Life... As It Happens to Me

Update on Things

2011-07-13T15:00:00.002-05:00

I looked at my poor, neglected blog and thought I might need to let everyone know what's been going on with me recently. Since school's been out, I've been working really hard on my tan, swimming a lot at Nana's pool with the boys, and trying to find time to read.

The entire family made a quick trip to Siloam Springs to meet my new niece (alright, she's my cousin, but I'm still going to be her aunt) Parker EvaMarie Forrester (Jami and Greg's new baby) who was born May 13th. Braden attended the Southside basketball camp for the second year and has been busy trying to either beat a game on the X-box or swim under water the farthest! He also attended the swimming lessons sponsored by the Batesville Kiwanis program. He has become so proficient with his swimming, he was allowed to jump off the high dive!

Landon has been attending Southside Preschool this summer and has started swimming like a little fish. His favorite thing to do in the pool is to be thrown as far as possible and as high as possible. He is so funny! We've also been reading a lot at night. His favorite book so far has been Shel Silverstien's "Where the Sidewalk Ends." He even memorized one of the poems... I'll have a video soon!

Dad has been working really hard at the bank and trying to go to the pool whenever possible. We did have a scary time on July 6th, when dad went to the emergency with chest pains and trouble breathing. After being examined and tested, it was determined that he had had a cardiac event- not a heart attack, but an event. They performed the dye test and did find a small blockage on the back of his heart. Dad now has a stint and is on sick leave for a few weeks while he recovers. He did try to go back to work out of boredom, but no one is letting him (ha!).

Mom's had her fair share of surgery too. In June, she had cataract surgery and a new lens implanted into her left eye. Her eye doctor told her earlier that week that she would not be able to pass the driving test because of her vision. After her surgery, she now has 20/20 vision in her new eye. She's been having a little trouble since her right eye surgery isn't scheduled until July 19th. Keep both of my parents in your prayers!

Jonathan's doing good as well. He recently came off the third shift and moved to second shift, which is better for him, but he doesn't get to spend a lot of time with the boys. He did get a new police cruiser, so when you see the charcoal or gun metal Dodge Charger police cruiser with the two fleurettes on the back bumper, give him a honk! He's got the only one like it in the county.

Needless to say, we are having a busy summer, and hopefully when I get home I can upload some video and pictures for you!

Ghostly Nights

2011-04-03T15:59:00.003-05:00

Recently I've become a fan of the Travel Channel program "Ghost Adventures." The premise: three guys are locked into locations overnight and experience all kinds of paranormal activity. Some of the shows are really intense, and they've even been to Arkansas for an episode. Sometimes in the investigations, the guys use digital still cameras to see if they can capture anything. I have always been a little skeptical until I captured this:

This was taken at 12:32AM on January 31, 2010 as I stood on my driveway, looking into the yard at my dad's truck. I only recently discovered this photo as I was cleaning out my files on my computer. If you look at this light anomaly, the first thing you notice is the weird shape of the path of the light. It looks as if the light is traveling from the right to left and back again as it travels from the top of the frame to the bottom; you can also see it looks as if it's going away from me and then changes direction to come back toward me. Next, I noticed that whatever is moving through the frame is also spinning from right to left. The glowing green light behind it could be caused from a shaking of the camera, but I was using a tripod and a flash, so shaking should not have been a factor. I researched what the temperature was that night and the low was listed as 9 degrees Fahrenheit, so I don't believe it was water dripping from the trees. I also don't believe it was an insect of any kind, with a 9 degree temperature reading. And I don't believe it was a snowflake falling, since the temperature that day had been above freezing a little, leaving a crust of ice on top of the snow, and the setting on my camera was set at f/3.5 with an ISO 200 (my camera was not set to be very sensitive to light). My mother thought it might be a double exposure, but I have never had that happen with digital photography. And that would only explain the weird green light, not the white light speeding toward me.

So what do I think it is? I have no idea. Any suggestions?

Book Suggestion

2011-01-21T12:21:00.003-06:00

Imagine that it's about 200 years in the future. The world as we know it today no longer exits. The continent known as North America no longer looks the way we know it. The ice caps have melted and the seas have swallowed a large portion of the east coast. Earthquakes washed almost all of the west coast into the ocean. The area is now known as Panem and consists of the Capitol (the main area for all business and livelihood for Panem), located in the Rocky Mountains, and twelve outlying districts that incorporate the remaining land mass. The Capitol is in complete control of the districts way of life, from work to play. No one is allowed to do anything that isn't sanctioned by the Capitol. The reason for the control: seventy-four years ago, during the Dark Days, the rebellion was defeated and the districts lost everything to the Capitol. One way the Capitol keeps the districts in line and to remind them of their loss in the rebellion is the Hunger Games. Every year, the districts are required to send one male and one female tribute into the Hunger Games, the ultimate reality show where the tributes battle in an area specially designed by game makers until there is only one person left standing, all while the entire nation of Panem watches on television. The catch- the tributes are between the ages of twelve to eighteen, the youth of the district.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins is a fantastic book. It takes you to a place you've never seen, even though some of the landmarks are very similar to what we know. It follows the journey of a Hunger Games tribute, Katniss, as she battles in the Games to save all those she loves. This is a fairly quick read, aimed mostly at young adult audiences. There are several graphic scenes that young children probably shouldn't read. It's great for either boys or girls with lots of action and a little romance. I've read all three books in this series, and I read them in three days! I loved The Hunger Games so much, I downloaded the audio version to keep on my iPod in my car and reread all three.

The books: The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and Mockingjay
You can find Suzanne Collins's website here.

If you read it, let me know what you think!

"[The Hunger Games] is a violent, jarring, speed-rap of a novel that generates nearly constant suspense...I couldn't stop reading." --Stephen King, Entertainment Weekly Review

"I was so obsessed with this book I had to take it with me out to dinner and hide it under the edge of the table so I wouldn't have to stop reading. The story kept me up for several nights in a row, because even after I was finished, I just lay in bed wide awake thinking about it...The Hunger Games is amazing." --Stephenie Meyer, www.stepheniemeyer.com

"The Hunger Games is as close to perfect an adventure novel as I've ever read. I could not put it down. Collins has transformed the ancient Labyrinth myth into a terrifyingly believable tale of future America. Readers will be hungry for more. --Rick Riordan, author of The Percy Jackson Series and The 39 Clues

“[The Hunger Games] is a great book, and very thought-provoking. Read this along with your teen and discuss it.” --Charlaine Harris, www.charlaineharris.com

"BEST. CHILDREN'S BOOKS. EVER." "A Recent Book That Rocked My Dystopian World" --Jon Scieszka, Newsweek

Before and After

2011-01-20T20:47:00.003-06:00

The full moon has been extrordinary the last two nights, especially with the winter weather we've had. Here's a shot I took last night...

After the clouds began moving in a little later...

And finally tonight, an icy-snowy-super-cold mess.

Charlaine Harris Books

2010-11-30T19:50:00.003-06:00

I've had several people e-mail me about the Charlaine Harris books I started reading this summer. Mostly they asked me if they were worth reading. My answer: absolutely! I think I became a little obsessed with this series. After I finished the last book, I was sad there were no more new stories to read. I loved the stories, I loved the characters, and I loved the plots in each book. I also love the fact that Charlaine Harris is an Arkansan, living in Arkansas, and writing about the South.

Okay, here's the premise of these books. Vampires are real. They have been living in secret for centuries. After a Japanese company created a synthetic blood substitute, TrueBlood, the vampires decided to "come out of the coffin." The stories are set in a small rural town in Louisianna call Bon Temps and focus around a young heroine named Sookie Stackhouse. Sookie seems to be a normal young lady, normal except for her disability: she's telepathic. But her telepathy doesn't reach the vampire mind, so being around vampires offers her a new solace in life that she has never had.

The books are often very funny and are really easy to read. The characters are great because Ms. Harris has no limit to the amount of history these people can have. And I love the fact that I've been in a lot of the locations she sets her stories in.

If you get a chance, you should at least read the first book. HBO thought it was good enough to base an entire show on, for three seasons and counting.

My recommendation: read them for fun!

Billy and the Nephews

2010-11-30T19:28:00.003-06:00

Wow. I can't believe it's been over two months since I posted something on the blog. That's horrible.

Well, a lot has been going on in the Brown house since September. The boys have become obsessed with a couple of things. Braden has been reading like there's no tomorrow. Actually, he reads because he has to do so, and then gripes and complains about it afterwards, but he's reading! Landon has become the poster child for anything John Deere. He won't wear anything unless it's got the Deere logo or has the green and yellow colors. Not to mention that anytime A&E has a "Billy the Exterminator" marathon on, we have to sit through about three hours of rodent, reptile, and insect removal.

Our family is going to be a little bigger in a few months. My cousin Jami is expecting her first little one the end of May. We can't wait to meet Parker Marie (notice my statement of faith for a little girl there. We've got so many boys!). Congratulations Jami and Greg!

School has been going really well. I have the same issues that all teachers have- discipline with certain students, writing lesson plans, developing materials, having fun with music, etc. I've got what I call Bedlam happening over the next three weeks. I've got four performances coming up the last two weeks before the break, including a full on Christmas concert with one of my schools (grades K-6). Pray for me!

If we can and if the weather is nice, hopefully we'll have a new family picture this weekend. We are going to try to fit that in between decorating the yard for Christmas, shopping, and watching Auburn kick South Carolina in the patooty so Arkansas can go to the Sugar Bowl. Go Auburn! Go Hogs!

New Site!

2010-09-16T15:20:00.001-05:00

Well, since I've changed school districts, I've had to change my class website. The Batesville School District lets all teacher have the ability to create their own webpage for their class. I've been working on moving my wikispaces website over to the Batesville site. Check it out if you get a chance!

My New Website

After School Fun

2010-09-01T21:14:00.003-05:00

What's the best thing to do after a fun day of school and an amazing time on the playground in the afternoon?Stop for ice cream, of course!

Game Night at the Browns

2010-08-20T18:51:00.004-05:00

My mom and dad recently visited my aunt and uncle in Northwest Arkansas. While they were there, one of the ways they spent some time together was playing dominoes, Chicken Foot to be exact. And not just playing it for small amounts of time, they were playing until 3:00 AM. Yes, I said 3:00 AM! I didn't think my parents had it in them to stay awake that long. Most of the time, they are asleep in the recliners before they even sit down!

Well, needless to say, mom was inspired. She's an educator, and we educators are always looking for new and fun ways for our kids to learn. And since we have two kids at home, what's a more fun way to learn something than hanging out with your super cool dad, way super cool aunt, and lovingly cool grandparents. Well, they are only 6 and 3...

