I want to fix it for him.

No one ever told me I would cry so much over one student. I recently posted about one of my most favorite students, J and his struggles. Today a student walked into my room during lunch and this is the conversation that took place.

Student: You like J, don't you?

Me: Yes, why? What's going on?

S: He is trying to kill himself.

Me: What is he doing?

S: He is on the roof and saying he is going to jump?

Me: The roof?

S: Yes, of this building

Me: Does anyone else know?

S: Yes, they've cleared the area.

I immediately look out the door and see my principal, nurse, and J's counselor standing there. J is nowhere to be seen. Then all of a sudden J comes into view, just walking around on the roof.

I started to run outside, but honestly I was scared and figured there wasn't anything I could do. Yes, J loves me, but when he gets like this he doesn't listen to anyone and normally just needs time to calm down.

So I headed to the cafeteria because I knew one of my sweet girls would need me. She cares about J a lot and she cries over him often. She jumped up and hugged me and then came to my room and we just cried together.

A few minutes later J was down.

I later found out that his special ed teacher returned to school and went out there and was talking to him. He told her that if we wouldn't make him go home, he would come down. She looked at the counselor who said it was being arranged. She turned back to J and said, "Done. You don't have to go home tonight." J immediately came down. He is staying in a safe place tonight.

I managed to get through my last three classes, but as soon as they were over I started crying and have been crying since. This little boy breaks my heart. He is one of the funniest and sweetest kids I've ever met. I really just want to bring him home and love him. The good news is, he didn't hurt himself at all today. And he was so proud of this fact. That is definitely a huge improvement for J.

Please keep J, his brothers, and their dad in your prayers. It is killing me that I can't physically do something for this child.

I've lost it.

On my blogging inspiration that is. I feel like all I've done lately are surveys and tags. Well let me warn you now, this post is no different. Rhonda tagged everyone she knows :) to list 25 random things about themselves. So, let's see if I can come up with 25.

1. I'm a nail biter. I think I quit for maybe a couple of weeks one time, but I just can't seem to break the bad habit.

2. My food cannot touch! Each food has its on special place on my plate and needs to stay there.

3. This one is a tab bit gross and probably too TMI, but clean shaven legs is a rarity in my life. No one sees them so why should I go through the trouble?

4. I have never been comfortable in any swimsuit.

5. I like Hannah Montanna - the show & music

6. I absolutely love being my husband's wife and the mommy to two very sweet furbabies.

7. I am hoping to be teaching something other than 7th and 8th grade science next year.

8. In March, I am going to visit Washington D.C. for the first time even though my sweet hubby is probably going to have to drug & drag me to get me on that plane.

9. In little over the year, I will be gaining a VERY sweet sister-in-law. I cannot wait.

10. I intend to never lay another piece of hardwood floor for as long as I live.

11. I am willing to drive several miles for Dairy Queen.

12. After only five short years of marriage, I no longer fit into my wedding dress.

13. I do not like crowds. They are right up there with the dentist.

14. I love roller coasters.

15. There are only two things in my life that I truly regret. This is probably due to the fact that I'm a big chicken and am not at all a risk taker.

16. Four to Six - that's the number of children I think I would like to have.

17. Cheese is the only "condiment" I eat.

18. My wardrobe is primarily t-shirts and jeans, but I so wish I was more hip.

19. In high school I was a band geek - played clarinet.

20. I do not go long periods without talking to my mom. I try to talk to her at least once a day either by phone or by email.

21. Texting is definitely better than calling.

22. In high school, I was voted least likely to "do" anything with a boy by the boys in our class. I was very proud of this honor.

23. In elementary, I got in BIG trouble for selling homemade stickers at school.

24. I played a munchkin in The Wizard of Oz in high school.

25. I actually enjoy doing surveys like this.

Trying not to be bummed

I have spent the past two night hoping and praying that school would be out. I've been at school the past two days. I just haven't been in the mood. I look at the calendar and wonder how in the world it is only Wednesday. This has been a VERY long week.

It hasn't all been bad though. Last night we went over to Jill's to visit and take my mother-in-law a laptop. I was instantly greeted with my sweet niece Kandace. I enjoyed visiting with the fam. Jill loaned me Multiple Blessings - the book about Jon and Kate Gosselin and their eight children. I absolutely love them and their show and have been wanting to read their book. I read some last night and even a little today on my lunch break. Andrew is going to an AC/DC concert tonight with his uncle and older brother so I plan to spend plenty of time reading. :)

I also look at the calendar and wonder how it is already Wednesday and I have posted my simple life for the week. I don't have an excuse. Hopefully I can get that done tonight too.

I've Been Tagged

Open your pictures and select the 6th picture in your 6th folder. Tell us the story behind that picture.




Oh what a great picture!! This is a car that parks directly across from our driveway. Last summer while backing out to head to a workshop, I hit it. Grrr!! Not a fun experience - having to wake people up at 7am to tell them you hit their car. Thankfully they were very nice about it. Unfortunately they still park in that spot and there driveway is empty might I add.


I will tag.....
1. Kathie
2. Sara
3. Rhonda
4. Jennifer
5. Jill
6. Missy

Praise the Lord!

The floor is finished!!! We finally finished laying the hardwood floor all throughout our house tonight and I must say... It feels good!!!!!

B as in not any letter I was prepared for.

I have seen several people play the letter game, you know where you are assigned a letter and you come up with ten things you love that begin with that letter. It is sort of scattegories, which I love to play. Megan played this game recently so I finally decided to ask for a letter. As I awaited my letter I made list in my head as I imagined what my list would be. I made list for r,s,l, and a few others. I never considered the letter she assigned me. It's the letter B. When I first saw my letter, a few things instantly popped into my head. I really had to think on some of them. But here they are in no particular order. Ten things I love that start with the letter B.


