Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Here's my face...

I changed my profile pic but wanted you to see the difference between April 2008 and November 2008.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Giving Thanks

Soon it will be Thanksgiving - my favorite holiday, actually. I was born exactly one week before that great day. So for 42 years, I have had my Thanksgiving feast in the tiny town of my birth. So many memories associated with that day...

My grandmother's dressing recipe, taught to her by her mother in law. My cousin sat with her a few years before her death to get the actual recipe and now I have it, too. It is one of my favorite smells and tastes and reminds me of my Ma Butch.

My cousins - on that side of my family there were 4 of us girls. Two much older than me and my sister. It is our annual reconnection.

My tiny south Georgia town... I remember living there, growing up there, going to school, riding my bicycle all over the town. We moved away when I was 11, but I still consider it my hometown.

I am looking forward to this day and to the blessings God has in store for us on this trip. Have a great day.

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Okay ... 13 weeks.

I can scarcely believe I have been doing this for 1/4 of a year. It seems like a long time, but then not. So, as of today I am down 26.6 pounds. My birthday is next week and I wanted to be down 25 pounds by then, so I am ahead of schedule.

I have added a slide show over in the side bar so you can see my progress. It is amazing to me to see these photos and how much 26.6 pounds have made on my body - not to mention my emotions and soul.

God is really blessing me right now to the point it is difficult to express in words. This was an emotionally difficult week, and I'm not just talking about the election. Wednesday was my mother's birthday and the week before was the anniversary of her death. I never know how I am going to feel, but I did not feed my emotions with food. I fed them with my friends and laughter and God.

So thank you God, for sending your Holy Spirit to comfort and strengthen me.

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Sniff*Sneeze*Hack*Cough*Wicked

Oh a have a cold, darn it. And I saw Wicked last night. Oh, yeah, baby. It was fabulous - even my 12 year old DS loved it. And DH loved it, too.


Well I promised pictures of the weight loss project today, but the nose is so red it will be like a beacon in any picture, so I'm going to wait until next week, when hopefully I will have reached the 25 pound mark - only 0.8 to go. I've been on WW for 12 weeks and only one of those weeks I had a gain, so I'm pretty happy. Hormones are really crazy things and make you gain even when you've been good.

So I'm going to work on my Sunday School lesson for tomorrow and hopefully I won't drip on it. Eww.

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Drum Roll please

..........................
(that was the drum roll)

22 pounds down!
I have now lost 10% of my starting body weight!
Whoo!

New pictures coming in two weeks!

Monday, October 13, 2008

Progress is a good thing

Almost 20 pounds down. Pretty happy with that and I've been cleaning my closet of clothes that no longer fit. Happier with that.

A lot of things are going well right now in Sarah's land.

Saturday, October 4, 2008

Warning: the following may either disturb or inspire you

These are my comparison pictures:
June 20, 2008


Today - 16.8 pounds lighter after 8 weeks on Weight Watchers:



I was very happy today to NEED to buy new pants. Those jeans I am wearing in the second picture, I will be using for my comparison photos as I lose weight. I will keep them forever to remind me where I once was. I will be taking pictures about every 8 - 9 weeks, as that seems to be how long it takes before I go down a size (which I'm good with).

Thanks for you prayers and support. I am feeling great.

Friday, October 3, 2008

October is beautiful

I just love the autumn season. Some of my favorite events happen in autumn, my birthday, my sister's birthday, and many other family birthdays. Oh and Thanksgiving!! This is my favorite family event by far. I reconnect with family on that day and we feast and fellowship and tell tales. We laugh, but don't cry ever, and hugging is only done when necessary - which is seldom. But we are good with that - it's how we are as a family. I absolutely cannot wait for Thanksgiving.

Okay news I know you've been waiting for: On August 9th, I joined Weight Watchers online. It was just time to take care of myself and my weight was/is getting out of control. Online suits me because I hate meetings. HATE THEM. It is working incredibly well for me. In 8 weeks I have lost 16-17 pounds. Tomorrow I will know officially because I weigh on Saturdays.

My goal is to have a minimum of 85 pounds off by New Year's Day 2010. It is certainly achievable. So be looking for some progress pictures. My daughter the photographer will be shooting my scary body every two months or so. So Saturday is 8 weeks and I guess a photo shoot is in order. We will be using a pair of jeans that I will keep forever.

Have a great day.

Friday, September 19, 2008

Home

It is so good to be surrounded by my stuff. TV, COMPUTER (how I missed you my precious baby), cellphone (I had no signal), comfy bed and peace and quiet. Oh and hubby and son. I missed them, too.

But it was good to be away from it all. Yes, I was with my students. And that was great and I had some precious relaxed time with fellow teachers. The speaker was wonderful and the worship leader. Wow.

Oh and I missed sleep. But tonight I will sleep in my own bed and with 11 fewer roomates. YAY!

I'll update more later but I'm pooped.

Monday, September 15, 2008

Ready for an Encounter?

I am. I leave Wednesday for our annual school retreat where the whole high school takes the week for worship and spiritual renewal. Last year I left with the senior class where I had a WHOLE week, but this year only three days, but I expect them to be a great three days.

God has been encountering me in some incredible ways the last five weeks, and in the coming weeks, I'll fill you in, but right now I feel the need to hold this experience close. Let's just say He is fighting a great big battle for me and protecting me from some weaknesses I've had for a long time. Victory is in sight for me and He is bolstering me with an unexplainable strength.

I feel incredible on a whole lot of levels. I see my doctor next week for a thyroid check and I'm really excited to tell him about what is happening in my life.

May you feel God's blessing overflowing in your life.

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Got some catching up to do

Let myself get behind on some stuff but I think over the next day or two I'll catch up.

Oh and great celebration: My DH is 45 tomorrow. I think he is cuter than when I met him 29 years ago. Yessirree.