The funny thing is... the adults have taken over the game. Two weekends in a row, I watched my dad stay up until 1:00 AM to finish a game. Who said game night with the family was lame? They've apparently never played Chicken Foot with my family!

***Disclaimer: I do not cheat at Chicken Foot, no matter what my brother says. It's all strategery baby!

The End of the Beginning

2010-08-12T17:49:00.009-05:00

Six years ago today, a little fellow came into the world.

His mother loved him with all that she was.

He captured the attention of my little brother and made him become the father figure we all knew he could be.

He took his Nana and wrapped her surreptitiously around the tiny little finger on his hand.

He stole the heart of my parents, probably way faster than either of them would like to admit.

He even melted the cold-heart that I have been accused of having.

Today, this six year old is about to enter first grade, loves anything to do with video games, watches the Disney channel almost religiously, and loves to play basketball.

Who knew that small, beautiful baby boy would become such an awesome little boy and the center of our world six years later?

Happy Birthday Braden!

A Blast from the Past...

2010-08-06T21:48:00.003-05:00

1980 was full of lots of interesting events.

Mt. St. Helen's erupted. "Airplane" was the number one movie. Michael Jackson released his first single, "Rock With You."

And my baby brother was born. I told my mom and dad to take him back; I wanted a sister. I'm glad they didn't listen!

Happy Birthday Brother!

Doctor, Doctor, Give Me the News

2010-08-03T18:57:00.002-05:00

Landon went to visit his regular doctor this afternoon. Looks like his ear drum is no longer perforated. Dr. O'Brien said it still looked a little distorted, but it was definitely not perforated. Yeah!

In other news, Braden started gymnastics tonight. We'll see how that goes. Maybe I'll have pictures next week!

A Pain in the Ear...

2010-07-31T23:04:00.002-05:00

Earlier this week, we all noticed Landon had been sniffling a little more than usually. By Friday, he was pulling at his ear. Jonathan and I took him to the clinic to visit with the doctor this morning, thinking he probably had an ear infection, and we found out he might have a perforated ear drum! Poor baby can't play in water until it's healed and has to have the most torturous ear drops put into his ear twice a day for ten days. He's going to his normal doctor on Tuesday (if we can move our appointment up) and then he's been referred to an ear-nose-and-throat doctor as well. Please keep the little guy in your prayers- and Jonathan, especially when he has to put those drops in Landon's ear!

Cool in the Pool

2010-07-30T23:28:00.004-05:00

I was picking Landon up from his pre-school earlier this week and noticed his teacher had made a cute new photo-collage for the door. On it was this amazing picture of one child, stretched out in a pool wearing sunglasses and laughing. As I looked at it closely, I noticed it was a photo of our own ham of a child. Oh my goodness, does this one have some personality!

A few summer pics...

2010-07-27T02:08:00.006-05:00

Here are a few pictures from this summer. I can't believe how quickly this summer has moved!

Between Landon and Braden's schools is a large area that usually has goats of all sizes. Recently we noticed this new addition. Landon has named him Fred.

Braden's been working on his swimming a lot this summer. Nana takes him to the Olympic swimming pool at the country club every weekend; his summer program goes to the Mickey Mouse pool every Friday morning; and it seems that every birthday party we've been to this summer has been at the pool too! He's gotten so good swimming, he doesn't have to wear the life jacket and he's been okayed by the life guards to move into the five foot area. Way to go Braden!

I do try to get the boys to pose for me. Braden will cooperate for about five minutes, as long as the location is precarious and dangerous.

Landon, on the other hand, refuses to pose for anything, or stand still for five seconds for that matter. I'm lucky to come away with the few non-blurry pictures I have of him!

I only wish I had the ability to pull off this fashion statement some days!

Braden attended the basketball camp held by the high school coaches at Southside. He absolutely loved it. Too bad I can't get him to practice his dribbling without a Wii remote in his hand!

And of course, what's the Fourth of July without a little sprinkler action! Hope your summer is going as well as ours!

A Total "Eclipse" of the Harry Potter

2010-07-02T00:15:00.008-05:00

My Aunt Kay (Team Jacob, by the way) treated me (Team Edward, not to be confused with team Rob) Wednesday afternoon to the latest Twilight movie- Eclipse. It was really good. I enjoyed it a lot for a book-based movie, maybe because it's been about a year since I read the book. There are a few things different in the movie, but nothing that ruined the story or will have to be put back in for the next movie. Kristen Stewart and Rob Pattinson have both progressed in their characters, and the direction in this one made both their characters more likeable. Remember how much I hated the first movie? Jonathan even saw it today and liked it as well. So guys, it's a pretty good movie for you too. Even though there's a whole lot of wolf-boys without their shirts (yummy eye candy ladies!).

Anyway, the most exciting thing I saw may have been the preview for the final installment of the Harry Potter series. I seriously don't think I breathed for about 90 seconds while it was on. Although it did make me mad when I realized they have broken it into two parts. Part one will be released at Thanksgiving and part two will be released (take a deep breath here because this is the part that made me mad) in JULY 2011. Yes, July. 2011. A long freakin' time. 2011. July.

And since I'm having problems adding/editing images tonight and the boys have water day tomorrow which I need to pack some backpacks and set out the swim gear for, I'm cutting this short. Happy Fourth!

I'm a Nerd!

2010-06-15T13:32:00.001-05:00

I was at a workshop today, and the presenter showed this clip. It is a single guy, singing four different parts, paying tribute to John Williams's music and telling the story of Star Wars. I completely loved it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lk5_OSsawz4

The Dog Days of Summer

2010-06-09T21:34:00.003-05:00

I really don't have any fun pictures to share or any fun anecdotes that have happened, but I thought I really should attempt to blog since I've been so bad at it recently.

Summer is getting into a good rhythm. Last week, Braden and I got to spend some quality time together. We pretty much played outside, played the Wii, played at the park, and watched Phineas and Ferb... a lot. We also took a special day and went to the movies, just the two of us, to see "The Prince of Persia." Let me just say that Braden and I absolutely loved this movie! It was like the first "Pirates of the Caribbean" when it came out. So fun!

The boys both go to their summer programs every weekday. Landon is at his pre-school and is having fun every day. This week he is the story helper- not sure what this position does, but he was excited. Every Friday they have "Water Day," which basically means they are playing in water hoses and kiddie pools. This Friday, they do get to go to the Mickey Mouse pool and have fun splashing around in the city pool. How would you like to be in charge of fifty 3, 4, and 5 year olds?

Braden is attending T.R.A.C.K.S. at his school. It's a character building educational summer program that helps bridge the gap during the end of one year and the beginning of the next to help students not loose too much of what the teachers gave them and have fun in the process. He gets to spend the day reading, playing with a lot of the kids from his class, and doing special programs. They get to travel two days a week with this program. This week, they're going to a petting zoo and then a picnic and play time at the river. Sounds kind of fun to me!

As for me and mom, we've been working on creating a bedroom for the boys to share. Since we are all staying in mom and dad's house (my house is basically stripped down to studs in most areas, and Jonathan's work schedule keeps him out at weird hours), the boys really don't have a space of their own. Mom finally decided that she was forgoing her formal living room and turning it into Braden and Landon's room. We've gotten bunk beds, moved all the "adult furniture" out, and started setting up a cool play/bed/activity room for them. They seem really excited about having their own beds, at least until bedtime. For the last nine months or so, they have been sleeping in one of our beds. I guess we're going to have to work hard to get them used to sleeping in their own beds again!

I'm meeting with my new principal tomorrow to go over my staff development plan for the summer and to see one of my new classrooms. I'm really excited about working at Batesville again. The elementaries are set up magnet style- meaning each elementary focuses on certain aspects to allow students a chance to better meet their interests. Eagle Mountain focuses on Health and International/ Multicultural Interests. I can't wait to do all the World Drumming and other programs I've always wanted to do. Central, the other elementary I'll be at, focuses on math and science. I can't wait to start coming up with lesson plans that relate to all the fun subjects these schools can bring. It's going to be fun!

I guess that's all I have to share right now. I really didn't mean to type so much, so I guess I had more going on than I thought I did.

Change is a-comin'

2010-06-01T09:27:00.006-05:00

Well, since I haven't posted since the beginning of March (bad blogger!), lots of things have happened. We've had lots of concerts and several graduations, including our own graduate!

First, at the end of April, the band director and I took a couple of our ensembles to Branson to compete in the Music in the Parks series. The band placed second with a good rating, and the Chamber Choir placed fourth with a good rating as well. Which meant we brought home trophies. Yeah us!

The next weekend (what poor planning on our part!) was the 2nd Annual ICC Talent Show. We had fun with over twenty entries in the competition. Congratulations to the winners!

The next Monday, I did something really intense. I interviewed for an elementary position in Batesville. Apparently Helen Musgrave is retiring, so her position at Eagle Mountain and Central will be open for next year. After going through the interview process, I was offered the job and accepted. There were just too many pros and not enough cons to not take this job. So a week later, I resigned at ICC. I was able to prepare a couple of students before I made the announcement, so it wasn't a total shock. However, one of my students recently asked her mother who my sub was going to be until I came back!

On May 24th Braden graduated from Kindergarten. And Landon had his Spring program too. I'm so proud of both of them. Braden even did most of the motions this year, rather than standing there looking mad! Landon, on the other hand, looked scared to death the whole time he was on stage. At one point he even tried to escape.

We've made it to the end of another school year, and am looking forward to relaxing and reading a few books. Braden and I have three days by ourselves this week. Everyone else is in school through Thursday!

A Day Gift Wrapped with Tag that Says Love Satan

2010-03-10T12:01:00.002-06:00

So, I have had one of the WORST DAYS EVER!

Let's go back a few days, shall we...

Saturday morning, I woke up with a rather sore throat. I thought nothing of it; it is the beginning of the worst part of the allergy season for me, so I just made a note to remember to take my Zyrtec that night. I had gotten up early. I had an appointment at the Ford dealership to replace a turn signal light. Nothing big or dramatic planned for the rest of the day.

As Saturday went on, I started feeling really bad, and noticed my throat kept getting worse... and worse... and worse. I finally broke down and started gargling with warm salt water with a dash of peroxide, to kill all the nasties I knew were growing in my throat. Apparently, it didn't work.

When I awoke Sunday morning to the beautiful trilling of my mother yelling at Landon to get dressed for church, I knew something was not right. My throat was on fire. I could not swallow, nor could I breath through my nose. I felt like I was drowning, and thus began expelling volumes and volumes of mucus, not in a tissue, no that would be the easy, polite way to do it. Since I could swallow, nor do much of anything, I mostly spewed (sorry for the graphic nature of this post!!!) from my mouth any time there was any kind of liquid build up in my mouth. I have never been so miserable in my life.

