taken care of one detail at a time--making it ever-clear for us. It is a good time in our life to do this; it will put us closer to our families; it will relieve us of some emotional and spiritual stress; and it will give us freedom to pursue our dreams. Temporary pain=Long-term gain! :) Keep us in your thoughts, and we'll keep you posted.

Everything is changing so fast. During my hiatus from blogging and temporary overdose with facebook, everything about my life has been going under complete transformation... Patrick and I are moving back to the Nashville area this summer. He has accepted a job as a building superintendent, and I have accepted a teaching job. It should not come as such a surprise to me because we have been open to the idea for awhile, but we had no idea on what time table... or that it would happen THIS soon. At the end of April, we went to the beach for a long weekend, and we just dreamed outloud about our future... as is so easy to do at the beach. Several opportunities hit us at once, and here we go!

We are so excited!!! But also soooo overwhelmed! I used to be a free-spirit, one trunk kind of mover. I cannot count the number of times I have moved since college... You want to move to Charleston for the summer? You want to move into the mansion (XO) next semester? YOu want to take a break before grad school and move to Tuscaloosa for the summer? I know you want to live in my trailer for your last semester!?!? I was always up for it. Since I have been in my house for two years, I have become quite the nester. I have always been a bit of a pack rat--having kept my penpal letters from my friend Amelia when she moved to Kansas, every Birthday card, encouragement card, and even some thoughtful thank you notes... I have pictures and memorabilia from all vacations and mission trips. My closets are full! I'm freaking out...

Not to mention that I have the stress of selling the house, leaving my job, friends, church, surroundings... and moving to a new house, new job, new (and some old) friends, church hunting, and new surroundings... We are definitely in the chaos stage of the diagram right now!

Even so, I am confident, excited, and at peace that this is the right move for us. We have thought and prayed for so long, and God has just taken care of one detail at a time--making it ever-clear for us. It is a good time in our life to do this; it will put us closer to our families; it will relieve us of some emotional and spiritual stress; and it will give us freedom to pursue our dreams. Temporary pain=Long-term gain! :) Keep us in your thoughts, and we'll keep you posted.

My Visual DNA

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Sadness

Please pray for our family. Our 3-year-old niece, Haley Beth, lost her daddy, Michael Hamilton of Decatur, to his long-fought battle with cancer this morning. He was 35. We are sad for our loss, but we are so thankful for and peaceful about God's sweet patience with him.

Please pray for our family. Our 3-year-old niece, Haley Beth, lost her daddy, Michael Hamilton of Decatur, to his long-fought battle with cancer this morning. He was 35. We are sad for our loss, but we are so thankful for and peaceful about God's sweet patience with him.

Realization

I have realized something about myself. I deal with stressful situations through denial. Then I freak out. It's why I am often messy, why I feel tired, why I procrastinate. Sometimes that's ok. Sometimes it's not. Right now it's not. I am realizing that much of my life is passing me by. I have quit being intentional with many things--and am just making it from one day to the next, which turns into one week to the next, months, and I am afraid, even years.

I don't want to live this way. God's word tells me that we are not promised more than this second. Why do I waste so much time? I have so many hopes, dreams, goals to accomplish. I am no closer to them than I was even a year ago.

I pledge today to live this one to the fullest. and the one after that. and the one after that. I have to start somewhere.

I have realized something about myself. I deal with stressful situations through denial. Then I freak out. It's why I am often messy, why I feel tired, why I procrastinate. Sometimes that's ok. Sometimes it's not. Right now it's not. I am realizing that much of my life is passing me by. I have quit being intentional with many things--and am just making it from one day to the next, which turns into one week to the next, months, and I am afraid, even years.

I don't want to live this way. God's word tells me that we are not promised more than this second. Why do I waste so much time? I have so many hopes, dreams, goals to accomplish. I am no closer to them than I was even a year ago.

I pledge today to live this one to the fullest. and the one after that. and the one after that. I have to start somewhere.

Humor me, Harper Lee!

I was HERE!

Last night will be a night that I will always remember. It will definitely by a spotlight from the "Montgomery years" that I will look back on with delight. I got to experience what every book-loving English teacher could dream of--being in the presence of her hero.

For more information about the event, click here and read a touching story of two schools merging, and Harper Lee making a rare public appearance.

In my elementary, middle, and high school years, two books really touched me, opened my eyes, and made me passionate about the world of literature and reading: Anne of Green Gables (and Avonlea to follow) and To Kill a Mockingbird. When I was in college and was choosing between two sororities, a fact that pushed me over to one side (with several others) was that Harper Lee had indeed pledged Chi Omega. Trivial, I know, but true.

Yesterday, at about 10 a.m., I found out that Harper Lee had planned to make somewhat of a last-minute appearance--which is an extreme rarity as she avoids the public limelight and lives a reclusive lifestyle--at a joint high schools' performance of her famous work. Lee's teachers and students were invited to this invitation only event compliments of the State Department of Education. I almost fell out of my chair, and I completely rearranged my day and night. My good friend, Britani, who shares a love of TKAM, was able to share this special event, and we were moved. The performance was excellent, and just seeing her was worth it. We did almost go borderline psycho with plans to follow her limo, or walk the streets of Monroeville and just happen to show up at her church with our copies of TKAM for her to sign. How convenient, right? But, alas, we refrained... (I also refrained from wearing my Chi-O jersey! :))

Coming soon are some pictures that we took from the event...

I was HERE!

Last night will be a night that I will always remember. It will definitely by a spotlight from the "Montgomery years" that I will look back on with delight. I got to experience what every book-loving English teacher could dream of--being in the presence of her hero.

For more information about the event, click here and read a touching story of two schools merging, and Harper Lee making a rare public appearance.

In my elementary, middle, and high school years, two books really touched me, opened my eyes, and made me passionate about the world of literature and reading: Anne of Green Gables (and Avonlea to follow) and To Kill a Mockingbird. When I was in college and was choosing between two sororities, a fact that pushed me over to one side (with several others) was that Harper Lee had indeed pledged Chi Omega. Trivial, I know, but true.

Yesterday, at about 10 a.m., I found out that Harper Lee had planned to make somewhat of a last-minute appearance--which is an extreme rarity as she avoids the public limelight and lives a reclusive lifestyle--at a joint high schools' performance of her famous work. Lee's teachers and students were invited to this invitation only event compliments of the State Department of Education. I almost fell out of my chair, and I completely rearranged my day and night. My good friend, Britani, who shares a love of TKAM, was able to share this special event, and we were moved. The performance was excellent, and just seeing her was worth it. We did almost go borderline psycho with plans to follow her limo, or walk the streets of Monroeville and just happen to show up at her church with our copies of TKAM for her to sign. How convenient, right? But, alas, we refrained... (I also refrained from wearing my Chi-O jersey! :))

Coming soon are some pictures that we took from the event...

Freedom Writers

Great Movie! Go see it now.
Inspired me to think outside the box and be passionate about everything I do. For more info, go here. Any other thoughts?

Great Movie! Go see it now.
Inspired me to think outside the box and be passionate about everything I do. For more info, go here. Any other thoughts?

"Teens" say the funniest things...

