27 weeks

So here I am at 27 weeks- I hesitate posting this, because as I examine this picture, I feel like I definitely have gained weight in my face, too! Ugh. Let me also say that it is never smart to tell a pregnant woman that she is getting "big", especially if you're a man. Also, never preface this sentence with, "I hope you don't mind me telling you this..." That does NOT make it better. In fact, all this does is make the pregnant woman mad! I'm sure this person meant no harm, but PLEASE! Keep your comments to yourself.

* Disclaimer: Mike requested that I make it clear that he was not the one who insulted me!

The little love bug's first pictures

Here she is in 4D! I was so excited today, I could hardly stand it! For most of the ultrasound, she kept her little hand in front of her eye...but oh well! After much poking and prodding, she never moved but they did get a couple with her hand away from her face. I love the first one- she's smiling!

I've been tagged!

I've been tagged by Sara (Life is a Gift, Let's Unwrap It)

Eleven of my Favorite Things:

1. Clothes Shop:
Pretty much all of my favorite stores are located outside of good 'ol Florence, SC, so I have to wait to shop until we go home to VA or order online. I must say I will always be loyal to the GAP, always have, always will be. But I love Ann Taylor Loft (and I am super excited because both of these stores carry maternity clothes!

2. Furniture Shop:
We've recently bought several items from Haverty's because it is here in Florence. I have my eye on a bedroom sleigh set (actually the same one Sara and Nate just bought for their new house)
There is a cute little shop called The Red Brick House which is a few minutes from our house- they have great painted furniture, art, and unique pieces. In fact, it was the last place mom and I went shopping here in Florence when she visited. I can't go in there without thinking of her. Love it!

3. Sweet:
Anything sweet will do, especially chocolate. I also find myself craving cake with this pregnancy (strange!)

4. City:
New York City! You can't beat the energy, excitement, lights, people and shopping!

5. Drink:
White Chocolate Mocha (decaf these days) from Starbucks

6. Music:
Dave Matthews Band is my all-time favorite. I also like Justin Timberlake, Jeremy Camp, Hillsong, the list goes on....

7. TV series:
I am embarassed to admit I don't have a favorite. (I go to bed at 9:30 so most shows I would watch are on at that time) Really, if the TV is on in our house I am watching CNN headline news or Nancy Grace (love her!)

8. Film:
Fried Green Tomatoes

9. Workout:
Oh dear. I don't like to work out. I do like to walk and I have some dance DVDs I use every now and then, but I'm not as dedicated as I should be. We are actually canceling our gym membership to save some money (since we haven't been in quite awhile).

10. Pastries:
I don't do pastries...

11. Coffee:
Starbucks (White Mocha) or homebrewed Breakfast Blend with Pumpkin Spice creamer (which I can't find in any grocery stores in Florence this season to save my life! I am so upset- it is my favorite creamer ever and I look forward to it every fall!)


Now I'm gonna tag Robyn (Naptime is the New Happy Hour) and Cassie (The Oakes).

NKOTB

So I've been watching some VH1 New Kids on the Block Behind the Music along with a live concert last night (please don't laugh!). I must say I LOVE their music. They even sang You Got It (The Right Stuff) last night at the concert. It really took me back. I think I'm gonna go get their new CD or (hint, hint, Mike!) it would make a great gift! Now if only Justin Timberlake would put out a new album....

A Must Read!

I recently finished reading this book, which a friend let us borrow. It is a must read that will change your life. Sometimes when tragedy comes into our lives, we ask God why- and of course, we're not meant to understand completely. I have experienced this firsthand, and have cried out to the Lord so many times with this same question. This book combines tragedy with elements that allow us to understand God more deeply. It also reminds us of God's love for us. You will cry, laugh, worry and experience a renewed love for God!

The nursery

I'm finally back to the blogging world after a short hiatus. We've been pretty busy and my laptop was in the shop for a little bit. We are slowly working on the nursery. Everything has been cleaned out and it is basically a blank canvas! The crib is on it's way (thanks, mom and dad Cox!) and we purchased a changing table/dresser that has already arrived. The crib is just like the picture, only white. I've picked out some fabrics and have decided to have someone sew the bedding for me. I've also added a solid pink in the mix- it will all make sense when it's all done. AND the fabrics are much prettier in person.

