Popsicles are my "Can't Live Without" Item

Most of you remember back to last year when we had our scariest night with the girls. Well, had it not been for that night we would have no idea what to do in the instance that one of the girls would have another.

Maddie was sick most of the weekend, as many of you know and I was a bit under the weather, as well. I had hoped we'd wake up this morning and all would be well. However, at 3 AM I heard Avery screaming and yelling "mommy." I knew. Her fever spiked again and she had another febrile seizure (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke). She must have hallucinations with the fever b/c she kept saying "Mommy, the spiders were so big. I thought they were going to get me." "Never let go, Mommy" (when I set her down to go to the bathroom)

Good thing we remember from last year and we got her fever down immediately with cold water, Popsicles, and motrin/tylenol. I know Popsicles in case of a fever is nothing new, however, had it not been for those fun, tasty little pops, it would have taken us much longer to get her fever down and her body to stop shaking. I thanked God over and over for giving Paul the intuition or "fun-factor" in his shopping list that one day. I know I couldn't take another ambulance ride or ER visit right now.

After we finally got her settled at 6 AM this morning, I noticed Maddie still had a fever, too. Flu, I'm guessing, but I can't be sure until our appointment.

Anyway, I'm taking both girls into our pediatrician today for a once over.
Thanks to all of you who checked in on us and sent well wishes.
I'll keep you posted! And remember - pick up Popsicles at the store the next time you're there! ;)

I'm Just Saying....

This has become my newly overused phrase. I picked it up from a student I have twice a day. He says it ALL the time and now I find myself saying it, as well.

Well, here's what "I'm just saying..." today:

I should feel crappy today for a few reasons.

One, Madison, woke up early this morning feeling sick, couldn't breathe, and running a small fever. I went back to bed b/c I felt bad, too. We were back up at 8. I went running thinking that I might feel a bit better after some fresh air and some time alone. It worked, but I still have a slight headache. Sickness means a few things for us this weekend. We missed dance class, we had to cancel a first time meeting with friend, Tonya, and her girls and we had to cancel a Sunday brunch with our best friends b/c their daughter also has the flu. This bummed us all out more than anything. We so very much enjoy the company of good friends. :(


Two - money. Will there ever be a little more than "enough?" I know God always provides enough of what we need. I know this, I know this. But this month has been difficult because we paid a bit extra in a few places. I would love to go shopping and get some new clothes for myself and not have to worry about the price tag. But Maddie needs new school shoes and it was Paul's birthday. (which was nice, by the way)

Three - Time. I never have enough of it. Every minute of my life seems monopolized by something or someone. Literally. Thursday, I got up, went running, got the girls ready, dropped Avery off early and got to Maddie's dentist appt with 30 seconds to spare. We finished there at 9:30. I stopped for a quick coffee and muffin at the Starbucks drive through and got her to school at 9:50. "Just in time" to be 2 hours late to my English curriculum meeting at our administration building. I'd been there for, oh, maybe 2 minutes and then was called out in the hall to make a few decisions regarding my technology classes. I left there at exactly 3:05 with just enough time to pick Madison and her friend up from school and enough time to pick up Avery early since her sitter requested it that morning. By the time I get home, I'm beat, tired, worn out with nothing left over. However, we did swing by the store, made Paul an ice cream cake and get all his presents wrapped before he walked in the door.
It's like that when I'm at school, too. I rarely get a full conference and am always bringing work home that I only get halfway through before it's time for bed again. I just need an extra hour or so somewhere in the day so that I can breathe deeply!


Now, my runs have been pretty productive lately. I've been downloading an inspirational podcast on my ipod to listen to while exercising. I love it! Today's "talk" was about being thankful for what you have and where you are. Then, this morning I opened my daily inspirational e-mail and read this:

Every step on the path is meaningful, and even one that seems to take us backward is a forward step in the sense that it is what we must do to move to the next level.