Sunday, August 17, 2008

A Sabbath Reflection

Today was a day of reflection and remembrance as we said goodbye to an in the flesh saint. He will be so missed, but he lived each day as if Jesus was coming back that day and he wanted to be ready. I am happy he has received his reward.

Also recently some things have happened - big and small:
*I finished grading some papers
*DH and I started Disciple IV
*I have changed my way of eating permanently and honestly do not miss the old way
*My hair is growing - big wow for me :)
*I am really truly happy with my life
*I am really truly going to bed before 10 PM tonight

I am excited about what this week brings. It should be an adventure.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Back to work

Man, sitting through meetings is exhausting.
Dealing with difficult parent sponsors is more exhausting. You see, things have changed in some of the structure - and it is a better system. And managing one of the grade levels has been added to my job - not as a volunteer. Change is hard - boy, do I hate it myself - but dealing with passive-aggressive people who are determined to keep me out of the loop is harder. Fortunately, I know how to deal with them, which is by encouraging the designated leaders to stand up, and do what is required and right. But change is hard. Not bad.

Anyway, today I got time in my room, which felt great and got to take some time doing some of the little details that too often get forgotten. I still need one more desk and could really use another table to use during tutoring. But the desk is way more important.

I've had some visits and hugs from former students, which was great. And visiting and catching up with my buddies has been incredible. But even more wonderful is listening to the vision and passion that our headmaster has for Christian education. I just love working for him. And not just Christian education, but Christ. Today was a really happy day. I'm excited for next week.

Sunday, July 27, 2008

A Meme - Six Random Things About Myself

Okay so my friend at My Hands His Glory tagged me in this meme.

Here are the tag rules:
1. Link to the person who tagged you.
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. Write six random things about yourself.
4. Tag six people at the end of your post and link to them.
5. Let each person know they've been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
6. Let the tagger know when your entry is up.

Here goes:

1. My eyes are green. People think they are blue, and sometimes they are blue, but if I wear green or other jewel tones, I'm like a cat.

2. I have a very varied musical taste. I love R & B music. Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, .... love it, love it, love it. And Bluegrass. And opera. And classic 80s rock, but I can't stand 90's. Or hip hop. Or rap. Awful stuff.

3. I grew up in a tiny town in south Georgia to move to a small town in south Georgia where it smelled like rotten onions every July. Yuck. I'd go back to the tiny town before the small town because I love it and the people there.

4. I'm really very happy and content right now. And if you know me well, you know that sometimes is a stretch.

5. I love to cook but don't very often. Last night I made some awesome rolls and some even better creamed spinach - both were totally swiped from The Pioneer woman

6. I once had a little black cat named Boss. She was the best cat and in the winter would sleep under my covers on my feet so we would both be toasty warm.

Okay to tag 6 people... this could be a stretch but let's see... well, I'm gonna leave it at three.

1. Here's a really great mommy & flute player: Evan's Garden
2. Oh and a really great violinist and all around wonderful person: fiddle*sticks
3. And my favorite teenager... ever!: Simple Things In a Complex World

Saturday, July 19, 2008

Yeah.... but

My DH used to tell me my favorite word was "yeahbut", which meant I was about to argue with him about whatever point he was trying to make. Sometimes I was right. Sometimes he was. YES I CAN ADMIT I AM WRONG ON RARE OCCASIONS!

Well... today has been internet-less because DH's wonderful IT people were sending updates and it messed with our modem although it SAID we were CONNECTED. He is away and tells me to reset the modem. It takes 15 seconds. I saw that's not the problem... he says what if it is and at least I did everything I could. I say "Yeah... but". He says to quit arguing and just do it. Well... I'm updating my blog. He was right. Darn it. And YAY because I'm connected. Darn it.

****

I shared on my fb a piece of my testimony that included a precious memory of my Aunt E. I loved her and I miss her. She died the month after I graduated from high school. She was dying of brain cancer and was having trouble remembering anything. Her name. Our names. She had a little eraser with a lion on it that said, "I'm a king's kid." She looked at us right before her surgery and said to us, "I may not remember my name. I may not remember who you are, but I'm the king's kid and that's all that matters." Then she placed that eraser on HER HEAD where that tumor was. I never knew what happened to that eraser, but my sister recently read that note I wrote... and I didn't know it.

So, my dad came to visit and said N. has a present for you. It was a camo Georgia Bulldogs purse - very cute indeed. And my DD started getting texted by my sis. DD keeps saying to look in the purse and see how much space it has. We kind of wrestled over it because I just KNEW she wanted it for herself. So we look in the very roomy bag and there is an unmarked envelope. When I opened it there was a very old eraser with a lion and the remains of the words "I'm a king's kid." I was speechless. So I called me sister and asked where she found it. She said after reading my note she was a puddle of tears and set about finding that eraser - our mother saved EVERYTHING. She couldn't find it. Then early this week she needed something out of an old desk of my dad's. She looked in and that eraser was staring back up at her.

It is probably one of the most beautiful gifts I have ever received. And when I remember all the times I told God "yeah.... but" I will look at this eraser that I have not seen in 23 years. And I will surrender.

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Wordless (almost) Wednesday



Mt. McKinley aka "Denali". I would like to go back there someday.

Sunday, July 13, 2008

Family Reunion thoughts

Even the best of families have their demons.

But first the good part: We had a great reunion with a great family. Of the 5 siblings families represented we were missing only ONE of our 11 children. For the first time ever 10 of our children were together and my kids were reunited with a cousin they haven't seen in 10 years. It was wonderful. We missed #11 a lot, but the cousin who came said it definitely won't be so long before we see him again. If you are reading this Billy - I am proud to be your aunt. Or aunt-in-law or whatever you consider me.

We got to see first hand the insidious disease that alcoholism is. This family has suffered the effects of this disease for many years, as their oldest brother committed suicide under its effects and his clinical depression. He was a wonderful man. He did a terrible thing. Family members still do not want to talk about it 23 years later. His nieces who never had the chance to meet him want to know how and why, but they want to know him and hardly anyone will talk about him. His absence is felt every time.