I had a small bit of a voice left, so I called the secretary at the High School and quietly asked her for a sub for Monday please. She obliged. I went to bed. The plan was for dad to call the doctor's office Monday morning, since there was no way I would be able to be understood on the phone. Dad did so. I went to the doctor, got my diagnosis (Strep throat, of course), got my antibiotics, and was forbidden to go to work Tuesday. Dr. Oliver told me Wednesday would be pushing it. Man, I really should have listened...

Mom called the secretary for me Monday night, because by then, I would have had to use the telephone relay for the deaf in order to speak on the phone. I slept in Tuesday and really felt a whole lot better.

Wednesday morning, I planned to leave early since I had morning duty and hadn't been in my classroom for two days. I leftwell ahead of schedule, not believing my good fortune- what a dupe! As I drove into Melbourne, fifteen minutes from my school, I began having a scratching in my throat. I started looking for a place to pull over, because I didn't want to, for lack of a better word, spew all of the window. I grabbed for my coffee and managed to get the hack attack under control. At least I thought I did.

As I pulled into my parking space at school, I started the cough again. Only this time it's accompanied by the spew! How I managed to get out of my car before the stream began, I have no idea. As I survey the damage, praying there is none on the inside of my car, I realized that everything is out on the asphalt. Everything that is except the small spot about the size of my cell phone on my knee. I think to myself, I can manage that. A little water and a shout wipe, and we're all good.

I began puttering around my room, not used to having about 30 minutes before kids arrive. I should never count my chickens...

7:25 AM

Room's a disaster. Trash and chairs everywhere. Permission forms and t-shirt orders piled up on my desk.

7:40 AM

All's well. Chairs are set up. Computer is on. Piano is ready. Pile is under control.

7:45 AM

Andrew arrives early in class like usual. Since he's in a wheelchair, he likes to avoid high traffic areas. I begin getting ready to head to the cafeteria.

7:48 AM

Kiara walks in with a question about our up-coming field trip. I notice my stomach is doing a few flips. Not the upper digestive, but the lower digestive.

7:49 AM

Stomach still flipping, more insistently now.

7:50 AM

Rather than heading to the cafeteria for duty, I head to the teacher's lounge for the bathroom.

7:51 AM

I arrive at the teacher's lounge bathroom about 10 seconds too late. I will not go into details, but I will say that I will now always carry a change of clothes in my car.

8:02 AM

I walk into the secretary's office. I get her attention. She and several other teachers look at me and I very politely say, Ms. Juanita, I need a sub.

8:30 AM

Ms. Juanita's sister arrives to sub for me. I gather my belongings and head home.

I think the gift wrapping and the bow were just an added insult to the way I was feeling.

Little House on the Prairie

2010-01-08T22:24:00.005-06:00

One of my favorite collections of books from my childhood is the "Little House on the Prairie" collection. I can remember reading those for the first time when I was a little girl. And then I can remember watching Melissa Gilbert as Laura Ingles on the television series. It was a family affair.

Recently, the national tour of the "Little House on the Prairie- The Musical" has been making the rounds. It was in Memphis at the beginning of December, and mom made the comment she would love to see it. Especially since Melissa Gilbert is playing the role of "Ma."

So, I got two tickets for her and me as a Christmas present. It was kind of a coup! She had no clue I had even remembered she said anything about it. We are staying with my aunt and uncle in Siloam Springs and going to the show Saturday afternoon. (It also gave me a good chance to test out my new car on the highway!)

I really can't wait to see this production. I've only heard good things about it, and I get to see MELISSA GILBERT!!!!

Merry Christmas and Ho Ho Ho...

2009-12-28T22:35:00.003-06:00

Christmas was really fun. Got lots of good stuff, gave some great stuff too! But the best thing I got was a present I bought myself...

A 2007 Ford Edge!

I'm Alive I Swear! Just Really Busy!

2009-12-07T21:54:00.002-06:00

So I haven't blogged since the first of October. So what? You're still checking to see if I posted, right?

Alright, here's the update. And pictures will follow soon.

October flew by. I had several students compete in the State Fair Youth Talent Show. One act, Alli and Lucas, won their regional and got to compete in the finals. They didn't win, but totally should have. Aladdin and Princess Jasmine totally didn't deserve to win!

Halloween was fun. Landon wore his monkey costume again and was just as cute, if not cuter, this year than last year. I decided to stay home, hand out goodies, and watch the Razorbacks kill some random team for Homecoming.

November was rather busy. Lots of rehearsals for the Community Theater. Thanksgiving was fun, and Nana made some excellent turkey and dressing!

This last weekend was the ICFCT's production of "A Little More Off Broadway." It was so much fun! I have forgotten how much I like doing plays and things. We just put a whole bunch of songs together as a revue, and had a blast doing it. I made some great friends and can't wait to do it again, and maybe get paid for it!

My Christmas Concerts for school are scheduled for the 14th and the 17th. Right now, I'm supposed to be working on programs for the concerts, but as you can see, I'm blogging! School ends on the 18th and then it's two weeks off for the holidays. Gosh, that sure can't come soon enough. Well, got to get to work. I've procrastinated enough between blogging and Facebook!

Procrastination is the New Trend

2009-10-08T20:37:00.003-05:00

Holy cow, it's almost the middle of October! Sorry that I haven't written anything in a while. I've been a little busy. I know, no excuse- every one's busy.

School is going very well. We are almost through the first nine weeks, if you can believe that. Nine weeks tests are next week, and parent teacher conferences the week after that. The choirs are working very hard. We've already started some Christmas music, and "Carol of the Bells" is progressing along at a very nice pace if I say so! Chamber Choir is currently working on the Cactus Cuties arrangement of "The Star Spangled Banner." We're going to record it tomorrow, so I can let you all hear how well they are sounding. I'm super proud of all my groups this year.

Braden has been home sick all this week. He's been running a really high temperature that we can't seem to stop from coming back. No swine flu, though, just some kind of bug!

Landon is growing by leaps and bounds. He will be three at the end of the month, if you can believe that. I just hope he fits into his monkey costume!

I've started the search for a new car. I have my choices narrowed down to a Ford Edge, a Nissan Murano, or a Chevy Equinox. Yes, I'm looking at crossover SUVs. Nothing is wrong with my car, except that it's twelve years old and has over 160,000 miles on it. But, I've got to have something I can haul around a piano and four kids, not to mention store the car seat and the booster seat for the nephews.

I don't know if all of you know, but I auditioned for the Izard County Community Theater in August. We are rehearsing for a Broadway revue that will include songs from Rent, South Pacific, West Side Story, The Pajama Game, The Sound of Music, and a lot of other musicals I can't remember off the top of my head. Our only problem is our director is in Little Rock at Children's Hospital with his son. His appendix burst last week, and he's still having a lot of problems. Keep them in prayers!

And, yesterday I received my school picture. Does this bring back horrible memories or what?!!

A New Normal

2009-09-11T18:17:00.002-05:00

Things seem to be getting back to normal around here. I don't know about the rest of the family, but every once and a while I get these sudden urges to cry- for the boys growing up without a mother, for the way Melanie and her mother and grandmother were unable to patch things up, for Melanie's eleven year old brother Christopher. All these things and more just hit me at odd times during the day, and I usually end up crying for a minute or two.

We did find something interesting in the house last night. Jonathan decided to help Janine (she and two other people are helping clean and pack Jonathan and Melanie's house to get it ready to sell) by starting to clean the basement. Jonathan's had some trouble with the basement flooding, and apparently it flooded pretty badly over the summer and Melanie didn't tell Jonathan about it for one reason or another- probably because he was lying in the bed with a new hip. Well, a lot of the items in the basement were ruined because of water damage. As we started going through some of the water damaged items, we found a certificate of baptism from the First Assembly of God in Bagdad, Florida. It was dated August 24, 1997 and it was Melanie's! I felt such a relief after seeing that.

Some people have been asking what they can do to help us. Mostly we just need your prayers. Especially the boys. But if you feel like you want to do more, we've set up an account for donations to help Braden and Landon. If you would like to send a donation, please use the following information:

Citizens Bank

Jonathan Brown & Family

PO Box 2156

Batesville, AR 72503

Account Number: 6980260

Any amount you can donate will help them. We've been asking people to donate to the account rather than buying flowers or food. At least this way, the boys will have something good come out of this horrible tragedy.

Keep praying for us. And thank you.

We buried Melanie today.

2009-09-02T17:23:00.004-05:00

Today was a very hard day. We buried Melanie this morning. All week long I've been trying my best to hold it together, for the sake of my brother, the boys and my mom and dad. I just wanted to be there to help them as much as I could.

But this morning, I had to dress Landon and Braden for their mother's funeral. Nana, Melanie's grandmother, bought them a new outfit to wear for the service. Landon loved his and wanted to put it on because he knew how much his mom would have liked it. Braden on the other hand, did not even want to look at it. The day Janine brought it over for him to try on, he basically ran out of the room and wouldn't even look at it. I eventually got it on him, and as I started to get ready, my heart broke for my two boys. I've never in my life had to do something as hard as holding on to Braden's hand as we sat through the funeral for his mother. How can you help a five year old understand why things like this happen when it's so hard to understand yourself?

The boys did really well. Landon even went up and gave his mom a small little puppy to keep with her. She had given a similar one to Braden about six months ago that he hasn't let go of. Last night Landon wanted to watch the video we were showing at the visitation. Braden had not up to that moment wanted to even look at a picture. But I guess he decided it would be alright because he climbed up on my lap and watched the video with us.

I think everyone was ready for the funeral. We had to wait so long because some of her family was coming from France and Canada. The service was beautiful. Pastor Tony officiated and did such a good job. Melanie's sister Megan gave a eulogy that just about ripped my heart out. But the thing that still makes me cry is watching my brother as the grief started settling in on him, and the tears running down his face, and the sob coming from his chest. I love him so much and to see my little brother in so much pain tears me apart.

Melanie was buried in the family mausoleum at Janine's farm. It's a beautiful spot, looking over a valley and very close to her farm. Some of Mel's family is buried there. And the chapel connected to the mausoleum is absolutely beautiful- very reminiscent of the small family chapels you would see in the countryside in France.

After they had sealed her crypt, I walked Landon over to say goodbye. He wanted to pull her back out to look at her one more time. It about broke my heart when he blew her kisses as we walked away. I couldn't ever get Braden to go over to her grave to see her. But, he had his eleven year old uncle to keep him company, so he was dealing with things in his own way.

