Kaylee Update

Since I have internet while on vacation in Tucson, Arizona, I will write an update on Kayle.

Kaylee is now due on April 1st. I guess I am going to have a fool. : ) Just kidding.

Everything is going great. She kicks all the time. ALL THE TIME!!! I thought Ashton moved alot. Boy was I wrong. She hates me lying on my back, so every time we are at the doctor's office to listen to her heart rate it is a struggle. THe doctor's have a difficult time because she is kicking all the time. She has a mind of her on!

The only major problem with this pregnancy is urinary tract infection, so I guess I am blessed. Or cursed. However you look at it. I have to cut down on sweets but that is what I crave. BUTTERFINGERS.

Anyways, enough blabbling on and on! I have to go to the Biosphere 2!

No Internet

Just when you think you are getting back to blogging, life kicks you a hard one. We have no internet now at our house. That is cool, but the lack of TV was killing me on Thursdays (Grey's Anatomy). Who would think that TV and internet can put a hinderance on family. Our life is so much better no that their is no TV or internet. Check this out! We spend time together. We complained about never seeing each other, yet we did not make it a point when we could. Life is still great at the Arnold's. We are actually a family now.

Baby Name Announced

Kaylee Elizabeth Arnold

Thanks you for you suggestions. It helped a lot.

Mommy I Don't Like This Place

Going through hell last night, Ashton says I don't like this place. Let me clarify this. We went to the heaven and hell house at Shady Grove Baptist Church. It was great. It makes hell so real for you. You never leave this place without thinking about changing your life. Ashton even walked away saying he don't like that place so he is going to love Jesus.


After being tortured in hell, we finally came to a beautiful place. It was heaven. This made hell seem bad, dark, and gloomy. We walked in and Ashton says, "Ooh pretty. I like this place." Ashton even got the chance to shake Jesus' hand. He loved it. He went home and called everyone he knew that Jesus shoke his hand.

The bottom line of this story is that sometimes we need to think like a child. The next day we have forgotten about the experiences of the heaven and hell house. Ashton is still talking about loving Jesus because he didn't like the other place. What is it that makes us not continue to think about the consequences of our actions? We know we don't want to go to hell, but do we really think about what we are doing? Are we living in the light of Jesus every day?

The Naming Race is On

We never do things normally. We have come up with an exciting way to name our child. Please help us.

So the race is on. We are taking suggestions for a name for the girl. We know the middle name is Ann after my mother. We need a first name!!! Please give us suggestions. After getting several suggestions we will then narrow the choices down and have you vote. The name with the most votes will win. Right now, we are thinking of Grace Ann and Emily Ann. Any more ideas.

It's a Girl

Yes, those first pictures that we always hate. Mom shows to world who we are.

She is due April 1st. I am 16 weeks along and everything looks great.

Long Time Away

Sorry it has been so long. Now, I go to work, come home, work on grad class, and go to bed. Not much time for blogging.

Anyways, I am back. Hopefully, I can come back to doing this once a week. I just must retrain myself.

I will go to the doctor on Wednesday. I will give everyone the update. Hopefully everything will turn out great.

Hoping for the wrong things

Have you ever hoped for material things and thought they would make your life better? I have answered yes to this question more times than I would like to admit.

If I only owned my own home, how great life would be. This is my worst dreams and hopes that I have. It haunts me over and over again, to the point of depression. Should I really let this take over my life like it does? Sometimes I wish I could be like Michael and window shop. It hurts because I really want the house so bad. He always tells me that our time will come. It just is not coming fast enough for me. I want to be settled with my own fenced in back yard for my kids and dogs to play.

After listening to Jeff's sermon, I undertand that this hope is consuming me. I just need to put faith in God. After all he knows what he is doing, he has the plan already written out. I know that this is hard to understand. I often get depressed and scared to give it all to him. That lack of control in my life bothers me. I am continuing to work on giving it over to him and be less of a control freak in my life.

My Friday Five on Sunday

1. How much TV do you watch?

Not much. I have a few shows that I watch religiously. Most of the time, Ashton has the TV.

2. What type of show is your favorite?

I am a sucker for reality TV. I love Real World. Every Tuesday night, I am in front of my TV watching it. Other than that, I love detective shows, especially Cold Case on A & E.

3. Which talk show host do you hate?

I don't hate any of them. I even wanted to be a talk show host when I grew up. That was what I originally went to school for. Now look at me, I am a teacher.

4. Are you looking forward to any new season premieres?

Grey's Anatomy. I can't wait. Will Thursday ever get here?


5. Which show is your guilty pleasure?

Real World. I must know everything that is going on. I even get online to check out MTV overdrive for scenes that were edited.

Tiny Mister Drew County

So it has been a while. I have been busy, but I must take the time and brag on my little boy. He won Tiny Mister Drew County 2006 for his age group (24 - 35 months) today. He was so great. He walked on stage and stole the show. He waved and blew kisses at everyone. He had the audience reacting. You can call me over exaggerating, but it is true. He is going to be in the parade Tuesday, so come and see for yourself.
Sorry about the long time no blogging, I just don't have time. I am so tired when I get home from work that I go straight to bed. I think I sleep more now that I am pregnant. When I am not sleeping, I am trying to take a grad course. I will try to get on more often.

Bowling League

Yes, you read right. I have joined a bowling league. Michael has been wanting to for years. So to help him out, I joined. I am really bad. I guess that gives me more of a handicapped. Woo hoo. My average this week was 78. I couldn't even break 100. Next week will be better. I promise.

Right now, I am so sore. Who would have thought bowling was such exercise?

By the way, we need one more player. We have three. Michael, Taylor, and I. We need four by next week. Who wants to join? You have to be better than me.

Meltdown?

When is the meltdown going to start?

Nothing has gone wrong at school yet. Everything is great at home. What is wrong? Life is not choatic. Something must be going to happen.

Anyways, I am so exicited. Michael and I are going to go on a date. WITH NO ASHTON. It is crazy. A date for the whole weekend. At the end of September, we are going to Conway to see Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. I am so ready for that break.

Watch Out!!

Watch Out! It is family time. We started our family time last night. It was great fun. We read Ashton a book and then ended with a prayer. He loved it. Can't wait to do it tonight.

This weekend has proven to be the best investment I have made. Our family went to the Marriage/Parenting Retreat.

