Please Help Bring Misha Home!

James 1:27  Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

You may have noticed a new button in my right sidebar.  This is Misha.  He is an orphan in the Ukraine who desperately needs a home.

If you click on the button, you will be taken to the page of a sweet friend of mine.  She and her family have four children; two are adopted, two are biological.  They want to adopt Misha, desperately!

As far as Jan and her husband are concerned, Misha is already their son.  Here's the problem: It costs a lot of money to get Misha here and adopted into Jan's family.  They are doing all they can to raise the money, but they need YOUR help!

Misha was able to come visit during Christmas break and it was heartbreaking for Jan's family to have to send him back to the Ukraine when his visiting time was up.

 If you feel like you could or that God is leading you to do so, please do anything you can to help this family bring their fifth child HOME!

Click on the button to the right and you will be taken to Jan's blog.  In her right sidebar is a DONATE button.

I urge you to consider giving and helping to bring this sweet, loving, boy home to his family!  

Don't It Make Your Brown Eyes...

...Blue? 

I heard the FREAKIEST FACT tonight on "I Didn't Know I Was Pregnant." 

Did you know that every person with blue eyes has the same common ancestor? 

Neither did I.

Apparently the genetic mutation occurred about 10,000 years ago and since then has continued to multiply.

I'm a blue-eyer. 

Are you?

If so, welcome to the family! 

It Definitely Was NOT A Sunburn

 A couple of weekends ago, we spent Saturday night with lots of good friends, raising money for a good cause at the 4th annual sausage fest.

We were outside the whole night, visiting, laughing, dancing and just having a genuine good time.

We got home very late Saturday night...okay, Sunday morning is probably more accurate...and I immediately went to bed.

I slept fine until sometime early in the morning when I woke up with an awful burning sensation on the back of my neck.  I was perplexed; I knew I'd had a slight sunburn, but I thought this was ridiculously painful.  Then, I decided to touch the place that was hurting and I was shocked to feel a line of what I thought were maybe burn blisters.

As soon as McHotterson was awake, I asked him to look at them and he instantly identified it as the results of a blister beetle.  HUH?

I've heard of these nasty critters, and I"m sure you've seen them...they seem to be everywhere in Texas and the Eastern United States.  Turns out they don't bite you.  If they land on you and secrete the toxin from their legs, they leave disgusting and painful blisters in any place the toxin has touched.  If you pop the blisters and the toxin touches anywhere on your body, a blister will appear there, too.  EWWW!!!  So, McH carefully popped them, doused them with bleach and peroxide and then put some antibiotic and a big bandage on them for a day or so.  Have I said lately how much I love that guy?  After that,  I just let them breathe and heal on their own.

Isn't that absolutely sickening?  I still can't believe I've lived all this time and this was my first encounter with a blister beetle.  

I will post an after picture sometime soon so you can see how nicely they've healed up.  

And again, I must say...EWWWWWWWW!!!!

Random Run-Ins

 I am told I am the queen of randomly running into people in places where you wouldn't expect to see them.  I'm teased for knowing people everywhere I go.  I blame it on having such a big family.  When you're close to even your 2nd and 3rd cousins, it makes running into people you know or are related to even more likely.

This weekend I was in Austin with some girls on a fun shopping trip.  While we were there, I saw two people I knew. 

First, we were eating at a restaurant in Georgetown, and I saw a girl I went to high school with. 

Then, we were shopping at the Domain and decided to eat at Gloria's (an amazing Salvadoran restaurant), and I ran into a cousin of mine, who it turns out is the manager.  I wasn't even sure if it was him, but after a text to my mom, I decided to go back and say hi. 

I'd be interested in knowing the statistics of running into people randomly.  I'd bet the chances were pretty low of it happening as much as it seems to to me.  

Seems mine really is a small world. 

Show Us Your Life: Your Kids' (or Future Kids') Names

I LOVED this edition of Show Us Your Life, over at Kelly's Korner.  What little girl doesn't dream about what names she will use when she has her kids?  I know I have.  Those names have also changed a lot over the years, but here are the two we have settled on (more than likely) depending on gender and/or number.

IF WE EVER HAVE A SON, HIS NAME WILL BE:

TRUETT ZELDON

Truett is the name of an uncle of my father-in-law's who died as a young child.  There isn't really any sentimental reason we chose it, except that when we both heard the name in a family story, we agreed we liked it.  I like that it is different, slightly Cowboy-rugged sounding, and that we can call him Tru as a nickname, which I think is super cute!  

Zeldon is a LONG-TIME family name on McHotterson's side.  McH is Richard Zeldon Jenkins, his father is Roland Zeldon Jenkins, Jr., his grandfather is Roland Zeldon Jenkins, Sr.  So, our son will be the fourth generation of Zeldon's in the family.  It is a strange name, I must say, but how can I break that kind of tradition, and it will definitely always be unique, which I love!  