If it ended there, I suppose it would be okay. Others concern us greatly and have for years and it went from laughable to just tragic as we watched the effects of alcohol each night. It is heart breaking.

I am not a tee-totaler by any means. I like a good margarita and a great glass of wine. I had a taste of a pretty good margarita and some really great wine. But I remained sober and played lots of board games with my absolutely fabulous nieces. I love these girls. Including DD, we ranged from 15 - almost 30, only missing the 35 year old niece. We also played poker and they are much better than me. I lost a lot of M & M's.

One niece in particular wanted answers this weekend. We talked to her and was honest. I felt choked up as I realized that these girls feel like something is missing. I remembered being a child and missing the fact I didn't have grandfathers. I always wanted to know them and my parents shared with me about their father's so I felt some connection to them. It probably wasn't my place to have this conversation but this child is 17. DH and I shared. His son shared a little too. I think it was good. I was hoping it would open up into something more on a spiritual level.

There are so many things I could talk about concerning this reunion. We loved hosting it and loved being with our whole family. We laughed a lot and cried a little. We hugged and watched videos and ate too much. We took a great trip to the mall (well, just me and my girls) and baked brownies. We were a family for at least a few days and it was great.

Sunday, July 6, 2008

Singing a new kind of song

Well... I have branched out into the jazz world. A no-word, low-singing, scatting, kind of improv type of thing... Well the notes and suggested "words" were written out and it was up to me to provide the "style". I practiced with the CD for days.

Here's how it went... I was skeered spitless. I am a classical type of singer. A soprano for goodness sakes. But I LOVE rhythm and blues. I love jazz. I always wished I could do what I was asked to do Friday night.

And I DID IT!!! It was deep and soulful and LOW and fun. The other choir members called me "Ella." HAHA. This may be the beginning of some new musical exploration. But I can't sing that low for very long... it is a little stressful on my voice. But I can't deny that I was way relieved for it to be gone and done and given the chance again - I'd do it again.

And apparently DH liked it, too, as I was told by some friends that I needed to come home and sing some more to him. ;)

Monday, June 30, 2008

Morning Musing

It has been quite the week - and a pleasant surprise, too. DD's recovery has been so much more uninvolved than we thought it would be. She still gets pain - very expected - especially after a day of use that jaw just can't take it anymore.

In 9 days the in-laws start descending upon our place for our big reunion. These are DH's sibs, spouses, kids, kid's spouses, grandchildren, grandchildren's spouse (the first sibs's grandson got married this weekend). Whoa. All total? 23 confirmed with 3 more possibilities. Now before you think we are nuts for hosting this - while a quirky, weird kind of family, they are a great family. They are a pitch in and get things done family, not a sit around and stare at each other family.

The oldest in the group is 62 (DH's brother), the youngest is 7. We are hoping this brother's daughter is able to come as it will be the first time EVER all the sibs children will have been together - age range: 42 - 12.

So we are looking forward to it and have a lot to do to get ready. First task: clean the upstairs guest room of toys and animals.

Friday, June 27, 2008

Hard Days

DD has had a couple of hard days. She is in a good bit of pain, partly due to learning to chew again with a new bite and a broken jaw. The bones are knitting back together which also is part of the pain, I'm sure. Plus she popped up a new bruise on the other side.

In the end, it will be easy again. But she is hurting.

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Hello? I know you're out there...

Hello lurkers. I know you're there cuz you've told me "I read your blog." Alrighty then... time for a roll call.

I was wondering who all was reading this new project of mine, so fess up and comment already.

Maybe it would help if I said please? Nah.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Chewing is an underappreciated artform

DD got the approval today to chew very soft food. If it can be easily cut with the side of a fork she can eat it. So after spreading the excellent news, we headed to KFC for mashed potatoes and green beans. The mashed potatoes she got down pretty well. The green beans were a little harder. Since her jaw is in a new position, so are her teeth and they don't quite fit the way she remembers. But she was very happy.

Oh and she can now drink through a straw. Another trip to QT for a Coke. She is happy.

Did I say that already?

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Day 4 is a little low

DD had a great day yesterday. Today she isn't feeling so good and so is resting on the couch and waiting on a visitor. She has been disappointed more of her friends haven't offered to come see her, I think, but she doesn't say it.

Her stomach is bothering her some, so I am glad that today is the last day for mandatory ibuprofen (800 mg tablets). Her pain was increased this morning so she took 1/2 a lortab, which makes her a little dizzy and unsteady. All in all, she is doing extremely well, including today.

She is excited for tomorrow as her elastics will be removed and a spoon will fit in her mouth. Right now, even a baby spoon won't fit.

Oh and pray for Erin, there has been a glitch in her treatment - hopefully minor.

Monday, June 23, 2008

Now that we're home...

DD is doing exceptionally well. She can feel most of her lip and chin. She can drink from a cup. She slept the entire night last night. Whoo hoo!

Her swelling has increased in the lower part of her fact. Yesterday is was very swollen but the upper part is what I noticed the most. She was very exhausted yesterday.

She has 4 very tight rubber bands attached to her braces holding her mouth in the correct position, in addition to the plates and screws in her jaw bone, plus a surgical splint (rigid fixation) wired into the lower braces to help her learn her new bite.

After she woke up on Saturday, she was feeling her face and teeth, and said, "My teeth fit together." Wow. With her incredible overbite, her teeth have never fit together correctly.

Food-wise we are getting creative. Last night she wanted a chocolate milkshake (they have to be very thin). I didn't have any milk but we had chocolate Ensure and mixed that with chocolate ice cream with really great results. She was happy about that. I made chicken pot pie but before baking it, I took the soupy mixture and put it in the blender. Some stuff just wouldn't thin, so I took that part out to mix in with some soup later. It tasted like a really rich cream of chicken soup.