Our first seminar was our personality. Kind of disappointing. I think we should have never been married. Just kidding. My personality is choleric. I am a natural born leader and am always right. I can't stand for someone to take their time. I want to get it done and get it done now. I can also be very bossy. Michael is sanquine. He is nothing like me. He wants to play all the time and get lots of attention. He needs constant affection and feel appreciated. Having two totally different personalities, we are going to have to work hard. It does explain a lot of our conflicts. The seminar gave us several tips. We are working on those now.

The second seminar we went to was Keeping the Romance Alive. It was really good. Being married four years and having a kid, sometimes it feels like the spark has left. We were given several pointers and ideas. One was to take a date without kids. We are working on this one now.

The third seminar was Raising your Children to Be Disciples. This was good. I must raise Ashton to be a disciple, so he can grow up and become a great Christian that share the word. The speaker shared many statistics with us. I wish I could remember the numbers. It was just amazing how you can raise your children to be disciples and they raise their children to be disciples. After about 30 years billions of people have come to know Christ. It is truly amazing.

Our final workshop was on disciplining your children. I never really thought that I should discipline my child according to the Bible. Sounds odd, but we must put our disciplining in the perspective of the Bible. My problem is my discipline a lot of times comes out of anger. Michael and I both are working on the controlling anger and explaining to Ashton why he is receiving a spanking. It is worth a shot, so we are going to do it.

Enough with this weekend. Here is an update on the baby. I am 8 weeks along. I have not thrown up anymore. YES!!!! I have discovered that orange juice and pregnancy don't get along with me. Now, don't tell me that I need that folic acid. I don't want to hear it. If I drink orange juice, I throw up. When I throw up, I have lost the folic acid. So I am just better off skipping the whole throwing up stage. Hopefully, I will find a doctor and go soon. My insurance will kick in on October 1. So I am excited about that.

Well, enough rambling for now.

School is awesome. What can I say? My class is the best class ever. I have no major problems in there. Yes, I do have 14 kids (10 boys and 4 girls). I love them all.

My class is so smart. I don't really know what I should teach them. This is such a relief compared to last years group.

My problem children that I was warned about have caused me no problems. The first day you would have thought that I was a mean teacher. I was and still can be. All I can say is that my class is the only class that doesn't get their lunch card punched for misbehavior. My kids can line up and walk to the cafeteria with no problems.

I started corners today. The other teachers thought I was crazy. My kids did wonderful. They are great.

Today, I took my students to their bus. The only problem is we had a bus that didn't show up. So high school and junior kids were trying to run over the little kids. We try to get kindergarten on the bus before the older kids get out. Little oh me had to take action. I got on to a fifth grader for screaming and acting all crazy. Needless to say, the rest of the group got quiet and didn't move. They became civilized. I guess Drew Central need little Lou to come there and run things for them.

Sorry for this randomness about my class. I am just so excited about having all of them.

It Is Everywhere You Go

It is everywhere you go. BULL!!!! Never had a problem before until today. Well, here is my wonderful story involving my Visa.

I received my rebate from Cingular. They don't send you a check but a visa card with money on it. They tell you that you can use it everywhere because it is a Visa card. Makes sense. I have been using the card all over town and had no problem. That was until I went to the Crackerbox to buy a snack.

I was on my way to my sister's annual review in Warren, which went great. I decided to sleep in some since I would run by the gas station and pick up a little breakfast to hold me over until I came back for lunch. My morning goes as usual. I got to the gas station and realize I better dart for the bathroom. My morning ritual of vomiting had hit. I spent 5 minutes in the bathroom throwing up my glass of orange juice for the morning. This left me little time to get breakfast. I got water and some peanut butter and cheese crackers. That always makes me feel better. I put it on the counter and the lady priced my items. I hand her the card and she looks at it pretty hard. I told her it was credit. She proceeded to tell me she couldn't take it. Needlessly to say, don't tell a pregnant woman no.

I got very upset. I would not have been upset if I hadn't used the card all over town. She then proceeded to tell me it was only $2.45. I told her I didn't care what the price was. This is a Visa card and you have the logo on your door that you take it. The she proceeded with her BS that they won't pay us so we don't take them. I said fine and then you won't get my business ever. Needless to say, I couldn't go and get breakfast anywhere else so I went to Warren barely making it in time for Hope's meeting. I did not get to eat until 1:00. It was a bad day.

Moral of this blog:
DON'T MESS WITH A PREGNANT WOMAN AND YOU BETTER TAKE HER VISA OR THERE WILL BE TROUBLE.

Praying

Wow! Was the sermon for me today? Praying, what a big downfall in my life. Yes, I pray. When do I pray? When something goes wrong in my life. I never go to him when everything is going great. This is such a shame. God is suppose to be my friend. Why can't I talk to him when things are going great? It just doesn't make sense.

My prayer life was broken the day my Mom died. I was told if I pray every day God would answer them. Being twenty-one, I didn't want her to die. What would I do without my Mom? So I selfishly prayed to God that he would not take her from. I guess this is when my hating God came in. Here he took my Mom away. I later learned that he didn't do it to hurt me.

With Dad it was a different story. I prayed that God will do what his will is. I didn't want him to die, but there must be a reason. I even prayed for him to take him because I didn't want him to suffer.

My prayer life has gotten stronger since Dad got sick with pancreatic cancer, but it is not where it needs to be. I still often only go to God when I am in a crunch and need him. I am in constant battles with making myself pray or finding the time to do it when I am alone and have no disruptions.

Testing is Over

Thank goodness most of the kindergarten testing is over. We had a great turn out. Only 12 didn't show up. I have my class list, so I am excited about that. I can't wait now until school starts. I think my class is going to be great.

I didn't get sick at all today. Woo Hoo!!! I wasn't tired. I guess it helps to get out and around. I did great. I also learned that if I unbutton my pants I will feel better. Who would think at 6 weeks your clothes would be smaller?

I am getting excited about the baby now. It was such a shock, I didn't know what to think. God wanted us to have it now, so we will. He is the one doing the planning, not me.

PS. Angela I won't put the picture up of you bowling since you based your boards. Congrats.

