Myrtle Beach Pics!

Well, I know there isn't a good excuse for the lack-o-blog, but... I was on spring break and we went to Myrtle beach. Not to mention there was just a mountain of stuff that I've had to accomplish since the last post.

But... for now, I will indulge people with the few pics I took on vacation.

Self portraits, gotta love 'em!!
I took it from the balcony of our condo!
One of the highlights of our trip was going to the Dixie Stampede.
We usually do Medieval Times... but we wanted a new change.This was the Dixie Stampede goers... Dad, Me & Jessica.
(Gosh this is not a great pic of me.)
We rooted for the North... funny story... when we made our
reservations the lady asked "Do you want to root for the North
or the South?" My response was "The North, because they win!"
She seemed a little shocked... and almost surprised. Hmmm

Will the South rise again? HMMMMM....If you look at the two red-sweatshirted people, you will see my dad & I.
I conned him into participating in the show... the guy asked... and I
in all my excitement said yes.

Again, another funny story. We were taken to an area where they told us our instructions. They were: When you go out there line up shoulder to shoulder. When you are given the sign guys, go to a horse you wanna ride. My dad looked like "Oh, my what did you get me into? How on earth am I going to get up there?" So we walked out... we eyeballed the horses... I said to my dad "get the short one." So the man gave the word, and my dad walked toward the horse he thought maybe he could get up on and ride in our barrel race. Then they showed us the horses they had for us.Hard to tell, but if you look closely, we were given horses on a stick. This was the team for the North. Unfortunately we lost that challenge... but... the North still won! And that's all that matters. Has anyone else been there? Does anyone know if the North always wins, or do they switch it out? My dad said the North has to win or they'd have to change the history books. I don't know, cuz I feel that people would get bored without some sort of thrill of winning. Although, what am I talking about.. there are plenty that think the South did win.

Anywho, that's pretty much the extent of our pictures. I started out taking a bunch, and then just got busy and took very little. Somehwere I have pictures of us golfing. I'm still pretty awful... but hey, it was still LOTS of fun!

We actually have the opportunity to go to Myrtle Beach (for me, it's again, for Jer it's the first time this year) with Jer's family in June. So my question is... of my (small numbered readership) what does everyone else out there like to do in Myrtle Beach? Or what have you heard is fun?

Anyway... Adios everyone!!

70 degrees and W-O-N-D-E-R-F-U-L!!!

Today the weather was absolutely amazing! Franklin and I went for an amazingly long walk today. Needless to say, the dog is almost half dead right now. It was soooo good to just get out and about... we turned off our heat temporarily... and we even had the windows open. LOVED IT!!

Shamrock Shakes!!

I finally had my very first Shamrock Shake!

You may not find that impressive, but about 2 years ago when I was working at the day care we were talking about getting some. (I had never heard of them before that time) When my friend went to get them... they were all out... and then they proceeded to be out every day we tried. Last year I forgot about them.... so today I finally had one. It was pretty good. I'm not sure if I liked it better than Chik-Fil-A's Chocolate Peppermint shakes... but it was still pretty good. I even found a copy cat recipe. So maybe I'll try that on St. Patty's day to be festive! If you try it, let me know what you think!

Talkin' Turkish

I love having my new smaller easy to carry around camera! Last week I took 2 amazing pictures showing our latest wildlife guests on our school property!

Yeah, there were 2 wild turkeys just wandering around the property. I don't know that I've ever been that close to a turkey (unless it was cooked for Thanksgiving). So, I thought I'd share it with you.

I'm appalled.....

I must say, that after working with the junior high age group I am just appalled at the "accepted norm." I just can't help but wonder where did we go wrong? How can they not see the err in their thinking? A lot of times I attribute things to the fact that they're 12 going on 30. But, then I ask myself, why don't their adults in their lives see it either? It came to a climax in the last week or so. I've seen children who I thought I had bonded with lie to my face. Prey on my trust in them, and disappoint with continual lies. I've seen students act impulsively. When as a society did we get away from the "turn the other cheek" philosophy of the Bible, and replace it with an "if they hit you, slug them back... but harder" mentality? Where did we go wrong?

I was asked last evening in a Bible study what do I want to be great in? And after thinking about it for a few seconds (I wanted to really ask myself this question, not just give the "right" answer), I came up with "I want to be a great influencer." I want to make an impact for this world. I want to be remembered by my students as one who not only challenged them academically, but also spiritually.

I would love for God to set my students on fire. (And no, not fire smoting them, of course, I have thought about it in this context in the last few weeks.) I envision a group of teenagers that are so sold out for the Lord that people stand in awe. I would love to see getting together without arguing. Asking a question and getting the honest answer, even if it hurts. I want to influence and be part of a radical movement.

As I've sat here pondering this over the last few weeks, but more so the last 24 hours, I can't help but reflect on "what have I done toward this goal." I know I could have done more. We can always do more.

So I ask that you embark on this journey with me. I ask that you pray with me during this time. Our world is getting scarrier and scarrier. These teenagers are our future... and quite frankly, it scares me if things don't change.

When did RIGHT become wrong? When did we decide that sin was ok? I want change, and I know it starts with a change of my heart. I know it starts with giving it all to the One who is in control, and knows us better than we know ourselves.

I leave asking one more question: Who have you influenced today and how so?

Calling all Moms, Dads, Aunts, Uncles.... consumers....

Calling all Moms, Dads, Aunts, Uncles.... consumers....

I have a very special little girl who is turning 1 in about a week. I'm dying to get some advice from moms and dads with small children. I want to get her a great gift, that says "I was thinking about you." Yet it want it to be practical, and amazing!

I want to get the advice from my readership (though you may be few) as to the gift that you either got someone, or a gift that you received when your little one turned one. I want a gift that you perhaps just couldn't live with out! Big, little, expensive or cheap, no idea will be thought ridiculous. I have been pondering this one for a while, and I'm pretty much stumped.

Just an FYI, they're not really "video/dvd" people. (There's a story behind that...) so, suggestions other than "Baby Einstein" or "veggie tales" would be great (even though I think those are great!)

Thank you in advance for your help!

Touched by the king....

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

Tonight Jeremy and I went to the Valentine's Banquet at church. The theme was "Touched by the King." And, you guessed it, there was a Christian Elvis impersonator. He took Elvis songs, and changed the lyrics to have a "Christ oriented" message. He actually did a great job presenting the gospel. While it wasn't my normal cup of tea, it was thoroughly amusing.

I got some great pictures tonight....using my new sky blue digital camera that Jeremy got me for Valentine's Day. Wooohoo! I was sooo surprised and excited. He told me my other half of my gift will be here on Tuesday... he got me a digital picture frame too. He's so good to me!

No Valentine's entry would be complete without telling you how much I love my Valentine. I really love him for the man that he is. He has such a big heart. He is probably one of the most selfless guys I know. He's always ready and willing to help people. He's such an honorable man, and he's such a hard worker. God knew exactly what he was doing when He gave me Jeremy. He really does complement me in so many ways... he makes up for my many shortcomings, and together we are such a great team. Not a single day goes buy when I don't thank God for making my wonderful and special husband. I love you, Jeremy!

And now... for pictures for your enjoyment!

This is what happens when you take a self portrait and your husband is much taller than you!Someone offered to take the picture for us.
Brian & Anna

This is the not-so normal, family life team.
We have a lot of fun together... we laugh a lot!
The first 1/2 was ALL leather... or pleather... couldn't tell.
The second 1/2 was the stereotypical Elvis garb.
Complete with back-up singers!
This is the whole family life team. Yeah, we're with the King...
I think he touched me!