1. Bible
I do not have the luxury that Adam and Eve had to LITERALLY walk along side God. I don't have face to face conversations him the way they did. But God still talks to me. I have a book that was inspired by him. I have his thoughts on more topics that Adam and Eve talked with him about I'm sure. I have stories that they didn't have. The Bible is my guide book. It is my instructions manual. My Bible has certain verses highlighted and things underlined. There are even places where I made a few notes. The Bible I have now is a parallel Bible. This means I have two translations all in one. I have King James on the left and New Living on the right. I love that I have both right there at all times. There are great great stories in the Bible. Stories that most people don't know are in there. Check out the Old Testament - there is great stuff their. Stuff like swords getting lost in someone's fat. Gross I know. :) The Bible also reminds me that God loves me. He loves me enough to have died for me. And even better he rose from the grave!! How awesome is that!!


2. Brother
At the age of four, I was presented with a baby brother. I'm pretty sure I've been taking care of him and protecting him from day one. Don't get me wrong, I have done more than my fair share of picking on that boy, but hey he's MY brother. Seth is one of my favorite people in this world. He is also one of the most talented people I know. He can drums, skateboard, draw, and so many other things. He has even been a wrestler before. Go Seth Sabor! He has such a kind heart. I have not always been the best big sister, but he has always been the best little brother. He has been there for me in all things. Right now my BABY brother is 21 years old and engaged to be married. All I have to say is that girl better be glad she is a sweetheart. Love you Ashlee!! I don't think I could have picked a better girl for him. And although I AM NOT trying to rush them along, I can't wait to be an aunt. I can't wait to see him be a Dad. I also can't wait to see him be an uncle (and I might be rushing that one a bit). I know that my kiddos are going to love their Uncle Seth.



3. Books
For me there is nothing better than sitting down with a good book. I absolutely love to read. I always have. I get plain old giddy when I enter a bookstore. And a library? Oh my goodness that is even better because those books are free. :) I get really into my books. I laugh out loud and I even cry. Once I finish a book, I have to wait until the following day to begin a new one. I'm still with those characters. And if it is a series, I do not begin book one until I have them all. It would absolutely drive me crazy to finish one and be left hanging. I wouldn't be able to read another book. Growing up I loved Judy Blume and The Babysitters Club. My favorite books was Just As Long As We're Together by Judy Blume. Now my absolute favorite author is Karen Kingsbury. She writes Christian fiction that is beyond amazing. Some day I will meet her. Every time I try something happens. And yes I'm aware that sound a little stalkerish. :) If you like to read and have never read one of her books, you must start now. I will send you if need be. As an adult I still love children's books. They are fun. I have started a collection for my children. They will have a full library when they enter this world.


4. Bubble Baths
This one goes right along with number three because the only thing that could make a good book better is a nice warm bubble bath. It is so relaxing. I take a hot bath every night and sometimes even get a bubble bath. Some of my favorite memories are when I've come home from work (when I work night shift at Sonic) and Andrew would have my book and nice warm bubble bath waiting for me.


5. Britt Nicole
Britt Nicole is a young Christian artist. I discovered her a few years ago at Winter Jam. At that point she was not well known. In fact, her first cd hadn't even been released yet. Say It was one of the first albums to go on my ipod. She is great. She writes about a lot of touchy subjects but subjects that a lot of young people deal with today. She has a song about her parent's divorce and how that affected her and a song about cutting. My favorite is Set The World On Fire. She is currently working on her second album and I can't wait to hear it.



6. Blogging
I have come to love blogging. It is getting dangerously close to an addiction. I have made new friends and have really been blessed through my blog. I have loved getting to know all you bloggers. Blogging has been an outlet for me. It's a place to share what God is showing me and just what I am doing in life. Someday I might even print all my posts and make a scrapbook.

7. Birthday Cake
I love me some yummy birthday cake with lots of frosting. My fave is white or yellow cake with vanilla frosting.


8. Breakfast
Breakfast, in my opinion, is the best meal of the day! I could eat it three meals a day. In fact, some days I do. Nothing beats a big stack of pancakes, scrambled eggs with cheese, sausage patties, bacon, and toast. Yumm. My day isn't really going until I have had something for breakfast. I also enjoy a good bowl of cereal. Fruit Loops are my first choice. A good breakfast is definitely the way to this girls heart. :)


9. Beach
I love the beach. I have only been a few times, but it has been great both times! If you have a good book it is even better. I don't think I would like to live on the beach as it would lose its appeal. But Destin, Florida is nice to visit in early September.


10. Bed
My bed is probably one of if not my most favorite place in my house. We spend a lot time there. We practically live there. We watch tv in bed, we read in bed, we talk in bed, we even eat in bed. I will have to post this picture another time because I want to be a picture of my bed, not just any bed. And right now, my bed is torn apart because of our home improvement projects.


If you need some blogging inspiration, let me know and I'll give you a letter so you can play too.

From the only state

where it is a compliment to be called a hog!!! Got to love it. Just sitting here watching the Miss America pageant. I have never been so excited to watch it. Actually I've never been excited to watch it at , never really cared. But this year my girl Ashlen is up for Miss America. Turn over to TLC and check out all these beautiful women!! Ashlen just made top 15!




Well she made it to Top 12 but didn't make Top 10. So now we are rooting for Miss Indiana.

Friday Night = Family Night

Last night, Andrew and I got together with my parents, brother, and brother's fiance to celebrate my daddy's birthday. His birthday was actually the 11th, but last night was the first night our schedules allowed us to get together. After much debate, we finally ended up eating at Famous Dave's. It is a bbq joint. Mom and Dad had in South Dakota and really liked it. The rest of us had never eaten there before. It was very yummy. Just take a look @ this food.


After stuffing ourselves full and leaving with three good size doggy bags, we headed to Academy Sports and then to Target. Seth & Ashlee are looking for a new tent. Axel, my mom's chocolate lab, ate theirs. We had a good time out shopping. I finally got to see Ashlee's engagement ring, but didn't think to take pictures of it. Here are a few pics I took while we were eating and shopping.

Seth & Ashlee

Me and the husband

Daddy and Drew

Me & Momma

Daddy opening his present

We got him a new pair of crocs & a Wii game

Me and my Daddy

My and the little bro'

While at Target, I found and purchased a new t-shirt for Liam Bailey. Andrew says it is mean, but it makes me laugh so... Here is a few pictures of the little guy.