Sleep

There are not enough hours in the day. Why can't there be more? I have done absolutely nothing all day but sleep. I took Michael to work and Ashton to school at 8am. Then I came home and went to sleep. Pick Michael up at 11 for lunch and then back to work. You guess, then I am back to sleep. It is 2:30 and I finally decided to make myself get up. It is crazy how pregnancy can make you so tired. While tomorrow that has to stop. I have to go to work at 7:30 am and test kids for kindegarten.

Let Your Yes be Yes

This weeks sermon was based on James 5:12. You would think that one little verse couldn't contain so much information. Actually this verse is very packed with advice on life.


Above all, my brothers, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your "Yes" be yes, and your "No," no, or you will be condemned. James 5:12


So often we tell people we are going to do something. We in turn usually find something that we would like to do better. One may not realize that they are actually doing this. I never really thought much of it until the sermon. How many times have I told someone that I would help them and then turn my back on them because I didn't feel like it. Sadly, this as happened more times than I want to recall. The other sad thing is that I have done it to loved ones that I care deeply about.

God wants us to make a commitment. When we say yes, we must mean it. Don't just say yes, and hope that something else will come up so you can't do it. It is time to stop making excuses for yourself. If you commit you better finish it. God doesn't like broken promises. This week and the rest of my life, I am going to strive to reach this goal. I want all my yeses to be yeses. I would like to challenge you to do the same thing. I am really going to make this promise to my husband. So often he gets the bunt of my yeses not really meaning yes.

My Personality

Poor Michael

Poor Michael! He has to deal with all the pregnancy hormones. I don't really get sick from being pregnant. I just become very irritable. Nothing will go right. No matter how much you do the same thing, when you become pregnant it just doesn't work. I got mad just putting together a bulletin board. I just could not get it right. Thank goodness, Michael was there to the rescue.

Well, I am in 5 weeks of pregnancy. Everything is going great. I have not been sick just very tired. As long as I eat, I am fine. I was that way with Ashton too. I can't wait to start getting my paychecks in, so I can go to the doctor and get everything checked out.

Well, I must go and cook supper for my lovely children (Ashton and Michael).

My IQ Score

Just a Day in the Life of Me

I worked in my classroom today. I am just about done. They finally cleaned my carpet so I can get that area done. I am so excited and nervous at the same time. I hope to be completely done with my room by Friday. I doubt that will happen, since I have bulletin boards to finish. I can't wait for school to start.

Since Sunday, I have been at Journey every night sewing. We are sewing cool bands to hand out to people at the world series baseball games that will be here on the 11th. I am so excited about that. I love little league baseball. I can't wait for Ashton to start playing.

Well, I am about 5 weeks along. The baby should be starting to have a heart beat this week. I can't wait to go the doctor. I have to wait for my insurance to switch over from McGehee. I have not been real sick. I am just tired. I was in a bad mood yesterday. Poor Michael. Today did get better though because I found $6 in my classroom while I was setting it up. I went and ate pizza with it at Topp's.

I have three papers to write for my class. Can you tell I am avoiding it? I have been so busy and just haven't gotten around to it. Any spare time, I just want to sit on the couch and sleep. Well, I better go and clean the house or write a paper or something.

Ashton and the New Baby

Ashton is so cute with the whole big brother thing. He is so excited. I use to get tired of Michael when I was pregnant with Ashton always talking to my tummy. Well, guess what? Ashton does the same thing. We lay together on the couch and he wants to hold the baby. It is crazy because you can't even tell I am pregnant. He wants to know when I am going to get a big tummy like Mrs. Betsy. Who would have thought that a two year old would understand this much? It is crazy.

Anyways, I am getting excited. I have been looking online for sewing patterns for maternity clothes. You can call me cheap because that is what I am. I don't see the point in paying $20 for a shirt or a pair of pants that you will wear for less than 9 months. To tell you the truth, I don't pay that much for clothes that I can wear for years. I just don't see the point, when I can make them for much less. So I can't wait until I get a paycheck so I can start making clothes. I love to sew.

I will keep you posted. Right now, I am in the process of getting a doctor in Monticello. I want the hospital to be close when I go into labor. I hate to drive or ride a long distance, so I know I won't want to when I am 9 months pregnant. Any suggestions?

YES I AM

The answer is yes! I took the test today. There is no doubt. Both lines were dark.

I used this picture, because Michael didn't want me to take the test. I could see myself being about 9 months pregnant and Michael would say we are not going to buy a test.

I am happy even though this baby is a surprise.

I Don't Know

The answer is I don't know. I have just gotten back from Little Rock and have not had time. If I am not, then I am having all the symptoms because I think I am. My luck, I am. But it doesn't matter. We will work through it all. Maybe tomorrow I will get the nerve up to get another test. But after three test, I am hesitant to buy another. I have prayed about it. If I am, then God has a reason. Sorry this is short, but I am tired and ready to go to bed.

Workshopping Today

Today, I am going to workshops from 8:30 - 3:30. I had so much fun yesterday. When we got here we watched Big Brother. I have never watched that before. Don't really care to again. It just isn't my Real World. After that we went to my favorite Little Rock resturant (Olive Garden). It was great. I have no idea what we are going to do today after our workshop.

I think Michael is having a nervous breakdown on taking care of Ashton. Please keep him in your prayers. I am serious. He is a nervous wreck.

Just an update on me. I think I may be pregnant, which we be totally off of my schedule that I was planning for. We were planning to get pregnant in September so I could have the baby in June when school was out. Hopefully, the hag will come and I am worrying for nothing. Anyways, I will love the baby even if it comes in April instead of June. I will let everyone know when I am sure. I am just worried about expenses.

I want everyone to have fun at Betsy's shower tomorrow. Tell her Congrats for me.

Missing Dad

I miss my Dad so much. I just wish he was here. I wish that mean cancer never would have taken him away. He was the last person, I had to talk to about family things. Daddy was so great to me and would do anything for me. I was trully a Daddy's little girl.

I go for weeks without missing him, but this week has been one of the hardest. So oftern, I have picked up the phone and dialed his number. I would have something exciting to tell him. I would call him every day, even on days that I didn't need to.

I think this week is very hard because I am so excited about teaching kindegarten and decorating my room. Dad was always there to give me pointers. After all, he did have to take a bulletin board class in college to get his education degree. I just wish he was here.

I am also struggling with fixing to start trying to have another baby. I want to tell him so bad. I know he sees me from heaven, but I want to see him. I just simply miss my Daddy.