I have modified my diet some to accomodate her. Since surgery, I have lost two pounds. Whoo.

Anyway, on the recovery front, things are looking great. We are very happy.

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Nurses: Male or Female

Our first nurse in the regular room was a woman. She was good, but towards the end she was tired and let some stuff slide, like calling the doctor when we asked.

Our night nurse is a guy. And interestingly, he has taken some time to talk to Leah. When he gave her the pain meds, he massaged her arm to make sure it went in well.

My experience has been that male nurses for whatever reason are generally better. (Note I said generally - I have had many many wonderful female nurses) So - I'm wondering, what has been your experience?

Room 448 Northside

This will be home until tomorrow morning.

The surgeon said it was perfect and her bite is perfect. The nurses have been wonderful and a couple of incredible people from school came to pray with her before the surgery. It meant so much to see them. We are blessed to have friends like that.

Thank you for praying for this surgery and for her recovery.

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

A new exercise I found

It's DDRMax.... Dance Dance Revolution for Playstation.
Yup. I did it. And I'm terrible, but it's a good workout.
Plus it was fun.

Ya'll can come play, too.

Monday, June 16, 2008

Tears & No Control

Today the tears flowed from my sweet girl. The chiropractor gently reminded her not to let her thoughts cause her fear - which they already have. The chin began to wobble and tears streamed down her face. She does not want to have this surgery, yet she is reconciled that it must happen, and today faced the first of her three pre-surgical appointments: two to the orthodontist and one to the surgeon. My heart hurts for her.

You see, she inherited her need to control certain things honestly. She isn't quite the control freak I am, but when it comes to this condition that she had no choice in - well, it is frankly overwhelming.

A very kind young man is sitting with her right now in a Mexican restaurant and is sharing what he went through last year with the same surgery. He has opened his feelings and experiences up to her so she won't feel so alone. This mom is grateful. I can't protect her from this surgery, nor can I rescue her from this difficult recovery. What I can do is let God work through this young man, the oral surgeon, and the orthodontist to give my daughter the best possible solution for her future - at least dentally.

My favorite hymn ever is "His Eye Is On The Sparrow" and the chorus goes like this:

"I sing because I'm happy,
I sing because I'm free.
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know he watches me."

He is watching her and our family right now - I know it.
We are just ready for this to be over.

Sunday, June 15, 2008

6 days & counting

DD's jaw surgery is coming up, DH & DS are at scout camp, and we have a busy week.

As we are making the count down, we are making lists of very crunchy no-no foods she can eat before surgery; lists of things we need to buy before surgery; people she wants to have come over before surgery; and scheduling an appointment for pink highlights. *yes* *pink* I mean, if YOU were about to have a bone saw taken to your jaw wouldn't YOU want to do something a little wild?

So, this week, keep my girl in your prayers? She needs them and I need them.

Starting Saturday, we will be giving updates on her recovery on her blog.

Friday, June 6, 2008

Rambling

I can't think of any other way to categorize my thoughts right now...

I am about to head to sunny, sweaty Florida with a bunch of teenagers and some other adults. This will be a challenge - not the teens, but the adults. Just pray that some annoyances won't get to me. And I guess that I won't get to them either.

Then we have a week of appointments, trying to get all the last minute plans taken care of before DD's surgery. Jaw surgery is a huge deal. It will cause swelling like you've never seen before, makes it feel like you can't breathe for a couple of days, and affects how you can (or can't) eat. She has recently received a huge blessing from a young man who had this surgery last year and is giving her encouragement and support via e-mail. She is already visibly more relaxed. So, the next two weeks are all about her. We are trying to do everything she won't be able to do after surgery.

The biggest piece of advice was to make sure that she was not alone - either before or after surgery - as it is very easy to isolate yourself but to realize there will some days when she just won't feel like seeing anybody. So, please call before you come.

And for me? Well, you know I can be a little OCD. It had paid off as I thought of a couple of details related to surgery the doctors didn't think of. She is a very unusual case so that's not too surprising, but I kind of hoped they would have come up with it themselves. My OCDness earned me more peace of mind and two extra pre-surgical appointments.

I saw on another blog where the patient made a t-shirt that said "you should see the other guy." One of my teacher friends said we should make one that says,"I had jaw surgery - don't call DFACS." HAHA.

Anyway - thems my random thoughts for this morning.

Monday, June 2, 2008

Sleeping In

This is what one can do with no work, no appointments, and no MEN in the house. Can I get an AMEN? *AMEN*

I also can: stay up late and eat pancakes for lunch.

DH is gone until Wednesday and I do miss him. DS is gone until Friday and I miss him, too. But all girl time is wonderful and we can watch chick flicks without editorial commentary from the gents.

Well. Need to finish my morning coffee :)

But then we are going to work on DD's bathroom and strip wallpaper. So it's not all fun and games. Not all. But mostly.

Sunday, June 1, 2008

My Personality - this time with coffee

Uh... Robin? Why are we just alike?




You Are a Plain Ole Cup of Joe



But don't think plain - instead think, uncomplicated

You're a low maintenance kind of girl... who can hang with the guys

Down to earth, easy going, and fun! Yup, that's you: the friend everyone invites.

And your dependable too. Both for a laugh and a sympathetic ear.

My Personality - Ice Cream

Okie dokie - weird how these things are right.




Your Ice Cream Personality:



You are an incredibly modest person. You don't feel comfortable bragging about yourself... or even receiving complements.



You are incredibly cautious. You rather miss out on something than make a mistake. No one would ever call you wild... but they would call you responsible.



You are a fairly open minded person with a wide range of tastes. You are quite accepting of unusual ideas and people.



You are a natural multitasker. You feel alive when you're doing more than one thing at a time.