So this morning Patrick was teaching the 7th and 8th graders at church. It was a refreshing change to move from the unresponsive dragging older kids to the overly excited younger teens. Instead of having no class participation, we experienced having 10 hands raised immediately to any given question. While we didn't accomplish all of the class plan for the day, we did have some funny/interesting questions posed by our young Christian friends:

(1) My grandfather doesn't go to church...(pause)
But my grandmother does...(longer pause)
But one time I heard my grandfather say that he prayed for his brother...(pause)
Can he still be a Christian? (said with every bit of sincerity possible)

(2) So, you know those people who come to "church" but stay out where the chairs are(ergo, the lobby)and never actually come into where the singing and stuff is? Are they Christians?

Do you have any funny stories of things kids or teens say?

So this morning Patrick was teaching the 7th and 8th graders at church. It was a refreshing change to move from the unresponsive dragging older kids to the overly excited younger teens. Instead of having no class participation, we experienced having 10 hands raised immediately to any given question. While we didn't accomplish all of the class plan for the day, we did have some funny/interesting questions posed by our young Christian friends:

(1) My grandfather doesn't go to church...(pause)
But my grandmother does...(longer pause)
But one time I heard my grandfather say that he prayed for his brother...(pause)
Can he still be a Christian? (said with every bit of sincerity possible)

(2) So, you know those people who come to "church" but stay out where the chairs are(ergo, the lobby)and never actually come into where the singing and stuff is? Are they Christians?

Do you have any funny stories of things kids or teens say?

Ear Candling

Are you having trouble hearing? Do your ears feel itchy? Then you should definitely try the cleansing power of ear candling. Ashley, Laura, and I did it tonight, and it was disgustingly fascinating--as well as a little dangerous. If you venture into this theraputic experience, make sure you have paper plates, aluminum foil, scissors, a lighter of some sort, and some water in case the flames, or ashes in our case, get a little out of control. (We very possibly could have set the condo--or our hair--on fire. Ew.) You'll be amazed at what comes out of your ear. I mean fascinatingly disgustedly amazed! Q-tips don't do it justice. I actually saved mine for a short time to show Patrick and make him proud :), and I ended up showing some of the teens in our youth group too. It's always fun to shock teens... They were in awe and begged me to take out the van to get them some ear candles. That'd be a worthwhile sight! You can find these lovely devices at your nearest GNC or health foods store. Enjoy and be careful!

P.S. This picture is not an actual safe portrayal of the procedure. Please use a paper plate wrapped in foil as a shield for the stray ashes and sparks!

Are you having trouble hearing? Do your ears feel itchy? Then you should definitely try the cleansing power of ear candling. Ashley, Laura, and I did it tonight, and it was disgustingly fascinating--as well as a little dangerous. If you venture into this theraputic experience, make sure you have paper plates, aluminum foil, scissors, a lighter of some sort, and some water in case the flames, or ashes in our case, get a little out of control. (We very possibly could have set the condo--or our hair--on fire. Ew.) You'll be amazed at what comes out of your ear. I mean fascinatingly disgustedly amazed! Q-tips don't do it justice. I actually saved mine for a short time to show Patrick and make him proud :), and I ended up showing some of the teens in our youth group too. It's always fun to shock teens... They were in awe and begged me to take out the van to get them some ear candles. That'd be a worthwhile sight! You can find these lovely devices at your nearest GNC or health foods store. Enjoy and be careful!

P.S. This picture is not an actual safe portrayal of the procedure. Please use a paper plate wrapped in foil as a shield for the stray ashes and sparks!

Our Christmas Movie

If you haven't already, go see it now! Since we were burning up I-65 for the pre- and post- Christmas holidays, we celebrated "our" Christmas on the 22nd. I awoke to a cup of coffee at my bedside and Christmas music playing. Patrick and I ate breakfast and opened our presents for each other and, of course, for Maggie Moo. Then we had "Christmas Lunch" with Clay and Lori before we went to our Christmas Movie--a tradition of ours. We saw We Are Marshall. It is a must-see. I do love almost all sports movies, but this movie is about so much more than football--the healing of an entire community and the way both the disaster and healing process affected its individuals. It really touched both me and Patrick, and we love the Matthews in this movie! I would recommend it to any movie-goer.

If you haven't already, go see it now! Since we were burning up I-65 for the pre- and post- Christmas holidays, we celebrated "our" Christmas on the 22nd. I awoke to a cup of coffee at my bedside and Christmas music playing. Patrick and I ate breakfast and opened our presents for each other and, of course, for Maggie Moo. Then we had "Christmas Lunch" with Clay and Lori before we went to our Christmas Movie--a tradition of ours. We saw We Are Marshall. It is a must-see. I do love almost all sports movies, but this movie is about so much more than football--the healing of an entire community and the way both the disaster and healing process affected its individuals. It really touched both me and Patrick, and we love the Matthews in this movie! I would recommend it to any movie-goer.

Christmas is for kids!

Patrick and I are back from a whirlwind visit with both of our families. We feel very blessed, and we had such wonderful times in Decatur and Brentwood. It is always too short, and we are always very sad to go. One of my favorite things about being married is that I inherited the role and title of "aunt." Haley Beth is so special to me. She was the flower girl in our wedding, and she has been a highlight of both of my Christmases in the Crawford family!

Each year we go on the quest to find her the "perfect" gift. It's almost become a competition--in a funny, non-competitive, laughable way. In competitive terms, however, Patrick and I are 2 for 2! Last year, we scored by giving her a Disney princess couch that folds out in a pallette/bed. Everything happens in her couch. This year we gave her the movie, Cars, which she opened and immediately shouted with glee, "Look! It's 'Mater and the Race Cars!!!" I love it! I am definitely the "weak link" in the family as I cannot tell her "no" because she is so precious and fun, and so she is always "Kristy, this and Kristy, that," knowing that I will succumb to her every desire. We played baby dolls, read the same story 5 times, walked Maggie, jumped over cracks, and laughed and sang. Like I said, I love it! Christmas is definitely for kids, and it brings us such joy to celebrate with her.

Patrick and I are back from a whirlwind visit with both of our families. We feel very blessed, and we had such wonderful times in Decatur and Brentwood. It is always too short, and we are always very sad to go. One of my favorite things about being married is that I inherited the role and title of "aunt." Haley Beth is so special to me. She was the flower girl in our wedding, and she has been a highlight of both of my Christmases in the Crawford family!

Each year we go on the quest to find her the "perfect" gift. It's almost become a competition--in a funny, non-competitive, laughable way. In competitive terms, however, Patrick and I are 2 for 2! Last year, we scored by giving her a Disney princess couch that folds out in a pallette/bed. Everything happens in her couch. This year we gave her the movie, Cars, which she opened and immediately shouted with glee, "Look! It's 'Mater and the Race Cars!!!" I love it! I am definitely the "weak link" in the family as I cannot tell her "no" because she is so precious and fun, and so she is always "Kristy, this and Kristy, that," knowing that I will succumb to her every desire. We played baby dolls, read the same story 5 times, walked Maggie, jumped over cracks, and laughed and sang. Like I said, I love it! Christmas is definitely for kids, and it brings us such joy to celebrate with her.

From our house to yours...

Merry Christmas! Love, the Crawfords

Merry Christmas! Love, the Crawfords

Saying good-bye to an old friend...

Well, for those of you who are dear friends of mine, you know the special relationship I have had with my dear old accord. 9 and 1/2 years of riding around, road trips to the beach and college football stadiums, many trips from Auburn to Nashville to Auburn, a summer in Charleston, drive-bys, fender benders, all out swipe outs, tickets, cruises, Sunday drives around University in Auburn... I took that '95 accord 190,000 miles. The time has flown by, and it has been too short. On Sunday, I had my last drive with her before thick gray matter began pouring out of every available vessel. Her prognosis at the Honda shop was not good, and we prematurely said our good-byes. I'm not going to lie--I bawled like a baby as I cleaned everything out...

