Thanksgiving

Where does the time go? Thanksgiving has come and gone, and Christmas is right around the corner. Wow...school will be half over in 1 month!! This Thanksgiving break was much needed, yet I am not ready to return to school tomorrow. I will be counting down the days until Christmas break! Hope everyone has a good break as well!

Winter, this is for you! I have not posted lately for three reasons. The first is that I have been REALLY busy!! The second is that I haven't had anything positive to say, and it seems that all of my posts are nothing but me complaining. The third and final is because I didn't think anybody really read this thing.
Anywho...as I said earlier I have been very busy lately. It seems that I eat, sleep (when I have enough time), and go to school. I have even been neglecting Anna to the point that I take her to play at the playland at McDonald's just so that I can grade papers and not feel so guilty about it. For those of you who know what it is I am in my second semester of LaTAAP right now. For those of you who don't, it's basically a bunch of bull! During your first two years of teaching in Louisiana you have to go through a series of evaluations to obtain your state license. The evals themselves aren't so bad. I mean, it doesn't bother having someone in my classroom watching me teach because if there is something that I am doing wrong I want someone to correct me rather than have me keep doing it wrong. BUT there is a portfolio that we have to put together that is nothing but crap!! I have to have all of these official documents showing how I complete all of the requirments of the portfolio which are stupid. Anyway, even my administration says it is nothing but busy work...boy does it keep you busy!
On top of that I am the only experienced 6th grade math teacher we have this year...and I'm only a second year teacher. Here I am trying to show them how our school runs as well as how the comprehensive curriculum works. I feel stupid..I mean I am still learning myself yet I am teaching others how to do it. LOL!
And on top of that, our school is giving benchmark exams at the end of each 9 weeks b/c it is part of our school improvment plan. This exam has been so stressful. We as teachers were responsible of making a leap like exam that aligned with our objectives for that 9 weeks. Needless to say, teachers that have lots more experience than me were crying daily and threating to quit and they aren't going through LaTAAP or teaching new teachers like I am. So...all I can say is that I have been STRESSED!
So...do you see now why I have not posted? I try to be optimisic but lately it is hard. I love teaching but it just seems that everything is on me right now at once. Only about two more weeks and I will have this whole LaTAAP thing behind me, we just finished giving our 9 weeks exam so I only have grading left, and the new teachers have now caught on. WOW...there is an end in sight!!
Among all of this stress and crap though I did get a raise and new car!! Boy, is it overdue for that car. We have been looking for months but have not found anything we wanted in our budget. I finally gave up looking and just went out and bought one. I found it and called Justin. I told him if he wanted to see it before I bought it he needed to come there right away. I did not trade my car in though. My brother is driving it right now, but will have his car back soon. So, if anyone wants a 2000 ford escort with 95000 miles and half a bumper let me know...LOL! I will leave you with a pic of my wonderful car!! Maybe my next post will be more uplifting! Sorry!

Need I say more??!!

Mommy and Me Day

On Monday's during the summer from 11 until 1 the Mall of Louisiana has what they call Mommy and Me Day. They always have a table hosted by Chick-fil-A where the children learn something and get to make a prize to take home. They also get a free meal from Chick-fil-A. Also, there is a clown named Bubbles that either paints faces or makes balloon animals. They also have a table set up from the hospital with fun things to do. The best thing of it all is that it is all free!!! Also, the carosel is free for the entire day!! It is really a fun time for both me and Anna. Yes, we do have to wait in long lines to participate in it all, but it is worth it! Anna gets to do alot of fun things, I get joy out of spending time with her outside of our house, and it's FREE!!!

Lazy

Ok... I have been such a lazy bum lately!! I had an excuse last week....I had some gum graphs done and didn't really feel like doing a whole lot! But this week I have no excuse. Anna is at her Mimi's going to VBS in Homer and Justin is at work. It is just me sitting at home on my butt doing nothing!! It does feel kinda nice but at the same time I feel like I am waisting time that could be used to do more productive things. Oh well..........

Ok..I just got home from the doctor's office. Basically everything is fine. The MRI was normal...there is not even any extra tissue as we first thought. He basically said that the cause of my epilepsy is unknown. He also said that having epilepsy with an unknown cause is pretty common. So, he told me to continue my medicine and to come back in 2 months. Thanks for the prayers!!

This is your brain....