IF WE EVER HAVE A DAUGHTER, WE WILL NAME HER:

REESE KATHLEEN

 I have to say that our first name changes quite often as we hear something new that we like, but I have been stuck on REESE for about 2 years now.  I just love it; I think it is girly and classic, and has a sophisticated sound to it, as well.  

Kathleen is another family name.  My middle name is Kathleen, my mother's middle name is Kathleen, and her grandmother's middle name was Kathleen.  At one time, I considered not using it, but I just couldn't imagine not using it if we have a girl some day.  

And, not that I am a believer in hunches, or mysticism, or anything of that nature, but I have to tell you I have always felt like we were going to have a daughter.  I don't know why, and the odds are the same we will have a boy as we will have a girl.  I've just really had a strong urging in that direction whether it be we have one naturally or end up adopting.  Oh, and I don't have a preference, either.  After four years of infertility, I will take whatever God chooses to bless us with.  I honestly have no preference whatsoever!

You should play along!  This SUYL was really fun!  

P.S.  Other names that are high on my list for girls are:  Caroline and Avery (I just like Caroline and Avery is a family name that has actually been used for the men in my dad's family for a few generations).  I've also considered Catherine Marie (both middle names of our kids' only aunts). 

Snapshot Roulette

I've had a hard time finding something to post about the last two weeks.  I'm just feeling uninspired, probably partly due to my chronic state of fatigue lately.

I was determined to post today so I tried to think of a sort of game I could play.  This is what I came up with:  Snapshot Roulette.  I know I've seen similar things like this on blogs before, so I won't take any credit for being completely brilliant! 

Here's how it works:  Go into your picture program and, while closing your eyes, randomly move your mouse up and down and all around.  When you stop (I did so after every five moves of my mouse) use whichever picture you land on, in your post.  Do this five times so you end up with 5 pictures.  Then, write a little caption for or description of the photo if you want to.

Here goes:

#1: July 12, 2008

Here are four very happy girls, (Corrie, me, Alicia, my SIL, Amy).  We were in Austin on a girls' trip that was a surprise for Alicia and me from Amy!

#2: July 24, 2008

This is the bloom of what my mom has deemed the "Charla plant."  It was given to her when I was born and she still has it, almost 31 years later!  Isn't that amazing?  It has survived 2 moves, 2 children, numerous animals and several freezes.  I love it!

#3: July 25, 2008

This is a shower I helped host for one of my sweet, dear friends, Sami (left) , who was pregnant at the time with her daughter, Payton.  I am putting together the hostess gift, a jogger stroller, for Sami.

#4: August 16, 2008

This is my dad, lover of babies, holding my SIL's niece, Hannah.  We were in Dallas at Rice Ranch.  

#5: April 26, 2008

This is a picture of one of my good friends, Tania and her husband (fiance at the time), Matt.  This was at one of their engagement parties, and we had such a good time this night!  

Now, it's your turn!  This was actually really fun...going through my pictures brought back lots of fun memories!

And by the looks of things, 2008 was apparently full of Kodak moments !

If you participate, leave a comment here so I can come over and see!

A New Calling

First, I have to give a big THANK YOU to all the people who either delurked or just came for their first visit and chose to Follow my blog!  I'm up to 92 followers, which means I'm only 8 shy of my 100 goal.  I still have a few weeks until my Blogiversary celebration, so HELP A SISTA OUT and FOLLOW ME if you haven't already!  Yee-haw!

Back to the title of this post.

I think I've found my new purpose in life.  Well, at least something I could be really, really good at.

I have never been able to have pretty nails.  It's just not in the genes.  And I'm not one to have fake nails, mainly because they are such a hassle.  I like the way they look, and I've taken the plunge a few times because I thought I could somehow manage it, but it always ends in the painful ripping and bruising of my nail beds when I finally can't take anymore.

Just in the last few years have I really started trying to paint my nails on a regular basis.  I find if they're painted, they grow.  And in the last year, I've really been drawn to the darker shades of purples, greys, and even black (GASP...I know, it's only for witches and the hormonal adolescent teen rebels, but I just like 'em).

Growing up, I was allowed two choices...nude or nude pink.  Granted, I didn't really have an interest in nail polish much, as much of a tomboy as I was.  But beyond that, a young lady just never wore bright red nail polish in public, unless her first name actually was LADY, and her middle name was OFTHE, and her last name just happened to be NIGHT.  

As I've started buying more shades, one thing jumps right out at me:  color names.

Have you ever wondered who gets the job of naming nail polish colors?  Wouldn't that be the coolest occupation?  What would you call yourself?  A color consultant?  A polish expert?  The Revlon naming guru?