The shirt says "I forgot my pants"



I always feel a little guilty about buying Liam clothes, because Liberty never gets a new outfit. She just doesn't like to wear clothes. But of course I give her plenty of lovin' too!!

The Piano

They changed their mind. Then person # 2 changed her mind and soon after person # 3 said she just couldnt' do it. We have two people from work still interested. We are praying that one of them will work out.

I am okay with selling it. Andrew and I talked about it a lot. He told me over and over that he wasn't going to push me to sell it, he understand its value to me. He still has his first guitar.

But see - if we don't sale the piano - we can't afford the shop he wants to build things - like my scrapbook desk. This in itself makes me want to sale it. He is so excited about buying tools and I'm excited for him.

So now we are just praying for a good home for my piano.

My Orchestra Dress

Andrew and I are planning a trip to DC in March. I'm sure I will posting a lot about this in the days to come. We have a list of things we want to do and see that makes us tired just looking at the list. :) On that list is the National Symphony Orchestra. As a band geek - I think this would be neat. But then my sweet hubby told me if we wanted to go we could get all dress up. NEW DRESS!!!! I'm a girl - I love this idea. I've already started shopping for my dress. So far I have found this one that I absolutely love. What do you think? I'm sure I will change my mind a hundred times between now and March. :)

Not such a great teacher

Today I was talking to a fellow teacher and was bragging about how good my 8th graders were today. One class is even allowed to bring a drink and snack into my room tomorrow. She mentioned that in her class today my name came up and several of my 8th graders told her that I hate them this year. Ouch! I do not hate my 8th graders and I hate that they think that. But I have not enjoyed them this year. They just don't care about school. They refuse to do their work and they want to talk all through class. So yes I have been frustrated with them and they are aware of this fact, but I most certainly don't hate them. So now I'm debating if I should just forget it and move on - because I don't teach to be liked by my students - or if I should talk to them tomorrow and try to explain to them (again) that I just want them to do their work and pay attention in class. I just feel so bad now. How could I have let my actions and words cause my 8th graders to feel this way.

A little bit of this and a little bit of that

Where to start? Let's see. I finally got my charger in the mail today so I have my computer back. I'm very excited about that. I can get some pics up on my 365 blog.

Now let's back up to last night. I had a breakdown because of my exhaustion. I was drained. Andrew felt sorry for me and gave me the night off. :) I've already told you about my Lowe's run and that sweet puppy of mine. And by the way I must clarify about the poo. I'm pretty sure it belonged to another dog. Our dogs are never in the front yard where he found it. I'm not sure if that makes the story better or worse. Anyways, we went to Lowe's to buy dirt for a lab I wanted to do today. We were going to make rivers today since we are studying erosion. However, we made nothing but a big tub of mud. And yes, I know when you mix water and dirt you get mud. But, I've done this before and it worked. I just bought the wrong kind of dirt. Who knew there was a wrong type of dirt. So then I was stressing - trying to figure out what I was going to do with my other 8th graders this afternoon. I certainly didn't want to make mud again. I finally found something for them to do.

Right after that happened, I had this sweet 7th grader in my room. We'll call him J. J does not have a good home life. I've known this. He has told me things, that I've had to report. J comes to me during my prep period, because the few other people that he likes are all busy. He is sitting at a table working on an assignment as happy as can be. He's in a great mood. I was across the room talking with another student and going through my cabinet trying to find something to replace mud. I look over and J is between two shelves beating his head against the wall. I immediately start trying to talk to him and figure what happened to his good mood. He then proceeds to pick up his pencil and use the sharpened end to scratch his arm as hard as he can. His counselor had told me this is his new thing. I try to talk him into stopping saying he will hurt himself. His response was that he doesn't care. So I pry the pencil out of his hand. He starts biting his arm in that same spot. So now I'm standing behind holding on to both his arms, to make him stop. I got him away from the wall and had him facing me. I let go of him and was still trying to talk to him. J began to strangle himself with his hands. He said he just wanted to end the misery once and for all. I kept telling him I wasn't going to let him do that, that I cared about him. At this point I have tears running down my face - I couldn't help it. He finally quit trying to hurt himself and just started bawling. We discussed what he could do when these moods come on so he doesn't hurt himself. I'm going tonight to buy a bag of apples to keep in my room for him to bite into instead of his arm. I later found out that part of the deal was that his dad made him watch Saw V last night. If J wanted to leave or look away, dad called him a chicken or a sissy.

Sad, I know. I just keep praying for him.


On the good news - Andrew and I are planning a trip to DC over Spring Break. I'm so excited - well except the plane part. I'm not looking forward to flying at all. Other than that I'm super excited. This is one of many places on the list of places we want to go.

Chewy Turd

We just got back from a Lowe's run. We took the dogs with us since we weren't going to be gone long. When we got home, we let them walk in the door instead of us carrying them in. Liam stopped to use the restroon and then I saw him pick something up in his mouth (because how else would he pick them up) and carry it in. I was helping Drew outside so I didn't come in immediately to see what it was. When I got inside, Liam Bailey Weaver sat on my bed eating a turd. Grossss!!!!!!!!!! I flipped out. Why would he do this? It is the most disgusting thing ever!! I made Andrew get rid of it. Then I immediately washed Liam's teeth. I mean honestly. For a sweet guy, he is one disgusting little dude.