Mine however is much bigger! I know many of you are laughing right about now, but I am telling the truth! Ok..what am I talking about? Well, it all started about 4 years ago. Most of you probably already know this, but I had some complications when I was pregnant. I was 6 months pregnant with Anna, and I passed out at work. I was in the hospital for 3 days but did not know where I was. Long story short, I continued to have memory problems for the rest of my pregnancy. I went to several doctors (high risk pregnancy and neurologist) but all I was ever told was that my protein C and S were high and that I had hormone porblems. Anyway, long story short, my doctor here referred me to a neurologist b/c my loss of memory has continued. I went to Dr. Acosta about two weeks ago, and he ran LOTS of tests. He told me that my EEG was not normal. Bascially I have what is known as a birthmark on my brain as well as extra tissue on my brain (hence the large brain..LOL!). These things are causing me to have what he called mild complex seizures. I am fully awake (except for one time when I was pregnant) and act normal when they happen. It just causes me to have memory loss. I forget what happens at the moment of my seizure. For example, this past Easter I took Anna on an egg hunt but cannot for anything remember anything about the egg hunt. I cannot remember what the place looked like, if we hunted real or fake eggs, etc. Anyway, I am now on medication that will hopefully correct the problem. I did however go in for another MRI yesterday to confirm that the extra tissue is just that....extra tissue and not a tumor. My doctor is confident that it is not a tumor but just wants to cover all of his bases. I will find out next Thursday the results. I am just glad that I have found a doctor that actually believed there was something wrong with me and was able to find what it was. So, if any of you reading this ever need a brain transplant....I'm your donor!!

Summertime Fun Cont.

Video Hosting - Upload Video - Video SharingOk..I think I finally did it. It took a little while. I went to Shandra's blog and saw that she used DropShots. Anyway, I figured it out so without further waiting...here is Anna's best hit of the season! LOL! Enjoy! And yes, I do sound very annoying..Sorry!

Summertime Fun

Well, so far it has been a busy yet relaxing summer. It has been full of doctor and dentist appointments, swimming, t-ball, and playing with Anna.
Anna had a t-ball game tonight, and I actually caught her best hit of the season so far on camera.(I can't seem to figure out how to add a video image though...any help? Shandra I know you know how...your videos turn out great!) Anyway, the bases were loaded, and Anna got a base hit! The ball actually flew in the air a few feet!! (It normally immediatly hits the ground and rolls a few feet!)
Anna is actually the only girl on her team, but that doesn't seem to bother her. She loves playing nonetheless! Don't get me wrong, she is no great player, but her team is undefeated! She is a typical 4-year old who plays in the dirt while in the outfield and has to be told when to run from base to base. But hey..it's t-ball not college ball like some of the other coaches and parents think it is!
Anyway, hope you are all having a great summer as well. Maybe I will post again before next month...LOL! Some of you reading this also need to update your blogs...I've been checking daily for a long time for an update (HINT: Ashely Howard Perry!)

Random Pictures

Here is another picture of Anna and the neighbors playing. Anna loves having someone around to play with! We cannot go swimming or to the park without them!


This one was taken this morning before church. My child is such a ham!!



This last one was taken last Friday before Justin's graduation. We all went out to eat before the ceremony. I may be partial but I think I have a beautiful family!!

BORED

Ok..It's 7:30 and I am sitting at school bored to death! The 8th grade awards night is going on and I am in my room burning DVD's. Why you ask?! Well, I'll tell you. I teach technology and therefore I am in charge of the 8th grade DVD. It is a DVD that includes hanging out, individual, sports, teachers, and supurlative pictures. 65 8th graders ordered a DVD, and it takes 8 minutes to burn each one. 65 DVD's at 8 minutes each is a VERY LONG TIME...LOL! Roughly that is 7 an hour which puts me burning DVD's for about 10 hours. Anyway, the DVD is playing right now at award's night and I have to finish burning these to give to the students tomorrow. I only have 21 DVD's to go!! WooHoo!! No, seriously I had fun working with the 8th grade and creating the DVD, I'm just bored waiting for each one to burn! So, I guess I will fill you in on the last month of my life....
Let's see..I'll try to just hit the important things. Justin graduated!!!! Friday night was his graduation as a matter of fact! No more one income family!! We will actually be living on two real incomes! LOL!!! I think he is glad to be through as well. No more late nights studying! Hopefully it won't be long now until we have a real house as well. The apartment seems to get smaller each day. It's just that houses around here are so expensive. We are hoping that in the next 6 months or so (we have 6 months left on our lease) house prices will drop. We are also going to have to buy a new car within the next year which might put a hold on the whole house buying.
Funny story, I was at Wal-Mart last week. I went to leave after only being there about 20 minutes and my car would not start. The guys in the automotive department jumped my car off and checked my battery. In the process my car died again. The guy told me that it may be my alternator and I may not make it home. Justin thought otherwise. He told me to go ahead and drive home and if anything happened to call him. Well, guess what?! My car died at a busy intersection. I knew better than drive it home...I was having to balance the clutch and gas at every red light to keep from moving and/or dying. Anyway my car finally gave out at one red light. Imagine...8:30 at night, busy Baton Rouge intersection, and my car dies....no lights, no hazards, NOTHING!! I called Justin in tears. He told me that Jenny (our neighbor who has a truck) was already on her way to come get me. She decided that her truck could push me through the intersection. We waited for a green light and began to go. Since my car is a standard, all it took was one push from her truck and my car stared again. I barely made it in the driveway when my car died again. Long story short, we took it to be fixed and 200 dollars later they told us I just needed a new battery. Man did we get ripped off!!
Ok, I guess I have bored you all enough with all of my excitement!!