You can be a big dramatic and over the top sometimes. You are bold in every way

Friday, May 30, 2008

6 Totally Useless Facts about me

So I saw this on someone else's blog...

1. I would rather be barefoot than wear shoes. But my feet hate it when I do that.

2. I am the 6th of 7 grandchildren on one side of my family and the 3rd of 4 on the other side. That officially made me and my sister "the babies" and therefore spoiled by the grandmothers. I loved telling my older cousins things they let us do and then have them say - "She didn't let ME do that." HAHA

3. I like to watch birds at my feeder.

4. I like to watch documentaries.

5. Kinda of related to #4: give me historical fiction to read any day over any sappy romance.

6. Indiana Jones #4, while it was very good, left me wanting for a better plot.

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Definition of "tacky"

Seen yesterday on I-85 driving north from Columbus, Georgia:

Bright green cadillac on over-sized tires with a bright yellow interior. EVERYTHING in the inside of the car was bright yellow - steering wheels, doors,....

No lie.

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Surgery is scheduled

DD's surgery is scheduled:
Saturday, June 21st, 7:30 AM.

And it's my wedding anniversary. YAY.
But it is scheduled and it is right where we need it to be.

So. Very. Tired.

How come I get more tired after sitting at my desk for most of the day than when I am teaching 5 classes of ornery teenagers?

Somebody 'splain that to me.

I need a nap.

Monday, May 19, 2008

A Fabulous new blog

You should really check out this blog: Simple Things in a Complex World

This is a most talented young writer. Not that I'm biased.

Surgery

We saw the OMS today and he explained things well to DD. His office is working with the hospital to get us in the last week of June. We are hoping sooner rather than later.

Her lower jaw will be cut on both sides and moved forward 9 - 10 mm. She will stay overnight in the hospital (Northside) and then go home. We will not do the bone graft this time. It will come later - we have time. The OMS wants to give her time to heal without adding another element to the whole deal.

I think she is feeling better about it after the appointment.

Thursday, May 15, 2008

I'm supplicating, I'm supplicating

I'm laying my prayers before God...
*that's DDs appointment goes well Monday
*that we can get a quick surgery date
*that we will both not freak about all this
*that swelling & bruising will be minimal
*that nerve damage be minimal
*that our PCP can get involved and stay involved (this might be the biggest request)

and there's more, but these are our most immediate needs.

So please pray for a little girl and her mommy.

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Hello to my hubby!

*waves*
Welcome to my blog.
I hope I don't embarrass you TOO much.

Everyone say hey to my hubby.

Monday, May 12, 2008

After all, tomorrow is another day!

Yesterday my family spoiled me. The kids wrote this crazy poem (which I like way better than anything they could have bought), hubby bought me some stuff for the kitchen, and a package of Indiana Jones M & M's. In case you don't know, I have a crush on Harrison Ford - sigh.

For lunch we ate at this great cajun place with some wonderful Shrimp & Grits and to do for Chocolate cobbler. Then I took a nap. YAY me!

When I got up, attached to the wall was a "ticket" for the show with signs showing the way to the basement door, which stated "doors open at 3:00". So I had to wait. When I got to go down - finally - the soaring strains to "Gone with the Wind" was playing and I got to watch the whole thing and nobody complained. And they sat and watched it with me. Whoo. And then we went to IHOP and I had Eggs Benedict for dinner.

Oh yeah. Mother's Day. Gotta love it.

Thursday, May 8, 2008

A Me-me - mine is mathematical

If you're reading this, consider yourself tagged. So...A meme consists of any unit of cultural information, such as a practice or idea, that gets transmitted verbally or by repeated action from one mind to another. You've no doubt gotten e-mails where you fill in lists of information about yourself. That's one example.

Here are the rules for this one:
1. Pick up the nearest book.
2. Open to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the next three sentences.
5. Tag five people, and acknowledge who tagged you.

I'm not gonna tag five people, but I did get this from Pam's blog. So go for it if you want.

The nearest book is "Calculus: Concepts and Applications". Sorry... but here it is.

"The advantage of the algebraic techniques over the numerical and graphical ones is the ability to get the exact values of a derivative fairly quickly. The disadvantage of the algebraic techniques is that the way you calculate a derivative has nothing to do with what derivative means. You must always bear in mind that a derivative is an instantaneous rate of change."

You just have no idea how true and relevant this statement is. Well, in my world it is.

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

It is finished...

Thought I should add this info:
DD's next oral surgery appointment is May 19th. He wants to re-evaluate her and update her records. Next step is the treatment plan and the scheduler said they can usually get us in for surgery in the next couple of days to weeks after that. Only thing is... I think we have to have an orthopedic surgeon to harvest the bone for the graft. So, we are on our way.

******

The Seniors of 2008 are gone now. They took my final this morning - one was extremely disrespectful and I wrote him up. They have other finals to take as well, but mine is over.

They had a completely Senior led AXIS (chapel) today and it was very well thought out. It ended with some very sweet moments between them and the underclassmen that many of them were mentoring. I have to admit to shedding a few tears.

I feel like God put me here for a reason - and I can see it on some of their faces. I also found out one of my senior students may have a nodule or mass on her thyroid. Pray for her - her name is Julie and she is a promising artist.

Some day I will be able to see the fruits of my labor, but for now I will be satisfied that God used me to plant some seeds. And that is enough.

Sunday, May 4, 2008

A fresh start

Turning points for me: so I did get started streaking, but when I started I was not well and the last few days I have been very draggy. But things are better today, so a new streak starts tomorrow. I am just feeling very thyroidal this weekend and kind of wondering if something is up with it.

My last day with all my seniors went well. Except for the 12 who have to take a final with me on Wednesday, they are gone. I have 12 remaining juniors who have to continue learning and I hope to find some activities that will interest and engage them. I am now in the count down for the end of my first year teaching full time! Unbelievable.

People say... you teach calculus, you must be smart. We are all smart and gifted in different ways. If we all did the same thing, this world would be very boring.