So, "I'm just saying," even though I'm bummed about several things today, I'm also thankful for a lot and had to stop (or run rather) to recognize that there is not a whole lot I can do about illness, a few steps I can take regarding money, and many choices I need to change throughout my day for a few extra minutes of solitude and recharging.

What MySpace Has Taught Me....

Believe it or not, there are a few things actually that have made an impression on me. I've always been pessimistic about any site where so many people get together and compare themselves. Despite all the times that I randomly think I'll just delete mine and cut off all contact with the free world, I keep going back. Here are some reasons why:

1. I have learned more new vocab words in the "mood" list than I would've if I'd never had an account. Just think - did you really know what pugnacious or obsequious meant until you got to Myspace. Probably not, but I'd bet money you would go to dictionary.com to look it up.

2. HTML or any programming. Granted, I knew a little before I started browsing pyzam.com for a new background. But unlike many programmers, I wasn't using all that I knew on a daily basis. Using Myspace allows me to tweak my layout just a tad bit more with that HTML knowledge.

3. I really am more confident than I use to be. wow! Despite many beliefs, I was always self conscious about everything and became my worst critic despite my good qualities. No doubt, I hate comparing lives with others because it just sets us all up for disappointment and the feeling of not having enough or being enough. But I realize now in my 30's, I'm proud of who I am, what I look like and am so very thankful for all that I have and everyone else should be proud, also.

4. I have learned more about people than I ever thought possible with those crazy surveys. I love reading them and finding out what people think about whatever topic comes ups, especially if they're humorous. I have also learned that I hate the Myspace version of an e-mail "fwd" - BEWARE IF U DONT REPOST THIS U WILLL HAVE BAD
LUCK FOR 2 yrs. Or You Don't Love or Believe in God If You Don't Send This On In .2 Seconds. It's the same e-mail just disguised in different form. BEWARE!

5. Music - I have learned to branch out my musical interests since joining this crazy site that all the kids raved about 2 years ago. I learned that I enjoy many more types of music than I'd ever thought or even had been exposed to thus far.

6. Reconnecting with old friends; I never thought I'd enjoy seeing and visiting with old friends from high school or college until I actually did it. I remember finding a few of my high school classmates when I first joined. I was so genuinely happy for them and their beautiful families. Seeing everyone so grown up amazed me. I reconnected with people I have not seen or heard from in 20 years! It's nice to know that despite our regional locale, our occupations, or our past we can still get to know each other in our 30's.

Five Times 5

I was tagged by my friend Tonya ( hey Tonya!) to do this blog. I have been avoiding it for a while, but finally pulled my big girl panties on (as my friend Kim would say) and put some thought into it!

5 things I want my kids to know

1. Know that the greatest purpose in my life and the thing I'm most thankful for is that I was chosen to be your mom. Even if we get upset at each other or do not agree on something - I love you. I always will. I always have even before I actually met you.

2. I know that my working takes a lot away from you. I struggle each and every day with the fact that I'm a working mom. Teaching is a passion and I am not sure that I could never teach again. But the one thing that always pulls me away from it - is you, each of you. Spending time with you is my pure joy. Seeing you grow and laugh is such a privilege.

3. You are strong. Never let anyone tell you that you aren't. You have a strength within you that is stronger than all of those critical, negative things you'll hear in your life. Stay strong.

4. I have enjoyed every stage of your life. Some have been easier than others, some harder than others. Through it all, though, each year with you has taught me something, made me grateful for more, and given me a new perspective.

5. Thank you for teaching me the value of:
a moment
forgiveness
the joy laughter brings
love
gratitude
asking for help


5 things you want to tell your children when they are grown up

1. Gratitude is the secret to a happy life. People will try to tell you it's money, fame, the right car, the best house, a boy, the right friends. They're wrong. Trust me. Being grateful for all you are and all you have is true happiness.

2. The greatest struggle may yet be your greatest strength. Be a victor not a victim!

3. God gave you instinct. Use it. Don't let it be drowned out by busyness, jobs, laziness, friends, or someone else's advice. Trust what you know and if something doesn't seem just right - it's probably not.