I'm sitting here waiting for the season finale of Desperate Housewives to come on. I decided I needed to update my blog while I wait. The only problem is that the show is about to come on in two minutes so I need to make this short...cannot miss the show! Ok...it's on. I'll leave you with a picture of Anna and her friends from next door. Hopefully I will be able to fill you in on the last month of my life tomorrow!

Have I ever told you that I have the greatest mom? Incase I haven't told you and incase you haven't met her.....I have the BEST mom ever!!! She came to stay the week with us since I was on spring break. It was her first week to be alone in a while (she has been babysitting Noah while my brother works), and she chose to come to Baton Rouge rather than relaxing at home! We did not do much of anything, but it sure was nice having her here. We went out to eat once, went to the mall, and went swimming. Other than that though we sat around the house and played with Anna. Anna loved having her here and playing hide-and-go-seek with her Gran!
Speaking of Anna...Thursday night my mom and I took her to an afterhours clinic. The three of us went swimming earlier that day and she seemed to be fine. Then her friends from next door came over to play. While they were here she became fussy and started running fever. To make a long story short, she has strep throat. (I sure hope my mom doesn't get sick!) We were going to take her to the hospital b/c her temp. was 102.6, but I found an afterhours clinic to take her to. (I did not know such places existed!) It sure was nice having my mom here to help take her to the doctor and get her medicine!

This isn't the most recent pic of my mom and Anna (it was taken a year ago), but it is one of the best ones that I have! I think they both look beautiful in the picuture!



Even though this week has been nice, I am sad for this coming week to get here. It means I have to go back to school! I love teaching but this past week has spoiled me. I love not having to get up at 5 in the morning and being able to stay home with Anna! The good side to going back to school is that I only have 5 weeks until summer vacation!!! Boy I cannot wait!
Well, I guess I have bored you enough with my life. There's just not too much excitement going on around here for me to share!

James and Noah

For those of you who do not know them, this is my brother James and his precious son Noah. The first pic was taken just shortly after we found and brought Noah home. Every time I see or talk to Noah on the phone he is laughing, playing, and loving on his daddy!

As you can see James is enjoying having him home as well. James and Noah went with my cousin and her kids to see Sesame Street Live a few nights ago. (That's where these other pics were taken.) James said Noah LOVED seeing Elmo! Noah has several Elmo videos that he watches over and over and over. My mom says he would watch them all day long if she would let him.












Anyway, for the update.....Not much happened in court Monday. We were there for several hours but no one got to testify. The judge has ordered that they both have some evaluations completed. Therefore court will reconvene in September. Until then, James and Jessica will have joint custody. They will each have him two weeks at a time. The judge ordered that Noah not be taken out of a certain area (From Red Oak, Tx to Webster Parish along I-20) If Noah is taken out of this area they will be charged with criminal kidnapping. Even so, it is still scary to think that she will have him for any amount of time. She could just up and leave oneday and we will never see him again! Even so...we have to obey the judge's orders and pray that the best will come out of this. Right now, we are just enjoying our time with Noah and covering him with love!

Why Me?

Ok..it is 4:45 am, and I cannot sleep. I came to Homer yesterday because my brother has court in the morning (well, actually this morning!) for custody of Noah(please say a prayer!). I left Justin and Anna at home and came by myself. I spent the night with my in-laws who are now on their way to Acapulo, Mexico for an optometric convention/vacation. I was asleep upstairs and heard them getting ready to leave. They were supposed to be at the airport at 6, and I could tell that were running late. My mother-in-law kept telling my father-in-law to hurry. Anyway, I was just about back in dreamland when I heard a big BANG! Yes, you guessed it...they backed into my car! Mr. Eddie (my father-in-law) comes running in to tell me what he did and who to take it to. I of course am now wide awake and telling him to have a safe trip and not to worry about my car. I am just worried that there is more damage than he could see. I mean it is pitch black outside and he does drive a Expedition. I of course have a small Ford Escort. I sure hope he did not mess up any tires! I just replaced one Friday! Oh well, life goes on!