Some of the names are so fun.  If I were 'that girl', I would buy them just for their names, even though there wouldn't be a snowball's chance in Hades I would use them.  They would just sit on my shelf and be fun...if I were 'that girl.'  Some of the names I've seen lately that I've liked are:

-Light My Sapphire (ooh-la-la)
-My Private Jet (saw that one on Keeping up With the Kardashians...think I'm gonna try it)

-Curry Up Don't Be Late (this one just made me laugh, AND made me crave some Thai)
-Off With Her Red (from OPI's Alice In Wonderland collection)
-Hey!  Get In Lime!
-Cherries In The Snow
-No Shrinking Violet
-Suzi and the Lifeguard (????)
-Paint My Moji-toes Red
-Keys to My Karma
-You Rock-apulco Red



I just bought a new bottle yesterday.  It is Bewitching Bordeaux by Revlon.  Love the name, and I
L-O-V-E the color even more.  I've been looking for a really deep purple/plum color but hadn't been able to find just the right shade.

Now, it's your turn!  What are your ALL-TIME favorite colors/shades?

Too Much of a Good Thing...

...is always a good thing if it has anything to do with shoes!  Can I get an Amen, girls?  Oh yeah!

Last year I decided I would purchase my first pair of tall boots.  Boy, am I glad I took the plunge because I wear them ALL the time in the Winter months.  I love to wear them with tights and a dress.  They are comfy and most importantly, keep my legs nice and toasty during these nasty, cold winters in the Texas Panhandle.

I really took my time and used a few criteria for my search:

1.) They had to be reasonably priced (if I can't get a good deal, then what's the point, really)
2.) I chose to buy black first because I have more I can wear them with
3.) I wanted a heal, but NOT stiletto or chunky...somewhere between the two
4.) I wanted a less pointy toe
5.) they had to be of decent quality so I wouldn't be buying a new pair to replace them the next year. 

I searched and searched and found these, which I've LOVED.

They fit perfectly, are surprisingly comfortable, and I got them for LESS THAN $50!!!  WOO HOO. 

So, for the past year, I've really wanted to add a brown pair to my shoe repertoire.  I went back to JCPenney.com, and guess what?  They have the SAME boot I bought last year, in BROWN!  So, of course, you know what I did.  Yep.  They're on their way to me.

To: Me

Merry Christmas!  

Love: Me

UPDATE:  I found another pair of brown that are beautiful, so I just HAD to order them, too.  They met all of my criteria and I will just return the ones I like the least.

What do you think?  Which do you like better? 

Crafting with Fonts

I'm working on a project but because it is a Christmas present for someone I know sees this blog, I can't go into details yet.  I will do so after Christmas.  But until then, I do want to share something I found during my crafting (**gasp**...did I just say CRAFTING??).

For my project, I wanted to find some really fun and maybe even funky fonts online.  During my search I found a blog/website with all sorts of fun fonts on it. 

You do have to have a Stuffit Expander because the fonts are uploaded as Zip's, but once you do that, you are home free. 

The website is here, so go and play!

Four Day Week

After a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend, today is the second day of a four day week for me!  YAY!  I'm taking off Friday so I can head to Oklahoma City with my sister-in-law and a friend, B.  We are going to see Beth Moore in the Deeper Still series.  I'm soooooo ready!  We are staying at the Renaissance Hotel Oklahoma City Convention Center.  It is a nice place and I'm ready to be there and just spend some time with sweet girlfriends, worshiping the Lord without refrain.  And of course I am really looking forward to eating some GOOD food (we ARE in the city, people), and maybe even doing a little Christmas shopping if we have time.

Our Internet has been up and down at the house and although it is frustrating because I'm trying to get some things done for Christmas (cards, gifts, projects, etc...), it is kind of nice, too.

Last night while McHotterson was hunting, instead of spending my time in front of the t.v. on my computer, I was in the recliner with a pillow, blanket, the fireplace roaring, the lights on the mantle and Christmas tree twinkling and a book in my hand.

It was so relaxing and nice and I started thinking about what people did for entertainment before we had television or computers we could take into the living room with us and set on our laps. 

I bet we were much more educated and well-read, and that our houses were much cleaner and more organized.  I bet we were more closely connected with our spouses and children, and that we never let the months slip away between contacts with our loved ones. 

I bet it was a less stressful.

I bet I would have liked it.

But what would I do about Glee?  Maybe it wouldn't be so great after all. 

FONTastically Random!

Today I was iChatting with a friend at school, and I noticed she had changed her font to Marker Felt.  It happens to be one of my top favorite fonts.  I remember starting to use it very often teaching in Bryan when I first started working with a personal laptop.  Anyway, our chat continued by listing our top favorite fonts. And then I thought, "WHAT A FUN BLOG POST THIS WOULD BE!"  and I knew you all would agree, so now it's your turn!

What font are you drawn to and why?  Do you use it for everything, or just for certain writings?  Maybe you have a top 2, maybe 3?  Maybe 5?

My other favorites that I use quite a bit are:  Casual, Trebuchet, Rockwell, Georgia and Baskerville.

I can't wait to hear what you say, and have a FONTastic weekend!

Just a Little Hi and Hello

I haven't really taken the time to write about the random things in our life going on, so I thought I would do so now.

