K, now that I've got all that huge important stuff off my chest, so to speak, here's all my random stuff I wanted to say.
Went up to Crissy's while they are gone and raided their movie closet. Haha. thanks Crissy. I am now immersed in the 6-hour mini-series of Pride and Prejudice. I knew it was good b/c she said it was, but I mean it is SO good!! I am glad they took 6 hours to get in all the details and everything. I just reached the end of the first disc, and am trying to make myself wait til I get on the treadmill again, since that was the idea in the first place--to watch it while walking on the treadmill. Sigh. I know how it ends, but it's killing me how Mr. Darcy declares his admiration for Lizzy--against his better judgement no less, but never says anything about love. And Lizzy's indignation and rage is very palpable. I am feeling it right along with her. It will be so delicious to watch the last half. but alas, lunch is waiting to be cooked, a unit study is waiting to be studied and a piano is desperately calling to be moved. And I would never put my husband through the agony of watching it with me tonight. sigh....so I probably won't get to it till tomorrow, agh. Ok, trying not to think about it.
We have been needing to catch up on LOST. Thank goodness for internet and missed episodes posted on ABC. We'd just gotten too busy to watch it, but now we only have 2 episodes left til the finale.
We got two little kitties. My mom's cat had a litter, and Crissy and I'd been talking bout getting a another cat, as Bert d' cat is gettin' old. Although he did get me a dead chipmunk for mother's day, laid it right in front of the porch steps. We are only supposed to have one, but I couldn't decide, so took both, and will let the Sharp kids decide. They are so fun, and have been entertaining my children since the Sharps are not here to entertain them. I predict that there will be twice as much fun to be had when the Sharps get home! Anyway, I am *hoping* that Crissy will say we can keep both, b/c wouldn't they be lonely without each other? but, if not, we are in the market to get rid of one of them....hint hint. One is all white and the other is a striped tabby. They've already been named Baby and Stripey. Let me know if anyone in the blog world is looking for a fun, potty-trained play mate.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Just lazin'.........kinda
Been a pretty good day. I have Crissy's playlist going while we are working on school. We are starting a new unit study on space today, and I am reading through the material. It is so interesting. Did you know that all of the planets can fit into Jupiter many times over? And that if Earth were the size of a mini-van, Jupiter would be the size of the earth? Hard to wrap my mind around it. We are planning a trip to the Huntsville Space Center sometime this summer while me and Frank are working less. (I refuse to say unemployed teachers, haha.)
I went through a funk in the winter where I did NOT want to homeschool again. Thus, we did not get a lot done and I got very discouraged: why am I doing this? I am no good at this. I have no motivation. I am not smart enough. blah. blah. blah. Looking back, I attribute this attitude to a couple of things.
1. It was my first winter back home after living 2 winters in the land of eternal sunshine and very little rain, a.k.a. southern California.
2. Crissy said it's called the "february funk". And every homeschool parent goes through it at some point or another.
So for awhile we talked about public and christian school alternatives. But I think we are back to the homeschool groove. Frank is not going back to his teaching job next year, and is thinking of getting a part time job (Starbucks is at the top of the list b/c they offer benefits for part-timers), and going back to work on another degree part time. Thus, he would like to be more involved with the boys' education. Which is totally good with me. Also, something else I think will help us is to keep doing school for part of the summer (yes we will still take a break, don't worry!). But summer is so laid back for us b/c neither of us are working, and we can get more done, i.e. cool field trips and unit studies. Frankie asked me the other day when are we done with school, b/c he was tired of reading. I made a snap decision and told him we would be reading every day of the year and would never take a break from it! Nor would he ever take a break from it for the rest of his life. Thankfully now, he's starting to really enjoy reading and his growth in that area is taking off exponentially.
I have this tendency to underestimate my children, you know, like thinking they aren't smart enough to learn this or that yet...know what I mean? But the more I teach and interact with children (such as in music lessons), I realize how smart my own two are. I mean they aren't necessarily genius material or anything, but I'm beginning to think they will definitely be able to hold their own in the world. We started both of the boys taking piano and I am delighted at their progress and level of understanding. No, I am not teaching my own children piano. I do that all day every day, so my sister is teaching them, and doing a marvelous job.
Speaking of piano, I have really been wanting to brush up on my own piano skills. Yes, I can actually play (took for 5 years), just have a huge complex about playing in front of other people. I know, you would probably never know it based on my singing, haha! Singing just comes easy for me, but playing takes a lot more work and I never felt very good at it. But that is about to change. With Kim H. leaving, I'd very much like to pick up the students she left behind. They are all folks I know, and I would enjoy teaching them tremendously. Since this summer is sorta free for me, I've been wanting to just take this time to get going again with piano. I have a friend who will give me lessons over the summer--she is amazing, having played every day of her life since about the age of 4. The only thing standing in my way is that I need a real piano--not a 61-key keyboard, which I have already. I began praying for a piano, as being unemployed, we have no money to buy one. Low and behold, it only took a week! My sister-in-law's mother has a piano she wants to find a good home for!!!! It belongs to my sister-in-law, so I would actually be borrowing it, but since they live in CA right now, I can probably use it for awhile. Yay. God provides.
I know you are probably thinking, what is she going to do if Disney offers her a job? I've been thinking about that too. I don't know if they will call or not--but I can't put life on hold, b/c what if they don't call? We have to keep living life regardless, so I am not counting on anything. If they do call, yes, I will take the job. But if they don't, I won't be crushed. We are happy here and would be fine staying in AL. I think the Lord is mainly teaching me how to trust and be content wherever I am.
I love our church. We get the gospel intravenously fed to us. It is the central focus for every sermon, every song, every announcement, every act of love. I've never been to any other church that combines life and Christ so well. You know, when I was growing up, church was about separation of life and church--almost like separation of church and state. You had your times of dressing up to go to church, times of soul-winning and evangelizing, and times of youth gatherings and bible studies. And these things are not bad. But Community is the only place I've been where the gospel is lived, breathed, and interwoven into every aspect of your life. I am learning how to live and breathe the gospel every day. Not just for church day, etc.
Goodbye to Kim and Quinn and Fam. I am ok though, b/c having been there done that, I know it is not forever. We had a good-bye party for them on Sunday at the church. I tend to not get real emotional until it's over, after they've been gone awhile. Like, I'll start missing her in about 3 weeks, when I can't just call and come over. sigh. But, looking on the bright side, nothing lasts forever, and Lord-willing, they'll be back. I know Kim too, and she will make some good friends while she is there--friends that God provides that she'll need and that will need her. Chris and Crissy are with them in MS helping get them set up. Yet another example of the gospel. Speaking of which, we are still getting together on Friday night, though not at Crissy's. Just come to my place. Kim Poston and I will be there--come on over and be here to welcome the Sharps when they get back home. Then we can hear the low-down about Kim and Quinn's new house and how they are settling in. See ya there!
I went through a funk in the winter where I did NOT want to homeschool again. Thus, we did not get a lot done and I got very discouraged: why am I doing this? I am no good at this. I have no motivation. I am not smart enough. blah. blah. blah. Looking back, I attribute this attitude to a couple of things.
1. It was my first winter back home after living 2 winters in the land of eternal sunshine and very little rain, a.k.a. southern California.
2. Crissy said it's called the "february funk". And every homeschool parent goes through it at some point or another.
So for awhile we talked about public and christian school alternatives. But I think we are back to the homeschool groove. Frank is not going back to his teaching job next year, and is thinking of getting a part time job (Starbucks is at the top of the list b/c they offer benefits for part-timers), and going back to work on another degree part time. Thus, he would like to be more involved with the boys' education. Which is totally good with me. Also, something else I think will help us is to keep doing school for part of the summer (yes we will still take a break, don't worry!). But summer is so laid back for us b/c neither of us are working, and we can get more done, i.e. cool field trips and unit studies. Frankie asked me the other day when are we done with school, b/c he was tired of reading. I made a snap decision and told him we would be reading every day of the year and would never take a break from it! Nor would he ever take a break from it for the rest of his life. Thankfully now, he's starting to really enjoy reading and his growth in that area is taking off exponentially.
I have this tendency to underestimate my children, you know, like thinking they aren't smart enough to learn this or that yet...know what I mean? But the more I teach and interact with children (such as in music lessons), I realize how smart my own two are. I mean they aren't necessarily genius material or anything, but I'm beginning to think they will definitely be able to hold their own in the world. We started both of the boys taking piano and I am delighted at their progress and level of understanding. No, I am not teaching my own children piano. I do that all day every day, so my sister is teaching them, and doing a marvelous job.