I haven't really been feeling her move, and found out from my last appointment that I have an anterior placenta, which means that the placenta is in the front and that's why I can't feel her move yet. The doctor said that it should move to it's correct position in the next few weeks and then I will be able to feel more- which is exciting!

I've been feeling great- and trying not to overdo it at school. I am teaching after school two days a week for now. Mike's mom and dad are coming this weekend, which we are excited for. There are several shopping events that weekend- a Christmas show and a children's clothing sale- so I'm looking forward to that!

It's a...

Make a Smilebox greeting

A friend of mine took this quiz and posted it on her blog. Some of the questions are really hilarious and made us laugh out loud.

29 As a 1930s wife, I am Poor Take the test!

16 weeks

So I said I wasn't going to bore you with belly shots every week, but I HAD to this week because Mike worked his magic with Photoshop- he's so creative! Here were the results, using both pink and blue since it's still a mystery. The BIG ultrasound is only one week away- everyone keeps telling me it's a boy, but we will see! I also feel like I have finally popped and am now definitely showing!

15 Weeks

Can you ever have too many?

I recently cleaned out my closet to make some room, and to also clean out those items which either don't fit or I don't wear anymore. I was standing in the closet today, and it dawned on me that almost the entire bottom shelf was jeans! (This was after I had given away several pairs to goodwill!) I counted, and I have 14 pairs of jeans. Is this normal? It feels a little ridiculous....

Belly Pic!

I officially can't fit into some of my pants. I have two pair that I can still button, but I have some maternity pants that are much more comfortable! I won't bore you all with pictures every week, but from now on we will be taking a pic a week. I am a member of babycenter.com and my fellow mamas-to-be are posting some fun belly photos, so I decided to join in. It will be exciting to see the progress as the belly gets bigger!

Do you know your neighbors?

Mike will tell you I am very nosy. I like to think I'm not nosy, just curious. So I was playing on the internet today and found this awesome website where you can type in your address and with the help of Google Maps, it pulls up all the people in your neighborhood who have criminal records. It gives you their name, address, age and offense. It's shocking how many people have criminal records, and how close they live to you! You might be shocked too....

http://www.criminalsearches.com/neighborhood/

Our New Animal

So last night we made a trip to Target to purchase a new vacuum. Our current one just doesn't do the job, and with a cat and a dog, we need a good one! Plus, I don't want our little peapod crawling on a dirty floor! After reading vacuum reviews, we knew we wanted a Dyson- it doesn't lose suction! We chose the Absolute Animal- and you'd think we bought a new electronic device. Mike is completely in love with this new machine! He vacuumed last night, and this morning again- the whole house! This may just be our smartest purchase yet! We'll see if the enthusiasm lasts...

The heartbeat!

So today Mike and I went to hear the heartbeat of our little one! She used a doppler, and next appt will be an ultrasounds. Really, and I know this may be crazy, but up until now it really didn't seem real. AND in the back of my mind has always been the thought that maybe I wasn't pregnant( crazy, I know!). I mean, I have had only two symptoms: nausea for a couple weeks and itching, which is better now. So, hearing the heartbeat today made everything real. The doctor said it was 150, which I have no idea whether that's low or high or what it means. I'm sure it's normal. Our next appointment is August 20th, and we find our whether we are having a boy or a girl!

So after the doctor left, Mike looks at me and goes, "I thought we were going to know today what we were having?!" He claims I told him this was the appointment where we find out the sex. So, he was quite disappointed. I'm sure I didn't say that! Of course, this is classic miscommunication with us- I'm not surprised. Everyone at his work was waiting to hear, and he had to disappoint them, too. He was kind, at least he made it seem like it was his fault, not mine.

And MORE cruise pics...