*****
Turning poing for DD: Tomorrow I will be scheduling her orthognathic surgery to correct her jaw. This surgery will also include a bone graft to prepare her jaw to receive implants in a few years. This is major surgery with a delicate recovery. The most delicate part will be that the nerves will have to regenerate - which will make playing the oboe extremely difficult. For her emotional stability, we need this recovery to go very well and quickly.

End of school year... very busy, very crucial. I think I am just tired.

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Starting Over

Making another turn. My streak of 2 days is now my best streak. Yesterday just didn't happened but you know... it's okay. For me to exercise for 2 days in a row has been a major accomplishment. So, now I am going to try for 3.

I'm happy with what I have done.

Turning point: Exercising two days in a row.

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Little Smarty Pants

So it is achievement testing week in the Elementary. In private school it only happens once a year and we are grateful for that! So today DS gets in the car and said that when their test was done they had another one, an IQ test. And they were told not to expect to finish the 72 problems in the time allotted. Little squirt took that as a challenge and finished. :) I have been suspecting that DS may be smarter than all of us. I would have loved to been born with a photographic memory.

DD is turning into a writer. She writes beautiful devotions and had has her English teacher editing and commenting for her. She also likes fictions, but this is very cathartic to her to get it all down. She is talking about looking at ways to get published - so if you have any thoughts...

DH is working on our landscaping. It is coming together in the front yard. The back yard is the dogs domain and anything put back there will likely be eaten.

Me? Well I am streaking. 2 days, 30 minutes on the treadmill, 1.17 miles.

Monday, April 28, 2008

Streak: 1

Tonight on the treadmill - 1 mile. It took me 27 minutes.
Day 1 down.

Also, without divulging my weight... I could comfortably lose 75+ pounds. But help me not obsess on the weight part and focus on the healthy.

I'm Inspired

... to be a streaker.

Exercise is my nemesis. I hate it. Just like I hate cleaning house. So my friend is gonna streak and I'm gonna too.

So starting TODAY I am going to post how many days in a row I exercise. Even if it is for just 10 minutes and the fibromyalgia is acting up, I am going to do it. So, ya'll pray for me because I am also sick on top of it all.

*****

Some of my fellow blogger put up words of inspiration and scripture. Well, my senior students (my "little ones") have their last day of school on Friday. Here's my words: "FREE AT LAST". Truly I will miss them all - some more than others, but I can see each one's gifts and graces. I can see their uniqueness (and quirks), and I love these kids. They will always be special to me because they were my "first". It is going to be a bittersweet week.

So as my first "little ones" leave the nest help me to find the words to say good-bye without winding up in a puddle.

Saturday, April 26, 2008

'SNOT GOOD

*snort*
Can you hear me blow my nose from all the way over there? I'm sorry. It is rather trumpet-like.

Today is a music-filled today. Both kids participated in solo and ensemble. DS percussion group probably blew the judge away. They are very good. DD's solo was VERY good. As it turns out she got the woodwind judge who is also a bassoonist so he understands the difficulties of double reeds. But after the great solo, apparently she was very tired (too much warming up) and didn't do well on a duet with her flute BFF. Oh well.

This afternoon the HS band has their concert outside. Oh YAY - more pollen. 'SNOT GOOD. And then the chorus goes inside for their concert, accompanied by yours truly. Hopefully I can keep the snot and sneezing at bay for the duration.

So after my seniors leave, it looks like I will do some subbing duty for the Geometry teacher as she will be on the trip with the seniors. Okay... tell me how much sense it makes for a teacher who hasn't had the majority of the students since the 9th grade to go on a trip to Colorado with them. Not like I'm bitter or anything. Cause I'm not. And i'm the rookie and have to do something.

Oh but good news :) I'm touring with the youth choir from church. Whoo! I'm just trying now to figure out some good practical jokes for the bus. LR... bet you can help with that one, huh?

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Prom 2008 aka my first school dance since being a teacher

It was so much fun!
That's all.


















Just kidding. It really was so much fun. The kids were great and I got a nice formal dinner out of the deal. Not great pictures but a couple of really special ones. Two of my students dragged (is that a word?) me onto the dance floor with them and made me look like a fool, but who cares? And I got to catch up with some teacher friends that I hardly ever get to see.

It was fun and at the same time I am both ready for the seniors to go and sad for them to go. It is now the count down for their last two weeks. *Sigh*

On another note. C#. Just kidding again. The theme for today's sermon tugged at me about how much I need my shepherd. The shepherd was my mom's most favorite image of Jesus. The hymn "Savior like a Shepherd Lead Us" was sung and/or played at my and my sister's baptisms, my parents wedding, my children's baptism and my mother's funeral. I could have crawled under a pew and wept and been perfectly happy to be invisible today as it was sung right before the offertory. Some things about grief will never diminish, and that song is one of them. I hardly ever miss her - or the hardship in our relationship - or the hardship of her life in general - but music will always make me miss her. And today I do.

Friday, April 18, 2008

Sleeping in ... because of prom!

Can someone give me a WHOOT?
So tonight is prom night and guess who is going!! Can you guess? Well? Well?
You are WRONG! It's not DD. It's me!

This will be my first school dance as a teacher and I'm looking forward to seeing my students all dolled up. I'll be dressed up a bit, too, but not so much as them.

So we take the day off of school because of prom. I don't remember doing that... but let's get real. Why should you have to go to school when you have much more important things to do... like your hair and nails. Sheesh!

Nothing like driving into Buckhead during rush hour :)
Don't worry, I'll post pics!

Monday, April 14, 2008

And what to your wondering eyes did appear...

but a newly red haired and highlighted me. Enjoy! I am!

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Attention! It's RED!

Whoo!
My hair is red with caramel highlights. Pictures to come soon!
DH loves it.
DD loves it.
DS said... your hair is striped and what have you done with my mom!!