Please keep all of us in your prayers, especially Jonathan and the boys. This is going to be a difficult next few months for them. And thank you to everyone who came by, called, or just thought about us over the last six days. The scripture I picked out for her program still brings me hope:

"... in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:37-39

Melanie's Story

2009-09-01T08:28:00.002-05:00

Just Like That

2009-08-28T06:12:00.005-05:00

In the blink of an eye, your life can change.

Our family learned that yesterday. My brother has been in the law enforcement field for over ten years, and still the toughest thing he has ever had to do is family notifications. Yesterday, one of his friends had to perform this official duty for my brother.

My sister-in-law, Melanie, was killed in a car accident on Thursday morning. She was 25 years old and the mother of two.

And the one thing that keeps worrying on my heart: I don't know if she was saved.

Please keep our family in your prayers over the next few days and weeks. The boys are doing okay, but I don't think they realize exactly what has happened. But, how do you tell a five year old his mother will never come home again to see him?

Funeral arrangements will be made this morning. Melanie's family will be here today. They are coming in from Florida and Canada. Please pray for their safety in travel as well as peace during the next few days.

We appreciate all the people who have called, stopped by, texted, and brought food. The support and love you have shared with us has been remembered and loved.

Before... During...

2009-07-29T09:19:00.005-05:00

Many people have been asking how the house renovation is going and what the house looks like on the inside. I decided to use mom's Flip camera and make a video. But before you see the during, take a look at before:

Well, with a video camera, I thought I'd make a simple tour of the house. Check your volume; I'm still learning how to make the movie. Also, please ignore the fact that I have no makeup on and the general haggardness of my appearance- I'd been working in the house all day!

It's a Marry World!

2009-07-18T19:59:00.003-05:00

If you didn't know the new Harry Potter movie was released this week, you seriously haven't been paying attention to anything! I absolutely love these movies and books. Before I see any new movie in the series, I like to reread the book and watch the previous movies. I didn't let myself down at all this time. I reread not only Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince but Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows as well. And then, on Wednesday, I parked myself in front of the TV for a Harry Potter marathon, which Braden joined me for part of the day.

I'm really excited about the way Braden has attached himself to the Potter world- only in Braden speak, it's "Marry Podder." I have to keep reminding him it's Harry, like the hairy head you have! It's so funny to hear him talk about "Marry Podder" and then correct himself with "Harry Potter."

Mom and I went to the movies this morning (at 10:00 AM) to see the sixth installment of the series. I must say, this movie was so good! Even if you have never seen a single movie in the series, this one will stand by itself and make you want to watch all the others leading up to this movie. In fact, Mom got in the car after the movie and said she couldn't wait to start reading these books. This is something I've been trying to get my Mom to do since the books first came out! I was so surprised when those words came out of her mouth! Luckily, I have the first two books in paperback at her house, so she started reading them today. Alright, so that's enough HP talk today. Make time to go see this in the theater. I am definitely going to go see it again!

The Time Traveler's Wife

2009-07-13T20:02:00.005-05:00

About four or five years ago, I read a book called "The Time Traveler's Wife" by Audrey Niffenegger. I loved this book. It was crazy trying to keep track of all the jumping around and details in the book, but the love story between Claire and Henry was so true. It has finally been made into a movie! Yeah! It comes out in theaters on August 14, and I'm really looking forward to it. Check out the trailer:

Even if I was alone with a dead demon.

2009-07-13T00:31:00.002-05:00

I love stupid things on Facebook.

I received a status update from a friend, and it was completely irrelevant gibberish about green tea. I decided to look at her page, and in the comments, I saw the explanation for her status.

Grab the book nearest you. Right now.

Turn to page 56.

Find the fifth sentence.

Post that sentence AS YOUR STATUS.

POST these instructions in a comment to this status.

**Don't dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST book.

Well, the closest book to me at the time was "Carpe Demon," so that should explain the title of the post. I got a laugh out of it anyway, and I was amazed at how many other people decided to join in the fun as well! What can I say, I'm an easy laugh!

What Do I Know of Holy

2009-07-01T00:26:00.002-05:00

I made you promises a thousand times.

I tried to hear from Heaven, but I talked the whole time.

I think I made you too small.

I never heard you at all, no.

If you touched my face, would I know you?

Looked into my eyes, would I behold you?

What do I know of you, who spoke me into motion?

Where have I even stood, but the shore along your ocean?

Are you fire, are you fury?

Are you sacred, are you beautiful?

So, what do I know? What do I know of holy?

I guess I thought that I had figured You out.

I knew all the stories, and I learned to talk about

How You were mighty to save,

But those were only empty words on a page.

Then I caught a glimpse of who You might be,

The slightest hint of You brought me down to my knees.

What do I know of you, who spoke me into motion?

Where have I even stood, but the shore along your ocean?

Are you fire, are you fury?

Are you sacred, are you beautiful?

So, what do I know? What do I know of holy?

What do I know of holy?

What do I know of wounds that will heal my shame,

And a God who gave life its name?

What do I know of holy,

Of the One whom the angels praise?

All creation knows your name

On Earth and Heaven above.

What do I know of this love?

What do I know of you, who spoke me into motion?

Where have I even stood, but the shore along your ocean?

Are you fire, are you fury?

Are you sacred, are you beautiful?

So, what do I know? What do I know of holy?

~Allison Rogers & Jennifer Simmons

Recorded by Addison Road

Unfailing God

2009-07-01T00:16:00.002-05:00

Though my eyes may fail me,

I will follow after You.

Though Your promise seems forsaken,

I'll remember the world's in Your hands.

You'll find me singing

You are unfailing God, Your love's unending.

And Your Word is eternal, firm in the heavens it stands.

Though sorrow's my condition,

And pain holds back no blow.

Though this be my darkest hour,

Your lamp is leading me home,

And You'll find me singing

You are unfailing God, Your love's unending.

And Your Word is eternal, firm in the heavens it stands.

Eyes can't see, but I feel You near.

I know You're working through my tears.

I trust You Lord. I trust You, for You never walk away.

You are unfailing God, Your love's unending.

And Your Word is eternal, firm in the heavens it stands.

~Mitchell Schiff & Michael Rossback

One Man's Highly Qualified Is Another Man's Idiot?

2009-06-30T17:17:00.002-05:00

I received official notification today from the Department of Education that I have passed my Praxis III (read about my feelings on these tests here and here). Yeah, I've just been told that I'm a qualified teacher now. So technically, I could have failed my way through school, done a mediocre job with student teaching, but been able to pass an examination and be deemed "Highly Qualified." What's wrong with that picture?

House Update

2009-06-07T00:23:00.005-05:00

Since summer is here, and I have nothing to do, there's been a lot of work at the house recently. And thanks to Evan, who came up for a visit last weekend and wasn't afraid to tear things down, the kitchen demo has begun! Here are a few before and during shots. (We aren't really done with anything, but we're getting close!)

Kitchen Before:

Kitchen During:

Office Before:

Office Almost Done:

Jonathan Got a New Hip.

2009-06-06T23:35:00.004-05:00

When my brother was five, he was diagnosed with a disease called Calve-Perthes Disease. His ball-joint of his hip was deteriorating, causing him to have significant pain and other problems. After having to wear a leg brace for about two years, his condition improved.

His leg had been fine, but over the last few years, it had started causing him problems. His doctor had been putting off a hip replacement for as long as possible, but in March, the doctor said it was time. His hip had reached a point where the femoral head, or ball-joint, was in necrosis and needed to be removed before Jonathan lost the ability to walk.

We travelled to Little Rock to St. Vincent's where Dr. Newbern and his staff replaced Jonathan's hip. (You can watch a short video on hip replacement here.) After two days, Jonathan was on his way home with a new hip and five inch incision with fifteen staples.

He's been staying with Mom and Dad since his house has lots of stairs and Melanie is at work most of the day. He's been a relatively good patient, not taking too much advantage of not being able to do much of anything. Keep him in your prayers; he's going to be at the mercy of others for another five weeks or so.

Revolutionary Road

2009-06-06T23:11:00.004-05:00

I just finished watching Revolutionary Road and am now thoroughly depressed. If Jack and Kate can't make it, who can???

*** This will contain spoilers, so if you haven't watched the movie and don't want to know, don't read past here; read it later!

Revolutionary Road is about a couple in the 1950's who are struggling with the mundane. Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio star as April and Frank Wheeler. They have two children and live in a charming two story house on Revolutionary Road. Their realtor, Kathy Bates, is a close friend, as well as their neighbors, Shep and Milly Campbell.

Frank works for a marketing company selling electronics. April is a stay-at-home mom. After Frank fraternizes with a new secretary at the company, he comes home- on his birthday, no less- to a dreamy, determined April. She's ready to chuck everything they have and move to Paris. She wants to be the bread-winner and let Frank try his hand at whatever he wants to do. Everything is going according to plan until April ends up pregnant.

Things at work begin going really well for Frank, and he is offered a big promotion. When he tells April, she doesn't act happy and asks him why he hasn't told them he is leaving in September. Because of the baby (or so we think), April and Frank decide not to go to Paris. April then goes into a deep depression.

They end up going out with their neighbors, the Campbells, and when Milly gets sick and Frank takes her home, April then sleeps with Shep. Frank then decides to confess all his past sins and tells April of the affairs he's had with the secretarial pool at the office. She goes off the deep end, and they have a mother of a fight. The next morning she makes him breakfast, they have a very pleasant morning, and she sends him off to work. She then tries to perform a self-abortion and proceeds to bleed to death from complications of the miscarriage she causes.

This movie was completely depressing, and all I kept thinking was poor Jack and Kate (think "Titanic" here). The acting in the movie was fantastic, though. No wonder this movie was up for so many awards. Definitely see it if you get the chance. Just remember to think happy thoughts throughout it.

Holy Crow! What a Day!

2009-05-20T21:31:00.003-05:00

I have had an interesting 24 hours. This picture has nothing to do with my day; I just haven't put a picture of Oliver on here in a while.

Yesterday, around 5:30 PM, my computer had to visit the emergency room. Some error message came up and my computer would no longer boot up. After Googling the error, I'm beginning to fear that my motherboard is fried. Really, that's what all the websites said. I almost have no hope.

This morning, I got up early so I could get to school and get things set up, but as I started to walk out the door, I began a 20 minute search for my keys. After I had been on the road with my spare key for about 10 minutes, Dad called and said he found them. After waiting for him for another 7 minutes, he called and said he was at his office (apparently we had a miscommunication- he said park and wait for him, but what he meant to say was park and wait for him at his office). Needless to say, I left Batesville this morning at 7:28 AM. I have a 40 minute drive to the high school. I pulled into the parking lot at 8:02 AM. Whew! Luckily there were no police out this morning!