But then we moved on. Thankfully the honda place gave us an extremely fair trade-in price. After much deliberation, checking out every used car lot in Montgomery, test-driving several used accords, we went with this new civic:

Merry Christmas, Kristy!

Reasons why I love it: GREAT gas mileage; always wanted a car this color; the reliabilty of and my loyalty to hondas; it is the first car that Patrick and I have ever bought. Dad said we did good!

P.S. Disclaimer: Picture above is not my actual old car. I couldn't find one at the moment, but it is the year, make, and model--minus the spoiler. Notice the auburn sticker, anyone? :)

Well, for those of you who are dear friends of mine, you know the special relationship I have had with my dear old accord. 9 and 1/2 years of riding around, road trips to the beach and college football stadiums, many trips from Auburn to Nashville to Auburn, a summer in Charleston, drive-bys, fender benders, all out swipe outs, tickets, cruises, Sunday drives around University in Auburn... I took that '95 accord 190,000 miles. The time has flown by, and it has been too short. On Sunday, I had my last drive with her before thick gray matter began pouring out of every available vessel. Her prognosis at the Honda shop was not good, and we prematurely said our good-byes. I'm not going to lie--I bawled like a baby as I cleaned everything out...

But then we moved on. Thankfully the honda place gave us an extremely fair trade-in price. After much deliberation, checking out every used car lot in Montgomery, test-driving several used accords, we went with this new civic:

Merry Christmas, Kristy!

Reasons why I love it: GREAT gas mileage; always wanted a car this color; the reliabilty of and my loyalty to hondas; it is the first car that Patrick and I have ever bought. Dad said we did good!

P.S. Disclaimer: Picture above is not my actual old car. I couldn't find one at the moment, but it is the year, make, and model--minus the spoiler. Notice the auburn sticker, anyone? :)

Christmas Babies!!!

Congratulations to Amy and Scott Stapler on the birth of Elijah Kyle Stapler on December 7, 2007, to Kimberly and Jack Mann on the birth of Henry Mann on December 11, and to Sarah and David Greer on the birth of their new little boy on December 17. As a Christmas baby myself, I have been so excited about the timing of these births by such special friends. I was able to visit Amy in the hospital on the night of sweet Eli's birth which was one of the most special moments. Here are a few pictures of my new little best buddy!

Congratulations to Amy and Scott Stapler on the birth of Elijah Kyle Stapler on December 7, 2007, to Kimberly and Jack Mann on the birth of Henry Mann on December 11, and to Sarah and David Greer on the birth of their new little boy on December 17. As a Christmas baby myself, I have been so excited about the timing of these births by such special friends. I was able to visit Amy in the hospital on the night of sweet Eli's birth which was one of the most special moments. Here are a few pictures of my new little best buddy!

Happy Iron Bowl

Poor Maggie Moo. She's so confused--a red and white bow in 1 ear... an orange and blue one in the other! What will our poor kids do?

Hope everyone who is invested in one of these 2 great schools has a memorable weekend! Waarrrr Eagle, HEY!

Poor Maggie Moo. She's so confused--a red and white bow in 1 ear... an orange and blue one in the other! What will our poor kids do?

Hope everyone who is invested in one of these 2 great schools has a memorable weekend! Waarrrr Eagle, HEY!

BAM October Book Club Book

I read this book last week. I thought the movie seemed interesting. I had previously read some of his short stories and thought they were hilarious. I needed something different.

It highly disturbed me. Has anyone else read it? Am I being too narrow-minded with this? Did it bother you?

I'm glad I have read it, but now I'm looking for something a little more upbeat. Ideas and/or suggestions are welcome.

I read this book last week. I thought the movie seemed interesting. I had previously read some of his short stories and thought they were hilarious. I needed something different.

It highly disturbed me. Has anyone else read it? Am I being too narrow-minded with this? Did it bother you?

I'm glad I have read it, but now I'm looking for something a little more upbeat. Ideas and/or suggestions are welcome.

Happy Halloween!

Hope everyone had a happy and safe Halloween!
Now, it's on to Thanksgiving!

Hope everyone had a happy and safe Halloween!
Now, it's on to Thanksgiving!

Macbeth on Star Wars?

I was grading my seniors' Macbeth Acts 3 and 4 tests today, and I had some funny responses that I thought I'd share...

When asked what 3 questions Macbeth asked Banquo, the correct responses would be in the family of...

Ride you this afternoon?
Is't far you ride?
Goes Fleance with you?

My favorite response of the day:
"Ride ye to the mothership?"

When I asked this student where he got this answer from, he responded: "Oh, I meant to write, 'Ride ye to the motherland?'" Motherland? That word is nowhere to be found in Macbeth! He said he is sure he wrote it on his study guide. I think he must have been watching Star Wars as he was "studying."

Second response:

The question asks, how have Lady Macbeth and Macbeth's roles reversed?

When teaching, I said something to the effect that Macbeth is keeping Lady Macbeth out of the loop. Favorite response:

Macbeth is in control now. Lady Macbeth is in the loo.

These seniors are OOC!

I was grading my seniors' Macbeth Acts 3 and 4 tests today, and I had some funny responses that I thought I'd share...

When asked what 3 questions Macbeth asked Banquo, the correct responses would be in the family of...

Ride you this afternoon?
Is't far you ride?
Goes Fleance with you?

My favorite response of the day:
"Ride ye to the mothership?"

When I asked this student where he got this answer from, he responded: "Oh, I meant to write, 'Ride ye to the motherland?'" Motherland? That word is nowhere to be found in Macbeth! He said he is sure he wrote it on his study guide. I think he must have been watching Star Wars as he was "studying."

Second response:

The question asks, how have Lady Macbeth and Macbeth's roles reversed?

When teaching, I said something to the effect that Macbeth is keeping Lady Macbeth out of the loop. Favorite response:

Macbeth is in control now. Lady Macbeth is in the loo.

These seniors are OOC!

Anniversary Gifts

Any thoughts on anniversary gifts? Traditional or non-traditional? Over the top or not at all? Our 1st is coming up, and I'm aiming for something special/sentimental within a reasonable budget. The traditional gift for year 1 is paper. I'm thinking that could include stationery, books, magazines, tickets to an event, the paper I wrap the non-traditional present with...? Any ideas would be welcome.

Any thoughts on anniversary gifts? Traditional or non-traditional? Over the top or not at all? Our 1st is coming up, and I'm aiming for something special/sentimental within a reasonable budget. The traditional gift for year 1 is paper. I'm thinking that could include stationery, books, magazines, tickets to an event, the paper I wrap the non-traditional present with...? Any ideas would be welcome.

pumpkins galore

October is my favorite month. It just feels good to me. The weather is cooler; football season is in full swing; all of the Montgomery festivals are around the corner; hayrides and haunted houses and costume parties are in full swing; and it's the month of high school Homecomings. I also get to celebrate my first anniversary this month! Shopping is dangerous for me during this time of year. I have a weakness for anything that I can use to decorate my house festively, and I start my holiday baking early. I also pick up every magazine known to man, well (wo)man, that has a fall theme to it. It's quite ridiculous, but it keeps me in good spirits and gives me things to look forward to. My weakness of the week has been William-Sonoma. They start serving their mulling spice hot beverages about now, and they always have some other sample of a tasty treat. Yesterday, I splurged and bought the cookie cutters, and today I went back for the pumpkin bundt cans. Here is my first attempt at a pumpkinesque cake. Come on over and have a peace! Happy Fall festivites!