4. Feel the fear and do it anyway. Fear always holds us back. Don't ever let it hold you back from all your dreams and goals.

5. Change is the most constant thing about life. Accept this and you'll live your best life. Welcome the change. When you do this you'll realize all the new opportunities it brings.


5 things you want to tell your children before you die

1. You are sisters. Love each other. Be there for each other. Have fun together. Learn to trust and hold other's trust. You may not always agree with each other, each other's choices, each other's life, but you have each other - don't walk away from that.

2. I have no regrets. My life has been filled with abundance. There were times I forgot the abundance or made mistakes, but the abundance was never gone. I always did what I loved and made the best of whatever came my way. I looked for lessons in everything and walked away each time with a satisfaction of knowing just a bit more than I did before.


3.Being adopted, I never really knew any of my blood family members. From the moment you were conceived, I felt a connection to you like nothing I've ever known before. It's unexplainable to those that don't know. Then, to look into both of your eyes and see your looking up at me - that was pure love and joy.

4. I know that something I've done has/will probably be an issue when you're older. It happens to everyone - we all make mistakes. But remember that there will come a time when you have the ability to see the bigger picture, the ability to work to change, and the ability to forgive. Know that I always did the best I knew how at the time.

5. I will always be part of you. You know this. Butterflies have always been our "sign" and I'm confident that they always will be. You'll feel me in your heart at the exact moment you need to; you'll hear our song at the exact moment you need it. I'll be there.


5 things you want your child to know before she dies

1. You taught me way more than I could have ever possibly taught you. My life began when the two of you become a part of it and you've been teaching me ever since.

2. You were all I ever thought you could be. Smart, beautiful, fun, happy, energetic and loving.

3. Even though I know that feeling of loss and know that healing happens, I cannot even imagine a life, a day, or a minute without you. I'm not sure that there is another joy out there as strong as the two of you.

4. No matter what - dance. So will I.

5. I love you madly.


5 folks I’m tagging for this blog

(I'm still new to the blog world so I only have 3 people I'm tagging!)
1. Larissa at One Day At A Time
2. JenB at Searching for the Gift
3. Chrissy at Cross Family

Tooth Fairy Part Duex

After getting several comments on my tooth fairy blog, Paul and I started talking about how funny it was when we discovered that our parents were really behind all of the imaginative and fun kids things: easter bunny, Santa, tooth fairy, Christmas elves.

The only thing I really remember discovering was that Santa wasn't real. I was in 5th grade and actually had an inkling of a feeling, but no hard proof. While preparing with my class for our Christmas musical we were all sitting around waiting on our music teacher and began discussing the issue. I, personally, remembered my parents setting their alarm on Christmas eve. That alone should have been my first clue. Who in the world sets their alarm for Christmas morning?! Lol! I realized later it was because they had to get up in the middle of the night to get everything ready.

Paul, though, by far, has the funniest story regarding the tooth fairy. And so to lighten up my usually blogging style, I thought I'd post his story and have you comment your own funny experiences of your own or with your own children!


"I woke up earlier than usual, and I immediately checked underneath my pillow to see what the tooth fairy left me. I was horrified to find my tooth was still there. I laid there for a few minutes wondering how the tooth fairy could have forgotten me and my tooth. Then, someone started to walk into my room. I pretended that I was asleep to see what this person was up to. Was it the tooth fairy? No! It was my Dad. The next thing I knew he was putting his hand underneath my pillow! What! Was he stealing my tooth?! I just knew he was attempting to take what the tooth fairy left me. He was going to be surprised to find my tooth still there. After he left,I checked under my pillow again, and I found three dollars where my tooth was." ~ Paul

So, what's your story? Leave some good ones!

"I've Got A Loose Tooth.....

A wiggly, jiggly loose tooth hanging by a thread. . . . The tooth fairy took my loose tooth, my wiggly jiggly loose tooth and now I have a quarter and a HOLE IN MY HEAD!"