Speaking of piano, I have really been wanting to brush up on my own piano skills. Yes, I can actually play (took for 5 years), just have a huge complex about playing in front of other people. I know, you would probably never know it based on my singing, haha! Singing just comes easy for me, but playing takes a lot more work and I never felt very good at it. But that is about to change. With Kim H. leaving, I'd very much like to pick up the students she left behind. They are all folks I know, and I would enjoy teaching them tremendously. Since this summer is sorta free for me, I've been wanting to just take this time to get going again with piano. I have a friend who will give me lessons over the summer--she is amazing, having played every day of her life since about the age of 4. The only thing standing in my way is that I need a real piano--not a 61-key keyboard, which I have already. I began praying for a piano, as being unemployed, we have no money to buy one. Low and behold, it only took a week! My sister-in-law's mother has a piano she wants to find a good home for!!!! It belongs to my sister-in-law, so I would actually be borrowing it, but since they live in CA right now, I can probably use it for awhile. Yay. God provides.
I know you are probably thinking, what is she going to do if Disney offers her a job? I've been thinking about that too. I don't know if they will call or not--but I can't put life on hold, b/c what if they don't call? We have to keep living life regardless, so I am not counting on anything. If they do call, yes, I will take the job. But if they don't, I won't be crushed. We are happy here and would be fine staying in AL. I think the Lord is mainly teaching me how to trust and be content wherever I am.
I love our church. We get the gospel intravenously fed to us. It is the central focus for every sermon, every song, every announcement, every act of love. I've never been to any other church that combines life and Christ so well. You know, when I was growing up, church was about separation of life and church--almost like separation of church and state. You had your times of dressing up to go to church, times of soul-winning and evangelizing, and times of youth gatherings and bible studies. And these things are not bad. But Community is the only place I've been where the gospel is lived, breathed, and interwoven into every aspect of your life. I am learning how to live and breathe the gospel every day. Not just for church day, etc.
Goodbye to Kim and Quinn and Fam. I am ok though, b/c having been there done that, I know it is not forever. We had a good-bye party for them on Sunday at the church. I tend to not get real emotional until it's over, after they've been gone awhile. Like, I'll start missing her in about 3 weeks, when I can't just call and come over. sigh. But, looking on the bright side, nothing lasts forever, and Lord-willing, they'll be back. I know Kim too, and she will make some good friends while she is there--friends that God provides that she'll need and that will need her. Chris and Crissy are with them in MS helping get them set up. Yet another example of the gospel. Speaking of which, we are still getting together on Friday night, though not at Crissy's. Just come to my place. Kim Poston and I will be there--come on over and be here to welcome the Sharps when they get back home. Then we can hear the low-down about Kim and Quinn's new house and how they are settling in. See ya there!
Sunday, May 04, 2008
Orlando update
The audition went well. I made it through all the cuts. There were about 80 people to start with, and there were maybe 12 or 15 left at the end. It almost felt like American Idol or something...They just kept cutting people throughout the audition until there were only a faithful few left. The suspense was terrible every time the directors would come out of their little discussion room to let us know who would be staying. After singing an initial solo so they could get a feel for individual sound, the audition mainly consisted of group singing (naturally). The music was glorious--we had to learn an 8-part arrangement of "Oh Shenandoah". It was very fun to sing with so many talented singers. AND! I never got cut!! Yippee!!! There were 2 other soprano 1's left besides me, so maybe I have a 1 in 3 chance? But then one of the girls told me that Disney will now negotiate contracts with their current cast to see who they're losing, and then fill in the empty spots from the audition pool. hmmmm. So it might be a long shot if they don't lose any sopranos. Oh well, it was a very fun experience, and the trip was great too. So I will be glad either way. I won't know til the middle of June, so I'll keep you posted...
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Pics, updates and domesticity
Sorry it's taken me awhile to post these.
I hate posting pics with my computer, as it takes FOREVER. I started this on 4/1, as you can see, but didn't get back to it til today. Oh well, it is worth it I guess. Thanks for your patience. I was Jack's Mother, and a bit of a nag--that is why I have my hands on my hips so much. I was either berating Jack for something (he was a little dim-witted), or nagging and/or patronizing other characters in the show. In the last pic I am yelling at the giant right before I get beaned in the head with the steward's staff and die. Good times.
It really was a fun show and I don't miss it a bit. So glad to have my life back and ever thankful for the experience of working with the other very talented cast members, director and staff.
Good news: have heard from Orlando!! I don't have to attend the open call (cattle call) audition on 4/18 for Voices of Liberty. I'd been checking online to see when they'd post the info about this audition, as this is the show the folks in CA told me I'd be good for. Orlando posted 2 dates: 4/18 and 4/24--a call back date. So I contacted my CA contact and asked if he was still willing to put in a good word for me and send my recording. He was quite accommodating, and said that he'd send the dvd asap, and had ALREADY called to let them know about me. yippee.
On Monday, as I was having an already good day at Jan's hanging out with all my friends to celebrate Kim's b'day; my phone rang and I looked down to check the number. I saw it was a 407 area code and immediately knew who it was...haha. (I don't know if y'all remember those old Disney commercials about booking a vacation there where they posted the number as 407-wdisney.)
I answered and the lady identified herself as part of the casting department, who wanted to let me know that they'd received my info from CA and were letting me know that this was my callback and I could attend the 4/24 audition. "And please learn the second soprano of the music we are emailing to you and here's your appointment time of 10:45 sharp." Sah-weet. She just saved me an extra trip to FL, as I'd originally planned to go down there for both dates if needed. But had really hoped that my CA contact could get me through the first round. It was so fun getting that call that day at Jan's --we had a little celebration right there. Jan said I shoulda held out for a plane ticket. Hahaha. Naw...I want the job too bad. So they emailed the music and it is "Summertime" from Porgy and Bess. It is a cool arrangement--check it out on youtube here.
Not the Fantasia Barrino version, but definitely right up my alley.
So, Frank and I are leaving the kids with grandparents and are going to head down there for 3 days. If the audition goes well, we will check out living info. We are also going to catch a baseball game, so that should be fun. I'll keep you posted.
On another note entirely, I love domesticity--to be at home as much as possible. I don't know what it is about spring, but I get in the cleaning mood and have completely purged our home. I got rid probably about 20 garbage bags and boxes full of stuff. It was so bad, I got rid of stuff we shoulda gotten rid of before we moved to CA. It is so nice to have an organized place. Free of clutter and looking more and more like home every day.
Another love of mine just recently discovered is making my own bread. I caught up with a good friend, Karen, about a month ago, who told me at our next get-together, she was bringing "bread". okay. So Karen's bringing bread. LOL! I had no idea what kind of BREAD she was bringing. Anyway, she brought quite possibly the best bread I'd ever tasted--whole wheat and completely home-made. Hand-kneaded even. I was hooked and she told me how she buys her own wheat and has a grinder and everything. I learned that wheat in its whole form retains all its nutrients, but once ground, it loses 90% of its nutrients within 72 hours due to oxidation. So, it's safe to assume that the bread you buy at the store probably does not have all the nutrients of a loaf of bread made from FRESH ground wheat. So, Frank let me get a mill and a bucket of wheat (my mom went in with me on the cost), and now I make all our bread too! It is SO good and good for you. I will never go back. I am a believer. It's really not that much work either. You mix the bread ingredients, knead it for 10 minutes, let it rise 2-3 hours, and bake it. Basically you just have to be at home for 3 1/2 hours or so. Also, the wheat is too dense to use a regular bread machine to knead it, so must either buy an industrial mixer or do it by hand. Which is actually quite a work-out; I think I am building upper body strength. haha.
Anway, to help off-set the cost of the mill, and if you want to try to homemade bread, I am selling it by the loaf for $1.50. So let me know if you're interested.
I hate posting pics with my computer, as it takes FOREVER. I started this on 4/1, as you can see, but didn't get back to it til today. Oh well, it is worth it I guess. Thanks for your patience. I was Jack's Mother, and a bit of a nag--that is why I have my hands on my hips so much. I was either berating Jack for something (he was a little dim-witted), or nagging and/or patronizing other characters in the show. In the last pic I am yelling at the giant right before I get beaned in the head with the steward's staff and die. Good times.
It really was a fun show and I don't miss it a bit. So glad to have my life back and ever thankful for the experience of working with the other very talented cast members, director and staff.
Good news: have heard from Orlando!! I don't have to attend the open call (cattle call) audition on 4/18 for Voices of Liberty. I'd been checking online to see when they'd post the info about this audition, as this is the show the folks in CA told me I'd be good for. Orlando posted 2 dates: 4/18 and 4/24--a call back date. So I contacted my CA contact and asked if he was still willing to put in a good word for me and send my recording. He was quite accommodating, and said that he'd send the dvd asap, and had ALREADY called to let them know about me. yippee.