October is my favorite month. It just feels good to me. The weather is cooler; football season is in full swing; all of the Montgomery festivals are around the corner; hayrides and haunted houses and costume parties are in full swing; and it's the month of high school Homecomings. I also get to celebrate my first anniversary this month! Shopping is dangerous for me during this time of year. I have a weakness for anything that I can use to decorate my house festively, and I start my holiday baking early. I also pick up every magazine known to man, well (wo)man, that has a fall theme to it. It's quite ridiculous, but it keeps me in good spirits and gives me things to look forward to. My weakness of the week has been William-Sonoma. They start serving their mulling spice hot beverages about now, and they always have some other sample of a tasty treat. Yesterday, I splurged and bought the cookie cutters, and today I went back for the pumpkin bundt cans. Here is my first attempt at a pumpkinesque cake. Come on over and have a peace! Happy Fall festivites!

Streams and Espanol

Hola.

I love the fall! It is finally starting to show signs of autumn, and I think I'm going to go ahead and decorate my house for Halloween!

I didn't plan to go on such a hiatus from blogger, but my month has been full of action and reflection--if the 2 can even co-exist. I have refrained from posting, somewhat intentionally, somewhat absentmindedly. I've been trying to immerse myself into this life as I know it and make peace with some situations that have seemed to linger. In this month, I've had a lot of time to think, mull, and ultimately rejuvenate my spirits. In this month I have been reminded that God is so good; he is faithful and consistent, and he has a masterplan behind everything... Praise him.

During college, especially my Senior year and Grad school period, I found a treasure in the book Streams in the Desert. It is a daily reading kind of book, and for a little over 2 years, every day seemed to fit perfectly into whatever present situation was going on in my life. I was amazed, and I bought a copy for (or at least recommended it to) nearly everyone I knew and cared about. I haven't read it in a couple of years, and just recently I picked it back up, and was again amazed at how specifically it is resonating with my current feelings.

Today's reading reminded me what how God is constantly working on us, never allowing us to grow stale or reek death. The verse for today was, "My Father is the gardener." ~John 15.1 The write wrote about how gardeners prune their plants to produce beautiful flowers and fruit, and compared the thought to how God must trim away our dead areas to produce new, mature growth in our lives that reflects Him. These words particularly touched me,"There is rich symbolism in this account of the pruning process in the Christian life. Pruning seems to be destroying the vine, and the gardener appears to be cutting everything away. Yet he sees the future and knows that the final result will be the enrichment of the life of the vine, and a greater abundance of fruit." While these words are not anything new, they are refreshing all the same. Patrick and I are learning to become content in our pruning--even learning to be thankful.

At our Lifegroup on Sunday, my friend Ann, who just moved to Montgomery, refreshed me by reminding me of another verse that used to be one of my favorites, one of those key verses that I put a lot of stock in and found a lot of hope for. "The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of Heaven and Earth and does not live in temples built by hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else. From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. For in him we live and move and have our being." ~Acts 17:22-28.

So, in this time and place, I am enjoying many things. The '06-'07 school year is off to a great start. I finally feel like a "veteran" teacher. I have my organization figured out. I feel comfortable with the material and am pumped about teaching 2 novels for the first time, Animal Farm and Lord of the Flies.

Auburn football is off to a great start, and I get to go to my first game in 2 years (last fall=showers and wedding) this weekend with Patrick and Lindsay and Daniel. P.S. I had to watch the ever intense Auburn vs. LSU game with some volatile Alabama fans while tailgating outside Byant-Denny Stadium. I was so relieved when it was over, and our win helped me enjoy my Tuscaloosa experience and time with Adam and Bevin even more...

I have a new show: Prison Break. Patrick and I watched Season 1 on a long weekend, and are so hooked. Michael Scofield is a GENIUS, and his "masterplan" has to be sybolical to God--ok, so he is an escaped con, but he is AWESOME! Plus, all my other shows start up this week!

Maggie is growing like a weed and knows "Sit," "Stay," "Rufus," (her stuffed dog that I named), "Flossy" (her rawhide bone), and of course, "good girl!" and "bad girl!" She is quite rebellious sometimes, but has a wonderful, friendly personality, and she is thoroughly and consistently housetrained except during thunderstorms... She really enjoyed going to Broadway Under the Stars last week at Shakespeare (which was definitely one of my Montgomery highlights) and playing with her friends, Titan, Hector, and Fifi. :) She can't wait for Sadie to come this weekend...

And, finally, I am taking Spanish and LOVE it!

Hasta Luego! God Bless!

Hola.

I love the fall! It is finally starting to show signs of autumn, and I think I'm going to go ahead and decorate my house for Halloween!

I didn't plan to go on such a hiatus from blogger, but my month has been full of action and reflection--if the 2 can even co-exist. I have refrained from posting, somewhat intentionally, somewhat absentmindedly. I've been trying to immerse myself into this life as I know it and make peace with some situations that have seemed to linger. In this month, I've had a lot of time to think, mull, and ultimately rejuvenate my spirits. In this month I have been reminded that God is so good; he is faithful and consistent, and he has a masterplan behind everything... Praise him.

During college, especially my Senior year and Grad school period, I found a treasure in the book Streams in the Desert. It is a daily reading kind of book, and for a little over 2 years, every day seemed to fit perfectly into whatever present situation was going on in my life. I was amazed, and I bought a copy for (or at least recommended it to) nearly everyone I knew and cared about. I haven't read it in a couple of years, and just recently I picked it back up, and was again amazed at how specifically it is resonating with my current feelings.

Today's reading reminded me what how God is constantly working on us, never allowing us to grow stale or reek death. The verse for today was, "My Father is the gardener." ~John 15.1 The write wrote about how gardeners prune their plants to produce beautiful flowers and fruit, and compared the thought to how God must trim away our dead areas to produce new, mature growth in our lives that reflects Him. These words particularly touched me,"There is rich symbolism in this account of the pruning process in the Christian life. Pruning seems to be destroying the vine, and the gardener appears to be cutting everything away. Yet he sees the future and knows that the final result will be the enrichment of the life of the vine, and a greater abundance of fruit." While these words are not anything new, they are refreshing all the same. Patrick and I are learning to become content in our pruning--even learning to be thankful.

At our Lifegroup on Sunday, my friend Ann, who just moved to Montgomery, refreshed me by reminding me of another verse that used to be one of my favorites, one of those key verses that I put a lot of stock in and found a lot of hope for. "The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of Heaven and Earth and does not live in temples built by hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else. From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. For in him we live and move and have our being." ~Acts 17:22-28.

So, in this time and place, I am enjoying many things. The '06-'07 school year is off to a great start. I finally feel like a "veteran" teacher. I have my organization figured out. I feel comfortable with the material and am pumped about teaching 2 novels for the first time, Animal Farm and Lord of the Flies.

Auburn football is off to a great start, and I get to go to my first game in 2 years (last fall=showers and wedding) this weekend with Patrick and Lindsay and Daniel. P.S. I had to watch the ever intense Auburn vs. LSU game with some volatile Alabama fans while tailgating outside Byant-Denny Stadium. I was so relieved when it was over, and our win helped me enjoy my Tuscaloosa experience and time with Adam and Bevin even more...