✠ Can you believe Thanksgiving and Christmas are coming up so quickly?  I really can't.  I say that every year, but this year seems even worse, don't you think?  I'm really trying to be creative (okay, so thrifty really) and do some crafty things for gifts this year.  I don't want to go into detail because some who are reading this might be the recipients.  Maybe.  The hard thing about living in a small town, an hour and a half from the "city" is you are short on places to get supplies.  So, I will have to figure out what I will need and make one big trip west to the "city." 

 ✠ Not sure if I've mentioned it before, but I started teaching a Sunday school class this year and I'm really enjoying it.  Sometimes, I think I might get more pleasure out of it than the kids.  I'm teaching the high school senior group, so it's really nice because I've already had these kids in class and know them all pretty well.  I have a co-teacher, Mr. R so it's nice we can switch back and forth from Sunday to Sunday and takes the pressure off of being available every Sunday of the month.

We started practicing our Christmas cantata a couple of months ago and I have to say it is full of some of my favorite songs so far!  It is going to be beautiful and I'm such a sap because every time I sing certain songs (Silver Bells), I get all choked up.  I just love Christmas.  We've also started handbell choir practice and I LOVE IT!  I was so sad last week when I couldn't be there Sunday night; I was driving home from an Emmaus walk in West Texas.  The week before that, I didn't want practice to end!


✠ I got a really interesting and exciting phone call yesterday.  Because I'm not absolutely positive it is going to happen, I will just say I have been given the opportunity to travel to PERU at the end of June and if things fall into place, I will be South of the equator in a few months! 

I'm so excited I can hardly stand it and if it all works out, I'll be counting the days until we are headed that way!

✠ Speaking of June, I was asked to work another Walk to Emmaus at the beginning of June and I was so honored they would continue to think of me.  I was asked to participate in a special way (not that I make it special at all, but that the role is a special honor itself).  I am so thankful that even though I live much farther away than any of the other towns in the LaMesa de Dios Emmaus community, they still take the time to consider me to help.  I love the Emmaus community; I was part of a pretty large community in high school so I feel like I'm home in some ways when I'm at any Emmaus event!


✠ I am almost finished reading my latest book on infertility and it is the best so far!  I love that it gives you a scientific look with a Christian mind-set.  If you are dealing with infertility or know someone who is, and you are struggling (as I have been as of late), with making decisions because you aren't sure what God wants you to do, or what is okay, I would highly suggest The Infertility Companion by Sandra Glahn and William Cutrer.  I have read many books during our journey and this is at the top of my list!


✠ The pups are sweet-as-ever.  They had some friends come for a sleepover last weekend and they LOVED it!  Huck and Finn, their Corgi friends were so cute and just played and wrestled with Maggie and Marlee.  H & F are only a few months old, so grandma Maggie had to put up with the youngin's once again!  Marlee was a beeeet jealous, bless her heart.  She growled once at Huck and I had to set her straight on the way we treat our company.  Growling is absolutely not good etiquette!  


✠ School is chugging along.  I had to take a "mental health" day Wednesday because Tuesday I woke up with such anxiety.  I hate that struggle with it because I know it is absolutely not from God, but there are literally some days I don't even know why it's there.  That was Tuesday.  I woke up with this awful feeling in my stomach and this sense of dread.  So, I took Wednesday off and did some relaxing, soaking, praying, rat-killin', sleeping, washing (of laundry), and general catching up.  I came back to school yesterday renewed.  And today, we are starting to read The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold and so far they are loving it.  I did have to edit the first chapter quite a bit (because I know some of you reading were already starting to worry about it), but it made no difference.  They are hooked!


✠ We've had hunters/friends in at the land, so I haven't seen much of McH this week.  He's been gone two out of the four nights thus far, and I'm afraid the same might be true for tonight.  Now I know what those deer season widows feel like.


✠ As far as fertility stuff goes, I know there are some of you thinking something is up because I haven't posted about it in a while (my friend CLS has a theory about that)!  Honestly, there's nothing brewing.  And absolutely nothing brewing in my belly (that I know of)!  Ha!   McH and I are taking things easy and waiting for God's direction.  I can feel in my bones there is something big He is teaching me and that I'm growing in Him more than I ever have before.  So, we are trying things naturally, and after the new year we will reevaluate and go from there.  If things haven't worked by late spring, early summer we will start discussing our next steps.  Until then, I am just looking forward to getting to know Jesus more and building a stronger relationship with Him.


I don't believe God punishes us, at least not in the way many think.  Meaning, I don't think He's making me infertile because I haven't been good enough or have done something bad.  But, I do believe He ALLOWS us to walk in valleys and go through hard times because He knows the only way we can come out of it and stand on the mountaintop is if we run to Him and seek Him. Matthew 7:7-8 "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."  James 1: 2-3 reminds us to, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance."  I especially like The Message version of the same verse, "Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way."  So, should I be shocked that after praying for years for a closer relationship with Him and telling the Lord that I just wanted to know know Him more, that I've been given the opportunity to do so?  Um, duh!  No!  I didn't pray for infertility, of course, but that is the means to my end.  If my life was hunky dory, easy cheesy Japaneesy, all the time, I wouldn't feel like He was all I had and all I could cling to.  