I don't know how they knew it- but our waiter at dinner knew it was our anniversary. So, they brought out my dessert(these pictures are out of order) with a candle, and sang to us. Then, two people who were also in the dining room came over and sang "happy anniversary" in Italian- it was awesome! The last night, we realized we had only a few pictures of us together and got a couple we had dinner with to take our picture on the stairs. Needless to say, next time we need to do more of that! AND you can't forget the towelgami- every evening I looked forward to finding our what animal was neatly folded and placed on our bed. The elephant was my favorite!

More cruise pics

This last picture is from when we were in Cozumel. We didn't do any of the planned activities, we kind of explored on our own. We found a hole in the wall Mexican place called "Mr. Chile's" and they had their own bottled water- Mike had to get a picture. I am trying to talk him into emailing me the pictures from his camera- mine aren't as good. They will be coming soon!

Some cruise pics

Here are some of our cruise pictures from my camera. When we were in the Grand Cayman Islands, we swam with the sting rays.

A Father to the Fatherless

"Though thy father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me." Psalm 27:10

Have you ever tried to make someone love you? It's completely impossible. I am left hurt, disappointed and tired. At what point do I give up and stop beating my head against this brick wall? At what point do I stop allowing myself to be continuously hurt? At what point do I stop expecting too much? Loving without expecting anything in return seems so hard.

However, there is my Father in heaven who receives me with open arms. He holds me, whispers words of comfort to me, and is the Father I need him to be. He knows my deepest thoughts and feelings, my sorrow and my hurts. He is my strength when I am weary. He loves me unconditionally. I am so thankful that when I am rejected by my earthly father, He takes up for me. Thank you Lord, for your love!

AAAHH!

So I had some nausea the week we went on our cruise and probably the next two weeks after that. For the last week or so I have felt fine!

BUT, the last few days, I have become EXTREMELY itchy. And I mean ITCHY! I itch all over- and I thought there were no bumps, but I think there are! Am I paranoid or crazy? Has anyone else gone through this? Help! I need some relief!

Get Out Your Quarters!

This week I am staying with Reuben in Virginia because Mike is going out of town tomorrow, so I am here until Thursday. I am glad to have somewhere to stay, but I'm a little concerned. Tonight Reuben told me to turn out the lights in rooms I'm not using. (Flashback to living at home with mom and dad) Then, he said he was going to charge me twenty-five cents for every light I leave on in the apartment! This arrangement might prove to be expensive!

Reuben also wanted to give a "shout out" on my blog...so shout out!

Remembering Mom- One Year Later

It has been a year since mom passed away. It has been a year that held a great deal of change for our family. We have experienced loss, struggles, many tears, yet somehow laughter, comfort and even joy in it all. I have come to realize that my definition of family has changed in the last year. Family is not necessarily those related by blood or marriage. Family goes beyond that. Family is someone who shows enough love to listen at any time, let you cry, and encourage and lift you up. Family are those who are not afraid to be real with you - they tell it like it is, even if it hurts to hear it. The weekend mom was hospitalized, I bumped into an old friend at the mall. Since then, their family has been a very important part of our family, and they have been there for Reuben and I in every way possible. I am so thankful God brought them back into our lives.

I am also so thankful for Mike's family. His mom and my mom were best friends, and she goes out of her way to make things special for Reuben and I. She knows how important it is for us to remember her in little ways. Tonight she was late for dinner, and she just said she was arriving "Mary-style." Mom was late everywhere she went! It made us all laugh- it was very true!

Tonight, in memory of mom, we made her famous Lasagna, and had some garlic bread and salad. Mike's dad was working, so he's not in the pictures. Then we enjoyed some Cherry Cream Cheese Pie....yummy!

Our Life As We Know It

Our life as we've known it will change in the new year- there will be an addition to our family. Mike and I are having a baby! I am 8 weeks along, and I am due on January 24th. I went to my first official Dr's appointment today. Before today I had several appointments with nurses, so it was nice to see the Dr. We will be able to hear the heartbeat at the next appointment on July 17! I am so excited!!!

We'll be gone...