Simple Life Day #4

Lend A Hand

Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2

As Edith and her teenaged daughter, Stella, left the auction and headed across the parking lot, they were shocked to discover their buggy horse straddling the hitching rail, neighing and thrashing about. He'd obviously tried to break free, and the front of the buggy was now pushed up against his back legs, leaving the horse in a precarious position.
"I'll pull and you push," Edith told Stella. "We've got to get our horse off the rail before he gets hurt!"
After several tries, Edith felt so worn out from trying to free their frantic horse that she was ready to give up. It was obvious that she and Stella couldn't accomplish the task alone.
About that time, several English people showed up, offering their assistance. One man had a rope, which he put around the horse's neck. Two other men got behind the animal, and as they pushed, the first man tugged on the rope.
The horse continued to struggle but finally broke free from the railing and fell to the ground. He lay there awhile, wheezing and thrashing. Then slowly he rose to his feet, a bit wobbly, but apparently unharmed.
"Thank you so much," Edith told the men who had helped. "We couldn't do this by ourselves."
"I'm glad your horse is okay," one man replied.
Edith nodded, grateful that strangers had been willing to help in her time of need.
How often do we get busy and fail to see the needs of others? Have you ever witnessed someone in need and done nothing about it? Have you ever been the one in need but received no help?
In Isaiah 41:6 we are told: "They helped every one his neighbor; and every one said to his brother, Be of good courage." Not only are we blessed when someone bears our burdens, but the one who has helped is blessed.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Timely good deeds are nicer than afterthoughts.

FOOD FOR THE BODY: Bread & Butter Pickles
25-0 cucumbers, medium, sliced thin
8 white onions, large, chopped
1/2 cup salt
2 cups cider vinegar
5 cups sugar
3 cups water
1/2 teaspoon cloves
2 tablespoons mustard seed
1 teaspoon turmeric

Combine cucumbers, onions, and salt in a large bowl. Let stand for 3 hours. Drain. Combine vinegar, sugar, water, and spices in large kettle; bring to a boil. Add cucumber mixture. Heat thoroughly, but do not boil. Pack while hot into clean sterilized jars and seal at once.


This is an area I struggle in. Helping complete strangers. It is not that I don't want too, but in today's world it can be a little scary. I am quick to help women and children, but men who are alone? I do hesitate. I do like to help others.

And I might add that it is a turn on when my husband is helpful. Specific times that come to mind is him stopping to help a woman get her car started and him returning a lady's cart @ Wal-Mart.

How many opportunities do we miss to help someone in need? This is the question that popped into my head as I read this devotional. Are my eyes really open? Am I watching for opportunities? Even if it is something as simple as holding the door for someone. It always touches me when a student holds the door for me at school. How respectful is that!?!

God does tell us to bear one another's burdens. We are to help each other - not just our brothers and sisters in Christ but all people.

This devotional has simply made me stop and think that I should really be watching for the opportunity to help others.

Can I change my mind?

When I was in the fourth grade, our music class learned to play the recorder. After all our lessons, we kept our recorders and the book that went with them. Sometime after that, I received a small keyboard, probably for Christmas. I had no music and knew no songs, so I used my recorder book. I taped the keys so that I would know which ones were C, D, A, and so on. I taught myself to play every song in my recorder book on my keyboard. I remember my Daddy saying that I was really good. :) He told my mom that I could probably play piano. So, the next thing I know I'm in a music store with my parents picking out a piano and signing up for piano lessons with my old music teacher. She gave me this beginner book which was SOOOO easy. I worked my way through it in no time. She decided I could move up to the adult book and so I did. I continued my lessons for a couple of years. I was decent, but never got GREAT because I didn't like to practice. I don't really remember when I quit lessons or why to be honest with you. My piano became a place to put pictures and nothing more. A couple of years ago, I decided I wanted to learn to play again. My parents hauled the piano down here and it has been sitting in our office untouched. The bench was in the garage being used as a storage shelf. In the past couple of days during our home improvement projects, the piano has been moved to our living room and the bench uncovered and with the piano.

A few months ago, we decided to sale my piano because it was just taking up space. We've not touched it. This past week I sent out an email to everyone I work with to see if anyone was interested. I have four or five people interested. I'm pretty sure this couple is going to buy it. I'll find out for sure tomorrow hopefully.

But here's the thing. I have found all my music in the bench - my first book and everything I ever played or tried to play. So for the past two days, I've been at my piano as much as possible.

And now - I don't want to sale it. I want to play again. Today I was sitting there playing and just singing away - I'm home alone - and I started to daydream about the future. Being pregnant and playing and singing for my child. And then teaching my child to play someday. I mean what if our kids want to play piano? And I'm about to get rid of mine. My in-laws talk about how when they were young my mother in law always played the piano after dinner and they would all gather around and sing. Ive always thought this was - let's see a little different, old fashioned maybe? But not now. I want my kids around the piano singing after dinner someday.

Oh and last night I was playing and Drew told me he thought if I started playing again that I could be good! That comment meant a lot to me.

Anyways, as I sat there playing and dreaming, I realized I had tears in my eyes. I don't want to sale this piano. I realize it is a tad bit too late, as I have a couple who probably buy it tomorrow. Can't I just change my mind and keep it? It's mine.

Yesterday

Yesterday was such a big day for me. I've posted about it on my 365 blog. I am just copying that blog on here so that I do not have to write it all out again. I promise to have pics from the day soon.

Wow! I would have to say this has been my biggest, busiest day so far in 2009. I woke up at 3 AM. Yes, that is right - 3 AM. Back in December, my Student Council participated in Stuff the Sleigh with Channell 11. We won the POD decorating contest and were rewarded with breakfast with Tom Brannon this morning. So, I had to be at school by four. Getting up that early really wasn't that bad, but I also went to sleep last night by 7PM. The kids started arriving at school around 5:15. They were so excited. It was a lot of fun watching them. Tom put them on the news immediately. He also brought a magician with him that the kids loved. I made it through almost the entire morning without being interviewed. Then it happened. My interview was short and I'm glad for that. I had several family members watching for me, so I'm glad that I was able to be on for them. Breakfast was catered by Golden Corral. They brought sausage links, scrambled eggs, biscuits, gravy, and waffles. All very tasty.

Tom left school between 7:30 and 8 and I followed close behind. I had a doctors appointment at nine, but my principal kicked me out. She told me to go home and take a nap. How sweet is she! So I did just that. I went to my appointment, then came home and took a short nap with my furbabies.