About 9:00 AM, one of my students pointed out a giant puddle of water forming around my lunch bag. My water bottle lid had come loose, and 24 ounces of water had filled my bag, soaking my food and the floor at the same time. I was thirsty all day long.

But, my bad day got a whole lot better tonight. As I was watching American Idol, I'd come to the realization that Adam was probably going to win. But, fortunately, I was wrong. Arkansas has its first American Idol: Kris Allen from Conway!

Now, if my concert tomorrow night goes like the American Idol Season, I'll be a happy camper. Six more school days until summer vacation begins!

GO KRIS!!!

2009-05-13T21:18:00.002-05:00

Kris Allen is through to the finals with Adam Lambert! I'm so excited. I do have a theory. Danny Gokey and Kris Allen are very similar in their musical types, so maybe all the people who voted for Danny will vote for Kris, and then Kris will be the next AMERICAN IDOL!

Well, that's my theory.

American Idol

2009-05-12T21:28:00.008-05:00

I have't blogged about American Idol at all this year. I feel so behind. But let me point out something:

I cannot stand how Adam Lambert's tongue sticks out to his chin when he sings. Is he trying to immitate Gene Simmons or Steven Tyler? And why does he only do it when his mouth is wide open, flapping in the breeze? The majority of the time is tongue is relaxed and where it should be, and when that happens he's usually singing in his "broadway" voice. And the other thing that bothers me is how he is such a judge's pet. They call him brilliant, but honestly he does the same screaming on pitch type singing he's done all season. True, occaisionally he tries to be a balladeer, but it's still the same musical theater style performance (I have nothing wrong with musical theater- several of my best friends live in New York and are performers).

I honestly am cheering for Kris Allen to win, not because he's from Arkansas or anything, but because in all honesty, I would never, ever buy a CD in the style of music that Adam Lambert has produced on the show (dare I make you recall his rendition of "Ring of Fire?"). Kris, I would buy that album without even thinking about it...

13 Days and Counting...

2009-05-12T00:06:00.005-05:00

I've been working really hard this month. It seems that everything is coming to a close, and I'm saying goodbye to a lot of students. My seniors last day was Friday, and I really started thinking about how far I've come as a teacher. At the beginning of the year, I thought I never, ever wanted to teach high school choir. I'm beginning to think I might have been wrong. True, my piano skills are severely lacking when it comes to being a proficient choir teacher, but with technology and some very patient and very musically gifted students, I had an amazing concert with four acappella pieces. I even "played" the piano on two pieces.

Saturday, the band director and I headed up a Talent Show fundraiser at the school. We had about 17 acts, and in the end, earned over $500. Many people were very excited about the Talent Show and asked us if we were going to do it again next year. Yeah! A tradition in the making.

We have an awards program for the seniors tomorrow night, and I really don't know how I'm going to get through this without crying. These kids have dealt with a lot over the last few years, so it was nice to have such a successful choir season. Graduation is Thursday night, and luckily the choir doesn't have to do anything. Good thing too: all but one of my basses and four of my altos are graduating! We ran a song this morning, just to hear the voicing in the room, and I was shocked!

I have my Elementary and Middle School concert next Thursday, and after that, I think it may be movie time! I really think the kids have worked super hard and deserve a break. And what's not to like about watching a musical with the projector and cool sound system with a whole lot of popcorn?

I really don't have any plans for the summer, except for working on my poorly neglected house. My brother is having a hip replacement June 2, so keep him in your prayers. And me and mom, since we'll be dealing with him and the boys for a couple of weeks! I'm also probably going to have to have my gall bladder taken out sometime this summer. If that happens, I'll keep you posted...

Now, if I can only make it through the next thirteen days... And with faces at home like these, I know it will go by "super" fast!

Concert Season

2009-05-02T14:45:00.004-05:00

The High School Choir had their concert Thursday night. I was so proud of them. They did an amazing job! I never pictured myself directing a high school choir, but I did it. We sang six songs; you can view the program here. Anyway, I had eleven seniors in this group, and I am really going to miss them. Graduation is set for May 14th, and the seniors' last day is May 8th. I can't believe the year is almost over!

Exhaustion Has Set In

2009-04-28T22:40:00.003-05:00

Last night, I went with my mother to Walmart around 5:30PM. While there, I noticed that I was really tired. I don't know what was going on, but when we got home around 7:00PM, I told mom I was going to go lay down for a few minutes. I guess I was tired or something, because I did not move until 6:00AM! THIS MORNING! It was amazing. I haven't had a good night of sleep like that in a long time. I guess I was tired, huh?

Mile Three!

2009-04-24T23:43:00.004-05:00

I did it!

Today I reached the 30 pound mark. I have lost exactly 30 pounds since beginning this crazy journey! None of my clothes fit anymore. I had to be extremely careful today when doing the Cha-Cha Slide with my fourth graders: my pants almost fell off during the dance!

I started doing Yoga this last week. I really, really, really can tell a difference in everything from just a few days doing this. My body feels so much better afterwards, and I have so much energy. I don't know why I didn't start doing this sooner! Walking is great, but you can only walk so long on a tredmill before you feel like a hamster on a wheel.

Anyway, I'm continuing to learn that I like different kinds of foods. I can tolerate salads now, even though I am still not a gigantic fan. I really like cottage cheese now, something I used to refuse to even look at unless it was in lasagna. I really like avocados and green pepper. I can't wait for all the Farmers' Markets to start operating again so I can get some fresh produce. Happy Friday!

H2O Overload...

2009-04-19T16:23:00.001-05:00

I feel like all I do anymore is drink water and go to the bathroom. I guess that's why as of Friday, I have lost 28 1/4 pounds!

Praxis Shmaxis!

2009-04-16T21:51:00.002-05:00

To become a licensed teacher in the state of Arkansas, you are required to pass the Praxis series of exams. See what I think of all these tests here.

The tests are three stages of exams designed especially for teachers. The first is very much like an ACT test. The second is a three part test covering specific content knowledge of your subject, lesson planning skills, and the principles of learning and teaching. These tests are completed before you can receive your initial teaching license from the state. The third test is given in the first two years of your teaching experience. It requires a state designated observer to come and observe your teaching skills in your classroom. My Praxis III was given today.

I've been working with a specific class all year and designated them to be the class I used for my observation. They are the most well-behaved class in the school, and their teacher is my mentor teacher, so that helped with some of the observations we've had to do. They were so cute today! We practiced coming into the classroom yesterday, to make sure they were sitting in the right seat and not causing too much commotion as they entered. As they came in to the room today, they were all perfect. One student even pulled me aside to tell me his mother, the band director, had told him to be extra good today because we were going to have a special visitor in the class and that I shouldn't worry about anyone being bad because he had told everyone about the very special visitor. How can you not smile at this?

Anyway, the class picked up really well on the lesson, and we got through everything I wanted to get through. I had even gone through and answered some of the interview questions earlier this morning, so I knew I was prepared. I signed off on all the paperwork and will receive my scores in the next few weeks. Keep me in your prayers! I really don't want to have to go through all this again next semester!

Their Round and Clear and Pop Really Easily...

2009-03-27T18:52:00.005-05:00

Bubbles. I love bubbles. And I love sharing bubbles. I found these great "Bubble Wands" at Wal-Mart the other day for $1, so I bought a couple for the boys. Alright, they were mostly for me, but we had fun playing with them. Braden even took time to pose for a picture or two. At least we got some outside play time in between all the demolition at my new house and the possible snow we could get tomorrow. Boo! When will it ever be warm all the time?

Mile Two

2009-03-24T19:58:00.002-05:00

I am now down twenty pounds! In five weeks on the diet, I have now lost 21 1/2 pounds. Yeah!

I've also started moving all of my things from the house in Horseshoe Bend to my new house in Batesville. I hope I don't have to move anytime soon. I really, really despise it. Loathe it, if you will.

Luckily this week I am on Spring Break. Good thing to, because on top of moving my entire life, I am sick, again. BOO!!!!

I am the Spector of Death!

2009-03-12T20:30:00.004-05:00

At least that's the way it feels. In all my 32 years on this earth and through all the cross-country travel I've done through the farmlands of Arkansas, I have only seen one, count them one, dead cow.

Until this week.

I think I've counted at least six dead cows in pastures close to the road since Monday. I don't know why they catch my attention, but there they are: lying on the grass, usually beginning to bloat, with their tongues hanging morbidly out of their mouths. Strange, I know.

And that doesn't count the three birds I've killed on my way to school this week. Seriously, animals here is your last chance. If you see me coming, run the other way.

Mile One

2009-03-10T21:53:00.004-05:00

February 10th brought about a lot of changes for me and my mom. About two years ago, she joined a weight-loss program and did a great job, losing almost eighty pounds. Well, two years later, she and I both had not accomplished what we wanted in regard to our weight. Weight has been something my family deals with on a daily basis. There are very few members of my family that are not considered obese to morbidly obese by medical standards. I've been on mom since before Christmas to go back to this weight-loss program. Her blood pressure, breathing, and other health factors were really starting to scare me. And then I thought, well, if I'm griping at mom for this, I might as well look in the mirror and gripe at myself about the same things. So I did.

We cut out caffeine, sugar, and salt; began drinking what seems like a million gallons of water; and began eating properly portioned meals. I've started exercising every day between 30 to 60 minutes a day. I'm really excited about the progress so far. In four weeks, I've lost almost 17 pounds and 22 inches. I've dropped my blood pressure from the first reading of 146/91 to 121/76. And I feel so much better. And I can already tell a difference in mom too.

Please keep us in your prayers. Willpower can only get you so far; sometimes divine intervention is needed to change lives the way we are trying.

I hate being sick...

2009-02-25T17:39:00.002-06:00

I've been diagnosed with bronchitis. I hate coughing, I hate coughing, I hate coughing. It's not my favorite thing to do. Let alone, the nose blowing or the not being able to breath. I missed the last two days of school because of this. Not fun in the slightest!

On another note, because of the ice, our school district was originally going to have to make up four days. The school board wanted us to fore go our spring break to make up the days. All the teachers vetoed that one! After the state forgave two of the days, we now only have to make up two days. This is going to be a lot easier to do. We already have to go two days after Memorial Day in May, so why not go the whole rest of the week anyway!

Ahh, just think- only 61 school days to go until Summer Vacation!

Monthly Report

2009-02-10T21:49:00.008-06:00

I really didn't mean to go for almost a month before putting up a new post. Sorry 'bout that. Anyway, lots of things have been happening. January 26 brought some light to heavy rain that decided to freeze as it fell. Because of that, I lived without electricity or phone at my house for almost two weeks. Okay, so I didn't live there when there wasn't electricity, I was at my parents' house, but the point is I was displaced because of the storm.