And I've come to another realization that is probably the hardest, and yet the most freeing conclusion yet...in the end, it's really not about a baby.  WHAT?  I know, I'm almost wanting to grab those words and stuff them back into my mouth.  But really, in the end, it's not about the child we want so desperately.  It's not about wanting to be a parent--a mommy--and making my husband a father.  IT IS ABOUT HIM!  That's what is at the end of this.  IT'S ABOUT KNOWING HIM MORE AND LOVING HIM MORE AND UNDERSTANDING MORE AND MORE HOW MUCH HE LOVES ME AND IS WOOING ME to His side.  And if it means I have to weather the storm to see the sun, then I'll do it.  Because in the end, that's what it's all about.  


It doesn't mean days aren't hard.  It absolutely doesn't mean I don't still have doubts and thoughts, and fears.  And it doesn't mean I don't still get MAD at God that we are having to go through this when 16 year-old girls are walking in and out of my classroom with bellies bulging from the life growing inside of them.  Yep, believe it or not, sometimes that DOES get to me.


I just want to know in the end, when this is all over, and we are parents (however that happens for us), that I took every opportunity to grow with and in Him. 


✠ So, there you have it...the Jenkins family updates!  Ha!  Aren't you glad you read it all?  I just know you are!  

I copied this from a blog I read and enjoy! Thanks, Kristen!

♥ What are your middle names? Zeldon and Kathleen

♥How long have you been together? Married for 7 years on 10/12 and we've known one another for 8 1/2 years.

♥ How long did you know each other before you started dating? We didn't really. We pretty much started dating the day after we met.

♥ Who asked who out? He asked me to a Charlie Robison concert the night after we met.

♥ How old are each of you? I'm 30, he's 37.

♥ Did you go to the same school? High school, no. College, yes.

♥ Are you from the same home town? no.

♥ Who is the smartest? We both have our strengths, although I must say I think he's smarter because he knows more about math and fixing things than I ever will!!

♥ Who majored in what? I majored in Psychology and then got a Masters in Education. He majored in Management and got a degree in that and then came back a few years later (when I met him) and got an Engineering degree all at Texas A&M.

♥ Who is the most sensitive? Well, I'd have to say me, which is what you would expect, but McH definitely has a sensitive side to him. There is something about watching a grown man cry (not like a baby, just being sentimental) that will make your heart melt! Right, girls?

♥ Where do you eat out most as a couple? Anything Asian.

♥ Where is the furthest you two have traveled together as a couple? Hmm...I guess Colorado or the Gila National Forest in New Mexico? I love to travel, but McH can take it or leave it...:(

♥ Who has the worst temper? ME!

♥ How many children do you want? If you had asked me that three years ago, I would have told you an exact amount. But I can honestly say, we will take as many children as God can give us at this point. We are praying for two or three. I want more, he wants less.

♥ Who does the cooking? That would be me. The man will never be a kitchen dweller, ALTHOUGH he cleans the kitchen after I cook, so that's a deal I will make any day!

♥ Who is more social? Me, definitely. But I will say that even though McH is pretty quiet in a large group or when you first meet him, he's the kind of person people listen to when he speaks because he doesn't do it often. I should take a lesson from him, in all honesty.

♥ Who is the neat-freak? He is...but I'm an organizer.

♥ Who is the most stubborn? We both have our moments.

♥ Who wakes up earlier? I do, most of the time.

♥ Where was your first date? We went to a Charlie Robison concert at The Texas Hall of Fame in College Station.

♥ Who has the bigger family? I DO, DEFINITELY!!! My dad is one of 9, so we have TONS of cousins. McH's parents each have one sibling, and one of them has no children.

♥ Do you get flowers often? Um, no. 'Nuff said. ;)

♥ How do you spend the holidays? Together, with our families. We switch off on where we are on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

♥ Who is more jealous? I don't think either of us are really jealous people...

♥ How long did it take to get serious? Not long! We knew after about a month we wanted to get married but knew our parents would FREAK because we both had just gotten out of long-term serious relationships.

♥ Who eats more? definitely him.

♥ What do you do for a living? I am a high school English teacher and he is an engineer with TXDOT (and does some cowboying on the side).

♥ Who does the laundry? Again, ME! He does iron his clothes most of the time.

♥ Who’s better with the computer? Definitely ME! Until he started doing Fantasty Football a few months ago, he NEVER got on the computer. I even checked his email for him and told him if there was anything he needed to see.

♥ Who drives when you are together? We take turns. Most of the time probably him, but I like to drive and he likes to sleep, so it works out both ways.