On Monday, as I was having an already good day at Jan's hanging out with all my friends to celebrate Kim's b'day; my phone rang and I looked down to check the number. I saw it was a 407 area code and immediately knew who it was...haha. (I don't know if y'all remember those old Disney commercials about booking a vacation there where they posted the number as 407-wdisney.)
I answered and the lady identified herself as part of the casting department, who wanted to let me know that they'd received my info from CA and were letting me know that this was my callback and I could attend the 4/24 audition. "And please learn the second soprano of the music we are emailing to you and here's your appointment time of 10:45 sharp." Sah-weet. She just saved me an extra trip to FL, as I'd originally planned to go down there for both dates if needed. But had really hoped that my CA contact could get me through the first round. It was so fun getting that call that day at Jan's --we had a little celebration right there. Jan said I shoulda held out for a plane ticket. Hahaha. Naw...I want the job too bad. So they emailed the music and it is "Summertime" from Porgy and Bess. It is a cool arrangement--check it out on youtube here.
Not the Fantasia Barrino version, but definitely right up my alley.
So, Frank and I are leaving the kids with grandparents and are going to head down there for 3 days. If the audition goes well, we will check out living info. We are also going to catch a baseball game, so that should be fun. I'll keep you posted.
On another note entirely, I love domesticity--to be at home as much as possible. I don't know what it is about spring, but I get in the cleaning mood and have completely purged our home. I got rid probably about 20 garbage bags and boxes full of stuff. It was so bad, I got rid of stuff we shoulda gotten rid of before we moved to CA. It is so nice to have an organized place. Free of clutter and looking more and more like home every day.
Another love of mine just recently discovered is making my own bread. I caught up with a good friend, Karen, about a month ago, who told me at our next get-together, she was bringing "bread". okay. So Karen's bringing bread. LOL! I had no idea what kind of BREAD she was bringing. Anyway, she brought quite possibly the best bread I'd ever tasted--whole wheat and completely home-made. Hand-kneaded even. I was hooked and she told me how she buys her own wheat and has a grinder and everything. I learned that wheat in its whole form retains all its nutrients, but once ground, it loses 90% of its nutrients within 72 hours due to oxidation. So, it's safe to assume that the bread you buy at the store probably does not have all the nutrients of a loaf of bread made from FRESH ground wheat. So, Frank let me get a mill and a bucket of wheat (my mom went in with me on the cost), and now I make all our bread too! It is SO good and good for you. I will never go back. I am a believer. It's really not that much work either. You mix the bread ingredients, knead it for 10 minutes, let it rise 2-3 hours, and bake it. Basically you just have to be at home for 3 1/2 hours or so. Also, the wheat is too dense to use a regular bread machine to knead it, so must either buy an industrial mixer or do it by hand. Which is actually quite a work-out; I think I am building upper body strength. haha.
Anway, to help off-set the cost of the mill, and if you want to try to homemade bread, I am selling it by the loaf for $1.50. So let me know if you're interested.
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Found my phone!!!
After much prayer, agonizing, turning the phone off, and more prayer, we found it! It was buried in a bunch of hoop skirts on the dressing room floor, and had no signal, so it wouldn't ring when I called it. Thank you Jesus!
The show is going great. Will post more soon...peace out.
The show is going great. Will post more soon...peace out.
Friday, March 07, 2008
Opening Night
Went great, btw! My mom, dad, little sister, a friend, my grandmother, my aunt, and my cousin all came--plus a couple of family friends whom I haven't seen in probably 10 years! It was a good show--not too many slip-ups for the first night. I could hear my mom laughing during one of the serious (melodramatic) scenes, and it was so hard not to burst out laughing! But I managed. I must say that Sarah really got into character and made an excellent granny as well. I hope to have pics very soon--we had a lady come in and take pictures during the final dress rehearsal, and she'll have those ready sometime next week.
The only black mark on the entire evening is that my phone has disappeared. Since we don't have a home phone, it is the connection to friends, family, and of course, all my students. I was certain I had it last night as I got out of the car and entered the dressing room to prepare for the final dress rehearsal. But as I was leaving 5 or 6 hours later, I couldn't find it. One of my friends called it while I went to the car to listen, but it wasn't in the car. The building of course had been locked by then, sigh. So we called it today when we got to the dressing room, and it went straight to voice mail. Hmmmm. Meaning the phone's been turned off. Even though I had it on the last time I had it with me. And I charged it up just yesterday morning. And it's set on the loudest ring. Which makes me think that it's been found by someone, just not someone who knows me. Neither the theatre staff nor my fellow cast members have seen it. So, worse case scenario, I dropped it, someone picked it up around Highland Avenue, and doesn't plan to give it back. Sigh. This is only 3 months after the last phone fiasco, and I've just gotten 175 numbers stored on my sim....
So pray that my phone turns up. If it doesn't by tomorrow night, I plan to contact Cingular and cancel that number just in case whoever has my phone is trying to call Timbucktoo. Which means I will need to get a new phone and a new number. So I'll let you know when you can call me.
The only black mark on the entire evening is that my phone has disappeared. Since we don't have a home phone, it is the connection to friends, family, and of course, all my students. I was certain I had it last night as I got out of the car and entered the dressing room to prepare for the final dress rehearsal. But as I was leaving 5 or 6 hours later, I couldn't find it. One of my friends called it while I went to the car to listen, but it wasn't in the car. The building of course had been locked by then, sigh. So we called it today when we got to the dressing room, and it went straight to voice mail. Hmmmm. Meaning the phone's been turned off. Even though I had it on the last time I had it with me. And I charged it up just yesterday morning. And it's set on the loudest ring. Which makes me think that it's been found by someone, just not someone who knows me. Neither the theatre staff nor my fellow cast members have seen it. So, worse case scenario, I dropped it, someone picked it up around Highland Avenue, and doesn't plan to give it back. Sigh. This is only 3 months after the last phone fiasco, and I've just gotten 175 numbers stored on my sim....
So pray that my phone turns up. If it doesn't by tomorrow night, I plan to contact Cingular and cancel that number just in case whoever has my phone is trying to call Timbucktoo. Which means I will need to get a new phone and a new number. So I'll let you know when you can call me.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Catching up
Into the Woods is seriously taking up a lot of time. But I am not regretting one minute of it--it is so much fun! If you are in or near Birmingham, you should totally come see it. You could come see me have a hysterical fit and die onstage! I have such a fun character. If you are interested, check out the website here. Tix are a little expensive, but if I can get a group of 10 or more to commit, I can get them for you for $15.
I am sad...I've been so busy, I feel like I haven't seen any of my friends in forever. And now Kim Hill is leaving me so her husband can go to seminary in Mississippi. Slacker. I can tell she is totally not committed to our friendship. huh. I must go see her and try to explain the repercussions of moving out of the state to pursue education. I must make her understand that I will be lost without her. Maybe she will change her mind...
see you thursday Kim!
Speaking of folks moving, so are Shane and Amy, Kelsey and Shayna. Bum! Why does everyone have to leave? Don't they know I need them? lol. (btw, Shane is Frank's brother). No, actually, we are very excited/happy for them--Shane has a great opportunity/job in Nashville, so they are in the process of moving. But at least they're not moving 36 hours away. not like some people we know...
It will be easy to see them--only 3 &1/2 hour drive, not too bad...
Burt's sermon today made me uncomfortable. How does he do that? By telling me to be missional--leave my comfort zone and share the gospel with everyone around me--believers and nonbelievers alike. thanks for the kick in the pants Burt. Btw, I am excited at the possibility of a Community Pres campus in Springville! I will be praying.
I have been working hard to get in shape--part of it is getting ready for the show, another part of it is just knowing I need to lose 20 or 30 pounds to get in shape. Well, happy to say, after 7 weeks of counting weight watchers points and excercising, I've dropped 9 pounds. yey! Slow and steady wins this race. There are several things I like about weight watchers: counting points--it seems tedious I know, but the way they have the system set up, you follow your specified points and you can earn extra by how much excercise you perform. So, I feel like I can "spend" my extra points if I excercise that day. Also, I think it is kind of fun to try to figure out how to make my points last as long as possible. Which basically pushes me to eat as healthy as possible, b/c the healthy foods have the fewest points, of course. Then at the end of the day, if I have any points left, I can "reward" myself with something sweet. And I definitely have a sweet tooth. So, it is a good system for me.
I just visited Rebecca and Keith's little boy, Jonathan's blog. He is adorable! I am so happy for them...and will continue to pray for them as well.