Sorry for this sappy blog post, but it grief for Daddy has taken over me. I can't stand it. I love my Daddy and wish he could come back to me and hold his little girl again. I am praying to get over this grief, but it is hard. I just get so depressed over this matter.

Heat Stroke Waiting to Happen

Who rides their bike on a day that is over a 100 degrees? That is right someone very stupid. THE ARNOLD'S. We decided to ride our bike about 7:00 pm. Ashton was cranky and usually riding the bike puts him to sleep. Great idea. (Needless to say, Ashton is still awake.) So we ride our bikes to Suzanne's to meet those crazy people going outside to play in 100 degree weather. So Ashton got off the bike and played and we got water. Like I said it was hot. It was great riding over there. Then you have to start thinking you have to make the same trip home. You came on bikes, you must leave on bikes. So we pedaled home. It was great until you got to the giant hills. I would like to say that I won't do it again, but I would being lying. I loved it. Next time I may wear shorts instead of blue jeans.

Classroom Setting Up

Today, I got to work in my classroom. I had a meeting with the kindergarten teachers about testing the students in order to place them. After Michael got out of class, he help me set up my room.

I am so excited. I finally have my own room that I get to set up the way that I want. Last year, I filled in for a teacher that left, so there was not much time to make it my own. I got to pick a classroom color and theme. My color is yellow and the theme is Volkswagon Beetles (cars). I am so excited. I am going to go back tomorrow to work more. The only thing I am nervous about is teaching the students. Kindergarten is a whole new world for me. I am sure it will come as easy as first grade did.

I am so excited about school starting. I can't wait!!!!!

God's Timing is Perfect

Two post in a day. I did not plan on this post but I feel led to. I finally had quiet time today. I had to write it on my to do list in order to get it done, but I did. I spent time with God. I am going to try to do my devotional that I started back in March. I am on Day 18 so you can see how I kept up with it. The devotion today was on God's timing. All through this devotion I thought of Mandy. We all go through these times, just right now I am not. Mandy I hope that this devo will help you with your struggle.


Enough Faith for the Holding Pattern by: T. D. Jakes

Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord. Psalm 27:14

It is God's timing that we must learn. He synchronizes His answers to accomplish His purpose. Recently, whil traveling on a major American airline, we were told that the plane could not land at its scheduled time. evidently the air traffic controller insructed that we should wait in the air. What a strange place to have to wait--in the air! I have often felt like the aircraft suspended in the air when God says, "Wait!" Then the captain spoke into the PA system. He said, "We are going to assume a holding pattern until further instructions come from the tower." After some time, a few rather intoxicated passengers began to question the traffic ontroller's decision. Perhaps we were all concerned. It's just that some had their concern lubricated with several stiff shots of rum.

The anxious looks and acidic remarks that came from the crowd subsided as the stewardess quickly eased people's fears. She informed several worried passengers that the planes always carry enough fuel to withstand the demands of these kinds of delays. There was a calm assurance on the faces of the attendents. I would have to attribute it to the fact that they had prepared for a delay. I began to wonder if we as the children of God shouldn't be better prepared for those times in our lives when God speaks from His through "Assume a holding pattern until further notice." The question is not always, "Do you have enough faith to receive?" Sometimes it is this: "Do you have enough faith to assume a holding pattern and wait for the fullfillment of the promise?"

You feel a deep sense of contentment when you know God has not forgotten you. I will never forget the time I went through a tremendous struggle. I thought it was an emergency. I thought I had to have an answer right then. I learned that God isn't easily spooked by what I call an emergency.



I hope that this may touch some people has much as it did me. The main point I got from this was that....

God synchronizes His answers to accomplish His purpose.

Summer Break is Almost Over

Summer break is almost over! I know this because Ashton started day care today. I took him out because of the summer and now he is back. We are at a new day care. Ashton is now attending Kid's World. It is a Christian-based day care. He walked right in there and went about his business like he had been there before. He is so grown up.

I hope Ashton will learn lots of new things. Well, hopefully, not the assignment on the right. Hopefully, they will teach "Jesus Loves Me" or "The Itsy Bitsy Spider."

Next week, I won't be in town. I have workshops all week. Please pray for Michael, he must keep Ashton all week (Sunday through Thursday). God bless his soul. Anyways, enough babbling, I am going to go and finish more on my to do list. Maybe I will accomplish them because Ashton is not here to bother me.

Horrific Events of 2001

After going to church today, I didn't know what I was going to blog about. Don't get me wrong church was great. Our church members that went to Connecticutt to help set up VBS, discussed their week. It was great to hear people talk. I was wondering why in the world we would travel hundreds of miles away to work at VBS. In this particular area, VBS is not a known term like it is around here. In fact, it is foreign to most. Our team had a great time and ministered to a lot of people. Tons of seeds were planted by our 11.

It was not until just before we left that Jennifer wanted to show pictures of Ground Zero. They were able to tour New York City while they were there. I have been there 3 times and feel like the town is a part of me. This blog is basically my tribute to the World Trade Center and the lives lost.


The World Trade Center took 11 years to build (1966 - 1977). It was built to house anyone that dealt with world trade. The towers were built right in the heart of the business district of New York City. From anywhere in New York, you could see the towers in skyline. This became the symbol of New York. Every tourist went to see the towers. I acutally had the opportunity to tour the towers back in 1994. It is an amazing building with 110 stories. Flags from every country aligned the ceiling in the foyer. Many different nationalities entered and departed the front doors. Just in my 10 minutes of standing in the lobby, it seemed like over a thousand people enter or departed the towers.


On September 11, 2001, New York City life was changed forever. It no longer had the towers watching over the city. Terrorist ran planes into the towers totally demolishing them. I will never forget the day I heard the news. I was sitting in the cafeteria at UAM eating breakfast. News interuppted the college channel that was always playing. I thought, Oh my God, a plane just accidently hit one of the towers. That is scary. Then an hour later (I think) another plane hit the other tower. This was something serious. New Yorkers were in panic. The homeland was just invaded. Everyone was getting angry. I couldn't understand it.

I can remember calling my Mom and she said, "Wow, this makes my life and illness nothing compared to what these families are going through. I shouldn't complain about what God has handed me. Look at the millions of people who have lost their lives." You have to take into consideration my Mom died of lung cancer the following February. She made me realize that I should never complain about my life and how God has hand misfortune after misfortune. That is just not the case. I still have a reason to be here. Here she was dying and all she could think about was the families of the victims. I hope to one day be that strong as she was.