I decided to take Liam Bailey back to school with me. I only had three classes, and they were going to watch a movie - easy Friday. He was a big hit. The kids loved him and he loved them. After school, I took him to get his nails cut. He has only had this done a couple of times and he HATES it. He squirms and always end up getting one cut way to short because of his squirminess. Well, today they used the dremmil instead of the clippers. He was such a good sport. He only tried to get away a couple of times. I was such a proud mommy. He got a new toy for his good behavior. :) I brought him home, grabbed Lib and took her to get her nails done. She is normally stone still for this. She is too scared of everything and everyone to move. However, she doesn't like the dremmil so she fought today - more than Liam.

I got home with her, we all had our dinner. Drew came home and we headed to Community Bakery for dessert with family. We were celebrating Kerri girl's birthday. Lots of fun. I got to love on Kandace and watch Jackson Luke walk. I also got to enjoy some yummy strawberry cheesecake, although I scraped off the strawberries. I prefer my cheesecake plain.

Busy day! But very good day.

The Picture

Here is the pic that Andrew took of me in the furbabies sleeping last night. Not so flattering,but glad he thought about it.

Husband Saves Project 365

That is the heading of my day! Last night I was sick. I slept all night only waking up to go "be sick" in the bathroom. My sweet furbabies stayed right by my side all night. Liberty's loyalty still amazes me in these times. She always knows when I am upset or do not feel well. Anyways I woke up this morning and was going to a pic of me in bed for yesterday. I refuse to get behind on 365. Drew then tells me he realized I didnt take one so he took it for me. :) So yesterdays pic is a not so flattering one of me and the furbabies cuddlef up in bed fast asleep. Ill post it later becausr Im blogging from my cell righjt now. Just had to share my sweet moment.

Simple Life Day #3

Answered Prayer

It shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear. Isaiah 65:24

A thunderous roar pelted the ground outside of Rebekah and Samuel's bedroom window, and they bolted upright in bed. "Was in der welt [what in all the world]?" Rebekah exclaimed. "What is that horrible noise?"
Samuel scrambled out of bed and rushed to the window. "It's the mules! They've gotten out of the barn."
Rebekah grabbed her robe from a wall peg, and Samuel stepped into his trousers, pulling his suspenders over his shoulders. There was no time for further discussion. They needed to act fast. If the mules made their way to the road, a car might hit them. If they trampled the vegetable garden or the cornstalks in the field, everything would be ruined.
Samuel rushed out the back door, and Rebekah stepped into the cool night air behind him. She paused and offered a silent prayer. Dear Lord, please help us get the mules back to the barn.
A few minute later, Rebekah turned the corner of the house and was surprised to see Samuel heading for the barn with ten draft mules obediently following. She breathed a prayer of thanks, as she helped him secure the mules inside their respective stalls.
"I'm surprised at how easily you led them in," she said.
Samuel nodded. "As soon as I left the house I began praying that the mules would cooperate."
"I was praying that too."
Samuel smiled. "I know there are times when we must wait for God's reply, but it never ceases to amaze me when he respond so quickly to our prayers."
She nodded. "I think sometimes, even before we ask, the Lord answers our prayers."
One of the reason people pray is out of a sense of need. Sometimes, however, we forget to pray and instead try to take matters into our own hands. Even though God knows our needs before we ask, He wants us to seek His help. He may answer quickly or make us wait, but we can be sure that He will answer, according to His will.
In 1 John 5:14 we are reminded: "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us."
May we always remember to call on God whenever we have a need.

Food For Thought: If you are too busy to pray, you are busier than God wants you to be.

Food For The Body:

Cornmeal Muffins
1 1/2 cups cornmeal
1 1/2 cups white flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 teaspoon sugar
2 eggs
Milk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix the above ingredients together in a large bowl and add enough milk to make a stiff batter. Spoon into greased muffin tins. Baked 25-30 minutes. Serve warm. Delicious with honey.


How often have you prayed a prayer like the one Rebekah and Samuel prayed? Something that seems so simple. I have prayed quite a few times that the Lord would help me find my keys. :) So far that is a prayer that He has always answered. Just this past Saturday I was praying that God would help Andrew find something he needed. The Lord answered that prayer.

Yet, how often have I tried to do or fix something myself without taking it to God? Way too often is the answer. And the weird thing - the things I try to do myself are the big ones. I recognize that I can't find my keys on my own, yet I think I can decide my masters degree, who to witness to and when, and the courage to witness on my own without any help from God. For me, those are true examples of things I'm working on right now. And when I ask myself how many times I've prayed about them and truly meant that prayer - Well, the answer is embarrassing. Especially when I just prayed two days ago to find a computer part.

God answers prayers!! There is not a doubt in my mind. I guess I just always assume he is going to answer my prayer to find my keys on my time and in my way. So far He has done that. I've always found my keys and just in time before I'm late. With the big stuff, he might not answer in my way on my time. I might have to actually go witness to that person right now. I might have to take part in a program this summer that terrifies me. But!!! I also know that I can do all things in Christ who gives me strength (Phil 4:13) and God doesn't give me anything I can't do .... without Him. :)

I love the Food for Thought this week. If I'm too busy too pray than I am much busier than God wants me to be.

My prayer for myself and for you this week is that we would take the time to pray, to pray about the little stuff and the big stuff. God cares about all of it. Stop blogging (that's to me) and pray. Spend time with God. He's the best friends you'll ever have.

Stinkin' Battery

For some reason yesterday afternoon the battery pack to my laptop decided to quit working. Grrr. My laptop is now dead and I'm using the computer hooked up on my tv. So... Your blogs have all been quite large this morning. :)

Yesterday I learned that I must say good bye to one of my favorite things - Pepsi. Don't worry it is a medical reason or anything like that. It is more of a religious reason. We learned that Pepsi Cola is a huge supporter of homosexual rights. Pepsi is all for the gay. As soon as I read the article (and it is legit) I knew I was giving up Pepsi forever. I have a few in my mini fridge at school. I'm going to drink those because I figure Pepsi already has my money for them, but when they are gone it will be no more Pepsi for this girl. :( Oh well, definitely better for my body anyways.