♥ What is "your" song? Well, when we first started dating Martina McBride had just released a new CD, and I got it around Thanksgiving. One of the songs is called, "Baby I Love You." The first lines say, "The sun is shining everyday, The clouds never get in the way for you and me. I've known you just a week or two, But baby I'm so into you I can hardly breathe..." and that was exactly right! We had known each other since November 17th and it was Thanksgiving. So, when I talked to him, I told him about the song and wanted him to listen to it and listen to the lyrics. He went to Wal-Mart and bought it and that became "our song." Funny thing, when we were planning our wedding, neither of us thought of it as our first dance song. I was so mad at myself afterwards!

3 Things

1.) Have you seen Glee? If you are as big a fan of musicals as I am, you will LOVE this show! I heard about it but didn't actually watch an episode until last night. Oh. My. Goodness. I'm sure I will fall in love with it, only to have it canceled after one season, but I will enjoy it as long as it is around. Check it out, and let me know what you think. Wednesdays, 8:00 p.m. on Fox. Go here to watch this week's episode.

2.) Guess where my happy hiney was this morning at 6:15? Yeppers. I was at the gym. See the pic above? It could be me, I guess except for one small detail...that HUGE smile on her face. Me, smiling after getting up earlier than usual? Not so much. After a 3-month hiatus for a leg injury, I finally got myself out of bed and hit the treadmill. It was okay, but I've definitely atrophied, especially in my stamina and cardio. Hopefully in 3 weeks or so, it will be nothing and I will be back on my way to my first 5K. Around here that's chump change, so don't get too excited. We have people running 1/2 and full marathons like it's nuthin', so I try to keep my goal in perspective!

3.) You're gonna laugh, but between the time I started this post, and the time I got to #3, I have forgotten what I was going to write. Hmm...well, I can't remember, so I'll just tell you all that we're hosting 11th and 12th grade girls at our house for Disciple Now and I'm really looking forward to it. This is a great group of young ladies and I'm excited about what God is going to do with them this weekend!

Doodles and Other Such Nonsense

I am playing and trying to figure out how to design my own button for my blog. You know, those things you can grab the code for and the post so they show up somewhere else. And once they are in that "somewhere else", you can click on them and they redirect the owner of "somewhere else" back to wherever they have been linked to. I want one of those on my blog. I'm playing, but it's hard when you don't have Photoshop or something like that to work with. And, I'm sitting in GED class with my one faithful student, it is storming outside and already dark at 8:00 and all I want to do is go home, curl up in bed with my clean and freshly-haircutted pups (yes, I know that isn't a word), and read until I fall fast asleep.

That's what I want.

But here I sit.

And there he is.

Not doing GED stuff.

But perusing the Internet.

Like I have time for that, or energy, or patience.

I'm going to ask him if he's ready to leave.

Do you want to know why I keep calling him, "him?"

Because I can't remember his name, even though he's now been coming to GED class for months...since September, I think...and he's told me his name and I can't remember it and haven't since...October.

Oh, wait. Alleluia! He's getting up. He's logging out. He's leaving. YAY! Me, too!

Before I do...go to this website and vote in Google Doodles. It is really amazing to see the work of the youth of the nation.

I'm having P.O.D. flashbacks.

My Eights!

I've been tagged by my friend, Jessica!

Watch out! You just might get tagged, too!


8 TV Shows I Love To Watch:

1. Big Brother
2. Amazing Race
3. Lost
4. Little People Big World
5. Jon and Kate Plus 8
6. American Idol
7. Intervention
8. The Biggest Loser


8 Favorite Restaurants:

1. Mamacita's
2. Olive Garden
3. Blue Sky
4. Panera Bread
5. Souper Salad
6. Pho John's
7. The Cheesecake Factory
8. Thai Kitchen


8 Things That Happened Today:

1. Woke up
2. Hit the snooze button.
3. Woke up again.
4. Hit the snooze button again.

5. Got out of bed finally.

6. Got dressed and brushed teeth.

7. Kissed Richard goodbye.
8. Drove to school, made coffee and had some oatmeal as I got things ready for class to start.


8 Things I am looking Forward To:

1. Being a mommy.
2. Going home for Thanksgiving.
3. Maggie's foot healing.
4. My 30th Birthday in April.
5. Riding horses at the farm again.
6. Seeing where the women's ministry is headed.
7. Being debt-free in two years.
8. Learning about prayer.


8 Things On My Wishlist:

1. Learning more about prayer.
2. Learning Spanish fluently.
3. New tall boots in black and brown.
4. Baby
5. Our own land.
6. Building a house.
7. Getting proficient at guitar.
8. Going to Europe, esp. Scotland/Ireland


8 People I Tag:

1. Donna S.
2. Amy D.
3. Amanda K.
4. Amy H.
5. Stephanie T.
6. Dawn J.
7. Sami H.
8. Julia G.

I Want a Puppy...

Yep, that's what you'll be thinking halfway through this video. I sent this to some of you via email, but I just couldn't resist posting it, too! Happy Monday! Oh, and anyone who sells a puppy because of this video owes me a fair cut...I'm thinking at least %50 of all profit! :)

Don't forget to turn up your volume to hear The Dog Whisperer!