I had the opportunity to go back to New York City in 2005. I knew that there was nothing there, but I never realized that NOTHING was there. There is just a hole where the towers should be. Fences had but erected to keep people from walking into the area. On top of the fences, plaques have been placed telling the story of the 9/11 events minute by minute. People stopped and prayed. All over New York you hear traffic sounds. It is like when you hit Ground Zero, there is a silence that erupts. Everyone is showing respect to the lives lost. You can truly feel God's presence in this one place. It is amazing how he can use horrific events to wake people up the the realization that we need God.

Blessed Food 50 Times Over

OK! My blog want be near as exciting as Suzanne's. Congratulations Suzanne!!!!!

Kids are so cute. Today we ate our lunch. Nothing fancy just spaghetti! We were in the middle of eating and Asthon says, "Momma Blessing." So we had to stop and say the traditional God is good blessing. I thought after one time, we could continue to eat. No!!! Not this time. We had to say the blessing before each bite. Over the course of the meal we probably said the blessing fifty times. There you have it I had a really blessed lunch.

Kids are so innocent. They can teach us many things. So often, I don't pray over my food like I used to when I was child. I am kind of excited about doing that now. Hopefully, Ashton will get me in the habit.

We do have a ritual now. Before Ashton goes to bed. We get his pirate juice which is just milk (Thanks Suzanne). Daddy reads a book to Ashton and then Mommy reads the Jesus book (children's Bible stories---Thanks again Suzanne). If we do not do it, Ashton will throw a fit. It is exciting to actually start some traditions with him and our future children.

100 Things About Me

Dang You Angela! Well I was tagged to do this. By the way Michael she tagged you to. You better get to writing.

1. born in Greenville, MS
2. graduated Eudora High School in 97 (was the only white)
3. madly in love with John Travolta
4. went to Israel and Rome at 14
5. 1st kiss was at a track meet 2 days before 16th birthday (I wasn't sweet 16 and never been kissed)
6. married at 23
7. graduated with bachelor's degree in Early Childhood/Special Education P-4
8. fascintated by serial killers (read and watch anything about them)
9. electricuted my husband the very first day I met him
10. once ran into a closed glass door
11. want to pursue a doctorate degree
12. first job was working at a church daycare
13. was fired from first job
14. shift leader at Pizza Inn
15. wanted to be a news broadcaster when I grew up
16. love to travel
17. been to New York City 3 times
18. used to smoke cigarettes when I was stressed
19. cheated on husband in early stages of dating with ex-boyfriend
20. had a tongue ring
21. never touched the internet until I went to college in 1997
22. took 2 trips to Mexico for missions
23. was molested as a child by my brother's friend
24. both parents died of cancer
25. love the smell of burnt skin
26. my sister is autistic
27. don't like to read
28. getting my master's in reading
29. love to color
30. taught myself to sew
31. favorite alcoholic beverage: orange juice and coconut rum
32. didn't party after high school graduation and went home
33. refuse to have sex with Sr. Prom date because he left prom to have sex with someone else
34. never camped in a tent until last year (2005)
35. in love with black labs
36. thinks all cowboys are sexy
37. love rodeos
38. totally in debt
39. bought my 1st car this year (06) (mostly with my Dad's insurance money)
40. love the US Navy
41. took an aviation class in college
42. bought alcohol for the underaged
43. love to eat biscuits and gravy
44. obsessed with the Real World on MTV
45. love to watch Lifetime TV
46. was a cheerleader in high school
47. had a crush on a former teacher
48. never been to a club
49. was afraid once I was a lesbian because no boys liked me
50. wore braces in high school and first part of college
51. not a virgin when I married (sorry Michael)
52. pro-choice (Don't agree with what abortion is used for but want the option there for emergencies and birth control does not count)
53. don't like George W. Bush (voted John Kerry)
54. fascinated with the Holocaust
55. can't watch First Wives Club (always hate guys afterwards)
56. thing the Truman Show was sad and not funny
57. stayed up once for 48 hours
58. depressed when I am bored
59. only like orange highlighters
60. think Brokeback Mountian is the best movie ever
61. helped husband do mystery shopping
62. wrote a paper for someone getting a doctorate degree and got paid $100
63. love to decorate for Halloween
64. burn grill cheese sandwiches every time I cook them
65. love to mow the yard
66. have scoliosis
67. love children and working with them
68. had a cat scan once on my head
69. freak out over pap smears and breast exams
70. wear flip-flops year round
71. lived with husband before we were married
72. use to collect dog figurines
73. enjoy mud riding on 4-wheelers
74. love to work on cars with husband
75. hate to have long hair
76. had only 1 speeding ticket my whole driving career (11 years)
77. hate to drive
78. sucker for cake
79. year I was born
80. hate cooked veggies and fruits
81. love to eat out
82. drink sweet tea everyday
83. scared of being outside after dark by myself
84. big problem with using profanity
85. drunk and knew nothing the next morning
86. eat a whole bage of Oreos at once
87. met Tuff Hedemen (famous bull rider)
88. have over 3,000 songs on my iPod
89. favorite color is lime green
90. favorite meat is chicken
91. almost drowned in the wave pool at Wild River Country
92. seen the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade live
93. stole a piece of bubble gumat 10
94. youngest of 6 kids
95. want 3 kids
96. hate summer and love winter
97. hate to wash my hair
98. want a VW van painted like a hippie van
99. love little league baseball
100. married for 4 wonderful years to a really awesome guy

Sorry if there are grammar errors, but I am tired after doing this one. I don't want to check. Maybe later.

OK, I had to do this. Now I am going to tag Mandy and Suzanne. There is no getting out of this one.

Lift Your Husband Up

Last night was small group. We talked more about changing our ways and not our husbands. It is great to be around a bunch of women that are going or have gone through the same things that I have.

The picture above reminds me of how I feel some times about Michael. I get so aggrevated about things he doesn't do, like cleaning the house. There are days that I just want to vacumn him up and forget about him. I feel that I could make it on my own without him taking up space. It is sad that I feel this way a lot.