Simple Things!

Not much going on here today. We are giving LEAP and iLEAP tests at school. The kids already seem drained, and we just started. I could see the fear in their eyes as we began this morning. It was kinda funny though because most of them were quite surprised at how prepared they really were for this test. They took the math portion today, and many of them talked as if they knew most every answer. Let's just hope they were right! LOL! The one thing I like about the test is that I do not have to actually teach! No lesson plans for me this week!
After school, Anna and I went to the mall for some girl time. Anna was a great sport all weekend while I (we) cleaned the apartment and ran errands. So, I promised her a trip to the mall. She always loves that! It means that she gets to ride the carousel and get an elmo cookie! I love how I can go to the mall with her and spend less than $5, and she is satisfied! I know it won't last long though because she will soon want to actually shop!
I guess that's about all that's going on here in Baton Rouge.

THANK YOU GOD!!!

Thank you Jesus! Thank you Jesus! Thank you Jesus! My brother now has his son in his arms!!! Yesterday my family was notified of Noah's whereabouts. My mom, dad, and brother then headed towards South Texas to get him. They spent all morning today at the DA and CPS offices. Then along with the cops...they surveyed the house where Noah was supossed to be at. My mom called to let me know at 2:29 that they had Noah in their arms! They are now headed back to Louisiana with him. I just pray that they have a safe trip.

I just want to say a huge "THANK YOU!" for all of your prayers and concerns!!! It has definately helped in finding him. God has definately heard and answered all of our/your prayers!

Now...if we could only see James' stepdaughters and know that they are in a safe and loving home. So...my prayers will continue. I know that God is great and HE can do anything!

My Craziness!

I love reading other people's blogs. I actually read them daily and anticipate reading something new. I just can never seem to think of anything to write on my own! So...I guess you will just have to endure what's been going on in my life...LOL!
This past weekend was the best that I have had in several months! I went to Arlington for Ashley and Austin's wedding shower. I spent the night with Meredith and Justin. I also got to visit with Kristin, Bradley, Michael and Meg. It was so good to see friends that I have not seen in years! We stayed up until 1 am and then visited for hours more the next morning. It was a very short trip but I loved every minute of it! I have to say that everyone there are true friends! I have not seen them in so long, yet it seemed like old times. Thanks to all of you for making my hectic life seem carefree for even a day!!!! I love you all!


If this face doesn't brighten your day..I'm not sure what will!! Anna truly is the bright spot in my every day!!!!





Some of you may be wondering why I am posting in the middle of a school day. Well..I did not go to school today. Yesterday we had a facutlty meeting where we ate pizza and learned more about the iLEAP that we will be giving next week. I was sitting there visiting and eating pizza when CRUNCH! it felt as if there were a rock in my pizza. I immediately spit it out and to my surprise it was MY TOOTH!!! One of my upper left molers had cracked and broken off!!!! Just the thing that I need added to my plate right now! So, I have a dentist appointment in a few hours to see what they can do with my tooth. I know what you are thinking.....YES! I brush and floss daily! I told Justin I feel as though I am a nasty person that doesn't take care of my teeth, BUT I DO!!! Oh well I guess it's just one of those things that you can't control. Luckily it does not hurt...atleast yet!
To add to my day, I came home to LOADS of laundry. I decided at bedtime that I should get started on it. As I was moving clothes from the washer to the dryer I slammed my thumb into the dryer. My thumb nail immediately started bleeding. I looked down and half of my nail was bent backwards. I am definatly going to loose my nail! I started screaming and crying it hurt so bad!!! Oh well I guess it's just another on of those things!
Ok..I guess you've read enough about my hectic life now. Before I go though please just remember to keep Noah and James in your prayers! We still have not found Noah but my mom and brother have not given up. They are doing everything they know to do to find him. Hopefully I will have a "Good News" post to put on here in the next few days!

Explanation

I know most of you are wondering why I keep asking for prayers. I guess it is okay to go ahead and tell you why. About a month or so ago, my brother's wife up and moved while he was at work. She took everything they owned including their only vehicle. She has two girls by a previous marriage, and she and my brother have a son who will be 2 in June. We have not seen nor heard from them in weeks. My whole family has been trying to find them b/c right after she moved she called and told my brother that he would never see his son again. My mom has been working her butt off trying to get help. She finally did it!! If you click on the link below you can find a pic of him on the Texas missing children's page. You will first have to search for Harris and then you will see him. His name is Noah. Please just continue to keep my brother and Noah in your prayers! I will let you know what happens from here.
http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/mpch/MissingPersons.asp?Search=Name

MORE THAN EVER!!!