Last night Andrew and I went to watch some of my students play basketball. The kids crack me up. They love Andrew. I don't know why really. I mean yeah I love him, but with them he is pretty quiet. I think they like him because when he does talk to them, he is very blunt and honest. He doesn't sugar it up for them at all. So... hope they have a good game, which they didn't last night. We lost. :(

I am laying in bed right now @ 10:30. It's nice. I have to start resting up for this coming Friday when I have to be at school at FOUR AM!!!! Remember how we won the decorating contest for our POD?? Yeah we get breakfast with Tom Brannon this Friday and he will be at school at 4 to set up. The kids have to be there at 5:45 for breakfast. They are really excited though because we will be on the news that morning and they are going to get to talk on tv. I, however, plan to be mute next Friday if at all possible. I have no desire whatsoever to talk on tv for all of LR to hear. I hate the way I sound. But, because I'm the sponsor, I'm sure I will have to say something. So watch!!

I must get up now as my stomach says I need some pancakes. And I'm going to see Bride Wars @ 11:45.

Long awaited evening

I have been looking forward to tonight all week long. It is the night for homegroup. I have been so excited about it. I haven't looked forward to a homegroup this much in such a long time. I don't know why I was so excited about tonight, maybe it was because 1/2 our members have been Africa for two week so it was the first homegroup in a while. Either way, I've been very excited. I've felt like I needed it more this week than normal.

I get home and am cleaning up and doing a bit of laundry. My bra gets stuck in the washer and I can't get it out. So when Drew gets home, he starts trying to get it out. He succeeded, but in the process sliced his finger. It bled for quite awhile - pretty bad. So then I feel horrible. He tells me to go get stuff to make spaghetti, which is another downer because I don't like spaghetti. So now, this night I've been looking forward to is ruined. I won't be able to enjoy myself.

Somewhere in the middle of my Wal-Mart run I realized how ridiculous I was being. This very minor stuff should not ruin my entire evening. I perk up and get up and start cooking.

It ended up being a great night. We laughed a lot!! We tend to do that when we get together. I love being with these people, because I can totally be myself. I can say what I'm thinking and not worry about offending someone. We are all like that. We can be so rude to each other sometimes because we love each other. Crazy I know.

We read Acts 3 & 4 and discussed being bold for what we believe in. Definitely something I struggle with. I worry too much about what other people think to be bold so it is definitely something I plan to start working on.

Simple Life Day #2 Part 2

I will be honest with you. When I opened this post to being to write, it was simply to tell you that I had nothing else to say about selling Jesus. Still, I felt like there must be something else I could get out this devotional. So I decided to google "selling Jesus".

What I learned? First thing I learned was that there is a song out there called Selling Jesus. It is by Skunk Anansie! - Yeah I know. I just had to see this lyrics to this song. The chorus of this song says

They're selling Jesus again.
They're selling Jesus again.
They want your soul and your money
Blood and your bones
They're selling Jesus again
Selling love to you, selling love

The verses talk about how you messed up (it gives a specific example) so you go to church because you feel guilty. It says that we made God up and wrote a book to keep you on your knees. It goes on and on with more of this type of thing.

I read these lyrics and I just think how sad that some people (probably more than I want to know) see church in this way - see true Bible believing Christian in this way. It makes us appear to be part of a cult.

The first link after this song was an article by an evangelist who realized he had tried to be salesman for Jesus. I actually read the article before I read the lyrics to the song and it made me thing of how we try to sale Jesus through church.

I have witnessed churches that feel like they need to use a certain style music, chair, preacher, building, or whatever to bring people in. They are using their ____ (fill in the blank) to sell Jesus. We have nice comfy chairs, come in and get some Jesus. We have a big elaborate building, come in and get some Jesus.

When did it get like this? Everything, not just Jesus, is so commercialized. When you watch a thirty minute tv show, the actual show is only about 1/2 of that thirty minutes. You spend the other 1/2 watching commercials. Most of those commercials are for things that are not necessary for your life. However, I believe Jesus is a necessity. All those other commericial are trying to fill that empty space in your heart. No matter how they jazz up their product, it will never work. Jesus is the only thing that is going to fill that empty space.

The author of the article talks about how we try to make Jesus soft and relevant so that people will want to "buy" Jesus. He says that this probably confuses new believers more than helps them, especially when they find Philippians 1:29 that says we will suffer for the Lord.

How true! We only want to sale the "good" part of God. In other words, we only try to sale that is loving and will be there for you in times of need. Don't get me wrong, we should be telling people those things. They are VERY good things. But with that love comes the chastening we deserve when we are disobedient. I hear parents say all the time (I guess on tv) the classic line of this is going to hurt me more than it hurts you as they punish their child. I can so hear God saying that. I don't think he enjoys disciplining us, but I think he loves us so he does it anyways.

Okay I just realized how much I've rambled on when I started this post with absolutely nothing to say. :) Thanks for the lessons you've given me tonight God. Help me to hide them in my heart and not forget them.



If you are interested in reading the rest of the article you can find it here.

Simple Life Day #2 Part 1

No Sale Pitch Needed

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16

Danki [thank you] for helping me with the pie stand today," Emmas said to her teenaged sons, Adam and Joseph.
"Du bischt willkumm [you are welcome]." Adam wiggled his dark eyebrows. "Everything looks good, and I may eat a whole pie myself if we don't see them all."
"We'd better do what we can to be sure they sell." Joseph poked his brother playfully. "Mom's gone to a lot of work baking all these goodies."
Emma clicked her tongue. "We don't want to do a sales pitch when folks stop by. The best way is to let the baked goods sell themselves."
"Jah, that's right," Adam agreed. "If the pies look good, then people will buy."
A short time later, a van pulled up, and two English women got out.
"I hear that the Amish make some real tasty pies," one of the women commented as they approached the stand.
"It's a nice day, isn't it?" Emma asked with a smile, making no reference to her pies.
"it certainly is," the second English woman agreed.
"You're welcome to look around," Joseph said. "And if you have any questions, feel free to ask."
The first woman smiled. "All of the pies look wonderful. I'm sure any of them would be good."
Emma nodded. "I hope so."
"Do you have any shoofly pie?" the other woman questioned. "That's my favorite kind."
"Right over there." Adam pointed to the left side of the stand.
The woman picked up two pies and brought them over to the battery-opperated cash register where Emma stood. "I'll take these."
"I'm going to get an apple-crumb pie," the other woman said.
A shorttime later, as the women walked back to their van, one of them said, "It's nice to buy something without getting a sales pitch."
Emma smiled at her boys, knowing they'd heard it, too. They'd made the right choice, letting the quality of the product do all the selling that was needed.
Often we feel frustrated when someone gives us a sales pitch. We become wary and doubtful of what they're saying. It can be the same when we talk about our faith. We should avoid trying to "sell" someone on Jesus. Instead, by allowing people to see God's light and love in us, they will be more apt to come to Him. Let the work He's doing in our lives do the talking.
In John 13:35 Jesus told His disciples the following: "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."
May others know we belong to Jesus by the love they see in us.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:Lamps do not talk; they shine.