We are leaving this morning to go to Tampa to go on a cruise to Cozumel and the Cayman Islands. I am so excited!! We'll be back next Saturday! See ya then....

Woohoo!

So okay, it's not the 4th of July, but it is almost as good! Tomorrow is the last day of school for the kids. I am so excited! Thursday and Friday are teacher workdays. Summer, here I come!

Grilled Artichokes with Tomato-Balsamic Chutney

I must admit, I have never eaten an artichoke before. It's a weird looking, strange vegetable. Our newspaper had an article on grilled artichokes one day last week and I saved the recipe because they looked so delicious! Plus, they are very good for you. The picture really doesn't do it justice! Here is one of the recipes we tried this weekend. Mike says, "Two thumbs up!"

Chutney:
5 ripe tomatoes
1/2 med yellow onion
1/2 bunch green onions
1 Tablespoon fresh ginger (I used ground)
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
1/2 C. Brown sugar
1/2 C. Balsamic vinegar
1 Tsp. Cumin
1 bay leaf

1. Chop tomatoes and onions into large dice. Slice green onions into rounds. Combine with remaining chutney ingredients. Place in a medium saucepan and simmer for 30 minutes. remove bay leaf.
2. Cook artichokes. Cut stem and leave about 1 inch. Place in a pot with about 3 inches of water and boil for approx. 30 minutes, or until stem is tender. Careful of the prickly ends! No need to remove them.
3. Slice artichokes in half and remove spiny center. Brush with olive oil and place on grill for about 10 minutes, turning half way.
4. Top each half of an artichoke with some chutney.
*how do you eat these? Well, you take each "leaf" of the artichoke, slide in between your teeth to get the "meat" off and discard the rest. You will notice that the top is kind of waxy- don't eat that part! You can also use balsamic vinegar as a dipping sauce, along with topping each with a bit of chutney.

This is a good "appetizer" type meal. I paired this with salad and bread, and it filled us up!

For Your Amusement...

This post is for Mike. I was laid up all weekend sick with some kind of flu/sinus infection. I'm not sure which I had, but I'm feeling much better! I relaxed, read and watched TV all weekend so I could go back to school today. Mike did some cleaning and fixed meals for us. He claims I was so sick he had to "clone" himself to get everything done. By the end of the weekend, he was exhausted, as is clear by this photo.
*This photo made possible by Photoshop!

Rebecca's Delicious Taco Salad

Here's what we had for dinner tonight. My wonderful husband says this is the best Taco Salad he's had! Thought I would share since it's easy and pretty healthy. I especially LOVE the avocados!




Ingredients
Romaine Lettuce, torn
Tomatoes, chopped
onion, chopped
avocado, sliced
1/2 can black beans, drained
chopped chicken (I use Purdue Southwestern precooked chicken)
Salsa of your choice
cilantro (if desired)
Tortilla chips, crushed (I love the Tostitos with a hint of lime!)

Combine first 7 ingredients and toss. Put tortilla chips in a small ziploc baggie and crush with the end of a glass. Top with salsa. Enjoy!
*This would be great without the chicken as a vegetarian meal.

New Couches

I am proud to say we are the new owners of a couch and love seat and they arrived this weekend. I love to decorate and these pieces of furniture were the last part of the finishing touches on our living room. We are thankful to our parents for the "borrowed" furniture we've used for the last 5 years, but it is so nice to be able to pick out our OWN furniture. Of course, Mike had really no say except asking "how much does it cost?" So I was thrilled to go from store to store and look through loads of fabric. They are a little more overstuffed than I prefer, but I LOVE the fabric! Now, the last question is: what color should I paint the walls? I'm thinking neutral, but I want some more contrast between the walls and sofas. I also think I need a few more paintings in the grouping over the sofa. My decorating wheels are already turning to work on finishing our bedroom!

Oliver's Simple Pleasures

When we went to NC last weekend, we went through some of mom's stuff that was at my Aunt and Uncle's house. It was packed in that wonderful packing paper. Well, this weekend I was going through some of the boxes that had photographs in them and left some of the paper on the floor. This picture is the result of that! Oliver loved the paper - I guess he especially liked the crackly sound it made. So, we found him rolling around on it, hiding in it, and generally loving his new toy- and the best thing about it- it was free!