We were out of school for six days and are still suffering from the effects of the ice- no phones and internet at the elementary and no drinking water at the high school. Yes, I said no drinking water. Brockwell is under a boil order, so all the drinking fountains and such have been turned off. Each day, students and teachers are given one bottle of water to last all day. Mr. Walker, our superintendent, has filed an appeal to see if we can have the days we missed forgiven so we don't have to go through the middle of June.

The community in and of itself looks like a tornado has gone through it. A large quantity of trees are either down or have lost or broken branches. Houses have suffered lots of damage from falling trees and branches, not to mention the weight 3-4 inches of ice plus 5-6 inches of snow puts on roofs and trees. We're trying to get back to normal, and it looks like we are going to survive, as long as the tornadoes and straight line winds don't tear down all the work the electric companies just completed!

I officially am a homeowner. We closed on the house last week, so all the papers are signed and the deed to the house is now in my name with mom and dad. It's going to be so fun getting this house ready. As you can see from the pictures, there needs to be a lot of work. The previous owner had her own style of decorating that does not include good taste! I've been working on color pallets and flooring choices, and wishing for new furniture. We'll see what happens in the near future.

***Warning***
Viewing these pictures may cause you to want to vigorously clean your house and may insult your aesthetic sensibilities.

We also welcomed a new member to our family. Jonathan and Melanie adopted a full blooded black German shepherd named Black Jack Special, or Jack for short. He's a beautiful dog and absolutely huge!

From January 2009

Anyway, all's good here.

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes...

2009-01-14T16:19:00.002-06:00

Lots of things have been going on over the last two weeks. School started back with a bang, the previous choir director at my school was convicted on 16 counts of sexual assault, my grandmother is home from the hospital, I got a new cell phone, and MY DAD BOUGHT ME A HOUSE! I'll have pictures in a few days. I'm so excited!

Don't Forget to Eat Some Black-Eyed Peas Today!

2009-01-01T01:37:00.005-06:00

It's been a crazy few days around here. Christmas was really fun, all the wrapping paper has finally been burned or taken away by the trash men. All the chaotic mood changes have really had me a little on edge- a family can only spend so much time together without driving each other crazy. And my grandmother is in the hospital (keep her in your prayers- it's not supposed to be too serious, but with hospitals, the more prayer the better!). Yeah, I've had a fun couple of days.

So, in order to bring me all the good luck and prosperity I can glean in the New Year, I'm making sure to eat some black-eyed peas. Plus, I need to make sure there's a tall, dark-haired man walking through my door as the first visitor in the new year. Some of these superstitions are kind of fun and crazy. But, I'm certainly not going to chance the black-eyed peas!

I've watched the ball drop in New York Times Square and am planning to watch my favorite parade in the morning, the Tournament of Roses Parade. Happy 2009 everyone!

Some fun New Year's memories:

Mid 1980's

Cramming what seemed like 25+ family members into our small house in Jonesboro, watching the ball drop, sleeping on any available flat surface, watching the Tournament of Roses Parade, and hoping it will snow to keep us out of school for one more day.

1995

Sitting in the airport in Miami, watching the aviation repair men weld the wing back on the plane I was about to board.

1998

Spending some time with Jamie and Rachel in the big town of Green Forest.

1999

Partying like it's 1999 in Orlando with all the other crazy Arkansas fans in Florida for the Citrus Bowl.

2000

Hoping the world didn't crash down on us as we partied out 1999 and welcomed the new millennium in Dallas with my other bandies.

2001

Unpacking from the free trip to Las Vegas. What's not to like about free?

2003

Spending the day with my family, eating and hoping the Hogs can win.

2006

Hanging with my buds and letting the New Year ring in with a bang, and maybe some man soup in the hot tub!

2008

Hanging with the family and watching the Hogs get slaughtered, again.

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-24T18:19:00.002-06:00

I've been making it a point this year to wish people a Merry Christmas. A lot of the politically correct mumbo jumbo says that you should say Happy Holidays, to incorporate all the other celebrations that happen at this time of the year. For me, Christmas is the most important, and I like to go against the flow a little bit anyway, so Merry Christmas to you and your family.

Luke 2

The Birth of Jesus
1In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3And everyone went to his own town to register.

4So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

The Shepherds and the Angels
8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

16So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas

2008-12-15T21:24:00.004-06:00

Here's another installment of Christmas music history. Irving Berlin wrote "White Christmas" while sitting beside a pool in the heat of Arizona in 1940. He walked into his studio/office the next day and told his secretary he had written the best song that anyone had ever written. I don't think he was far off the mark on that!

The original version of the song had a verse that poked fun at all the people living in Los Angeles, wishing for a home-type Christmas with a treetop glistening and children listening for Santa. Berlin changed it to the version we all know and love because he felt it might be a little overkill. Aren't we glad he did so!

In 1942, the movie Holiday Inn premiered with Bing Crosby, Marjorie Reynolds, and Fred Astaire. The song- hinted at throughout the movie and finally sung at the end, by Crosby's character even though it was supposed to be sung by Marjorie Reynolds's character- won the Academy Award for Best Original Song. At first, Crosby didn't see anything special about the song, and only did the recording as a favor to Irving Berlin. The recording session for that single took only 18 minutes. It was released at the end of June 1942, and by October it was topping the charts. It stayed number one through the New Year. The song had a revival during the 1945 and 1946 Christmas seasons, and is the only song in history to be top of the charts for three separate runs. Crosby had to re-record the song in 1949 because the original recording had been damaged by all the copies that had been created from it. It has been re-recorded by hundreds of artists, but it continues to belong to Bing Crosby.

The movie, White Christmas, was released in 1954, and starred Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera-Ellen. This movie always makes it Christmas for me. If you get a chance, check it out. It will be on TV a lot over the next few weeks, so take a couple hours out of your day and kick back to watch a classic. I never feel it's Christmas until I watch White Christmas!

Here's a clip of Bing Crosby and the cast from the movie singing White Christmas.

The Toughest Day

2008-12-14T18:34:00.003-06:00

Last Tuesday, a student in my school was critically injured in a car accident. She passed away Thursday morning after doctors could do no more. Kailey was only sixteen and a junior. School administrators came in to tell each class of her passing. She was a very popular student, and her death has affected more people than I think she even thought possible. Her funeral was today, in the school gym, and it was seriously one of the most difficult hours I have ever witnessed. Please keep my school in your prayers.

It's Not Christmas Without Jingle Bells

2008-12-09T20:07:00.002-06:00

Last year, I blogged a few times about some of my favorite Christmas Carols. I thought I would do it again. My first song this year is one that even the smallest child can sing.

"Jingle Bells," written by James S. Pierpont, first made its appearance not at a Christmas concert, but at a Thanksgiving celebration in 1840. Pierpont's father, the pastor of the Medford, Massachusetts Unitarian Church, asked his musically gifted son to create a song of celebration for the church's annual Thanksgiving feast. James had no idea where to begin, so he started watching the young men playing with their sleds in the snow. After spending some time cheering on the races, James had a tune in his head. He headed to a neighbor, the only person in the town with a piano, knocked on the door and told the mistress of the house that he had a tune in his head. Upon hearing this, she stepped aside and let James plunk away on her piano.

As he left the neighbor's house, the very wise woman told him that it was a very catchy tune and the whole town would be singing it before long. Boy was she right! James presented a fully orchestrated choral arrangement for the feast and title it "One Horse Open Sleigh." The town loved it, and even though it spoke of racing and gambling, they asked that it be part of the Christmas program. People from all over the area came to celebration and heard "One Horse Open Sleigh." It was a huge success, and since it was heard at a Christmas concert, the song was then associated to Christmas as it was passed all over Massachusetts.

By 1857, James had the song published and it became one of, if not the, most recognizable Christmas songs in the world. Today, we hardly see a Santa without a jingle bell laden reindeer. One of the most popular recordings of "Jingle Bells," as it came to be known, was done by Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters in 1945. Unfortunately the only video with a good enough quality to share is a video of a record playing. Some of you may never have seen a record, so enjoy a glimpse into the past. Cheers!

Thirty-Five Years is a Long Time...

2008-12-08T23:41:00.002-06:00

On Tuesday, my parents will celebrate their thirty-fifth wedding anniversary. Congratulations Mom and Dad!

The Best Part is the Giving...

2008-12-07T20:57:00.004-06:00

One thing I've struggled a lot with this year is trying to make sure I have a present for everyone for all of the Christmas celebrations I will be attending. It seems like every time I turn around someone is asking me to give some money here or buy an ornament for a gift exchange or some other mundane task. Oprah even got on the giving kick this year. Rather than doing her "Favorite Things" episode, she did a sort of pay it forward type of episode, where every audience member was given $1000 with the stipulation it must be spent on someone else.

I decided earlier in the year that I wanted to buy chickens from Heifer International as presents this year. Several people were very appalled that I would suggest such a travesty (if I did that, then what would they get?). I still think I'm going to do it as a present for our entire family. How cool would it be to buy some chickens for a hungry family in need that they could use for eggs and meat?

I started thinking about what I could do other than that. What could I do to help? With all the financial problems the country is facing right now, Christmas looks bleak for a lot of people. I really want to be able to share the true meaning of Christmas with as many people as I can. One organization that does that is the Salvation Army. We've all seen the red kettles and heard the bell ringers as we walked into Wal-Mart, Target, or any shopping area. And I always try to give a little each time. But I never have cash, and if I ever did, I would probably try to put it all in there.

One of the new things the Salvation Army has started is your own "Online Kettle." So I've started one. Click here or on this link (http://give.salvationarmyusa.org/goto/gloria_brown1) or the red kettle on the side, and it will take you to my kettle. Help me help a lot of people and show the love that God has for us. If you can't spare a large amount of money, even a dollar or two can help. Remember, God gave us His only son to die for our sins. There's no way to repay that debt, and as Pastor Tony talked about this morning in service, we have to remember to help our fellow men when they ask for it.

Merry Christmas!

A Skunk and a Monkey Knocked On a Door...

2008-11-16T22:11:00.007-06:00

After having the BSOD- "blue screen of death"- appear on my computer a few weeks ago, I now have a computer ready to blog away. I feel like I haven't been on here in forever! So much has happened. Halloween, birthdays, Christmas music playing in Wal-Mart-- time passes too fast! I did learn one thing from the whole blue-screen incident: back up, back up, back up!