I have a new show: Prison Break. Patrick and I watched Season 1 on a long weekend, and are so hooked. Michael Scofield is a GENIUS, and his "masterplan" has to be sybolical to God--ok, so he is an escaped con, but he is AWESOME! Plus, all my other shows start up this week!

Maggie is growing like a weed and knows "Sit," "Stay," "Rufus," (her stuffed dog that I named), "Flossy" (her rawhide bone), and of course, "good girl!" and "bad girl!" She is quite rebellious sometimes, but has a wonderful, friendly personality, and she is thoroughly and consistently housetrained except during thunderstorms... She really enjoyed going to Broadway Under the Stars last week at Shakespeare (which was definitely one of my Montgomery highlights) and playing with her friends, Titan, Hector, and Fifi. :) She can't wait for Sadie to come this weekend...

And, finally, I am taking Spanish and LOVE it!

Hasta Luego! God Bless!

Just breathe...

Well, the first week of the 2006-07 school year is finally over. Only 35 more to go! It was a whirlwind that I have yet to recover from--hence the absence of posts on this blog. I have been extremely stressed out these last couple of weeks, and I haven't quite been able to figure out why or how to snap out of it. I decided to begin writing again in my "blessings book" that my dear friend Jesse gave me several years ago to remind me of all of the cool things that God is doing. So, instead of all of the frustrating, negative "back-to-school blues" things that I could vent about, I have decided to write about the highlights of my week...

1. I get to eat lunch with my friends! After having "Lunch Duty" last year, I was relieved to be able to sit in the lunchroom and eat in peace but, I was thrilled when I found out that my lunch wave was the same as my English chicks as well as one of my good science friends. (That NEVER happens...)
2. I have 4th period planning. That is huge because that means I have 3 classes, a break, and then 3 more classes--an even break in the day and a time to get reenergized. 4th period planning also comes right before lunch, so it feels like I have a longer break than I actually do.
3. I have some really sharp students. Of course, I have some not-so-sharp ones as well, but any student who seems at all interested in reading has potential to me. This week they took their literature "pre-test" and wrote a diagnostic essay. Usually, these are painful to grade, and many of them were excruciating, but since I'm being positive here, I am pleased to report that I have some good writers and grade-level readers. I actually had one student make a perfect score on his reading test; of course, he was moved to AP lit the next day, but it was nice to have him in class for 4 days. I'm hoping there's another Preston, Darrius, or Ter'Merria in the midst of them...
4. I get to teach 4 12th-grade classes and 2 11th-grade classes again. Last year, I was sort of stressed about that because British lit is my passion and my experience; however, I fell in love teaching The Great Gatsby and Of Mice and Men last year. I'm pumped to get to do it again--and hopefully a better job of it.
5. I have a new barricade from my students, a larger work space because of it, and a more organized system as another result. I get very annoyed and personal-space-violated when my students walk up and get right behind me or in my face when I am sitting at my computer. I added a table and a file cabinet that streches my desk space while also closing me in. So far, so good. The extra table allows me to spread out my "stuff" and not feel so cluttered and junky. Thanks for the idea, Jen.
6. I am getting to teach some of my 11th-graders from last year again in the 12th grade.
7. I have 2 student teacher's aides during different periods in the day to help me not get so bogged down with rudimentary grading, filing, copying.
8. I get to come home to my puppy, Maggie, and my hubby!

It's overall a pretty good life if I'll just slow down, enjoy it, and let it be. Check out my updated class website if you want to keep up with the goings on in my classroom. :) Any Takers?

Well, the first week of the 2006-07 school year is finally over. Only 35 more to go! It was a whirlwind that I have yet to recover from--hence the absence of posts on this blog. I have been extremely stressed out these last couple of weeks, and I haven't quite been able to figure out why or how to snap out of it. I decided to begin writing again in my "blessings book" that my dear friend Jesse gave me several years ago to remind me of all of the cool things that God is doing. So, instead of all of the frustrating, negative "back-to-school blues" things that I could vent about, I have decided to write about the highlights of my week...

1. I get to eat lunch with my friends! After having "Lunch Duty" last year, I was relieved to be able to sit in the lunchroom and eat in peace but, I was thrilled when I found out that my lunch wave was the same as my English chicks as well as one of my good science friends. (That NEVER happens...)
2. I have 4th period planning. That is huge because that means I have 3 classes, a break, and then 3 more classes--an even break in the day and a time to get reenergized. 4th period planning also comes right before lunch, so it feels like I have a longer break than I actually do.
3. I have some really sharp students. Of course, I have some not-so-sharp ones as well, but any student who seems at all interested in reading has potential to me. This week they took their literature "pre-test" and wrote a diagnostic essay. Usually, these are painful to grade, and many of them were excruciating, but since I'm being positive here, I am pleased to report that I have some good writers and grade-level readers. I actually had one student make a perfect score on his reading test; of course, he was moved to AP lit the next day, but it was nice to have him in class for 4 days. I'm hoping there's another Preston, Darrius, or Ter'Merria in the midst of them...
4. I get to teach 4 12th-grade classes and 2 11th-grade classes again. Last year, I was sort of stressed about that because British lit is my passion and my experience; however, I fell in love teaching The Great Gatsby and Of Mice and Men last year. I'm pumped to get to do it again--and hopefully a better job of it.
5. I have a new barricade from my students, a larger work space because of it, and a more organized system as another result. I get very annoyed and personal-space-violated when my students walk up and get right behind me or in my face when I am sitting at my computer. I added a table and a file cabinet that streches my desk space while also closing me in. So far, so good. The extra table allows me to spread out my "stuff" and not feel so cluttered and junky. Thanks for the idea, Jen.
6. I am getting to teach some of my 11th-graders from last year again in the 12th grade.
7. I have 2 student teacher's aides during different periods in the day to help me not get so bogged down with rudimentary grading, filing, copying.
8. I get to come home to my puppy, Maggie, and my hubby!

It's overall a pretty good life if I'll just slow down, enjoy it, and let it be. Check out my updated class website if you want to keep up with the goings on in my classroom. :) Any Takers?

"My kids bore me..."

This British mom is taking a lot of heat for writing this article about how her kids can sometimes bore her--Gasp. She writes that much of "mommyhood" is glamorized. I heard she wrote this in response to an article written by a mom who gushed over how perfect and wonderful motherhood is. What do you think about it?

This British mom is taking a lot of heat for writing this article about how her kids can sometimes bore her--Gasp. She writes that much of "mommyhood" is glamorized. I heard she wrote this in response to an article written by a mom who gushed over how perfect and wonderful motherhood is. What do you think about it?

Marley and Me

With school lurking around the corner, I am trying to pack in all of the summer pleasure reading that I can this week. I just finished a GREAT book, Marley and Me. Great books to me are books that evoke all types of emotions, books that you laugh out loud to one minute--and then sob to a few minutes later. This was definitely one of those books, and I'd recommend it to any of you dog lovers out there... Maggie was sleeping soundly on my stomach as I tearfully finished it, and it just made me want to soak in all of her and what she has brought and will bring into our family. (Thanks, Linds, for letting me borrow it, I'll bring it to ATL this weekend. And, Mom, when you read this, I think you will be hooked into getting another dog--Cassie, rest in peace. <>< :> )

With school lurking around the corner, I am trying to pack in all of the summer pleasure reading that I can this week. I just finished a GREAT book, Marley and Me. Great books to me are books that evoke all types of emotions, books that you laugh out loud to one minute--and then sob to a few minutes later. This was definitely one of those books, and I'd recommend it to any of you dog lovers out there... Maggie was sleeping soundly on my stomach as I tearfully finished it, and it just made me want to soak in all of her and what she has brought and will bring into our family. (Thanks, Linds, for letting me borrow it, I'll bring it to ATL this weekend. And, Mom, when you read this, I think you will be hooked into getting another dog--Cassie, rest in peace. <>< :> )

It's in the air...