We Made It!

Well, many of you knew that this past weekend was the weekend we met my dad's future wife. Reuben, Mike and I and Mike's parents traveled to Hayesville, NC. We were planning on spending the whole weekend with both her and my dad, but arrived to discover she was busy. We spent a few hours with her at dinner on sat night. Let me just say that this whole thing is just strange! This woman that he is bringing into his life has a less than stellar reputation in the community, and we are concerned about her intentions for marrying my dad. My dad is going into this completely trusting someone he has known for 2 months. So, at this point we know no more about her now than we did when we arrived in NC. I feel like if she really was sensitive to all this that's going on she would make it a point to make our visit a priority- and try to get to know us. She said very little in our presence. It's not that I have a problem with dad getting married again. It's this person, and the way he has gone about the whole situation

This weekend was good for several reasons. We stayed with my Aunt and Uncle and enjoyed being with them and had some delicious food. We got to see my Great Aunt and Uncle(they were extremely close with my mom and are the sweetest people you will ever meet!) and of course got to see my Grandma and my other uncle. We also spent some time with my dad, alone, which we desperately needed. We basically laid it all out- poured our hearts out to dad and explained how we ALL felt, including my in-laws (who have known my dad for over 30 years). I was so thankful to have both of them as our advocates- and they spoke when we couldn't- they are a big part of our family.

I feel a sense of relief- we've gotten it off our chests- and I feel lighter because of it. Now, it is in the Lord's hands and my dad will make the decision- and live with the consequences. I know we haven't changed his mind about anything, but at least it's all been said.

I don't even know....

So it's been a long time....

I've been needing to blog but just haven't felt the energy so here goes nothing.

Things at school have been piling up and piling up; literally and figuratively. Today I felt my breaking point. It is spring and the kids are mentally out for the summer. They don't listen, they steal my stuff, they talk back, throw pencils at me, you name it. In fact, several weeks ago a little boy brought a gun to school and threatened to kill another student and last week a student brought a knife! Needless to say we were all over the news.

Art used to be a fun time to create-and it was ok if you weren't the best artist. My students (most of them) could care less. Special area (art, music and PE) is just their social hour and I am getting in their way by expecting them to learn and create. You know, it would really be easier if I just didn't care and let them do what they want. Today I felt like, really whats the point? Why am I even a teacher? Why spend my time, energy and money to produce creative, exciting lessons when they could care less. It is like pulling teeth to get them to even color some things!!! All I really am is a babysitter. I keep having to remind myself that these children I teach are NOT like I was as a student- things have changed alot since even I was in school. I'm going to visit another school in the district tomorrow (grades K-3). Maybe I just need a change. Or maybe I'm not meant to be a teacher.... and if that's the case what AM I meant to be??

My dad is still getting married. We are going next weekend to meet her. I'm doing ok when I'm not thinking about it. My dad has almost shut us out of his new life. He is not interested in my brother or I anymore. He has changed completely- it's like he's trying to be a whole different person than he was when he was married to my mom. I just have to keep praying for peace and comfort; and be positive that everything's going to be alright. A coworker shared a devotional with me today that reminded me that while we go through troubles we can't see or understand WHY, but God does and that's what matters- I'm reminded to trust Him. I am also thankful for Mike's parents and my brother.

On a sunnier note, I have planted some flowers in both the front and back yard. I planted them from seeds, which I have never done before. I've got hydrangeas, geraniums, bells of Ireland, hollyhock, butterfly bushes and much more! I am so excited to watch these beauties bloom, and hope to post pictures as they do.

Change is Inevitable

I have been contemplating whether or not to post the "latest" with my family, but I started this blog to share my thoughts so here goes- it's a long one.