I feel pretty, oh so pretty...

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

It's a quiet day in the neighborhood

DD is away on retreat today... coming home tonight! DS is away working at the Irwin's. DH is in his office working. And yours truly is playing on the internet. Life is grand. :)

So today I walked on the treadmill 20 minutes. Yuck, but I did it. Got the car detailed and now it smells like new. YAY! And... *drum roll please* ... I am going to the salon for a new 'do. Cut, color, the works. Which means another couple of hours by myself pampering me!

This may just be the best day of my vacation except I miss my kids and the pollen is getting to me. *snort*

I may not be practicing solitude in the spiritual sense but I am liking the quiet.

So, excuse me now while I go to my big comfy chair and do a logic puzzle before my makeover.

******
For those of you new to internet lingo:
DD = Dear Daughter
DS = Dear Son
DH = Dear Husband

Sunday, April 6, 2008

Give me Joy!

Today's sermon was on the fruit of the Spirit, joy. Honestly, this fruit is the one that I have struggled with most in my life. At least the outward expression of joy. Other people say self-control, patience... and I do struggle with those as well, but with self-control and patience I KNOW the response I am supposed to have to work on those things.

By nature, I am an introvert, meaning I feel more energized if I am able to be alone. Only then can I truly give myself to other people.

Thinking about it today, I consider those moments when people tell me I look sad or angry or upset or whatever and remember that in some of those moments I am actually very happy, even joyful but do not have the outward expression that some might associate with joyfulness.

I read scripture and sing songs about joy. When you have Christ in your life, how can you not be joyful? But if you feel it inside, but do not show it outside, what does that mean? I don't know - that's why I ask the question.

At this time in my life, I am completely surrendered to God. A year ago I submitted in obedience and blessings are being poured out upon my head. My cup truly overflows. But it is not easy for me to express in exuberant, joyful terms how this makes me feel. I have never been one to wave my arms around and yell, "Hey look at my joyfulness." That's just not me.

So how do I express joy? I think this is something I have to work on. I think this is a growing edge for me, outside my comfort zone. Those who know me best can see the joy. Those who don't know me at all may think I am a melancholy type of person.

It's time for me to get off of the fence and decide how to express the joy I feel inside. Because until I do I think my witness is not as strong as it can be.

How do you show your joy?

Saturday, April 5, 2008

SB08 as the kids like to say

Today is a new day. It is raining lightly. The birds are singing and at the feeders and I am having a cup of coffee and about ready for some breakfast.

Reading back through my posts I guess I am happy with my blogging start. The last few days have been a bit unsettled - given I am a high school teacher the week before spring break. Last week we had a big ole nasty drama. Geez.

A few things I must do this week:
Sleep
Do lots of logic puzzles
Love on my family
Get on the treadmill *every day*
Read my Bible *every day*
Spend time focused in prayer
Clean my house
Call my dad *I am terrible about this*

We are going camping late this week as a family and I am looking forward to a time away with just us. No students. No papers to grade. No lessons to plan. *Well actually I do but I'll do it before I go*

I plan to return refreshed and renewed. Today I just plan to rest.
Oh and go to Medieval Times. That, too.

Friday, April 4, 2008

FRIDAY HAS COME AND VACATION IS HERE (almost)!

I am sitting in my room with my study hall. And they are playing monopoly and apples to apples and visiting next door with the yearbook staff who is also not doing anything.

Real productive day.

But in 28 minutes, I will be finished for the week. And I will have officially survived the week before spring break with seniors who think they deserve to do nothing.

Oh well.

So I am sending my daughter to Florida tomorrow. And Andrew is going to work on Monday. Woo. And this post is boring even me so I'm going to say goodnight, Gracie.

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

PRAISE GOD!!!

ERIN IS IN REMISSION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Read all about it here:

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Almost there...

Wow.
I'm tired.
I'm wired.
I'm ready for Spring Break. READY. FOR. SPRING. BREAK. NOW.
Did I say NOW?

Because these crazy people sweet students I teach have got some serious senioritis going.

THREE. MORE. DAYS.

Sunday, March 30, 2008

A gift from God

I can hardly believe it has been 15 years since we first met. Although you and I were very familiar with each other for a few months. I had dreamed about you for years, your name selected before your conception. God had placed you on my heart.

Then you were here. Your Daddy got you first and I watched as you fell in love with him. Daddy's should always be the first love of a little girl. Your perfectly round head... the little bunch of blonde curls on the back of it... the little yellow dress you wore home. Your squeaky little first cry which made us laugh and wonder what in the world we were going to do with this baby. We marvelled at how much of a beloved and missed family member you resembled. He would have been proud, you know.

Most babies lose weight the first week after birth. Not you. You were all business when it came to eating. You still are. Using a spoon came before walking and a goldfish cracker could solve any problem. It still does.

God has placed a special call upon your heart. Seek Him still and he will let you know in time where you will end up.

I love you very much,
Mommy

Saturday, March 29, 2008

Reconciliation?

Dear friend,

Peace be with you. I understand that you are in turmoil and I want to help you.

I understand that you feel betrayed by someone you love. I have been there. This all started with a misunderstanding and a conversation which was shared with me. Know this - more than one person shared this conversation with me on that day. I completely understand how you feel. Since I and my daughter were the topic of your conversation, we also felt betrayed. I personally felt that you did not believe us or the person who defended us. So, in a sense, we are going through the same thing.

Tonight God revealed to me that I had not forgiven you for that conversation, but rather wished it away, and that I was at fault for not talking with you about it immediately. He revealed to me that I was angry in a very unhealthy way - a way that was robbing me of joy. He revealed to me that we need to forgive each other. So I am asking you to forgive me.

As for the change in my daughter, she has made some decisions recently as a result of that event. These are God-led decisions and while you do not understand them, please know they do not mean she loves you any less. She needed to do this for her.