Halloween was really fun. I got Landon and Braden costumes from Old Navy, so they were the cutest little monkey and skunk at the church's Halloween Hoedown. Would you answer the door if a skunk rang your doorbell and yelled "Trick or Treat!"? Braden loved his costume so much, he wanted to wear it all the time. I walked into Mom and Dad's one day and found him wearing it while he was watching cartoons! It did have a little cuteness factor to it!

Landon officially turned two, and got to see his grandmother- Melanie's mom came into town for a few days. It was nice for all of us to get to spend some time with her. I got him a Nick, Jr. video that has several different shows on it. You have to hear him say "Blue's Clues"; it's so cute!

I've been helping Pastor Tony out with some photography. He recruited me into taking family pictures and creating a photo directory for the church. It's right up my alley and something I have really been enjoying working on. I wish I could hurry up and get people to get their pictures made!

We've been really busy at school working on our Christmas programs. Yes, plural. Cilla, the band director, and I are going to do some joint concerts. Not only will this get more people in the seats, but we now are at over an hour worth of music. I'm really excited and the kids are getting that way too. Hopefully I'll be able to post some fun clips from the concert. Who knew how quickly Christmas was coming? Can you believe Thanksgiving is next week? Crazy, huh?

It's the Great Pumpkin, Miss Brown!

2008-10-27T19:39:00.009-05:00

HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY LANDON!

Too bad I had to sit through three hours of inservice dealing with literacy development so I didn't get to eat cake and ice cream at your party...

I didn't realize I hadn't posted in so long until I needed to look up something on my blog today. Sorry 'bout that. Lots of stuff has been going on in my neck of the woods. On the 17th, Landon's daycare had a Fall Festival, so I followed the nephews around and took some random photos of them playing at some of the games. Landon was so cute, he ended up in the local paper!

The next day, dad needed to check on a few properties for the bank in some area cities, so mom, Braden, Landon and I hopped into the Tahoe, and off we went. We ended up at a pumpkin patch in Quittman. Very random, but very fun.

My students and I survived my first nine weeks test. I don't think my students appreciated having to take a test in choir, but I did try to give them every opportunity to make a good grade. I did have two students end up with a 113% for the first quarter. At least I'm trying to give students the opportunity to make up points for bad grades. Too bad the only ones that take advantage of that opportunity are the students who don't need the extra help.

I've had to bring all my plants into the house because the weather has turned so cold here. I've lived in NWA for the last several years, and I don't remember it ever being this cold before December. It just seems bitterly cold for so early. My Christmas cacti are blooming in other news...

That's about it for this edition of "Keeping Up with the Boonies." I've got some plans for this Friday night that include two little guys dressed up like a skunk and a monkey. Braden loved his skunk costume so much, he didn't want to take it off! Hopefully, Landon will feel the same way about his monkey suit on Friday.

It's All About the Control Top.

2008-10-08T19:43:00.003-05:00

I've been reading a blog for new teachers. One of the suggestions given was to emphasize the procedures and rules expected in the classroom. I had wanted to do something like that at the beginning of school, but just never sat down and did it. After dealing with the craziness in my classrooms over the last few weeks, I sat myself down and wrote out, in detail, what I expected from anyone coming into my class. Boy did it work! I've had some of the best classes the last few days. The students were required to take the "contract" home and have a parent or guardian sign it and then return it to me. I've even had a couple of parents call me in regards to the contract (it was a good question and not a complaint). Overall, I've learned my lesson and will send these home on the very first day next year!

In other news, I started working on Christmas music. And one of the songs we are doing with the high school is "Silent Night." I've always loved this song. It has special significance to me. My great-grandmother used to sing it, in German, on Christmas Eve. Because of that, I wanted to incorporate a little of my tradition into my Christmas program. One of my students is a foreign exchange student from Germany, so I'm having her teach me and the class to correct pronunciation of the German for the song. It's not that hard and we are learning it by rote. Needless to say, I've had several students complaining over the fact that we are speaking German. One student even came up to me after class yesterday and said that she was uncomfortable singing in German- not because it's difficult for her, but because she believes what her brother says: "We are Americans, we should speak America. And the song is in English, not German." Seriously, that's what she said. I told her we were experiencing a new culture, learning how one of our classmates deals with language barriers everyday, and exploring new ideas of music. Not to mention the song was originally written in German, by a Autstrian monk, music composed by a Austrian guitarist, and what language do they speak in Austria? German. Need I go on? She sang the song today... in German. I love being a teacher!

Tears, Spiders, and Fisticuffs

2008-10-01T21:51:00.006-05:00

I did it. I made a kindergartner cry yesterday. I wasn't mean, per say. She just doesn't understand that my family calls me "heartless" and "cold-hearted." Tears are not the way to gain my favor. I have no problem letting a small person cry for hours when he/she does not get his/her way. It doesn't phase me at all. Hopefully, Little Miss Teary-Eyed will learn that she must follow directions in order to get a sticker in my class. 'Nuff said.

I suffered through the toughest breakfast duty I have ever had to deal with today. I walked into the cafeteria and started conversing with students and other teachers. About five minutes later, a seventh grader walked in carrying a small container WITH A GIANT TARANTULA IN IT! My heart began racing, and my flight instinct was totally kicking in. All I wanted to do was leave that room and get as far away from that hairy arachnid as possible. But, I was on duty, with the Agri teacher, so I couldn't leave. But I had to get the kids to calm down, eat their breakfasts, and be as controlled as possible... WITH A GIANT TARANTULA IN THE ROOM! I even had to get within two feet of the thing and almost had to touch the container to get the kids to be in control. I really didn't show my strong teacher side when it came to the GIANT TARANTULA!

Two minutes after dealing with the GIANT TARANTULA, an eighth grader starts yelling at an eleventh grader, jumps over the table, and attacks the poor unsuspecting eleventh grader. Now, the harassed eleventh grader is probably six feet tall and weighs a good 250 pounds. The offended eighth grader is probably five feet six inches, one hundred fifty pounds soaking wet. Clearly the eighth grader did not choose wisely in this fight, and since I was on duty, I was one of the teachers responsible for dealing with the fisticuffs. Yes, me. And the agri teacher. So, Mr. Agri makes headway to the very angry eighth grader, and I decide to stand in between Mr. Eighth Grade and Mr. Eleventh Grade. We get everyone under control and the offending parties are sent to the office to have their punishments dealt out by the principal. After a few minutes, I realize, I was standing in between a volatile temper and the object of his anger. Not too smart. But I did have several students tell me they were very impressed that I jumped right in the middle. Now, if the GIANT TARANTULA had been the object of Mr. Volatility's anger, I might have just let him beat the stupid thing to a pulp!

A Letter to My Father

2008-09-24T19:57:00.007-05:00

Dear Daddy,

My lawn has gotten out of control again. Would you be able to bring your lawn mower and your two helpers (both under the age of 5- that's not against child labor, right?) and bring the grass back under control? Knee high is a good length for a dress, not for the grass.

And while you're at it, would you please bring your gargantuan spider killer spray? I've got three (see pictures below) new lawn decorations that I would prefer not to have. And since the last lawn ornament I killed last week had to be killed with a hammer (my shoe couldn't do the job), I don't think I'll be able to evict these guys without the aid of your spray.

Hope to see you soon!

Your loving daughter,

Gloria

P.S. Have you ever noticed how much Jason Hawes from Ghost Hunters looks like Jonathan?

<- That's my brother.

That's Jason Hawes from Ghost Hunters.->

Insert Snappy Blog Title Here

2008-09-15T22:25:00.004-05:00

I don't have a title for this blog. Nothing interesting has happened yet. School is going well. The kids are... behaving. They just seem to be very social. I think I have a student who has volunteered to save my choir from the torturous piano playing I have been submitting them to. And thanks to Nancy, I can't use well or so to start any paragraph ever again!

I think I need a t-shirt or coffee cup that says "I survived Ike" or something. That storm was wicked crazy, and really hit Batesville hard. One of the guys Jonathan works with had a tree fall on his house- into the nursery he and his fiance had just finished for the arrival of their new baby in a few weeks. Darren said the tree fell directly over the crib where the baby should have been. Wow, huh?

I'm having a lot of fun with the 4th- 6th grade right now. They are so funny! The toughest class I have is probably a tie with my Jr. High Choir and my Elementary self contained class. I have 19 boys and 10 girls in this class. I really don't know what it is about this area, but it seems that the boys outnumber the girls almost 2 to 1! Several of my classes have about 15 or 16 in the class, of which there are only three to four girls. Crazy, huh?

Anyway (there's another word for Nancy's anti-word list), I'm heading to bed. I get to meet with my mentor tomorrow afternoon. Oh, one good thing. Apparently my choir website has been getting a lot of attention from the administration. I guess they like it or something. The high school principal has asked all of his teachers to take a look at it and see if it would be something they would be interested in doing. Hmm, does that sound like an inservice workshop that I could perhaps get double the credit for or what!

I like Ike... Not.

2008-09-14T05:19:00.003-05:00

It's 5:20 AM. Yes, AM. I'm awake because some crazy wicked hurricane- oh wait, it's now a tropical depression- is sitting right over my house. Literally. I typed in the Longitude and Latitude of where the storm is located and it said, "Ha! That's your house! "

Pine cones are being hurtled at the house and rolling across the roof; trees are being laid down almost to the ground with the force of the wind; and pelting rain sounds like it will shatter the thin glass of my window at any moment. And of course, I'm awake. I usually can sleep through anything, so this should tell you how much noise this stupid storm is making.

But I guess it could be worse. At least I don't live in Houston.

Beautiful, Beautiful Boys

2008-09-08T21:13:00.003-05:00

A few weeks ago we celebrated Braden's fourth birthday. Jonathan and Melanie decided that he should have a bike for his birthday. Here he is riding his brand new birthday bike!

Saturday, I spent the day with Landon. And of course, that meant a few photo opportunities! Even though he started breaking out in CHICKEN POX! Even though he has had his chicken pox shot, Landon was exposed to secondary chicken pox. Apparently Braden had the same thing exactly fourteen days ago. So, even if you're child has had the chicken pox shot, he or she can still contract chicken pox!

I Hate the Boonies.

2008-09-03T18:13:00.003-05:00

Moving into the middle of nowhere has taught me to appreciate the finer things in life: driving without fear of deer, reliable phone and internet service, and the ability to be in a five mile radius of Wal-Mart.

I miss Wal-Mart. I never would have thought that would have been possible. If you are within a ten minute drive to Wally World, please think of me when you go.

I'm Alive! I Swear!