My dad is getting married again. He has met someone at his church whom he says is nice and loves the Lord. They have known each other for less than a month,and want to get married right away. My immediate reaction was shock and disbelief. I got very upset, not only because of the news, but because my dad delivered it by email. This brought up old feelings and emotions that I thought I had under control. I also felt what I can only describe as a sense of betrayal of my mom. (I'm not sure if that makes sense)

It has been a week since my brother and I found out. Since then, I have gone through every emotion you can imagine from anger to fear and sorrow. I moved into a kind of "parent mode" -wanting to protect my dad from getting hurt, and from making the wrong decision. Dad and Reuben came this weekend to celebrate my birthday. We had a long talk about things and Reuben and I shared our hearts. While dad didn't understand our concerns, he at least listened to us and I hope we gave him some things to think about. We feel he is rushing things, and would like him to wait at least 6 months to get to know her. He doesn't feel he can do that (for other reasons) and is sure the Lord brought her into his life for a reason- he believes she is part of the vision God gave him for the property in N.C.(that's a whole other story). In fact, he prayed for a wife. He is confident this is his answer to prayer.

So here I am a week later. I know two things: 1. God is in control and 2. my dad can make his own decisions. At first, I prayed that God would open dad's eyes and change this decision, but then I realized (how selfish!) I should be praying that God's will be done and that we all have peace about whatever happens. Who am I to say that this isn't someone God put in my dad's life? I actually feel more settled within my soul, because I know that God knows what He's doing. He's walked through the last year with us, and He will continue to do so. I can only trust in Him...

This Week's Projects

This one's for Cassie- She said she wanted to see my watercolor so here it is. It's not bad for my first watercolor painting since high school...I've got a ways to go to get as good as mom, but as they say, "practice makes perfect!"




I also made this easter wreath- it's super easy! I bought a straw wreath that was wrapped in plastic, and left the plastic on so it just gave me the shape I wanted. Then, using hot glue, I glued the large eggs, beginning on the inside of the wreath, and added the small eggs to fill in.

Something's Gotta Give

This week at school, the kids were crazy. You would think it was after spring break and that they had already taken PACT. Each day, there was at least one fight, and some days two! By Friday, ISS (In School Suspension) was packed!

Something else happened this week. A 6th grade student threw a chair at his teacher. I have taught this child for the last 3 years. Yes, he has behavior problems, doesn't want to be productive, is constantly out of his seat bothering others; but no way did I think he was capable of something like that. The teacher ended up going to the hospital, and may not be back. (Can you blame her?!)

This little boy has no stable home life whatsoever. His mom is on drugs, he and his brother are unkempt and hungry, and they fear going home because of the danger where he lives. Now, this is no excuse for his behavior, and there is only so much we can do as teachers to provide the care and compassion students like him need. His life consists of simply surviving-most of the time on the streets- school ends up at the bottom of his priorities. I'm left feeling frustrated, because at my school there are many others like him...I just hope that this time away from our school will prove to change him for the better.

Oh So Lonely....

Tonight Mike is away at a training conference in Greensboro. It's not often he has to go away for work, so I'm not used to being alone at night. I guess I've forgotten what it's like to live alone because I have found myself checking the locks, and closing the blinds and drapes- just in case. I don't actually think there's anybody out to get me, it's just nice to know I'm safe and secure, and it's eery being here alone at night. Plus, Parker the attack dog would be no help to an intruder- he would lick them to death!

I've actually gotten a few things accomplished this evening-some laundry and I swept the floors (which is an everyday thing with the dog and cat). Plus, I got to paint. I have all of mom's watercolor books, which is what she was good at and I now have several of her paintings hanging in my home. Now, I have never been any good at painting with watercolor, but I figured tonight would be a good time to practice. So, armed with book, paints and brushes, I sketched out a landscape and painted. To my surprise, it actually doesn't look half bad, and I learned a few new techniques.

Love....