Speaking of babies, Tracy is due any time--please say a prayer for her as well; for a healthy, uncomplicated delivery. We are excited to be getting another little cousin hopefully very soon.
Ok, gotta go get the kids in bed. later,
I am sad...I've been so busy, I feel like I haven't seen any of my friends in forever. And now Kim Hill is leaving me so her husband can go to seminary in Mississippi. Slacker. I can tell she is totally not committed to our friendship. huh. I must go see her and try to explain the repercussions of moving out of the state to pursue education. I must make her understand that I will be lost without her. Maybe she will change her mind...
see you thursday Kim!
Speaking of folks moving, so are Shane and Amy, Kelsey and Shayna. Bum! Why does everyone have to leave? Don't they know I need them? lol. (btw, Shane is Frank's brother). No, actually, we are very excited/happy for them--Shane has a great opportunity/job in Nashville, so they are in the process of moving. But at least they're not moving 36 hours away. not like some people we know...
It will be easy to see them--only 3 &1/2 hour drive, not too bad...
Burt's sermon today made me uncomfortable. How does he do that? By telling me to be missional--leave my comfort zone and share the gospel with everyone around me--believers and nonbelievers alike. thanks for the kick in the pants Burt. Btw, I am excited at the possibility of a Community Pres campus in Springville! I will be praying.
I have been working hard to get in shape--part of it is getting ready for the show, another part of it is just knowing I need to lose 20 or 30 pounds to get in shape. Well, happy to say, after 7 weeks of counting weight watchers points and excercising, I've dropped 9 pounds. yey! Slow and steady wins this race. There are several things I like about weight watchers: counting points--it seems tedious I know, but the way they have the system set up, you follow your specified points and you can earn extra by how much excercise you perform. So, I feel like I can "spend" my extra points if I excercise that day. Also, I think it is kind of fun to try to figure out how to make my points last as long as possible. Which basically pushes me to eat as healthy as possible, b/c the healthy foods have the fewest points, of course. Then at the end of the day, if I have any points left, I can "reward" myself with something sweet. And I definitely have a sweet tooth. So, it is a good system for me.
I just visited Rebecca and Keith's little boy, Jonathan's blog. He is adorable! I am so happy for them...and will continue to pray for them as well.
Speaking of babies, Tracy is due any time--please say a prayer for her as well; for a healthy, uncomplicated delivery. We are excited to be getting another little cousin hopefully very soon.
Ok, gotta go get the kids in bed. later,
Monday, February 04, 2008
Star Wars and the Chronicles of Narnia
I love Star Wars. I remember when VCR's got really popular when I was a kid...about the 4th grade for me, and one of the things my dad did was buy up some movies, among them, the original Star Wars trilogy. (The others that stick out in my mind are Dumbo and The Little Mermaid, which contributed to my love for Disney and its music.) But I remember Star Wars as this cool epic story of good vs. evil, and for awhile I even wanted to name my first girl Leia. She was such a great character. We watched those movies over and over again and probably wore out the tapes. Well, now my children are in on the Star Wars craze. My dad watched it with them one night during a grandparent spend-the-night party, and now they are hooked. Star Wars this, Luke Skywalker that, Darth Vader's breathing, 'I wanna be Darth Maul for Halloween'. We have 2 Star Wars PS2 games, 3 light sabers, a Vader helmet, a Vader cape, and own/or have seen all 6 movies.
Here are a few comments I've heard over the past few weeks:
"I'll name my kid Luke Skywalker, and you can name yours Darth Vader."
"Mama, which one was the one that got his arm chopped off by Obi Wan Kenobi?"
"Mama, which robot is it that can't get over anything?" (Steven, trying to remember C-3PO)
Ah to be a kid again and in love with Star Wars. I still love to watch the movies even as an adult.
Speaking of epic tales of good vs. evil, and I am sooooo ready for the next Chronicles of Narnia movie, Prince Caspian, to come out. May 16th baby!!!! I am not generally a huge movie fan--I don't even really like to go to the movies. I'd rather sit in my own living room and eat my own way cheaper, fat-free popcorn, and not have to pay a babysitter. But this movie is different.
While we lived in CA, Biola brought in C.S. Lewis's step-son, Douglas Gresham, as a guest speaker for chapel one day. He was promoting The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. He was a fun speaker, telling us all about the audition process in finding the 4 children; and that they really did act like brothers and sisters on the set. He told us a little of what it was like to have C.S. Lewis as a step-father--he thought it was cool and loved Lewis very much. Gresham also encouraged us as the Christian community to support the film and christian films in general, because he said, what sells hollywood is money. Meaning, if we support these films and go see them and pay out money for them, then hollywood will keep making family-friendly movies. During the question/answer time, one of the students asked Gresham if Walden/Disney would make movies of any of the other Narnia books, and he replied that only if the first one did well. Then (I quote), he said, "Go see the movie! Take all your friends to see the movie!"
And then, the first one was SO GOOD!!! Very well made and believable. He said that they added the war part in the first part of the film even though it's not in the book, to give some believability to show how badly the 4 siblings NEEDED to get out of London. But for the most part, he was proud that the movie remained true to the book.
So, it's almost as bad as waiting for Star Wars Episodes I, II, and III; or the LOTR Trilogy to come out. And, it doesn't hurt that the guy who plays Prince Caspian looks a lot like Atreyu from The NeverEnding Story. Oh yeah, love me some epic adventures....
Check out the trailer here.
Here are a few comments I've heard over the past few weeks:
"I'll name my kid Luke Skywalker, and you can name yours Darth Vader."
"Mama, which one was the one that got his arm chopped off by Obi Wan Kenobi?"
"Mama, which robot is it that can't get over anything?" (Steven, trying to remember C-3PO)
Ah to be a kid again and in love with Star Wars. I still love to watch the movies even as an adult.
Speaking of epic tales of good vs. evil, and I am sooooo ready for the next Chronicles of Narnia movie, Prince Caspian, to come out. May 16th baby!!!! I am not generally a huge movie fan--I don't even really like to go to the movies. I'd rather sit in my own living room and eat my own way cheaper, fat-free popcorn, and not have to pay a babysitter. But this movie is different.
While we lived in CA, Biola brought in C.S. Lewis's step-son, Douglas Gresham, as a guest speaker for chapel one day. He was promoting The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. He was a fun speaker, telling us all about the audition process in finding the 4 children; and that they really did act like brothers and sisters on the set. He told us a little of what it was like to have C.S. Lewis as a step-father--he thought it was cool and loved Lewis very much. Gresham also encouraged us as the Christian community to support the film and christian films in general, because he said, what sells hollywood is money. Meaning, if we support these films and go see them and pay out money for them, then hollywood will keep making family-friendly movies. During the question/answer time, one of the students asked Gresham if Walden/Disney would make movies of any of the other Narnia books, and he replied that only if the first one did well. Then (I quote), he said, "Go see the movie! Take all your friends to see the movie!"
And then, the first one was SO GOOD!!! Very well made and believable. He said that they added the war part in the first part of the film even though it's not in the book, to give some believability to show how badly the 4 siblings NEEDED to get out of London. But for the most part, he was proud that the movie remained true to the book.
So, it's almost as bad as waiting for Star Wars Episodes I, II, and III; or the LOTR Trilogy to come out. And, it doesn't hurt that the guy who plays Prince Caspian looks a lot like Atreyu from The NeverEnding Story. Oh yeah, love me some epic adventures....
Check out the trailer here.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Update #2
Ok, finally got THE call. Out of only 2 demos (mine being one of them) sent over, Tokyo chose the other girl. Sigh. Well, I'm actually not too disappointed. The guy called me Tuesday night late and broke it to me, but then was very complimentary. So much in fact, that he acted very sorry that they didn't choose me, and wanted to know if I was ok with his sending my demo to Disney World in Orlando, b/c he felt that I might be a good fit there. He told me I had a "perfect Disney princess voice" and he would really like to see me work for Disney. Um yeah, I think I'd be ok with that!!! I was actually rather relieved--he also told me that normally they give singers 5 months to prepare, like getting work visa and passport, and the only reason that there was a 6-week time crunch is that the original girl had dropped out. He said that it would have been very hard to get all the arrangements for me and my family to get over there in such a short amount of time. I know that with God all things are possible, but apparently this is not what He has in mind right now. And I am totally ok with that. My dad summed it up nicely: "Good. I can drive to Orlando. "
So, I am not holding my breath per se, but will just keep on living life and wait and see if they call. Oh yeah, and Billy Blanks and I will be getting together every day, believe me!
So, I am not holding my breath per se, but will just keep on living life and wait and see if they call. Oh yeah, and Billy Blanks and I will be getting together every day, believe me!