That's what we've been singing around our house this past week. Madison has lost her 7th tooth to date and will more than likely loose her 8th today or tomorrow. When I was younger I never really knew how competitive kids were with the Tooth Fairy. Some don't believe at all, some get a few coins, others get much more. The first time Madison lost a tooth, we weren't expecting it and it was too late for change for a $5, so guess what? She got $5! When telling this to Harry Connick, Jr last May, he replied, "Girl, when I lost a tooth I only got a few quarters." It's one of my favorite of her childhood stories.

Then last year, Madison and her best friend began comparing notes on what the Tooth Fairy left them. So, on Monday night I was scrambling to figure out what to leave since her friend got a necklace last time. After talking to her friend's mom, I realized there was some miscommunication all around with our Tooth Fairy exchanges. :) I ended up leaving $2, a random sucker I found stuck in my computer bag, and a small journal I've had up in the closet for a few years. Our main problem is that we wait until 10 pm to figure out what to leave; so now we just leave random junk that we've found! (just kidding!)

On a different note, I have something going on currently that has me torn. Without going into much detail, I will just say that of my two passions I have the opportunity of deciding which I would love to do the most. I will probably be writing more about it at a later date, but for now I'm doing some soul searching.

To end, I thought I'd share my word of the week: per·cep·tion /pərˈsɛpʃən/ 1.the act or faculty of apprehending by means of the senses or of the mind; cognition; understanding

If you know me at all, you know that I do not believe in coincidences. I'm a big believer that everything happens for a reason and, for me, these coincidences are much like "road signs" in my life. I cannot say why the word "perception" has continually presented itself on a daily basis this week, but I'm definitely on alert until the time comes for me to see it's importance.

It could very well be a reminder for me to always try to perceive things from someone else's point of view and walk away with a different sense of the world around me.

The Pond Route or the Weeds Route?

How many times have you had THE PLAN for your day, month, year, or life only to watch that plan vanish in an instant? Most likely, everyone. If you haven't, then you cannot be human. :)

Saturday morning I woke up and put on my running shoes, grabbed my mp3 player, my keys and my phone. I drove to a local park in town called "Old C****a Park"....however, it's not that old. In fact the newness of it is apparent when you drive up. Most everything sparkles: the play equipment, the picnic benches and it's been the site of many great community events: balloon festival, softball and baseball games, soccer games and practices. There is even a nice little trail around the entire parameter with a beautiful water fall in the middle. I fancy this place for my running time because it's so calming, so close to nature and, thus, I feel a greater presence around me when I'm there.

So, I started my music up, put on my headphones, locked the door, took in a deep breath of crisp fresh air and shut the door. WAIT! I was now staring at my reflection in the door window and staring back at me were my keys AND my cell phone nestled neatly by the gearshift. Ugh! Paul swears that once a year, every year since we've been together, that I lock my keys in the car. It never fails. He was happy that I got it out of the way - it was January 5th!

I took another deep breathe, found an upbeat song (Dance Floor Anthem - Good Charlotte) and started on my run back home. I was pretty sure I'd be running a good mile or mile and a half, but with good music I was sure all would be fine.

As I started off, I realized that I'd just left a very peaceful park for the greatness of a county road. Several cars passed as I made my way down a lonely street near a school. Instead of beautiful waterfalls, I was now looking at a sea of weeds, trash, mud, water and soon I noticed I'd pass a few cows. As I continued jogging on, I began thinking how much my situation resembled life.

Many times we plan on everything going well, running smoothly, enjoying the newness of it all and then all of a sudden we find ourselves dealing with the weeds, mud, trash and cow manure.

As I finally ended up on my back porch, I felt thankful for the longer run, albeit not as pretty, but I still made it to my destination and maybe even a little stronger for it, too.