It's hard to believe it's been almost 5 years since Mike and I were married. I can truly say I love him more today than I did then. Every weekend, without fail, Mike asks me to make a list. The list consists of things that need to get done before the new week begins. Normally, this includes dusting and cleaning, laundry, etc. I make out the list and we tackle it together. Now, some may think this means nothing, but to me it is a very romantic gesture. I grew up in a household where dad worked and mom did all the housework, so to me, it means a lot that he is willing to chip in. Sometimes, he even sees what needs to be done before I ask and he takes care of it. He truly is wonderful to me, I even got breakfast in bed this morning. What a treat! We've come a long way in five years, and I can wait to see what the next 5 bring!

Just Say NO!

So I tend to have a small problem getting the word "NO" out of my mouth. I have been struggling with this, particularly when it comes to school. People at school are ALWAYS asking me to help them do something, whether it is make a banner for their church (HELLO! Not school related!) or draw something for their bulletin board...I must have a sign on my forehead that says "I'll do anything you ask!" Today, I guess I needed a refresher course in saying no.
I've been giving a teacher a ride to school every morning, she lives in the same town I do and has no car at the moment. This is fine, and hopefully she will be getting her car fixed soon. ANOTHER teacher asked me today if I would give HIS sister a ride to and from school FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR! And get this, he wanted me to go and pick her up every morning (out of my way)and he wanted me to rearrange my schedule to take her home everyday at 4:00. Apparently she got a job at the high school and has no way to get there!! (Did I mention they are from India? So she doesn't drive.) I tried the nice way to tell him it was too much with me taking this other teacher to school, too. After all, I'm not a taxi service! He didn't accept that...and I ended up agreeing with him.
I walked away upset, not really wanting to become this taxi service, and feeling bad for wanting to say no. I love my morning drive BY MYSELF because for 50 minutes, I get to wake up and most days I sing and worship while I'm driving. I went to vent to my co-workers, who reassured me I should not feel bad about saying NO. So, I went back and told him I couldn't do it, and walked away. I said NO. (So I had to be given a refresher course) But still, I said no. It's a step in the right direction.
At the end of the day, one of my friends gave me an index card to carry around that says "NO". I think I'll keep it handy, and bring it out when I need it.

Little Mike and Becca

So I was looking on Mike's travel drive and look what I found! It's Mike and I when we were about 4 or 5 years old. Look how cute we were! Thought you all would enjoy this one.

Happy Valentine's Day

So on Thursday,I had a dentist appointment. I had a filling done back in October but that tooth had been bothering me. The dentist wanted to re-do it, and I stupidly made the appointment for Valentine's day. Mike and I had made plans to go out to eat after he got home from work. Well, needless to say, I was still numb at 8:00. I didn't feel much like going out and drooling all over myself. So, Mike got us some McDonald's (I know, SO bad for you, but still so good...) and we ate at home. It was still nice to spend time together, and we ended up going out for our VDay dinner on Friday night.
I told Mike not to get me anything. We both agree that Valentine's day is way too commercialized, and that it really is just another day. I would much rather have flowers "just because" on another day that on valentine's day. Anyway, I wanted to make cookies for Mike, but didn't get to it during the week because of our school's Valentine's day pageant of which I am the chair of the decorating committee. So, this weekend I finally got around to making his Vday gift. He was thrilled with this cookie, and just had to take a picture.

The Way Things Were...

Even the smallest things remind me of her. The sewing machine I will use tomorrow to make hall monitor sashes; the smell of Tide; the ceramic bowl that holds our fruit; the sight of a mother and her little girl. I miss her. I miss hearing her say, "Yes, Rebecca. This is mom." Every time she called; like I didn't know who it was. The sound of her voice, and the feel of her cheek on mine when we hugged. I miss the way she would encourage me without being asked. I often find myself feeling like the last 7 months weren't real...like it never happened. But it did, and life goes on...and I know she would want us to rejoice that she is with the Lord. I look forward to the day I will see her again. In the meantime, I am reminded that "the joy of the Lord is my strength." (Neh 8:10) He is my joy in times of sorrow, I will lean on Him. He's strength to the weary, joy to the sad and love to the lonely. I just pray that with time this sorrow with fade...

On another note, the breast cancer site donates a mammogram to a woman in need for every time you visit their website and click on the logo. So, visit the website. http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=2 Happy clicking!