Friday, January 18, 2008
Update
Ok, here's the scoop so far. I don't know if I got the job yet, but I did make it into to the top 3!!!
Here's what happened:
I got into town Wednesday afternoon and met up with Alison, who kindly let me and mom stay at her house. (thanks Alison!) We had a good time catching up and then we were so tired we went to bed at 9:30 (11:30 cst), but I set the alarm for 7:30 in hopes that I would get 10 hours of sleep. I actually slept pretty well and got up about 7. My appointment was at 11, so we allowed ourselves a couple of hours to get there. It's only 35 miles away, but with California traffic, we wanted to be prepared. I was bummed b/c mom didn't bring the gps, and I am nervous about driving in CA. But Alison helped me google it, and we got there w/o too much mishap--I only took east instead of west once, haha. Mom was great help too--she helped navigate, and she didn't laugh when I did all the silly vocalises/warmups in the car on the way there. Thanks for being there for me, mom!
We were still so prepared that we got there an hour early. So I had to sit and and be nervous in the car until I couldn't stand it any longer, and went in at 10:25. They were already accepting folks at the sign-in sheet and I was second. I waited for about 20 minutes and then they called me back. I sang my song for them (30 seconds anyway) and then they gave me another song to learn. I was nervous, but the song was actually easy, and very pretty. It took me about 20 min to get it, and they were patient. Then they recorded me, which I didn't realize they were going to do, but it made since b/c they needed to send a demo to Tokyo. They gave me another song to learn, and sent me out with a cd to learn it, while they went on with more auditions. That song was really pretty too, and I came back and recorded it as well. Then the head guy asked me a series of questions; I guess this was kind of the "interview" part. He wanted to know if I had a passport, did I want to go to Japan to perform (um, yeah), and did I have any tatoos? Hahaha, that one kind of threw me, but they were looking for unmarked bodies, and I was happy to oblige. Then he asked me to speak into the camera and tell a little about myself and why I wanted the job. All in all it was easy. The people were so nice, the pianist was good, and the longer I was there, the more I enjoyed myself and quit being nervous. The head guy gave me a little info about the job, and I was able to ask some of my own questions, like, can I bring my family (yes, but we would have to find a different place to live), can I get passes for my children for the park (yes), etc. They would also help me get a work visa.
Then I asked him, "well, I kind of need to know if you think this will be a go, as I'd like to let my husband know so he can start making arrangements." He told me that they will send the top 2 or 3 demos to Japan by fedex, then those folks will decide who they want. Then he told me, "you are definitely in the top 3--your demo is going over; then it's up to Tokyo Disney to decide who they want." Whooooooooh! Yippeeeee!! But how nerve-wracking!!!! Anyway, they thought they could have an answer for me that day, but of course it would take longer. So they told me I'd know something by next Tues or Wed; and that they'd call and let me know either way.
It looks like a great show--I went to Crissy's last night, and we googled it til we found a recording of the show!!! I am so excited b/c its the real thing. And of course it has the 2 songs that they had me record. You can check out the show here. I have to warn you though, the show lasts about 20 minutes, so make sure you've got time to watch it. Also, the first number is only instrumental, and the vocalist comes on later.
I'm ok either way: if I don't get the job, I still had a great time in CA, visiting with friends and jamming with the folks at Disney--and I get to stay home. If I do get the job, it will be a fun, hassling, educational experience. As soon as they call, I'll let you know.
Then I asked him, "well, I kind of need to know if you think this will be a go, as I'd like to let my husband know so he can start making arrangements." He told me that they will send the top 2 or 3 demos to Japan by fedex, then those folks will decide who they want. Then he told me, "you are definitely in the top 3--your demo is going over; then it's up to Tokyo Disney to decide who they want." Whooooooooh! Yippeeeee!! But how nerve-wracking!!!! Anyway, they thought they could have an answer for me that day, but of course it would take longer. So they told me I'd know something by next Tues or Wed; and that they'd call and let me know either way.
It looks like a great show--I went to Crissy's last night, and we googled it til we found a recording of the show!!! I am so excited b/c its the real thing. And of course it has the 2 songs that they had me record. You can check out the show here. I have to warn you though, the show lasts about 20 minutes, so make sure you've got time to watch it. Also, the first number is only instrumental, and the vocalist comes on later.
I'm ok either way: if I don't get the job, I still had a great time in CA, visiting with friends and jamming with the folks at Disney--and I get to stay home. If I do get the job, it will be a fun, hassling, educational experience. As soon as they call, I'll let you know.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Cali, here I come
Ok, booked my flight and I'm gonna do it! I am nervous but excited. I will leave next Wednesday, audition on Thursday, and fly back on Friday. I think it is a win-win situation. If they like me and offer me the job--great! I get to go to Japan for 8 months with my family. If they don't offer me the job, I get to stay home and NOT leave comfort zone--which is also great! we'll see...
Oh, forgot to mention in all the excitement that I got a role in "Into the Woods". I got Jack's Mother. It is a great character role and will be a lot of fun. Unfortunately, if I get the job at Disney, I will have to leave the show, bummer. So, life will be um, exciting, either way...
Check out the audition info here.
Oh, forgot to mention in all the excitement that I got a role in "Into the Woods". I got Jack's Mother. It is a great character role and will be a lot of fun. Unfortunately, if I get the job at Disney, I will have to leave the show, bummer. So, life will be um, exciting, either way...
Check out the audition info here.
Friday, January 04, 2008
Out of the blue...
Ok, just got an email from Disney, CA; requesting me to come and audition for Tokyo Disney--they need a Celtic vocalist. Agh! how cool is that? I think I might do it (audition that is..)
who knows? I might just get it.
Here are the details: Thursday, 1/17 in North Hollywood. They even offered me an appointment and greeted me by name in the email! I can't believe they kept my info for so long--I auditioned for "Aladdin" in June 05! They had told me "thanks for coming; you're not quite right for Aladdin, but we'll keep your info." Well, I guess they did...
It would be an 8 month run from March to Nov if I got the job. But I could sing "celtic woman" all day long. and homeschool my children in a foreign land. How cool would that be?!
I'll let you know if I decide to go...
who knows? I might just get it.
Here are the details: Thursday, 1/17 in North Hollywood. They even offered me an appointment and greeted me by name in the email! I can't believe they kept my info for so long--I auditioned for "Aladdin" in June 05! They had told me "thanks for coming; you're not quite right for Aladdin, but we'll keep your info." Well, I guess they did...
It would be an 8 month run from March to Nov if I got the job. But I could sing "celtic woman" all day long. and homeschool my children in a foreign land. How cool would that be?!
I'll let you know if I decide to go...
Thursday, December 20, 2007
New pics of us
Merry Christmas! Crissy kindly took our family pics this year. I am so pleased with the 
results--thanks fri
end!
Monday, December 10, 2007
Chris's work party was the other night. I was at work for most of it, but got invited to come up and sing with Adam when I got home. Found out that while I was not there, my child party crashed in my place. He had those folks laughing so hard Crissy told me. Every 5 minutes, he would go back for more food, and all the grandmothers in the room were right there to help him if needed. Crissy finally had to tell him no more food or he was in trouble. haha. I am so glad she and I have that kind of relationship. I told her she shoulda just told him to GO HOME. But she said he was too entertaining.
As far as the entertainment goes, singing with Adam was a BLAST. Thanks Adam for letting me sing backup. It has always been a little dream of mine to do backup singing in a band. I can do solos ok, and I do enjoy them. But I am a team player, and love to do things with other people. I think that's why I enjoyed being a choir teacher so much. (Although that comes with its own stress).
Speaking of team playing, I auditioned for a show last night. "Into the Woods", a Sondheim musical; which is basically like "fractured fairy tales" on Rocky and Bullwinkle. It combines Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, Rapunzel, Red Riding Hood, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, and maybe a couple others. It takes a humorous and sometimes cynical view of what happens after "happily ever after".
The audition was actually a lot of fun. I wasn't too nervous. I got to read the parts for Red Riding, Jack's Mother, the Witch, and the Baker's Wife. Jack's Mother was my favorite. I'd forgotten how much I love to perform in musicals and stuff. I've been thinking of doing a show lately, as I think it helps in teaching. It gives me a better perspective as I am trying to get certain concepts across to my students and it keeps me on my toes. I won't know until after Christmas if I made it into the show but I'll let you know. I went with my boss (the owner of the music studio) and my sister. I would love it if we all made it into the show together. I am not keen on doing a show "by myself", with no friends I mean. It is hard to do a show or be a part of a group when most or all the folks around you are non-believers. Been there done that.