From small group, I have learned that I need to change myself. I can't make him be my fantasy husband. He is who he is. I have also learned that I must lift him up. I shouldn't talk down on him. I don't have a problem with this most of the time. I will talk him up to anyone, except him. I never tell him what great joy he brings to my life. Since I know that he reads my blog, I am going to write a few of the great things about him that I love. Sorry if it gets sappy. I am really going to be working at telling him what a great job he has done.

Michael, I love you because....

1. You have brought great joy to my life.
2. You saved me from a corrupt world that I was heading for.
3. You took care of my Dad for me to finish school.
4. You bought me the Razr because you knew I wanted it bad.
5. You make me laugh.
6. You are a great mechanic.
7. You cook me eggs, because I can't cook eggs to save my life.
8. You also cook me grill cheese sandwiches because I burn them.
9. You put up with all my griping. I don't know why but you have.
10. You are always willing to go on a road trip with no planning.
11. You wash my hair because I love for you to massage my scalp.
12. You love to grill.
13. You taught me how to drive a standard.
14. You do without to provide me with my wants.
15. You are such a gadget geek.
16. You are very artistic.
17. You love reading up on celebrity gossip with me.
18. You can rig up anything to work.
19. You are great with kids.
20. You are interested in my career choice.
21. You make fun of me because I like to eat frozen weiners.
22. You are scared of pschological thrillers, and I get to hold you through those movies.
23. You care enough to put up with Wal-Mart so we can have some extra cash.
    
24. You are so intelligent when it comes to computers.
25. You will live in South Arkansas and not move to Little Rock because I don't want to live there.
26. You put up with my family teasing you.
27. You were blamed for running of the street sign in my Dad's brand new truck and it was me.
28. You are willing to help anyone at the drop of a dime.
29. You are not scared of heights.
30. You wore a cowboy hat for me once. You were a sexy cowboy.
31. You took me to see Willie Nelson and you hate country.
32. You are so low maintanence.
33. You don't like casserole because you were ruined by church potlucks...I hate to make casseroles.
34. You will eat at Ameca any time that I want even though it messes your tummy up.
35. You got me an iPod so I could listen to music on the way to work.
36. You will wash my car just because you want to.
37. You are constantly trying to turn me into a Mac person.
38. You don't like to look at clowns. I think that is so cute.
39. You will fart in front of me and laugh and also show me your amazing poops before you flush them.
40. You will rub my back at night with no strings attached.
41. You cry during movies...(you probably didn't want me to say that)..but you don't do it often...just when someone dies.
42. You love to take computers apart and then put them back together.
43. You will read to Ashton.
44. You love to work on sound and it drives you nuts not to be back there working on it at Journey.
45. Your hate for Panic at the Disco.
46. You can't dance and step on my feet when we do.
47. You don't mind going to the laundry mat and wash clothes with me.
48. You love to be around me and we do everything together.
49. You are being patient till we have money so you can get some new glasses because you break and fall off your face.
50. You don't mind hanging out with me and my friends on your day off.

Fifty will do for now. I am sure I could come up with 50 more. Michael means the world to me and I would not trade him for anything. I will work on trying to compliment him more to his face.

Clean Jokes

First off, I was looking for my graphic for this post online. I then cam across this. I thought this could be my next plot to run the Apple. Just thought that was funny. I bet I have ruined my chances of ever getting a puppy now.


OK, here is the real graphic that goes with this post. My teacher in my grad class posted this for all her students to see. I thought that I would share them with you.

An elderly woman walked into the local country church. The friendly usher greeted her at the door and helped her up the flight of steps. "Where would you like to sit?" he asked politely.

"The front row please." she answered.

"You really don't want to do that," the usher said. "The pastor is really boring."

"Do you happen to know who I am?" the woman inquired.

"No." he said.

"I'm the pastor's mother," she replied indignantly.

"Do you know who I am?" he asked.

"No." she said.

"Good," he answered.


________________________________

Show and Tell:
A kindergarten teacher gave her class a "show and tell" assignment. Each student was instructed to bring in an object to share with the class that represented their religion.The first student got up in front of the class and said, "My name is Benjamin and I am Jewish and this is a Star of David." The second student got up in front of the class and said, "My name is Mary. I'm a Catholic and this is a Rosary." The third student got in up front of the class and said, "My name is Tommy. I am Methodist, and this is a casserole."

______________________________

The Best Way To Pray:
A priest, a minister and a guru sat discussing the best positions for prayer while a telephone repairman worked nearby."Kneeling is definitely the best way to pray," the priest said.
No," said the minister. "I get the best results standing with my hands outstretched to Heaven."
"You're both wrong," the guru said. "The most effective prayer position is lying down on the floor." The repairman could contain himself no longer. "Hey, fellas," he interrupted. "The best prayin' I ever did was when I was hangin' upside down from a telephone pole."

____________________________

Waking Up for Church:
One Sunday morning, a mother went in to wake her son and tell him it was time to get ready for church, to which he replied, "I'm not going." "Why not?" she asked. "I'll give you two good reasons." He said. "One, they don't like me, and two, I don't like them." His mother replied, "I'll give YOU two good reasons why you SHOULD go to church. One, you're 54 years old, and two, you're the pastor!"

__________________________

The Twenty and the One:
A well-worn one dollar bill and a similarly distressed twenty dollar bill arrived at a Federal Reserve Bank to be retired. As they moved along the conveyor belt to be burned, they struck up a conversation. The twenty dollar bill reminisced about its travels all over the country. "I've had a pretty good life," the twenty proclaimed. "Why I've been to Las Vegas and Atlantic City, the finest restaurants in New York, performances on Broadway, and even a cruise to the Caribbean." "Wow!" said the one dollar bill. "You've really had an exciting life!" "So tell me," says the twenty," "where have you been throughout your lifetime?" The one dollar bill replies, "Oh, I've been to the Methodist Church, the Baptist Church, the Lutheran Church..." The twenty dollar bill interrupts, "What's a church?"


______________________

Goat For Dinner:
The young couple invited their elderly pastor for Sunday dinner. While they were in the kitchen preparing the meal, the minister asked their son what they were having. "Goat," the little boy replied. "Goat?" replied the startled man of the cloth, "Are you sure about that?" "Yep," said the youngster. "I heard Dad say to Mom, 'Today is as good as any to have the old goat for dinner.'"