FOOD FOR THE BODY: Shoofly Pie

Ingredients: 1 cup flour
2/3 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon butter (crumbled)
1 cup light molasses (or 1/2 cup dark molasses and 1/2 cup Karo syrup)
3/4 cup boiling water
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 egg, beaten
Prepared pie shell

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix the flour, brown sugar, and butter together in a small bowl. In anothe rbowl, mix the molasses, boiling water, soda, and beaten egg. Add half the crumb mixture to the liquid mixture, but do not beat. Pour into prepared pie shell and cover the top with the remaining crumbs. Bake for 10 minutes; then lower oven temperature to 350 degrees. Bake for another 30 minutes. May be served as a breakfast pie or as dessert.


I don't know about you, but when it comes to Jesus I tend to be one of two types of salesman. Sadly, the one I have been most often is the nonexistent salesman. You know the type. They never acknowledge you are in the store; they make you feel totally ignored. I get this treatment a lot because apparently I don't look old enough to really be interested in purchasing things such as cologne for my husband. Anyways, unfortunately I do tend to choose not to tell people about Jesus. Why? Well I tend to believe, or at least convince myself, that everyone already knows or already goes to church. I know that isn't true. If it were, our world would be a lot better place. It's like I think what I know isn't worth sharing. That's a bunch of hogwash (to quote my fil). Jesus is definitely worth sharing.

I've also been quilty of being the other kind of salesman. The pushy kind that won't get off your back for two seconds. They follow you around, making you (or at least me) not want to buy anything. This is the salesman that the devotional was referring to. Oversaling Jesus! Why do we feel the need to do this? Don't we know that He is good enough to sale himself. It cracks me up that we would think we are capable to add some kind of good to God. I mean honestly, think about it. Like I said, even I've been guilty of this.

The nonbeliever doesn't need either one of the types of salesman. They need us to tell them about Jesus, yes! The Bible demands that we share the good news, but we have to show it too. It's a fine line that I'm sure we've all crossed more than once. But I'm thankful this devotional has brought it to my attention again so that I can be more aware of it in the future.

And that's it. That's all I have to night - I hope this makes since as I am very tired!!

Project 365

I am so excited about this. It is called Project 365. You take a picture every day during the year. Then you journal on a little card about the day. I think it is going to be so fun!!! Thanks Jill for telling me about it. This is going to be really neat to look back on, even at the end of the year. To look @ what stood out to me each and every day.

For anyone who wants to follow me in this project, I am creating a new blog for Project 365. I will post my pic & journaling every day.. Or at least I'm going to try.

Well, it's Monday!

Last night, not long after I posted about being stressed out, my sweet husband set down and helped me figure out some GREAT lesson plans for my 8th graders. We ended up working until around 11, because we had so many good ideas. Don't I just have the best hubby EVER?!?!

No, it wasn't easy this morning to get up. In fact my alarm started going off @ 5:20 - I rolled out of bed around 6:10. :) Once I was up, it wasn't that bad though. As I started putting stuff in puppies' room, Liberty knew! She went and sat on her blanket and stayed. I felt so bad. They have been so excited since I got home.

Anyways, today wasn't nearly as bad as I thought. Several seventh graders got their schedule changed today - this was actually a good thing. It made the dynamics in the classes better. 8th graders were pretty stinkin good too. I think I scared them by telling them they are going to have 2-3 quizzes a week so they better pay attention. One of them even asked if I had a sad Christmas. LOL!!

Thanks for all of those you said a little prayer for me this morning. And Chelsey thanks for reminding me that I should be thankful for my job! I needed that.

Tomorrow is Monday!

I've been saying all week that Monday is Monday. Maybe that is obvious to most of you, but for the first time in two weeks it means Monday is the beginning of the work week for me. I am so NOT looking forward to it. I'm pretty excited about what I'm doing with 7th grade, but I just can't seem to get at all excited about those darn 8th graders. Landforms just aren't interesting. I'm working on lesson plans for the following framework

Investigate how global patterns of water currents influence local weather:
• Gulf Stream
• Atlantic Currents
• California Current

I just don't know what to do. I think part of the problem is that I'm stepping into territory that I don't feel too confident in. I'm having to really do my homework. I can't believer I've waited until tonight to do this. I'm kicking myself right now.

Okay - I guess I will quit whining and get to work. If you happen to read this tonight, please say a little prayer for me. I really do want to get excited about this.

Five years ago today

I became Mrs. Andrew Weaver! It was a good day. Our wedding was small and simple, but perfect. I woke up a nervous wreck that day. I felt sick to my stomach all morning. That changed the moment they opened the doors for me to walk down the aisle. There at the end stood my best friend crying like a baby. :) We laughed through our vows because up until that point I swore I wasn't taking that man in sickness. He is a big baby when he is sick. LOL!! Then when they were ready to announce us husband and wife, AJ started crying again. I swear!! It was sweet. Our reception was a lot of fun. We are definitely those people who shoved cake into each others faces. I can still here Jill over to the side saying, "Drew, be nice!" LOL! We already knew what was about to happen despite her warning. Unfortunately my husband is a good foot taller than me, meaning his arms are much longer than mine. Because of that I never stood a chance of winning the cake fight. :)

It hasn't been an easy five years, but they've been good years. We've laughed and we've cried. We have crazy stories already in our five years. I'll save those for another time. God willing, we have lots more tears, laughter, and craziness ahead of us.