It's back to school time. I can feel it, and I'm starting to get that giddy feeling of going back to my classroom, meeting new students, having routine, acting out Macbeth, and even grading research papers... I must be doing what I'm called to do if I can find something good about research papers...

I went back to my classroom today for the first time all summer. It was a bit of a rude awakening. Dust mites everywhere, air conditioning not working, complete filth... At one point, I was rearranging things and in the process of moving a pencil sharpener, pencil shavings dumped everywhere... in my desk drawers that were open, all over my desktop, the floor, on my shirt, down my shirt--I even ingested quite a bit and have been sneezing and wheezing off and on all day long... I attempted to get my schedule so I could, I don't know, start doing my lesson plans since school begins in less than 2 weeks, but I learned that they are not giving out schedules yet... What!?

In spite of all of these seemingly disappointing factors, I am STILL looking forward to a new school year, and I am determined to have a good attitude and look for the positive things that remind me why I love teaching. I'm excited about being with teacher friends again, and I have high hopes for the two new teachers that will be on our hall. (Keeping fingers crossed) I went shopping for new school supplies and got a new desktop calendar, some clear page protectors, post-its for my students to take notes within the texts, pens and pencils, dry erase markers, sharpies, dividers, the works. I also visited Target and was thrilled with all of the "One Spot" hot teacher items.

Tonight after dinner with some friends, Patrick lovingly took me "Back-to-School" shopping--as has been a ritual since I was a student and will continue through my teaching years. A good outfit on the first day of school helps take away some of those jitters and gives an extra measure of confidence--I buy it. We found some great deals at Banana Republic and Ann Taylor, and I really got excited about the first day with my new students.

It's back to school time. I can feel it, and I'm starting to get that giddy feeling of going back to my classroom, meeting new students, having routine, acting out Macbeth, and even grading research papers... I must be doing what I'm called to do if I can find something good about research papers...

I went back to my classroom today for the first time all summer. It was a bit of a rude awakening. Dust mites everywhere, air conditioning not working, complete filth... At one point, I was rearranging things and in the process of moving a pencil sharpener, pencil shavings dumped everywhere... in my desk drawers that were open, all over my desktop, the floor, on my shirt, down my shirt--I even ingested quite a bit and have been sneezing and wheezing off and on all day long... I attempted to get my schedule so I could, I don't know, start doing my lesson plans since school begins in less than 2 weeks, but I learned that they are not giving out schedules yet... What!?

In spite of all of these seemingly disappointing factors, I am STILL looking forward to a new school year, and I am determined to have a good attitude and look for the positive things that remind me why I love teaching. I'm excited about being with teacher friends again, and I have high hopes for the two new teachers that will be on our hall. (Keeping fingers crossed) I went shopping for new school supplies and got a new desktop calendar, some clear page protectors, post-its for my students to take notes within the texts, pens and pencils, dry erase markers, sharpies, dividers, the works. I also visited Target and was thrilled with all of the "One Spot" hot teacher items.

Tonight after dinner with some friends, Patrick lovingly took me "Back-to-School" shopping--as has been a ritual since I was a student and will continue through my teaching years. A good outfit on the first day of school helps take away some of those jitters and gives an extra measure of confidence--I buy it. We found some great deals at Banana Republic and Ann Taylor, and I really got excited about the first day with my new students.

Old friends

I love all kinds of friendships for the variety of functions and purposes that they serve, but there is something special about old friends...

This past Saturday, and old friend came down to Montgomery for the day. We had the best time talking and hanging out, and I couldn't believe how fast the time passed. It was one of the most refreshing days that I've had in a long time, and it made me think of all the reasons why I love old friends.

1. Old friends know where you have you have been. They know your history, so you don't have to qualify answers or reasons for things.

2. You can pick up right where you left off fairly effortlessly. Time stops.

3. Old friends have supported you through crises, celebrated your happiness, and mourned your sadness.

4. You have been through many phases of life together: high school and all of the corresponding drama, college and major life decisions, disappointments in jobs and other friends, sad break-ups, exciting marriage journeys, deaths and new lifes.

5. You never have to guess where you stand or try to impress. You can just completely be yourself and know that you love and are loved.

Thank God for special friends... 

I love all kinds of friendships for the variety of functions and purposes that they serve, but there is something special about old friends...

This past Saturday, and old friend came down to Montgomery for the day. We had the best time talking and hanging out, and I couldn't believe how fast the time passed. It was one of the most refreshing days that I've had in a long time, and it made me think of all the reasons why I love old friends.

1. Old friends know where you have you have been. They know your history, so you don't have to qualify answers or reasons for things.

2. You can pick up right where you left off fairly effortlessly. Time stops.

3. Old friends have supported you through crises, celebrated your happiness, and mourned your sadness.

4. You have been through many phases of life together: high school and all of the corresponding drama, college and major life decisions, disappointments in jobs and other friends, sad break-ups, exciting marriage journeys, deaths and new lifes.

5. You never have to guess where you stand or try to impress. You can just completely be yourself and know that you love and are loved.

Thank God for special friends... 

Sadie and Maggie: Friends Forever

Last night was the big meeting: Sadie and Maggie. It went well considering that there was a 51 pound puppy meeting a 2 pound puppy. There was some mutual hiney sniffing, some staredowns, some mini growls and excited yelps, and some great pictures. Sadie gave Maggie a tennis ball and a football. She loves both of them.

Last night was the big meeting: Sadie and Maggie. It went well considering that there was a 51 pound puppy meeting a 2 pound puppy. There was some mutual hiney sniffing, some staredowns, some mini growls and excited yelps, and some great pictures. Sadie gave Maggie a tennis ball and a football. She loves both of them.

Welcome home, Maggie!

She has arrived! Our wonderful little bichon pup, Maggie Moo Crawford, entered her way into our hearts and our home yesterday afternoon. She is so tiny and marshmallow-y, weighing just 2 pounds. She has a spunky personality like her mom, Miss Feisty! After a rough 1st night (lost of yelping and destruction), she is settling in nicely. She has found her special bathroom places in the yard, and she is playing hard and crashing all the time. Her sister Sugar Sweet sent her a package of goodies today (thanks, Suzanne!), and her friend Titan brought her a present (thanks, Hnnah!). She is really excited about meeting her cousin Sadie, and her friends Princess Fifi Rodriguez and Chloe. All is well in the Crawford household. Hope you enjoy some of our recent pics.

She has arrived! Our wonderful little bichon pup, Maggie Moo Crawford, entered her way into our hearts and our home yesterday afternoon. She is so tiny and marshmallow-y, weighing just 2 pounds. She has a spunky personality like her mom, Miss Feisty! After a rough 1st night (lost of yelping and destruction), she is settling in nicely. She has found her special bathroom places in the yard, and she is playing hard and crashing all the time. Her sister Sugar Sweet sent her a package of goodies today (thanks, Suzanne!), and her friend Titan brought her a present (thanks, Hnnah!). She is really excited about meeting her cousin Sadie, and her friends Princess Fifi Rodriguez and Chloe. All is well in the Crawford household. Hope you enjoy some of our recent pics.