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A minister was preoccupied with thoughts of how he was going to ask the congregation to come up with more money than they were expecting, for repairs to the church building. Therefore, he was annoyed to find that the regular organist was sick and a substitute had been brought in at the last minute. The substitute wanted to know what to play. "Here's a copy of the service," he said impatiently. "But you'll have to think of something to play after I make the announcement about the finances." During the service, the minister paused and said, "Brothers and Sisters, we are in great difficulty; the roof repairs cost twice as much as we expected, and we need $4,000 more. Any of you who can pledge $100 or more, please stand up." At that moment, the substitute organist played "The Star Spangled Banner." And that is how the substitute became the regular organist!

I Hate Homework

I hate homework or at least the thought of it. I am in my fourth class of grad school with Grand Canyon University. This summer I am just not motivated. It is crazy I did so well, when I was teaching and had very little time. Now, I have all the time in the world, but could care less.

It is crazy that I hate to sit down and write my paper. I love to write and usually enjoy the paper once I get started. I have the summertime blues. I just don't want to do anything. Clean house, homework, play outside, nothing. I just want to sit in front of my TV and watch Lifetime movies.

Anyways, instead of writing my paper, I am writing this blog. Don't you just love how you do things to avoid doing other things. I think I will clean my house next. Lord know it needs it. I just need to do something besides writing this paper and posting my discussion questions. Any ideas? I have already been to Suzzanne's and wasted 2 1/2 hours. I slept till 10 am this morning. Get creative and tell me what to do to avoid my paper.

God's Timing

We have been talking about God's timing for some time amongst my friends. I get devotionals in my e-mail everyday. I thought some of you may like to read it, so I have copied and pasted it. God works in his own timing and not ours. God put events in my life to show me that my marriage needed him. Since March, my marriage has been great but that his only because he is in it all the way.



by Dennis and Barbara Rainey

July 10

It's Never Too Late for God

Matthew 19:26
With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.

When I hear of people divorcing because of "irreconcilable differences," I think of the above verse. When a marriage looks doomed from man's perspective, that's when man needs to turn to God. If the almighty God can part the Red Sea, if He can reconcile you to Him by the sacrifice of His Son, why is it impossible for Him to heal a broken marriage?

You may be facing "irreconcilable differences" in your marriage, or perhaps in a relationship with another person at work, at church or in your neighborhood. If so, take heart from the following note given to one of our FamilyLife Marriage Conference speakers.

Last year in March my wife, Susan, informed me she didn't love me and wanted a divorce. I wanted to work to save our marriage, but she didn't.

My sister gave us a registration form to attend a FamilyLife Marriage Conference in 1992. Susan filed for divorce, so I attended the conference alone.

I became aware through the conference of the reasons my marriage was failing. God was not a part of our marriage. After the conference I became involved in and eventually joined a church. I prayed for God's will in my life but especially for God to put my family and marriage back together. However, the divorce was final soon afterward.

Miraculously, my new church started a single parents' support group and care group in July. I joined immediately. God supplied the support I needed to become a single parent. Afterward, Susan and I began to discuss the mistakes we had made in our lives and our marriage. We began to discuss reconciliation.

Susan and I are here at the conference together, committed to rebuilding our relationship with God as a part of our family. I praise God for answering my prayer even if it's in His own way and His own time.

It's never too late for God.

I love that last line. Nothing is impossible for God.

Prayer:

Ask God to help you believe that nothing is impossible with Him. Commit to praying with your mate that God would move as only He can.

Discuss: What situations are you facing that seem impossible to you?

This one is for Mandy

OK. This is just a random post. Mandy had this on her blog, so I said what the heck. Well, Suzanne you are not the only boring one. I guess this means we can be great friends, since we are just alike.

You Are Basic Panties

You are a laid back chick with a real natural beauty. You can make unwashed hair and minimal make-up super sexy. Men tend to notice you show the "real you" - and they appreciate it. And while basic makes boring for some, it looks classic on you.

What Kind of Panties Are You?

Pray for My Friend

I know what you are thinking, two post in one day. This girl needs a life. Actually, after my first post, I read my e-mail. I got an e-mail from one of my friends in Jonesboro. He is very close to my heart and always has been since I met him. Below is a copy of his e-mail with the names taken out. He really needs our prayers in discovering his purpose in life.


Guess there's no need to think about how to get ___________ attention, Lou. Looks like I'll be breaking up with her in the next day or two. I've finally come to the realization that I'm simply not a priority to her. It's not that I come third or fourth; it's that I don't think I'm really on the list at all.

"Deep in the winter even holdout leaves start falling."

I don't know what's wrong with me. I've never really known, I guess. I still don't. I don't know if I ever will. For some reason, I just don't work like other people.

And it ain't like God is helping out here. I haven't heard a word from Him since the end of grad school. I really thought that I'd heard from him not too long ago. I asked if I was going to be single all my life (God's single...you know...unmarried). I thought he said no. I really thought so. I just don't know anymore.

I'm going to go to work. I'm going to hang out with my friends and write my book and go to the gym and maybe learn to draw or play the guitar. I'm going to go to school and get my master's degree in library science. I'm not any good for anything more, I guess.

So far it doesn't even hurt. It just...confuses me. I really thought that maybe I could be like other people. I thought she chose me. I thought, I thought. I guess not.

I'm not noble about it, either. I look at ___________ , with his girlfriend down in Texas, and ____________, with his girlfriend a thousand miles away. Both of them are closer to their girlfriends NOW than I EVER was with __________________.

I just don't know what's wrong with me. I don't get it. There's just something I'm missing, some rule or way of life or something that doesn't even have a name. I guess there's something wrong with me, but I don't even have a name for what's broken or what's missing.

Good night, Lou.


He has been struggling with the issue of dating since dating becomes an issue in everyone's life. We all know that we have been down this road at some point in our life. We just want the assurance. Please pray for him. This guy is really a remarkable guy. (He would have to be to be my friend. Just kidding.) He has always been that one guy that I could always talk to about my problems. I just want to cry hearing him talk like this. If you have any pointers that I can give him, please do. I will do anything to help him out.