Today started off very slow. My dear sweet husband slept until 1:00 PM!! Yes, you read that correctly. When he finally got up and ready, I took him to the Clinton Library. I'll admit it was pretty cool. He really enjoyed it. Afterwards, we ate @ Appleebees which is standard anniversary stuff for us.

After our bellys were full it was off to see Marley and Me. I'm not sure why but I was a little disappointed in the movie. Everyone has been talking about how GREAT it is, and I think I just had it built up in my mind a little too much. It was good though. WE both cried. I'm sure Drew, like myself, was thinking about the day when we would go through that with our furbabies. I so dread the day Liberty passes. Liam too, but Liberty is my girl.

And let me just say today was beautiful!!!! So warm and nice. Then again it always is on January 3rd. Seriously! It has been for the past five years.

Now we are home and resting. Below are a few pictures from then and now.

One of our engagement pics







Our first Valentine's Day together. Andrew bought me my first laptop, which also came with these cool hats.

May '05

Drew's Birthday '06

Spring Break Retreat '06

Thanksgiving '07

Christmas '07

Today @ Clinton Library

Simple Life Day #1 Part 5

Today I have only for you two quotes that I found about hospitality.

"Hospitality should have no other nature than love." Henrietta Miers

"When hospitality becomes an art, it loses its very soul." Max Beerbohm

I don't think, no I know we will never be perfect at being hospitable. But we do it because we love each other.

If you have the opportunity to give or receive hospitality in the weeks to come, please share with me. Let's encourage each other through our experiences.

What to do for Drew?

Tomorrow will mark our five year anniversary. It's a big deal to me. Sure five years isn't long, yet it is. You know? I won't even begin to say they have been an easy five years, because they haven't. But I will say that each year gets better. Why? Easy. We're getting older and wiser. Just kidding. Actually it is because we are both growing a little closer to God each year and allowing Him a little more in our marriage. Without him, I know we wouldn't have made to five years. And with him, we hopefully have many more ahead of us.

Anyways, tomorrow we will do our usual anniversary celebration. We will eat @ Applebees as that is where we ate on our first date back on September 30, 2001. Then we will see a movie. This is fine for me. I will be more than happy with this. I'm so excited that our anniversary is on a Saturday and we will have all day together. It is our first Saturday anniversary. :)

But, it is five years! Something about that makes me want to do something extra special for Andrew. I just don't have a clue what to do. I looked up what the five year anniversary gift should be. The traditional gift is WOOD and the modern gift is SILVERWARE. That leads me to believe I should buy my husband a wooden spoon. :) (giggles) Wouldn't he love that. Seriously, what should I do?

I plan to make him a card either tonight or before he wakes up in the morning. The only other idea I have is to go to the Clinton Presidential Library. I know romantic right? Not really, but he has always wanted to go and I've always refused. Might make for a fun outing.

That's all I've got though. I'm clueless. I'm coming to you in hopes that you might have a brilliant idea! Please share. Any and all ideas welcome. And it's okay - he doesn't read my blog.

I'll be back later tonight with the fifth and final segment of Simple Life Day #1. But I'm going to try to stay clear of the blog world and my computer all together tomorrow. It's a day for just me and my hubby. :) Later.

New Look

Okay so I'm still not happy with the new look of my blog, but if I spend any more time on thecutestblog or scrapblog...... I'm going to go insane! I don't know if I am being too picky or what, but I can't find anything I like. I'm so ready for Andrew to get home so we can have a blog title photo shoot, because I can't find a single picture I actually want to use. BLAH!!!

Simple Life Day #1 Part 4

As I searched biblegateway for the word hospitality, a new perspective came to me. Luke 10:7 says Don’t move around from home to home. Stay in one place, eating and drinking what they provide. Don’t hesitate to accept hospitality, because those who work deserve their pay.

For the past three days the only way I've seen it offering hospitality, but what about accepting hospitality. Hopefully in your life time you have already to have the opportunity to do this. I hope that you have many more opportunities ahead of you as well.

I'll admit, for me accepting hospitality comes easy most of the time. Maybe that is because I only really remember accepting it from family and very close friends. However there are many accounts when someone will hold the door for me @ Wal-Mart or wherever. When I have both Liberty & Liam, I tend to be on the accepting end of hospitality quite often. They are a handful without Andrew to help me and I think that is obvious to the people around me.

I do, however, no people who have a very hard time accepting hospitality. They don't like people to pay for their meal, help them carry something, etc, etc. I often ask myself why they are this way. I just don't understand it. I have a student who doesn't have the best home life. He is a very sweet young man and will make you love him the instant you meet him. Teachers & students both have offered help to his father (single parent) several times. This dad gets angry when something is given to his family. He says he is the provider and doesn't need hand outs. Can you say pride? The only conclusion that I am able to reach is that people who just can not accept hospitality don't have a relationship with Jesus Christ. They are still believing that they only need themselves.

How does this change how we offer hospitality? To be honest, I'm not sure. I don't think you can make someone accept hospitality. All you can do is offer it and pray. I do think that part of the problem is that there isn't enough people out there offering hospitality. It is very uncommon in today's society and that is very sad to me.

Okay that's it for today. I feel like this post was just rambling, but today I simply typed as things come into my head. I'm fairly certain there is something good in this post because I've searched biblegateway every day this week for hospitality and today is the first time I noticed Luke 10:7. I will have to go back and read this post later.

Tomorrow will be the last day for hospitality as far as I can see. I want Saturday & Sunday to be a little different. I'm not sure what it will be yet. Monday I will start Simple Life Day #2.

Also - I want to invite all of you to join me in the His Holy Name Challenge. This is hosted by Patter. It is a scrapbooking thing, but I encourage you to do the Bible Study even if you aren't into the scrapbooking thing. We are going to learn more about the God we serve and love. I am so excited. I am counting down the days until this Sunday when it will start.