Ciudad de Angeles

We have returned from Cozumel where we spent 8 days working with the City of Angels. I was not looking forward to this trip; I had been anxious, almost dreadful, in my anticipation of my week in Mexico, but God's power and truth and love provided my week with so much purpose and love. I seriously did not want to come home.

Our time in Cozumel was spent working with the orphanage called "Ciudad de Angeles" which is an organization that has brought in 21 Mexican children who have been abandoned, removed from abusive homes, and have nowhere else to go. We put on a VBS for the angels, did a work project in the community, and put on a sports camp for the community. Each individual element of our trip provided us with the opportunity to step outside of ourselves, serve the Lord, and show unconditional love to these angels.

My specific job in the VBS was to teach the older angels ranging from ages 10-14. Last year, we had difficulty connecting with them, and so we put an extra effort into making the lessons and crafts more age appropriate. God truly blessed us in forming close relationships with them.

Whenever I come back from a mission trip, my initial reaction is to gush over every story and try to articulate every experience to my friends and family. I'm not sure how effective that type of communication is, even though my motives are to just make them feel a part of it all. This year I feel a bit more reflective in just trying to see what God wanted me to see in these children, in our teens, in my own walk with him. He was very good to me, and I feel as if he is truly restoring my soul. Patrick and I definitely caught the passion of this ministry, and it was refreshing to me since I have not bought into church-type stuff in the last year and a half or so... I know that God was gently reminding me that my faith is in HIM; my Christianity is in HIM. And because of that reminder, I feel like He may be ready to use me again. Patrick and I are praying about how we can be a part of this ministry long-term. Please pray for us in those ways.

God bless your day, and may you find purpose in your walk today.

We have returned from Cozumel where we spent 8 days working with the City of Angels. I was not looking forward to this trip; I had been anxious, almost dreadful, in my anticipation of my week in Mexico, but God's power and truth and love provided my week with so much purpose and love. I seriously did not want to come home.

Our time in Cozumel was spent working with the orphanage called "Ciudad de Angeles" which is an organization that has brought in 21 Mexican children who have been abandoned, removed from abusive homes, and have nowhere else to go. We put on a VBS for the angels, did a work project in the community, and put on a sports camp for the community. Each individual element of our trip provided us with the opportunity to step outside of ourselves, serve the Lord, and show unconditional love to these angels.

My specific job in the VBS was to teach the older angels ranging from ages 10-14. Last year, we had difficulty connecting with them, and so we put an extra effort into making the lessons and crafts more age appropriate. God truly blessed us in forming close relationships with them.

Whenever I come back from a mission trip, my initial reaction is to gush over every story and try to articulate every experience to my friends and family. I'm not sure how effective that type of communication is, even though my motives are to just make them feel a part of it all. This year I feel a bit more reflective in just trying to see what God wanted me to see in these children, in our teens, in my own walk with him. He was very good to me, and I feel as if he is truly restoring my soul. Patrick and I definitely caught the passion of this ministry, and it was refreshing to me since I have not bought into church-type stuff in the last year and a half or so... I know that God was gently reminding me that my faith is in HIM; my Christianity is in HIM. And because of that reminder, I feel like He may be ready to use me again. Patrick and I are praying about how we can be a part of this ministry long-term. Please pray for us in those ways.

God bless your day, and may you find purpose in your walk today.

The Pilot's Wife

In less than 24 hours I have completed a fascinating book that my good friend Carrie lent me, The Pilot's Wife, by Anita Shreve. (This was a former Oprah book club book and was written in '98.) I have been wanting to read her work for awhile, and yesterday Carrie brought over several of them for me to take on my trip to Mexico. (Yes, I am leaving for Cozumel in 12 hours and have yet to begin packing due to my entrancement with this book.)

I am very impressed by Anita Shreve and the way that she writes, and I was very disturbed by many of the things in this book because they were so real and gripping on me emotionally. The major plot of the story is about a woman who is widowed when her pilot husband is involved in an airplane crash (doesn't give me peace about flying tomorrow :)) and the investigation that follows. Her world is shattered when she learns that her husband is living a secret double life with another family, and all of her once-fond memories are now weighted with this all-consuming discovery. She cannot even grieve her husband because she realizes that does not know who he really was. There were so many things that she was naive about--bank records, his accomodations while traveling, his childhood. It really blew me away and made me feel sort of nosy, although I guess I'd rather be nosy...

Reading this book affected me personally. In my life, I have been blessed with a dad who has shown an example to my sister and me of how to be a good husband who not only loves but enjoys every aspect of his wife and his marriage. I am so thankful for that. I am also blessed with a great husband who seeks to be God's man and is selfless in giving love. However, I have also, in my life, experienced the pain and destruction that unfaithfulness in marriage causes for anyone related to the situation through several friends' and family's experiences that I have been closely connected to. For a long time, I wondered if I would ever be able to trust a man besides my dad. For a long time, I put off the thought of being in a serious relationship with anyone because I was afraid that I could not trust "him." For a long time, I kept Patrick at such an arm's length because I could not differentiate him from another... Thankfully, God continues to heal my heart by reminding me to trust in HIM. Thankfully, God is showing me that love can be pure and good and true--even when it gets hard.

One of the things that struck me in this book is when the wife, Kathryn, is talking to her friend Robert. He mentions that having a memorial service to honor her husband is something that God would want her to do. She reflects that never, in her 16 years of marriage, has she thought about what God would ask of her and Jack. Those words made me sad. I hope that no matter how high or low I feel spiritually, that I will always strive to do what God asks of me and Patrick. In premarital counseling, Jim emphasized in every meeting that "marriage is HARD WORK." He said it over and over, and I'm thankful for that. I have learned from situations that I've been involved in that people don't just wake up one morning and decide to be unfaithful (emotionally and/or sexually). Instead, somewhere, at some earlier point in time, the couple has stopped working at their marriage, has stopped connecting, and has a void that desires to be filled. Thinking about that freaks me out because it is so easy to just put your marriage in "cruise control" and coast along... I am committed, now more than ever, to work and pray and seek God in our marriage.

Upon finishing this book, my reactions are similar to how I felt after reading The Shofar Blew, by Francine Rivers... although at that time, I felt like I was watching that book being lived out...

Next on my list of Anita Shreve's are All He Ever Wanted and Wedding in December. Thanks, Carrie!

In less than 24 hours I have completed a fascinating book that my good friend Carrie lent me, The Pilot's Wife, by Anita Shreve. (This was a former Oprah book club book and was written in '98.) I have been wanting to read her work for awhile, and yesterday Carrie brought over several of them for me to take on my trip to Mexico. (Yes, I am leaving for Cozumel in 12 hours and have yet to begin packing due to my entrancement with this book.)

I am very impressed by Anita Shreve and the way that she writes, and I was very disturbed by many of the things in this book because they were so real and gripping on me emotionally. The major plot of the story is about a woman who is widowed when her pilot husband is involved in an airplane crash (doesn't give me peace about flying tomorrow :)) and the investigation that follows. Her world is shattered when she learns that her husband is living a secret double life with another family, and all of her once-fond memories are now weighted with this all-consuming discovery. She cannot even grieve her husband because she realizes that does not know who he really was. There were so many things that she was naive about--bank records, his accomodations while traveling, his childhood. It really blew me away and made me feel sort of nosy, although I guess I'd rather be nosy...