Top 10 Reasons I Love Friday!

Okay, I had to play along! Here goes!

10.) Jeans, jeans, jeans!

9.) Friday night lights (especially those cool Fall nights).

8.) I get to leave school when the kids do (not that I EVER actually accomplish that)!

7.) I KNOW I get to sleep later Saturday morning and it makes me happy!

6.) I can start organizing the house for the next week.

5.) MOVIE NIGHT! We love to rent movies on Friday nights!

4.) Lunch with the girls! Missed you today, D!

3.) Napping with the pups on the couch (who am I kidding, that's everyday after school)!

2.) Leaving in the afternoon to go out of town (which we do quite often).

1.) Getting together with friends because we have no school the next day!

Random Sunday

-I have a new friend. Her name is Garnier. Yep, I think you might know her, too. Garnier Nutrisse. Seriously, I've been paying to have my hair colored (not highlighted, just colored) for over two years now. So, I've been thinking about how I can save our household some money because I'm the tightwad in the family. I was visiting with some friends and one mentioned my new friend, G, was supposed to be the best color expert. So, I tried her. And I LOVE her! And she only costs me about $8 a box every six weeks. I will continue to get my hair cut professionally because it would be a post in itself if I tried that! Makes me sweat just thinking about it. Can anyone say vanity? If you've never personally met my friend GN, you ought to introduce yourself. She's easy to deal with and lets you do all the talking.

-Marlee's foot is healing nicely apparently. She's been on anti-inflammatories for the last week and is walking like she's just fine. When I touch her toe, it is still sensitive, but apparently it's not bothering her too much.

-My nephews, the "bitty boys" as I like to call them, are here this weekend. We took Drew to the football game on Friday night and he had an absolute BALL! He danced and yelled and even got a blue football (thanks, Chuck) to keep! When he first got there, we told him he had to cheer for the Bobcats (he's almost four), so when everyone would start cheering he started yelling, "Gig 'Em Aggies, Gig 'Em!" It was hilarious! That boy is surrounded by Aggies in his family and he's already on the right track. I did redirect him though, and remind him he was at a Bobcat game and not an Aggie game. The game was awesome, with a win in overtime, but I must say I was just as entertained watching Drew have such a good time. He's grown into such a good boy; he's very polite and well behaved and I'm so proud of him! We've had a good time with both Kade and him this weekend. I wish they could stay a little longer.

-I was supposed to drive to Waco yesterday morning for my dear friend, Sami's baby shower. I was so excited because I was going to see her and also getting to stay with another dear friend, Corrie so I could finally meet Clara who is pushing 9 months old. I told Corrie I would meet her before she was a year old and we're getting very close to that deadline! Well, good ole Ike reared his ugly head and Waco was in for some nasty weather. So Friday night Corrie called and left a message warning me of the potentially hazardous weather, but that I was still welcome to come and stay. McH and I talked about it and decided it was probably wise to stay home and avoid both weather and traffic moving North from Houston. Apparently it was a good decision, but I was still bummed.

-I'm taking guitar lessons. I have had a guitar for about 4 years now and haven't learned how to play. Our new youth minister, Tim, offered to give lessons to all youth at church that were interested. Well, another woman and myself have officially declared ourselves the oldest youth in the group. My first time was last week and I was lost because they had already met twice. However, I did learn how to restring my guitar (I was the ONLY one who broke a string and was injured, go figure), and how to tune it all by myself. We meet again at 8:00 tonight and I'm excited!

-TO ALL MY C-TOWN GIRLFRIENDS: Tomorrow, 9/15, I am hosting a Premiere Jewelry party at the high school faculty lounge at 3:15. You are MORE than welcome to come, visit, snack, and check out all that Jill Babcock has to offer. Remember, tomorrow is pay day if you are a teacher, so even more reason to come and peruse what she has to offer! It is just come and go, so I hope to see you there!

-I have started a blog for my class and all of my kids have their own blog, as well. I did this last year, but never taught my students how to customize their own blog. Check some of them out from this year if you have a chance. There are some pretty impressive things going on! I even learned some things from my students while I was teaching them!!!

-Richard taught Sunday school this morning and the lesson was on the parable of the wedding banquet and our invitation to heaven and what that entails. I love teaching Sunday school because I always feel like I get more out of it than even the people in the class. But this was pretty much all McH and he did such a great job. I was very proud of him. One of the things I was attracted to when we first met and that I still love about him is his humility. I think this is why people are drawn to him, and why he can do a good job in roles like he had this morning. People can connect with him because he doesn't pretend to be perfect. He admits his faults and his shortcomings. I love that man and love our marriage.