I am praying for you and that peace will surround your life and that of your family.

Blessings,
me

Friday, March 28, 2008

A Meme

1. The rules of the game are posted at the beginning.
2. Each player answers the questions about themselves.
3. At the end of the post, the player then tags five people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves a comment letting them know they’ve been tagged and to ask them to play along and to read your blog.
What I was doing 10 years ago - 1998
1. Training the first class of Stephen Ministers for our church and mothering a 2 year old and 5 year old
2. Taking Disciple 1
3. Getting ready to Direct VBS
4. I can't remember anything else
5. I didn't have time for anything else!!

5 things on my to-do list today
1. Digest this meal from "The Melting Pot"
2. Finish grading Calculus test papers
3. Control my temper :)
4. Read some before bed
5. SLEEP

Five snacks I enjoy
1. Bare Naked Granola with yogurt
2. chocolate
3. Cheese Nips
4. potato chips
5. nuts of any kind

Five things I would do if I were a billionaire -
1. Pay the mortgages off
2. Buy my dad a new car
3. Pay the church’s bills off
4. Retire and retire my hubby
5. Build my lake house

Five of my bad habits -
1. eating chocolate
2. gaining weight
3. Leaving things on the floor
4. Leaving the world in my van
5. Biting my fingernails

Five places I have lived
1. Nashville, GA
2. Vidalia, GA
3. Norcross, GA
4. Suwanee, GA
5. Lawrenceville, GA

Five jobs I’ve had
1. Babysitter
2. Ice cream scooper
3. Library assistant
4. Secretary for Campus Minister
5. Math teacher - college and high school

I ain't got nobody else to tag... so if ya wants to do it.... go fer it

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Confrontation... part deaux.... or is that duh.....

Amen ladies. Without even knowing what is going on... you nailed it.
Geez louise.

Today it got worse and instead of responding to something I... ME... SARAH... said... lashes out at L and especially L's bff, E, who is her neice. It is mean and nasty and I work WITH HER. But doesn't have the guts to schedule a private talk with the 3 of us. This is really touchy.

Mama Bear is here signing off and trying not to wig out... but I won't because I am an adult and my sweet L would die of embarrassment. No, really. She totally would.

Mama Bear aka crazy woman who wants to protect her baby

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Confrontation... can I get some help here?

Geez. So someone asked me today why I have been so stand-off-ish lately. Well, this person hurt my daughter a while back and has a tendency to gossip... thus the stand-off-ish because L asked me to just drop it. So I did. And said person also tends to combine and confuse issues. So not only do I have to separate the issues I have to go back to an old event and talk about an old hurt.

I really don't want to do this. Can you tell?

*******
Edited to add:
Well I sent an e-mail to initially separate the issues ... dealt with the non-emotional ones and left an invitation for a PRIVATE discussion between lady and Me and L. Now it's in her ball park.

And if that don't work out so perty... I'm going for the fiddle girl's idee of foamin' at the mouf. Shore 'nuff. And I'm gonna teach L to do it too.

Monday, March 24, 2008

Cheap vs. Old

So when my son looks at a packing list and it says OLD clothes because "you will get dirty", he translates that to "go buy new but cheap clothes at Wal-Mart."

I tell him cheap clothes are not the same as old clothes because those cheap clothes I buy today will still be NEW. And all I buy him is CHEAP anyway because he grows so fast. He is not happy about that revelation.

Apparently I just don't understand.

Sunday, March 23, 2008

He is Risen!

I love Easter for as long as I can remember.
My mother was a music director so I remember many choir practices and sun rise services at the cemetary. I remember my cousin hiding our eggs over and over until she refused to hide them any more. I remember having chicken pox one year. Oh that year was fun. not.

I remember my senior year of high school and Easter was very sad. Very. Sad. I'll tell you why some time but not now. And the next several Easters were sad for me too. Then in 1993 about two weeks before Easter I had a beautiful little baby girl - that was a very happy Easter.

And I realized that I am writing in very choppy sentences... I can't help it - I'm a math teacher. But back to the story.

Back a few years ago, I began taking a journey during Lent. God took me on sometimes painful journeys, helping me to discover the woman He wants me to be. It has been eye-opening and healing. Sometimes I was in the wilderness, sometimes I was experiencing the dark night of the soul, sometimes it was heart-wrenching, but always it was meaningful. But the last two years, it has been something different. Something unexpected and wonderful. Something I have always longed for. I feel JOY.

Now if you know me, you know I can belly laugh. But you also know that I struggle with being joyful. This Easter I am joyful. The only pain I feel is in my face after all the singing today, but I knew that would happen. I have a deep, heart-lightening, resounding joy in God today.

Anyway, I wanted to share that. I hope you are having a blessed Easter. As for me... I'm working Calculus problems. :)

Saturday, March 22, 2008

Setting the Time

Well... when I posted the previous time I hadn't learned how to change my time yet... so it made it seem like way earlier than it actually was. Way. Earlier.

My sweet director is tough, but he ain't THAT tough.

Too Early to Sing

In 30 short minutes I'm supposed to be a choir practice for Easter. I loooooove to sing, but not in the mornings. My soprano is a gravelly bass. My attitude is usually ... well, grr. And I haven't had my coffee yet! Boo.

But I love singing for Easter. The music and the reason for the music is enough to carry me through. And not just Easter.... but life.

So, I am going to grab that cup o'joe and head out in a few minutes. But I don't hafta like that it is so stinkin' early.

Friday, March 21, 2008

Well... are ya happy Lesley?

Okie dokie I've got myself a blog.
Well you are going to hear about a few of my obsessions:
chocolate
music
chocolate
my kids
chocolate
hubby
coffee (you thought I was going to write chocolate)
my students
music
chocolate
my weight (sorry but you know it's there)
and anything else I can think of...
like getting back to Alaska to see the Northern Lights

Well... I hope you enjoy :)