More Sunday Pondering

I went to church today. Today we were discussing James 5. This is about being rich and not giving any of your riches to others. Granted I am not rich, but I did get a lot of information to take home today and think about. What little I make as a school teacher and that being the only income for 3 people, I don't give to others. Yes, as Phillip wrote in his blog, I would just about give the clothes of my back to help someone in need. The problem with this is I wait for the need. I don't normally just go out and help people when they don't need it. I would in a heartbeat, but I just dont' think about doing it. We typically don't give help unless a death, doctors appointment, or other major events. I wait for someone to need me before I will help. I hope to work on this. I love to help others.

Another problem my family has is with tithing. This issue has always been on my heart. I want to tithe, but I don't have the money to tithe. That sounds crazy. Every bit of my money goes to bills. There is no money that is left over. How can I give money to God if I am struggling with keeping a roof over my family? This just doesn't seem possible. After trying to answer this question, I began to analyze my life. Here of some of the possessions that I have that are not necessary: '06 Ford Focus (which most of Dad's insurance money paid for it), 2 computers, 2 cell phones, surround sound for the TV, playstation and about 25 games, etc. Are these necessary? The money I used to buy these items, I could have spent on my church. All of these possessions do add up in price. Jeff mention that they write their check to the church before any bills. Giving to the Lord should be your first priority. I think that I may try this look on tithing. I am going to prioritize my giving and put the Lord first. I am so excited about doing this. Michael get's paid Thursday, so I think I will start then.

If anyone else has ideas on tithing just let me know.

My Husband is an Alien!!!

For the longest time, I knew my husband was an alien. I just had no proof and did not know how to get the proof. I know most of you will not believe me, but it is true. I had the opportunity last night to have proof, but he would not let me get the proof. Why did I listen to the alien? Stupid me, I could have been on Unsolved Mysteries or the 6 o'clock news if I would have taken pictures. I could have received millions for my discovery. I am just so stupid.

Here's the story.....


Michael came home last night from work as usual around 9:30 pm. Only this time, he wasn't really Michael. The alien came out of him. It was quite freaky. Michael had what appeared to poison ivy all over his body. I do mean everywhere. Take a look at the figure above. Sorry I had to censor it. He took a benadryl and the next morning it was all ok. My question is what was that stuff. Was he turning into an alien because he was not in bed by midnight? I just find it odd that the next morning he was fine and no signs of this mysterious rash. Something is fishy. I am telling you he is an alien. Please believe me. I know I have no proof and this drawing doesn't prove anything, but you have to believe me. I will share my wealth with you when I turn him over to authorities, if you help me prove it.

Anyways, I have only known this to happen one other time. We were in college and dating. Out of no where he grew bumps all over him like chicken pox. The next morning they disappeared. Something crazy is going on. Please help me!!!

HAS SOMETHING HAPPENED TO MY HUSBAND? IS HE NORMAL OR IS HE REALLY AN ALIEN?

I relied to the good old internet for answers. I found this book. I may buy it and see if it will help me.

I think I may have to mail it to my brother or someone else. I don't want Michael to think I am suspicious or anything. God only knows what he may do if he found out I knew he was an alien.

Christmas Planning

I know what you are thinking. It is July. This girl has flown off her coup. Anyways, we have to plan months in advance with our family to try to fit everyone in.

Today, we have been planning our trip to Arizona. We are going there during Christmas to see Ashton's nana (Dr. Maxedon). We are going to fly. I have flown before but Michael, Hope, and Ashton haven't. It ought to be interesting. We have made our plans for Dec. 26 - Jan. 2. So don't plan anything during those times. Just kidding, we just won't be there and you will be sad because our lively crew is not there to keep you company.

Anyways, back to the flying. We are probably go to have to drive to Dallas and catch a plane. That sounds really crazy. I thought the same thing, but it is actually cheaper. Crazy! Anyways we will save like $70 to drive there and spend the night before the flight leaves. It is weird but I did do the research.

Enough thinking about Christmas. I hope that everyone's day is going great. Mine has been, especially thinking about Christmas. I love Christmas, I can't wait. It is really fun to watch your children open their presents. Actually, Ashton tries to open his presents early. We have to really watch him when the tree goes up. If we leave the room, he opens presents. I will talk to you guys tomorrow. Sorry to get off tracks and continue to talk about Christmas.

WE ARE GOING TO SPEND CHRISTMAS VACATION IN ARIZONA. WE MAY ACTUALLY SEE SOME SNOW. SO HA HA TO ALL YOU THAT ARE STAYING IN ARKANSAS.

Hope and Wednesday Night Group

My sister has been with us all week. I really like it when she comes but it can be very tiring. We got her Monday and are taking her back on Saturday. Today, we basically did everything for her. We drove around in my Dad's truck, which is now my brother's because of his death. She always loved to ride around in the truck. This evening we went to McDonalds. Let me tell you she can spot the arches for miles away. She absolutely loves it.

After eating at McDonalds we went to the Parkers for small group. I am so excited about Wednesday nights. We are soon going to split into male/female groups. The group has just gotten so big. Today's discussion was on wives submitting to their husband. Just hearing these women talk is amazing. I have discovered that I need to give in to my husband more. We have the same argument over and over again about him spending way to much time on the computer. Yes, I have prayed that the computer would die and he wouldn't have it. Of course, you know it almost happen, then Apple fixed it. I know God is behind it. He is like haha made you think I answered that prayer. In reality, I was praying wrong. I can't pray for my husband to change. Stupid me, it is me that needs to change. I know I am stubborn and won't let go of my way. It runs in the family. It is a curse. I am going to be more understanding to his needs. With the help God and my friends, I am going to turn a new leaf toward our relationship.

Happy 4th!!!!

Happy 4th to everyone. Today has been an exciting day for us. We got up this morning at 8:30. This is sleeping in for me. We grilled hamburgers today for lunch. I like it when Michael grills this means that I don't have to cook.

At 5 pm we went to the Morgan's home for a cookout there. It was great and had a good turn out. Ryan grilled hamburgers and everyone else brought condiments or fruit and stuff. It is really exciting to go to these events because we are getting to know people very well. We actually feel a part of a group (both of us at the same time). After the cookout, the kids (including Jeff, Ryan, and Michael) shot firecrackers.

My sister is with us this week. I was really happy that she was in a good mood for the cookout. It was exciting to know that everyone excepted her like she was normal. Most people gives us those looks when we are with her. Not here, everyone talked to her. I was really happy tonight.

Well, I must go to bed now. I hope tomorrow will be as great as today. We love everyone at Journey.