-My friend Tara and I, were asked to lead a Bible study at church Sunday nights starting in October or so. I am begging for your prayers on our behalf. We are both excited and want to be a part of this, but it is a big responsiblity. This is more than hosting one in your home as we have done at Tara's the last few months. This is inviting all women in the church who want to attend. We have some thoughts about what we might want to do, but if you have any suggestions, please comment and leave them! We are totally open to most anything at this point!

-The lesson in church today was based on James 5:7-12, which says,

7Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. 8You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near. 9Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!

10Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

12Above 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.

There are some Sundays when, honestly, I'm just not plugged in. I want to be, and I try to get myself back on focus, but it is hard. Things are racing through my mind. However, the last two Sundays I have really connected with the sermon. I have started getting really anxious again, about our starting a family, or the lack thereof. We have been on a break from the fertility doctor, and things just feel like we've slowed down again and aren't getting anywhere with all of this. In other words, I am once again, LOSING MY PATIENCE. This honestly has been bad the last two weeks or so, so the timing of this sermon was perfect (duh, it was God's so why am I so surprised in its perfection?)! Anyway, I really focused on verses 10 and 11, where James mentions other prophets who waited on the Lord, including Job. But the last part of verse 11 was especially poignant, "The Lord is full of compassion and mercy." Sometimes I wish I knew what His plan was for us having a child. Daily I do not understand His timing, but I am then reminded that it is not mine to understand. So, brothers and sisters in Christ, I am asking for your prayers for us right now, that we would be reminded of His hope and promise. That our prayers would be answered for a child of our own.

I HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A SPLENDID WEEK AND THANK GOD FOR THE RAIN WE CONTINUE TO GET!

HAPPY BLOGGING!

Yet another meme...

Emma, this one’s for you, friend…

44 ODD Things about Me!

1. Do you like blue cheese? crumbles, yes...dressing, no
2. Have you ever smoked? Ever? yes
3. Do you own a gun? Well, yes for hunting but no handguns.
4. What flavor Kool Aid was your favorite? Hawaiian Tropical
5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? Most of the time, no, but here lately just a little anxious.
6. What do you think of hot dogs? YUCKY!! Even as a kid I didn’t like them.
7. Favorite Christmas movie? White Christmas (classic) and The Holiday (recent)
8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Coffee, but I haven’t been lately, so water.
9. Can you do push ups? yes
10. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? My engagement ring, followed in a close second by my Aggie ring.
11. Favorite hobby? Reading or blogging
12. Do you have A.D.D.? No, not clinically, but I use it as an excuse all the time!
13. What's one trait you hate about yourself? Knowing I should trust God 100% with my life, and then not doing it all of the time.
14. Middle name? Kathleen
15. Three thoughts I am having? When is my next nap? Did it work? Yay, no work on Friday!
16. Name 3 drinks you regularly consume. Water, tea, occasionally a diet coke.
17. Current worry. Children.
18. Current hate right now? The devil putting negative, self-deprecating thoughts into my head.
19. Favorite place to be? Home in Uvalde at my parents and with my dad’s extended family.
20. How did you bring in the New Year? What’s sad is I can’t even remember, but I know I was with McHotterson.
21. Where would you like to go? Scotland, the land of my ancestors and the roots of the Presbyterian Church.
22. Name four people who will complete this? Jody, Stephanie, Amy H., Sharon B.
23. Do you own slippers? Yes, but I don’t wear them that much.
24 What shirt are you wearing? Teal-colored scoop neck from Target.
25. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? Well, kind of…they ARE very comfy, but you slip and slide EVERYWHERE while you sleep. I don’t like that part.
26. Can you whistle? yes
27. Favorite color? Blue or brown
28. Would you be a pirate? Hmm, I doubt it because I am anal about correct grammar.
29. What songs do you sing in the shower? Usually I sing hymns that I know by heart. I ♥ shower tunes!
30. Favorite girl's name? Hmm…
31. Favorite boy's name? Ditto #30…
32. What's in your pocket right now? Air (they’re empty)
33. Last thing that made you laugh? One of my students talking about the penny war at school.
34. Best bed sheets as a child? Hmm…I don’t remember having special sheets, but I did have special pillow-cases that we made during my 8th birthday party. My mom was very creative! They had glow in the dark puff paint on them.
35. Worst injury you've ever had? Car accident when I was 9 sliced my face open and I had to have reconstructive plastic surgery.
36. Do you love where you live? For the most part, yes.
37. How many TVs do you have in your house? 3
38. Who is your loudest friend? I would have to say Jody or Donna.
39. How many dogs do you have? 2
40. Does someone have a crush on you? Yes, McHotterson (my hubby…)
41. What is your favorite book? This one is SO hard for me, but I must say, “The Tale of Despereaux” by Kate DiCamillo.
42. What is your favorite candy? HARIBO gummi bears or Sour Jelly Belly jellybeans
43. Favorite Sports Team? Gig ‘Em AGGIES!!!
44. What song do you want played at your funeral? “Beulah Land” for sure…and many, many others. I don’t even care if I have words spoken, it could just all be music and I would LOVE it!