I think it will be good for me too as I've been feeling a little restless lately. Not sure, but thinking it's probably the health and emotional things we've gone through lately. I think the show would be a healthy and fun, well, not diversion, but a therapy, so to speak, to get me back on my feet and give me something fun to help me move on. God has given me a gift and I'm thinking this would be a fun way to use it.
Christmas it coming faster and faster every year. How come it is not still the first of November? or the middle of October for that matter? My mom and dad are going out to see Jacob for Christmas so we will celebrate with them a little early. But good thing for us is that Tracy, Justin and Solomon are coming out for 2 weeks, yippee! I can't believe they will be able to stay so long. I am looking forward to having a long time to visit and catch up. We won't have to play family tag either, as my family will be gone for 8-9 days. So I will have plenty of time to hang out with Frank's family.
Well, speaking of my mom, gotta go so I can get to her house today. Catch you later!
As far as the entertainment goes, singing with Adam was a BLAST. Thanks Adam for letting me sing backup. It has always been a little dream of mine to do backup singing in a band. I can do solos ok, and I do enjoy them. But I am a team player, and love to do things with other people. I think that's why I enjoyed being a choir teacher so much. (Although that comes with its own stress).
Speaking of team playing, I auditioned for a show last night. "Into the Woods", a Sondheim musical; which is basically like "fractured fairy tales" on Rocky and Bullwinkle. It combines Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, Rapunzel, Red Riding Hood, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, and maybe a couple others. It takes a humorous and sometimes cynical view of what happens after "happily ever after".
The audition was actually a lot of fun. I wasn't too nervous. I got to read the parts for Red Riding, Jack's Mother, the Witch, and the Baker's Wife. Jack's Mother was my favorite. I'd forgotten how much I love to perform in musicals and stuff. I've been thinking of doing a show lately, as I think it helps in teaching. It gives me a better perspective as I am trying to get certain concepts across to my students and it keeps me on my toes. I won't know until after Christmas if I made it into the show but I'll let you know. I went with my boss (the owner of the music studio) and my sister. I would love it if we all made it into the show together. I am not keen on doing a show "by myself", with no friends I mean. It is hard to do a show or be a part of a group when most or all the folks around you are non-believers. Been there done that.
I think it will be good for me too as I've been feeling a little restless lately. Not sure, but thinking it's probably the health and emotional things we've gone through lately. I think the show would be a healthy and fun, well, not diversion, but a therapy, so to speak, to get me back on my feet and give me something fun to help me move on. God has given me a gift and I'm thinking this would be a fun way to use it.
Christmas it coming faster and faster every year. How come it is not still the first of November? or the middle of October for that matter? My mom and dad are going out to see Jacob for Christmas so we will celebrate with them a little early. But good thing for us is that Tracy, Justin and Solomon are coming out for 2 weeks, yippee! I can't believe they will be able to stay so long. I am looking forward to having a long time to visit and catch up. We won't have to play family tag either, as my family will be gone for 8-9 days. So I will have plenty of time to hang out with Frank's family.
Well, speaking of my mom, gotta go so I can get to her house today. Catch you later!
Thursday, November 29, 2007
bothering
Something's been floating around in my head bothering me lately, so I think I'll get it off my chest and feel better. I know you understand.
I am not a good picture taker. I have not taken nearly enough pictures of my children. Then I think 'what's enough'? I went back to work not long after Steven was born and had suffered post-partum depression mess, so I just didn't care for awhile. Another part of me doesn't consider myself a good photographer, and it's an insecurity--therefore an excuse to not take pictures. Also, every time I go to use the digital camera, I've used it so infrequently that I can't remember how to get the pics onto the computer once I've taken the pictures, can't remember how to charge the stupid thing when it's going dead, and can barely remember how to turn the dang thing on.
But something got me thinking the other day. I've finally got our home in order and pulled out all the pictures we had stored while away and put them back out. Steven went around to see all of them and kept asking me: "mama, is that one me? is that one me?" over and over. And I saw that most of them are of Frankie! Agh! A terrible sense of guilt washed over me as I realized that I have slighted Steven by not taking any pictures (or as many) of him. What's bad is his babyhood is a little blurry to me as we were trying to get enough money to go to school and I was working sometimes 50 or 60 hours a week. Frank pretty much was raising the boys during that time. (Thank God that time is over!)
So I went into the cedar chest and pulled out every picture of Steven I could find and framed about 4 pictures and set them out. Even the newborn picture. When they get home from grandparents on Saturday I plan to take him around and show him all his pictures.
Anyway, I have a renewed sense of duty to my youngest to make sure he knows that he is loved as much as his brother. Even if I have to resort to good 'ol archaic film camera. I know how to use those! Anyway, y'all gotta help keep me accountable.
thanks.
I am not a good picture taker. I have not taken nearly enough pictures of my children. Then I think 'what's enough'? I went back to work not long after Steven was born and had suffered post-partum depression mess, so I just didn't care for awhile. Another part of me doesn't consider myself a good photographer, and it's an insecurity--therefore an excuse to not take pictures. Also, every time I go to use the digital camera, I've used it so infrequently that I can't remember how to get the pics onto the computer once I've taken the pictures, can't remember how to charge the stupid thing when it's going dead, and can barely remember how to turn the dang thing on.
But something got me thinking the other day. I've finally got our home in order and pulled out all the pictures we had stored while away and put them back out. Steven went around to see all of them and kept asking me: "mama, is that one me? is that one me?" over and over. And I saw that most of them are of Frankie! Agh! A terrible sense of guilt washed over me as I realized that I have slighted Steven by not taking any pictures (or as many) of him. What's bad is his babyhood is a little blurry to me as we were trying to get enough money to go to school and I was working sometimes 50 or 60 hours a week. Frank pretty much was raising the boys during that time. (Thank God that time is over!)
So I went into the cedar chest and pulled out every picture of Steven I could find and framed about 4 pictures and set them out. Even the newborn picture. When they get home from grandparents on Saturday I plan to take him around and show him all his pictures.
Anyway, I have a renewed sense of duty to my youngest to make sure he knows that he is loved as much as his brother. Even if I have to resort to good 'ol archaic film camera. I know how to use those! Anyway, y'all gotta help keep me accountable.
thanks.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
movie quotes
Since we've been sick, there have been many movies watched over the past couple of weeks. here are some of my favorite quotes; see if you can guess which movies they came from:
(whoever guesses them all will receive a hearty congrats comment from me to their blog.)
"But I don't want to go among mad people..."
"Hey! Now those were alphabetized!"
"You gots to puckah up yo lips like dis..."
"Virtually indestructable, yet breathes like Egyptian cotton."
"I think it would help, if you'd sort of open your umbrella and say, 'tut, tut, it looks like rain'."
"If he were here right now, I'd kiss'im--right in front of everybody!"
"Some children just don't know when to stop pretending."
"Are they gone yet? My cheeks are killing me! I think it's time for a little break..mm-hmmm...time for a little break..."
"Let's go meet the Pansies!"
"Are we THERE yet?"
"We get there when we GET THERE!"
"Hey fellas....we got ourselves a nodder..."
"You must pull yourself together! Go! Fight! Win! and call me in the morning, dahling--you know I love our little talks..."
"I'm just thinking about the first time I laid eye on you."
"She just loves me for my body."
(whoever guesses them all will receive a hearty congrats comment from me to their blog.)
"But I don't want to go among mad people..."
"Hey! Now those were alphabetized!"
"You gots to puckah up yo lips like dis..."
"Virtually indestructable, yet breathes like Egyptian cotton."
"I think it would help, if you'd sort of open your umbrella and say, 'tut, tut, it looks like rain'."
"If he were here right now, I'd kiss'im--right in front of everybody!"
"Some children just don't know when to stop pretending."
"Are they gone yet? My cheeks are killing me! I think it's time for a little break..mm-hmmm...time for a little break..."
"Let's go meet the Pansies!"
"Are we THERE yet?"
"We get there when we GET THERE!"
"Hey fellas....we got ourselves a nodder..."
"You must pull yourself together! Go! Fight! Win! and call me in the morning, dahling--you know I love our little talks..."
"I'm just thinking about the first time I laid eye on you."
"She just loves me for my body."
News
We have been sick for almost 2 weeks now. This is the second Sunday in a row that we've missed church. I hate that. Paige M. and I had a conversation that even when you miss one Sunday, you are completely out of the loop. It started on halloween with Steven coughing and throwing up. ( I knew they must have called it the devil's holiday for some reason). Then Frankie got a fever, then it spread to Frank and then to me. I guess I could be thankful that we weren't all sick at the same time and I was at least able to take care of my boys. My sickness is the tail end of it I think, with a bad cough, sore throat and post-nasal drippy mess.