Reading this book affected me personally. In my life, I have been blessed with a dad who has shown an example to my sister and me of how to be a good husband who not only loves but enjoys every aspect of his wife and his marriage. I am so thankful for that. I am also blessed with a great husband who seeks to be God's man and is selfless in giving love. However, I have also, in my life, experienced the pain and destruction that unfaithfulness in marriage causes for anyone related to the situation through several friends' and family's experiences that I have been closely connected to. For a long time, I wondered if I would ever be able to trust a man besides my dad. For a long time, I put off the thought of being in a serious relationship with anyone because I was afraid that I could not trust "him." For a long time, I kept Patrick at such an arm's length because I could not differentiate him from another... Thankfully, God continues to heal my heart by reminding me to trust in HIM. Thankfully, God is showing me that love can be pure and good and true--even when it gets hard.

One of the things that struck me in this book is when the wife, Kathryn, is talking to her friend Robert. He mentions that having a memorial service to honor her husband is something that God would want her to do. She reflects that never, in her 16 years of marriage, has she thought about what God would ask of her and Jack. Those words made me sad. I hope that no matter how high or low I feel spiritually, that I will always strive to do what God asks of me and Patrick. In premarital counseling, Jim emphasized in every meeting that "marriage is HARD WORK." He said it over and over, and I'm thankful for that. I have learned from situations that I've been involved in that people don't just wake up one morning and decide to be unfaithful (emotionally and/or sexually). Instead, somewhere, at some earlier point in time, the couple has stopped working at their marriage, has stopped connecting, and has a void that desires to be filled. Thinking about that freaks me out because it is so easy to just put your marriage in "cruise control" and coast along... I am committed, now more than ever, to work and pray and seek God in our marriage.

Upon finishing this book, my reactions are similar to how I felt after reading The Shofar Blew, by Francine Rivers... although at that time, I felt like I was watching that book being lived out...

Next on my list of Anita Shreve's are All He Ever Wanted and Wedding in December. Thanks, Carrie!

My country tis of thee...

Happy Birthday America!

I love the 4th of July. I always have. Some of the reasons I love this particular holiday are...
1.) cook outs
2.) watermelon
3.) homemade ice cream
4.) fireworks
5.) red, white, and blue
6.) time with family

I have many memories of beach trips, lake days, cookouts in the back yard, and always ALWAYS some good ole' homemade ice cream. This year we were able to meet all of the items on my list except for spending time with family... SAD. We are leaving for Mexico on Saturday, and with the holiday being in the middle of the week, we were unable to make a trip anywhere...
Since we couldn't be with our family, we decided to have some friends over who are also transplanted to Montgomery and couldn't be with their own fams.

I have really come to love having "parties," especially when there is a theme. I have been looking in magazines all month (well, including June) trying to come up with fun theme-ish food items, decorations, etc. Unfortunately, our party-planning budget is pretty tight, so I was not able to bring any of these ideas into fruition... Instead, I just came up with some make-shift, spur-of-the moment decorations, but it was fun and definitely 4th-of-July-ish. We took a few pictures to document the event... (Note: Pictures were taken after the party-which means that most of the food is gone, and, yes, I did halfway reset the table for effect. Also, we sort of forgot to take pictures of our friends who came... But we had fun, Hannah, Jan, Lindsay, Jeremy, Lance, and Jeremy!)

We ate hamburgers with all of the fixins, baked beans, chips watermelon, homemade ice cream, and chocolate chip cookies. Yum. Then we played an intense game of Cranium: guys vs. girls. It was neck and neck, but the girls were victorious!!! Overall, it was a fun night. God bless the U.S.A.

Happy Birthday America!

I love the 4th of July. I always have. Some of the reasons I love this particular holiday are...
1.) cook outs
2.) watermelon
3.) homemade ice cream
4.) fireworks
5.) red, white, and blue
6.) time with family

I have many memories of beach trips, lake days, cookouts in the back yard, and always ALWAYS some good ole' homemade ice cream. This year we were able to meet all of the items on my list except for spending time with family... SAD. We are leaving for Mexico on Saturday, and with the holiday being in the middle of the week, we were unable to make a trip anywhere...
Since we couldn't be with our family, we decided to have some friends over who are also transplanted to Montgomery and couldn't be with their own fams.

I have really come to love having "parties," especially when there is a theme. I have been looking in magazines all month (well, including June) trying to come up with fun theme-ish food items, decorations, etc. Unfortunately, our party-planning budget is pretty tight, so I was not able to bring any of these ideas into fruition... Instead, I just came up with some make-shift, spur-of-the moment decorations, but it was fun and definitely 4th-of-July-ish. We took a few pictures to document the event... (Note: Pictures were taken after the party-which means that most of the food is gone, and, yes, I did halfway reset the table for effect. Also, we sort of forgot to take pictures of our friends who came... But we had fun, Hannah, Jan, Lindsay, Jeremy, Lance, and Jeremy!)

We ate hamburgers with all of the fixins, baked beans, chips watermelon, homemade ice cream, and chocolate chip cookies. Yum. Then we played an intense game of Cranium: guys vs. girls. It was neck and neck, but the girls were victorious!!! Overall, it was a fun night. God bless the U.S.A.

A Not-So Guilty Pleasure

This post is for anyone who has a chocolate-loving sweet tooth while also trying to maintain the waistline... ME! I posted earlier this summer about a new website that I found that provides nutritional values to menu items at various restaurants; now I'd like to share some new, extremely simple cake recipes that I got from my mom and aunt that make eating chocolate cake guiltless!

1.) Cola Cake
Ingredients:
1 box chocolate cake mix
1 can diet soda

Directions:
Mix cake mix and diet soda for two minutes.
Pour mixture into greased bundt pan.
Bake at 350 for 45 minutes.

2.) Choco-pumpkin cake
Ingredients:
1 box of chocolate cake mix (During the holidays, substitute chocolate cake mix for spiced cake mix.)
1 can of pumpkin
1/2 cup of water

Directions:
Mix ingredients for 2 minutes
Pour mixture into greased bundt pan.
Bake at 350 for 45 minutes.

*Note: These recipes are lower in calories and fat because you are omitting the eggs and oil. Nutritional values will vary depending on the cake mix of your choice.

Instead of icing or ice cream, I have been serving it with lite coolwhip.

I have made them both, and they are ooey-gooey and moist, delicious, satisfying-my-sweet-tooth desserts! Enjoy!

This post is for anyone who has a chocolate-loving sweet tooth while also trying to maintain the waistline... ME! I posted earlier this summer about a new website that I found that provides nutritional values to menu items at various restaurants; now I'd like to share some new, extremely simple cake recipes that I got from my mom and aunt that make eating chocolate cake guiltless!

1.) Cola Cake
Ingredients:
1 box chocolate cake mix
1 can diet soda

Directions:
Mix cake mix and diet soda for two minutes.
Pour mixture into greased bundt pan.
Bake at 350 for 45 minutes.

2.) Choco-pumpkin cake
Ingredients:
1 box of chocolate cake mix (During the holidays, substitute chocolate cake mix for spiced cake mix.)
1 can of pumpkin
1/2 cup of water

Directions:
Mix ingredients for 2 minutes
Pour mixture into greased bundt pan.
Bake at 350 for 45 minutes.

*Note: These recipes are lower in calories and fat because you are omitting the eggs and oil. Nutritional values will vary depending on the cake mix of your choice.

Instead of icing or ice cream, I have been serving it with lite coolwhip.

I have made them both, and they are ooey-gooey and moist, delicious, satisfying-my-sweet-tooth desserts! Enjoy!