I am still asking for prayers...more than ever!! PLEASE keep my brother in your prayers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Prayer Request

As you can tell by the title, I am in need of some prayers. Well, actually, I am asking for my brother. I cannot go into any details right now....but I will as soon as I can. Please just keep my brother in your prayers! He is going through some really though times right now! Please pray that he has strength and safety. He really needs it!!!
Also, while I am asking...please pray for Anna. She has been to the doctor twice in the last four days. All they can find is a sinus infection, but the medicine does not seem to be helping much. She has had fever (with no known source) for 5 days now. They ran a flu test but it came back negative. They told me that if her fever did not pass by the end of the week to bring her in for more tests.
Thanks! I know I can count on all of you when times are hard! I love you all!

Tired of Being Sick!

Anna and I both left school early yesterday. I was not feeling well and had been running fever but forced myself to go to school anyway. I have not missed a day yet. Anyway, after being there only about 10 minutes I decided I could not make it though the day. They found me a sub and I left!! I took Anna to the doctor (she has a sinus infection), and then we came home. We have done absolutely nothing since! My poor husband has been cleaning house all day while we've rested! I have actually taken two naps today!

Oh...on a happy note....Justin got a job! A REAL job!! He starts in two weeks! We are actually looking for houses now! I am so excited to know that my apartment days will actually be coming to an end in the near future!

Another Birthday!

Sunday was Justin's birthday. I can now say my husband is only a year younger than me! LOL! We did absolutely nothing for his birthday. It was a lazy day which was greatly needed by all three of us. We were so lazy, in fact, that Anna did not get dressed all day.
By the way, do you like his birthday cake? It is Ronald McDonald in case you cannot tell. We took our own cake to Anna's party so they gave us her McDonald's cake still frozen. I kept it in the freezer until Sunday. I think it made him feel like a kid again! LOL! (I am glad however that we did not use it at Anna's party because it would not have been big enough!)

Happy Birthday Anna!

Well, my baby turned 4 on Tuesday. She thinks that she is officially big now. She has actually slept in her bed by herself every night since her 4th birthday! Thank you Jesus!!!!!! We had her a family party last weekend back home, but today she had her first ever friend party. Being the last minute person that I am, we had to have her party at McDonald's. I could not find any other place that would let us have a party on such short notice, and I was not having it in my tiny apartment! Anyway, it turned out great. Counting Anna there were 11 kids. I was surprised to have such a good turn out. They played on the indoor playground, ate happy meals and cake, opened presents, and seemed to have a blast! For those of you who are not tired of seeing pics of Anna...here are some from both parties that she had. Hope you enjoy!:)


Here is Anna and a few of her cousins at her family party. Her strawberry cake was WONDERFUL!


In this pic I am the pony. Not sure if you can tell, but I have THREE little girls on my back! Or should I say BIG girls!


Anna and Mama....here we are today at McDonald's. The picture would probably be clear but my camera SUCKS! Sorry but it does! Anyone who has camera advice for me please feel free to share. I am looking to buy a new camera....and I want a GOOD one!








Can you tell she is worn out? She was mad because I would not let her take her presents out of their packages. She got lots of ponies (which are her favorite) and I made her eat cake before she could play with them. She quickly changed her tune when we started singing Happy Birthday!








Here is Anna and her friends from school. They seemed to have a great time.




HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANNA! Mama loves you bunches!!!!!

Ski Trip

The day after Christmas we headed toward Glorietta, New Mexico. Why you ask?? Skiing of course! The trip was a very eventful one! We left Monday morning and got home Saturday afternoon. And still we only skiied one and a half days!! Still though, I don't think I could have skiied another day. New Mexico has not received much snow this winter and therefore only 5 of 56 slopes were open. There was only one blue slope open and no blacks...therefore the skiing was very redundant. It was however fun. Why?? Because Anna learned to ski. She had a great time! She was in ski school both days and was able to ski down the bunny slope with me twice on the last day! She did get a little altitude sickness on the first day and had to have oxygen given to her, but that did not slow her down! She was such a trooper! All in all, the trip was fun. Hope everyone reading this had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!



Here's a pic of Justin and Anna the first morning in Glorietta. Anna is all decked out in her ski attire.







Here's my baby getting oxygen later that day.









And here's the trooper out on the slopes the next day. She wanted loved getting to actually ride a chair lift and ski down the mountain!