On another note, the Church Christmas Bazaar was yesterday. I had a jewelry booth and did pretty well--so for the past couple of months, my life has not been my own. It has belonged to this crazed woman who is up at all hours of the night trying to put together jewelry sets to sell at the bazaar. I haven't added up my costs, but I came home with $140 more than what I started with. Yippee! I notice that more of the less expensive necklace/earring sets sold, and lots of the earrings sold. Which doesn't surprise me: most people are like me--they like to spend 10 dollars or less at a booth at a craft show. That's totally fine with me. I am good with bringing home 140 bucks. I will just use the sets I didn't sell as gifts. Oh, I also got about $50 worth of orders; that helps too.
Sometimes I am missing California. My friend Deannah had given me a bunch of cute clothes before we left, and most of them were winter clothes, so I've been wearing them every day. It makes me miss her so much. Thanks Deannah! I think of you every day when I put on your clothes.
The other day I got an email from Sandra, Alison, and Amy. They were goofing off in the office and were dressed in halloween clothes. It looked like so much fun! I miss you guys! I remember Dave loves to play practical jokes and last halloween, I got to work that morning and there was a huge (fake) tarantula on my cup of pens. I did do a double take (Dave I know you are laughing right now!). Then it took us all day to try to figure out who left the tarantula. For the longest time I thought it was Martin, who is notorious for having a laugh on other co-workers...then I though it was Albert, James, or Dan, who are all deceptively quiet but have evil senses of humor. I knew it couldn't have been Robert, who is just too nice with his Texas charm. But, eventually someone (I think it was Karin) spilled the beans that it was really Dave. Haha. Thanks for the laugh!
The other day I was making one of my necklaces and I thought of Jackie too, as I made one very similar for her right before we left. Jackie, hope you and Marc and Max and Noelle are doing ok--keep in touch!
A little birdie told me Alison is on a trip to Hawaii with her husband for their 30th anniversary...Congratulations Alison and Mike!!! Hope you have had a blast!
Abraham is back in India. Sangeetha should be giving birth any day now...Frank talks to him about once a month. I think Abraham is glad to have put school on hold for awhile and be back in India with his wife. I will let you know about the baby as soon as we hear anything.
Frank is immersed in his job as a Biology/Science/Bible teacher at a Christian school. The stories he comes home to tell me!! Nothing like a first year of teaching. Makes me so glad to be teaching music lessons where I get ONE kid at a time, for ONLY 30 minutes at a time! Whew! I couldn't have any of this 50 minutes at a time with 30 kids cooped up in one room! And he does this all day. I pray for him daily: that he won't get burned out, and that he won't fall asleep in the car driving to or from work. It is a 1.25 hour drive, as the school is 55 miles away. He generally drives 55-60 mph only, as you can get up to 50 miles more to a tank of gas. Pretty cool. But he is learning a lot about teaching, kids, and himself. Needless to say, he may be looking for something a little closer to home next year.
Frank's class at BTS is going really great though, from what he's told me. I think he's even ok with it being from 6-8am on Mondays, because his students actually WANT to be there. (Not so with the high school kids). And he has a lot of fun teaching something he truly loves: Apologetics. His students are all adults and like to make him think.
My parents are planning to go see my brother for Christmas in Monterey, CA (northern). I don't know if I'd told you already, but Jacob is in the Air Force, learning Chinese at a language school out there. He will either get a job in Intelligence, or go on for Officer Training School. He and Tansy and Ashlyn will be out there for another year and then will be deployed to Maryland, Hawaii, or Japan. Their wish is Hawaii of course! I wish we could go back out there for a visit, but it will be a while, as it is expeeeeeeensive! Email and phone will have to suffice.
Steven tells me every day: "Mama, I need to tell you something." And I'll say, "What?" His reply: "I love you!". Now we all say it to each other. Each child has his own way of showing affection, it is so funny to see their personalities come out.
ok, I think that's mostly everything....
On another note, the Church Christmas Bazaar was yesterday. I had a jewelry booth and did pretty well--so for the past couple of months, my life has not been my own. It has belonged to this crazed woman who is up at all hours of the night trying to put together jewelry sets to sell at the bazaar. I haven't added up my costs, but I came home with $140 more than what I started with. Yippee! I notice that more of the less expensive necklace/earring sets sold, and lots of the earrings sold. Which doesn't surprise me: most people are like me--they like to spend 10 dollars or less at a booth at a craft show. That's totally fine with me. I am good with bringing home 140 bucks. I will just use the sets I didn't sell as gifts. Oh, I also got about $50 worth of orders; that helps too.
Sometimes I am missing California. My friend Deannah had given me a bunch of cute clothes before we left, and most of them were winter clothes, so I've been wearing them every day. It makes me miss her so much. Thanks Deannah! I think of you every day when I put on your clothes.
The other day I got an email from Sandra, Alison, and Amy. They were goofing off in the office and were dressed in halloween clothes. It looked like so much fun! I miss you guys! I remember Dave loves to play practical jokes and last halloween, I got to work that morning and there was a huge (fake) tarantula on my cup of pens. I did do a double take (Dave I know you are laughing right now!). Then it took us all day to try to figure out who left the tarantula. For the longest time I thought it was Martin, who is notorious for having a laugh on other co-workers...then I though it was Albert, James, or Dan, who are all deceptively quiet but have evil senses of humor. I knew it couldn't have been Robert, who is just too nice with his Texas charm. But, eventually someone (I think it was Karin) spilled the beans that it was really Dave. Haha. Thanks for the laugh!
The other day I was making one of my necklaces and I thought of Jackie too, as I made one very similar for her right before we left. Jackie, hope you and Marc and Max and Noelle are doing ok--keep in touch!
A little birdie told me Alison is on a trip to Hawaii with her husband for their 30th anniversary...Congratulations Alison and Mike!!! Hope you have had a blast!
Abraham is back in India. Sangeetha should be giving birth any day now...Frank talks to him about once a month. I think Abraham is glad to have put school on hold for awhile and be back in India with his wife. I will let you know about the baby as soon as we hear anything.
Frank is immersed in his job as a Biology/Science/Bible teacher at a Christian school. The stories he comes home to tell me!! Nothing like a first year of teaching. Makes me so glad to be teaching music lessons where I get ONE kid at a time, for ONLY 30 minutes at a time! Whew! I couldn't have any of this 50 minutes at a time with 30 kids cooped up in one room! And he does this all day. I pray for him daily: that he won't get burned out, and that he won't fall asleep in the car driving to or from work. It is a 1.25 hour drive, as the school is 55 miles away. He generally drives 55-60 mph only, as you can get up to 50 miles more to a tank of gas. Pretty cool. But he is learning a lot about teaching, kids, and himself. Needless to say, he may be looking for something a little closer to home next year.
Frank's class at BTS is going really great though, from what he's told me. I think he's even ok with it being from 6-8am on Mondays, because his students actually WANT to be there. (Not so with the high school kids). And he has a lot of fun teaching something he truly loves: Apologetics. His students are all adults and like to make him think.
My parents are planning to go see my brother for Christmas in Monterey, CA (northern). I don't know if I'd told you already, but Jacob is in the Air Force, learning Chinese at a language school out there. He will either get a job in Intelligence, or go on for Officer Training School. He and Tansy and Ashlyn will be out there for another year and then will be deployed to Maryland, Hawaii, or Japan. Their wish is Hawaii of course! I wish we could go back out there for a visit, but it will be a while, as it is expeeeeeeensive! Email and phone will have to suffice.
Steven tells me every day: "Mama, I need to tell you something." And I'll say, "What?" His reply: "I love you!". Now we all say it to each other. Each child has his own way of showing affection, it is so funny to see their personalities come out.
ok, I think that's mostly everything....
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Time for a new post...
Things are going great here, but I know I need to update you on what's going on in our lives. My apologies for taking so long--we've been so busy! I know, you say "Cry me a bucketful, why don'tcha?" hahahaha...
Anyway, here goes...
I guess the biggest thing is that although the job was going fine at the funeral home, there was something still not sitting completely right with me. I've been wanting to be at home with the boys for awhile, and have been half praying that it could work out. you know what I mean, more like wishful thinking b/c you can't bring yourself to believe that God would be able to work it out for you etc. A.K.A. lack of faith. I started to seriously consider what I could do in order be with my children more. We were also struggling with the school system here. Birmingham school system is not that great. In fact, it is pretty low on the totem pole of schools in general. We will also be moving the middle of September to another district (next-door to my best friend, yippee), and were worried about dealing with changing schools in the middle of a term. I carried around a general sense of unease, like, 'I don't know what to do about this, and I don't want to think about it right now.' I was discussing my options with Crissy one day a couple months ago, and she brought up homeschool. At first, a host of insecurities jumped up: I am not smart enough, disciplined enough, lack of socialization, I'm too selfish, etc. I finally told her that if God wanted me to homeschool, then He would put it on my heart--just like He did when we decided to move to California to go to school. Heehee. I guess you probably know what's coming. Suffice it to say that we have been homeschooling successfully for the past 3 weeks, and it is going fine. There are ups and downs, but it is definitely worth it.