Party like a Rockstar

I highly recommend that everyone take an hour or so each week to throw themselves a little party. The girls and I have spent our last afternoon together at home having a "Dance Party." Our au dourves included chocolate milk and pretzels. Our playlist included songs from Hairspray, Enchanted, Alvin and The Chipmunks, Timbaland, Alicia Keys, Pink, Blues Clues, Sean Kingston, Paul Potts, Backyardigans, and Linkin Park. They love music, microphones (which can be anything even a PEZ dispenser), and dressing up. Here are a few pics of the party we threw ourselves.

Highlights of 2007

Spring Break trip to Sea World in San Antonio

Reconnecting with many friends from my past

Kindergarten down eleven more to go!

Celebrating a 2nd birthday.

Harry Connick, Jr concert

MEETING Harry Connick, Jr.

Summer off (really off) with my girls

Weekly library visits and storytime with Miss Jo

New friendships (Jen, Kim)

Time with old friends

Staying up til 3 AM with friends playing the Wii

Seeing family twice this year

My 7th year of teaching

Stepping out on a limb and applying for every contest or entry left and right (LOL!)

Involving myself in the kids program at PWBCN

Receiving a letter from the teacher from Freedom Writers. The REAL one...not Hilary Swank.

Being asked to participate in the Oprah Ambassadors program. We'll see what that brings...

Watching my daughter create an ornament dedicated to her friend's brother (fallen soldier) and winning 1st prize and a surprise Webkinz!






Watching me and my family grow.....

On to 2008 and all of it's surprises! I hope you have all the love, happiness and prosperity that you wish!

Feeling Complacent?

You may or may not know that I attended a Christian university my last 2 years of college. My main motive for going to this particular school was to get into the education program - one that is outstanding in preparing young teachers for the classroom.

Part of the requirements at this university were to go to chapel and to take a certain number of Bible classes. These two mandatory requirements enlightened me in way I never though possible and are two of my favorite memories.

One of the classes I decided to take was Romans. It was a semester long course and I never thought it would end. :) I thought I knew all there could be to know about this book from the Bible when it did, but this past Sunday, I rediscovered that two different teachers can teach you the exact same material and you'll get at least two completely different lessons out of it.

Sunday's lesson was entitled "Steps to Fight Complacency" and I was not prepared for it to capture my full attention.

1. God must be prominent in all things
2. Form appropriate relationships
3. Have a servants attitude
4. Become risk takers
5. Show hospitality
6. Hard work
7. Compassion
8. Discernment


Become Risk Takers - As we get older, we seem to become more set in our ways. I don't think anyone actually makes a decision to be that way, we just become that way through the years in our thinking, our thoughts, our actions, and our words. "Taking risks is something that those generation Y kids do." On the contrary, though, I believe that if we all took a risk once a week/month we would feel younger than before and would be on the way to getting ourselves out of that gutter of circumstance or comfort. Risks do not have to be big; they just have to be something that you wouldn't normally do: like for me going to a movie alone was something I was always afraid to do; now, after going, it is a very therapeutic thing for me to see a movie alone. Me going didn't necessarily change the world, but going helped me to change my perspective of myself and my fears.

Many of these ideas I've seen or heard before. The one that stood out to me the most, on this day, was #6 - Hard Work. I found it ironic that it was listed as we just watched The Ultimate Gift on Saturday night. The first lesson in the movie is "Hard Work" and probably the most rewarding. Once we work hard for something we realize that the real reward is actually doing that particular task: painting a room, keeping a friendship, building a house, or finishing that year of school. Everything takes hard work if you're really trying - maintaining a relationship, working with customers, teaching, relating to an annoying family member, even changing our own habits or thoughts. I have encountered a nameless person who often uses the excuse "I'm still a work in progress" as an excuse for ill-word choices, immature actions, and avoidance of change. After thinking about this for a while, I came up with a new quote to add to my "Tisha's Quotes to Live By": "Being a "work in progress" doesn't mean you settle on who you are. It means that you're actually working on being a first-rate version of yourself."

Happy 2008!