So, bout 6 weeks ago, I put in a 3-week notice at the funeral home, and started signing up voice students. Thanks be to God, I am bringing in the same amount of $$ I was working 40 hours/week, except now only working about 15 hours! (I could still use about 5-6 more students, so pray when you think about it.) Now I teach some week-day afternoons, and Saturday; and am home most of the day with the boys. The interesting thing is, the girl they hired to replace me at work was from California and had moved to AL a little before we had! I had a week to train her, and it went well! She has a lovely little girl, and after talking with her a while, found out she's a believer! So, she is visiting our church. Very fun.
Speaking of church, we are attending Community Presbyterian. Never been Presbyterian before. It is such a great church--I love hearing the Gospel proclaimed to me every time I cross the threshold. Thanks CPC folks--you guys are great!
I have been able to reconnect with several great friends--KimH and Naomi--we've gotten together and hung out a couple of times; so much fun!!!! I see Crissy, Kim and Terri every Friday night. And lots of new faces that I am getting to know. We are also moving earlier than expected--our old home became available sooner, so we're moving this weekend. It will be nice to be in comfort zone again.
I am looking forward to a trip to California in a week and a half. Going to serve as an attendant and sing at Deannah's wedding. She has become one of my closest friends from out west. I am excited to see all my friends again and catch up. If you are reading this from L.A.--I miss you and will see you soon!!
Well, that was a lot, but I feel like it doesn't really even half cover it. Oh well. Thanks for sharing in my life. Leave me comment and let me know how it's going.
Anyway, here goes...
I guess the biggest thing is that although the job was going fine at the funeral home, there was something still not sitting completely right with me. I've been wanting to be at home with the boys for awhile, and have been half praying that it could work out. you know what I mean, more like wishful thinking b/c you can't bring yourself to believe that God would be able to work it out for you etc. A.K.A. lack of faith. I started to seriously consider what I could do in order be with my children more. We were also struggling with the school system here. Birmingham school system is not that great. In fact, it is pretty low on the totem pole of schools in general. We will also be moving the middle of September to another district (next-door to my best friend, yippee), and were worried about dealing with changing schools in the middle of a term. I carried around a general sense of unease, like, 'I don't know what to do about this, and I don't want to think about it right now.' I was discussing my options with Crissy one day a couple months ago, and she brought up homeschool. At first, a host of insecurities jumped up: I am not smart enough, disciplined enough, lack of socialization, I'm too selfish, etc. I finally told her that if God wanted me to homeschool, then He would put it on my heart--just like He did when we decided to move to California to go to school. Heehee. I guess you probably know what's coming. Suffice it to say that we have been homeschooling successfully for the past 3 weeks, and it is going fine. There are ups and downs, but it is definitely worth it.
So, bout 6 weeks ago, I put in a 3-week notice at the funeral home, and started signing up voice students. Thanks be to God, I am bringing in the same amount of $$ I was working 40 hours/week, except now only working about 15 hours! (I could still use about 5-6 more students, so pray when you think about it.) Now I teach some week-day afternoons, and Saturday; and am home most of the day with the boys. The interesting thing is, the girl they hired to replace me at work was from California and had moved to AL a little before we had! I had a week to train her, and it went well! She has a lovely little girl, and after talking with her a while, found out she's a believer! So, she is visiting our church. Very fun.
Speaking of church, we are attending Community Presbyterian. Never been Presbyterian before. It is such a great church--I love hearing the Gospel proclaimed to me every time I cross the threshold. Thanks CPC folks--you guys are great!
I have been able to reconnect with several great friends--KimH and Naomi--we've gotten together and hung out a couple of times; so much fun!!!! I see Crissy, Kim and Terri every Friday night. And lots of new faces that I am getting to know. We are also moving earlier than expected--our old home became available sooner, so we're moving this weekend. It will be nice to be in comfort zone again.
I am looking forward to a trip to California in a week and a half. Going to serve as an attendant and sing at Deannah's wedding. She has become one of my closest friends from out west. I am excited to see all my friends again and catch up. If you are reading this from L.A.--I miss you and will see you soon!!
Well, that was a lot, but I feel like it doesn't really even half cover it. Oh well. Thanks for sharing in my life. Leave me comment and let me know how it's going.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Stuff
It’s raining. And the rain is making me very happy. We’d come home to about a 6-month drought. The locals informed us that we were down 18 inches for the year, and that it was a state record. But it is finally raining. Well, Texas is finally sharing, that’s all…
After living in the land of eternal sunshine and concrete, it is nice to hear the rain on the roof, and see all the green here. I found it interesting that last week, the Governor of AL, Bob Riley, called for all of us to pray collectively as a state for rain. And the funny thing is, or miraculous for that matter, is that our fervent prayers were answered, and God sent some rain over from Texas. Thank you Jesus.
Well, bout time to go cut some grass…
I have some exciting, stupendous, and marvelous news that you will never believe. After months of battling, pleading, praying, and yes, unashamed bribing, my son is pooping in the potty!!!! (and there is a heavenly host in the background singing in 4-part harmony!!!) And it was nothing to do with me or his dad, or his brother. It had everything to do with his being ready. It was if a light switch went on from night to day—I am not kidding. One day he was using a diaper, and the next day he was going potty all day and wearing underwear. He told me he’d gone while in Sunday School (we’ve been putting him in pull-ups when we go out), but his teacher didn’t tell me, and I half did not believe him. But then that night, he asked to go again, and he actually produced! Of course that prompted a quick trip to the store to get the bribe—a ring pop! Which Frank gladly went to get. And ever since, he’s been going all the time. Decided he’s a big boy now, and talks about it to anyone who will listen—even (and especially) in public. But, I am so thankful. Now on to driving…
My brother is graduating from BASIC Air Force Training this weekend in Lackland, Texas. I am so proud of him! Now he will be off to language school in Monterey, CA, where he’ll learn an Asian language (most likely Japanese or Korean) and then be trained to work with one of those countries’ intelligence departments. Oh yeah, top secret stuff, baby! And trips to the Orient to visit family. I am trying to be optimistic and think, what a great opportunity for Jacob, Tansy, and Ashlyn, and wow, how cool will that be to go and visit them in Japan—and not think: I won’t see my brother and his family except maybe every 5 years!!! But, I could never be selfish and hold him back. He is so excited—please pray for him when you think about it.
After living in the land of eternal sunshine and concrete, it is nice to hear the rain on the roof, and see all the green here. I found it interesting that last week, the Governor of AL, Bob Riley, called for all of us to pray collectively as a state for rain. And the funny thing is, or miraculous for that matter, is that our fervent prayers were answered, and God sent some rain over from Texas. Thank you Jesus.
Well, bout time to go cut some grass…
I have some exciting, stupendous, and marvelous news that you will never believe. After months of battling, pleading, praying, and yes, unashamed bribing, my son is pooping in the potty!!!! (and there is a heavenly host in the background singing in 4-part harmony!!!) And it was nothing to do with me or his dad, or his brother. It had everything to do with his being ready. It was if a light switch went on from night to day—I am not kidding. One day he was using a diaper, and the next day he was going potty all day and wearing underwear. He told me he’d gone while in Sunday School (we’ve been putting him in pull-ups when we go out), but his teacher didn’t tell me, and I half did not believe him. But then that night, he asked to go again, and he actually produced! Of course that prompted a quick trip to the store to get the bribe—a ring pop! Which Frank gladly went to get. And ever since, he’s been going all the time. Decided he’s a big boy now, and talks about it to anyone who will listen—even (and especially) in public. But, I am so thankful. Now on to driving…
My brother is graduating from BASIC Air Force Training this weekend in Lackland, Texas. I am so proud of him! Now he will be off to language school in Monterey, CA, where he’ll learn an Asian language (most likely Japanese or Korean) and then be trained to work with one of those countries’ intelligence departments. Oh yeah, top secret stuff, baby! And trips to the Orient to visit family. I am trying to be optimistic and think, what a great opportunity for Jacob, Tansy, and Ashlyn, and wow, how cool will that be to go and visit them in Japan—and not think: I won’t see my brother and his family except maybe every 5 years!!! But, I could never be selfish and hold him back. He is so excited—please pray for him when you think about it.
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