2008-08-29T22:16:00.005-05:00

So, I've been having internet issues over the last week. Since my new hometown recently suffered damage from some very severe weather, the phone company has been replacing the temporary phone lines it installed with the new, permanent ones. And since they are working on the phone lines and I have DSL, my internet has been temporarily unavailable.

Anyway, I have a few funny stories to share. So let me get started.

Wednesday, I was in my last class of the day. This third grade class is a little challenge because of one of the special needs students in the class. She doesn't understand the concept of personal space and is always bothering the students next to her, let alone not able to control herself at all. Well, with about ten minutes left in the class, one of the boys shoots his hand straight up in the air and yells "Ms. Brown! There's a lizard!" Seriously, there was a lizard in my classroom. By lizard, I mean a three inch salamander. Now, if you grew up any where near the country, you know that if you grab a salamander by the tail, the tail falls off. Well, my special needs child jumps out of her seat and grabs at the lizard before I even locate it. I have to physically sit her down amidst the chaos that has ensued because of this stupid lizard. After sitting her down, I notice that she had grabbed the lizard's tail, causing it to detach and start twitching all by itself. So now I not only have a lizard flopping around on the floor, I also have a detached tail. I pick up the lizard with a Kleenex, hand it to a boy on the front row, and send him to set the poor, traumatized lizard free. While he is gone, I pick up the twitching tail in another Kleenex and throw it away. I have never had that experience before. There really should be a class on lizard handling for the elementary classroom!

Last night, I had to run to Batesville, so I got to eat dinner with my parents and the nephews. As we were getting into the car, we were all debating where we wanted to eat. Braden was just excited to go to the restaurant. It's always so cute to hear him say restaurant. Anyway, on the way there, I started asking Braden what he did in school. He started telling me what he'd done. Since I taught the preschool class, I told Braden I got to play with three and four year olds. Braden, my four year old nephew, takes a deep breath in, lets it out with a big sigh, and says "So did I." I lost it for a second, as did my mother.

I have been having a lot of success in my classes. My high school kids have been singing the cannon "Dona Nobis Pacem" as three parts and doing it beautifully I might add! Everyone has been learning "Arkansas, You Run Deep in Me." I have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised that all the kids love that song as much as they do. They don't want to stop singing it. That always makes me feel good, especially when I'm on bus duty and hear the kids singing it while they wait on the bus.

Today, I had a seventh grade girl head out of the class and fall on her back. Apparently the water fountain has a leak that runs into my office and classroom. That's always fun. Water every where. Where's my ark?

The other day, I was getting dinner ready and looked out the sliding glass doors to stare directly into the eyes of a mama deer. How do I know she was a mama deer? Because her baby was standing in the foliage just behind her. I was a little scared, after hearing all the horror stories of the deer coming through the glass to attack the innocent people in their houses. Anyway, I snapped a few pics of mama and baby. And here are a few pics of my high school classroom, some random weirdness from the new home town I live in (yes, that's a marlin on a chimney), and the SPIDER IN MY SHOE!

New Kid at School

2008-08-19T18:10:00.006-05:00

Yesterday was the first day of school for me. I've really enjoyed getting to know my fellow teachers- they are all just a hoot!- but I was ready to meet the kids and start getting down to business. I have been a little intimidated over the idea of teaching junior high and high school choir. I've never wanted to do that. My focus was elementary music. I even was given special permission during my student teaching to complete a middle school rotation to count as my high school.

Needless to say, I've been very surprised the last two days with this group. The teacher who was there last year apparently didn't do anything with these kids. When I voiced them (listened to them sing to see how high and low they could go to see what part they would sing) most of them couldn't remember a song they had ever sung. Some of them sang Sarah MacLachlan's "I Will Remember You." It was a song they sang last year. As a choir song.

With Senior High, I decided I was just going to start very, very simply. I used a round I've used in the past, "Ram Sam Sam," just to see where the kids abilities were. Much to their surprise, they sang the song in its two parts very well. And they followed directions for breaking the song into parts then unison and so on very well. I think I'm going to use another round next week to get their ears ready to move into part singing. On another note, I signed about fifteen drop slips today. It's a little disheartening, but hopefully these are the kids who are the trouble makers and realize that they are not going to be able to slack off in my class!

Junior High is a completely other story. I've got about thirty students, with more boys than girls! Who knew! And the fun part about this group, half the boys are still in the process of their voice changing. And they can't seem to not talk. I'm really amazed at how much classroom control this bunch is going to take. I just have to remember to stand my ground and be tough!

Elementary has been great. There are still a few kids that are testing their boundaries, but they'll learn them again. Anyway, two days down. Only 182 more contract days until summer vacation!

Here are a couple of pictures of my classrooms. They're aren't the best pictures, but they give you an idea of what I'm working with. Oh, and I found out that since I'm a new teacher in the state's Mentor program, I get $800 extra to spend for my classroom. Yeah! Instruments! At least a few...

Facing My Fears...And Running Away From Them!

2008-08-14T23:10:00.003-05:00

One thing that really bothers me more than anything in the world is spiders. I don't know why; I've never had a bad experience with spiders, other than they creep me out. I did used to have a recurring nightmare as a child where spiders would chase me and eventually cover every square inch of the room where I was in my dream.

Since I've moved into the country, a mostly wooded area by the way, I've had to deal with spiders all around my house. And by spiders I don't mean a small, easy to kill, breath of a spider. I'm talking about the hardy, takes a Mack truck to kill them spiders. Last night as I was watering my flowers, I disturbed a very large could eat a cow spider. Seriously, the thing was as big as both of my hands put together and was not an Arkansas tarantula! I really do think it could have taken down a cow or at least a small deer or something. Needless to say, I stopped watering my flowers, walked into the house, shut the door, closed the blinds, and proceeded to pretend I had not witnessed the running of the largest spider ever. I think they could have used this one could have played Aragog is "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets."

So needless to say, this move has forced me to face my arachnophobia head on, eight legs and all. It's either that or continue to run around my car with a flashlight trying to avoid all the spider webs and their makers while carrying in all my groceries!

Don't Stop Thinkin' About Tomorrow...

2008-08-13T22:47:00.003-05:00

After sitting through inservice today, I realized I needed to get some materials to use in my classroom, since I have absolutely nothing any past teachers have used other than the text books in the class. I just don't understand how these people have taught solely from the text books. There were no materials for bulletin boards, no worksheets, absolutely nothing. I'm amazed. And then I remember that the people who have been in the position had no clue and were not trained to be a strictly choral or elementary music teacher.

I did find out more details about the past music people. I'm going to share them, to let you all know how to pray for my students and for me, but it may get a little graphic.

The band director two years ago was arrested for chatting on-line with who he thought was a fourteen year old girl. This man was married and had just welcomed a baby into their family. The police arrested him and charged him last summer. A new director was hired to take over the middle school through high school music program (both band and choir) and another teacher was hired part-time to take the elementary. The elementary teacher was apparently not a trained musician, so there were several lacking qualities for the Highly Qualified Teacher requirement by the State of Arkansas.

In April of this year, several students came forward claiming the new band/choir director had sexual relations with the students ON SCHOOL PROPERTY! The Arkansas State Police were called, charges were filed, a chase through the woods ensued, the hard drive to my school computer was taken and has yet to be returned, and the guy was placed in prison. I've been told the sink in the band room was thoroughly disinfected after being swabbed for DNA evidence.

Please keep this school, the students, and me in your prayers. I'm really going to shake the reality of some high school students who have used the music program as an easy class. So maybe I'll make one of them cry...

I Need a Hug

2008-08-12T22:12:00.002-05:00

I've been working diligently in my two classrooms over the last two days, adding in a couple of inservice workshops also. I am a little disheartened, though. My elementary classes have NO instruments. Not even the cheap xylophones or drums or even dowel stick rhythm sticks are present in this classroom. I don't think they've ever heard of using the Orff instruments. They associate Orff to basketball- he's the b-ball coach! Oh well, I'm off to read some more of New Moon. It's my new obsession, by the way.

Gosh, I'm Such a Slacker!

2008-08-10T08:08:00.003-05:00

So, I am officially moved into my new house. By officially moved in I mean that I have all utilities turned on and my internet is working AND I have more unpacked boxes than boxes still filled with all my junk. Have I mentioned how much I hate moving?

The neatest thing about my new place of residence is how quiet it is. I really feel like I'm camping or something when I sit out on my back porch/patio/slab-of-concrete. I did have a visit a couple of nights ago from a curious raccoon who went through my trashcan. Luckily there wasn't anything in there he wanted, so my trash was basically intact. There's a family (I don't know what you call a large group of deer- not a flock or gaggle or anything, right?) of deer that I run into (not literally!) almost everyday. I have noticed a lot of strange new insect variety around the house. I even had a moth that looked like it was wearing the makeup from the Sith Lord in one of the newer Star Wars movies!

All in all, I think I'm really going to like it here. Yesterday, after unpacking my limit of three boxes, I read a book all day. I don't know why I haven't read these books before, but if you get a chance, read the "Twilight" series by Stephanie Meyer. I read Twilight in one day, and it was a very easy read even though it's over 600 pages.

I visited my classrooms earlier this week, and luckily I have a workday all day Monday to get both my classrooms together for the open house Tuesday night. Who in the world decided to have Open House after one day of working in the rooms? Sure, a regular teacher may be able to do it, but I have TWO classrooms and the same amount of time they have. GOSH!

Anyway, here are a few pictures of my house and some of the exotic insects/wildlife so far.

It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World

2008-08-05T23:01:00.002-05:00

So, I feel that I haven't even been on vacation. After meeting my entourage in Conway Saturday night, I became excruciatingly ill on top of unpacking all of my belongings from the hundreds of boxes that have been piled up in my new house. I have pictures, I promise, however they are on my camera which is in Horseshoe Bend and not with me in Batesville. I've really got to work on getting my internet working at my new house so I can remember to share all these great pictures with you. Anyway, I'm off to bed. We have a fun-filled day of painting and celebrating my brother's birthday tomorrow. I still can remember the first time I saw Jonathan and telling dad that they needed to take him back because he wasn't a girl. Oh well, I think things turned out alright in the end.

I'm in Florida!

2008-07-28T22:11:00.004-05:00

So, I'm breaking all the rules of vacation, but I wanted to share this picture with you...

Well, since I've broken the most important rule, how about all my pictures thus far...

Last Days Are Hard.

2008-07-24T09:20:00.003-05:00

Today is my last day at the office, at my apartment, as a Fayetteville resident, and as a non-teacher who has to work during the summer. So many things are ending today, but so many are beginning.

Dad came up yesterday, and we loaded the non-gigantic articles in the trailer for him to go ahead and take to Horseshoe Bend last night. It's really weird being in my apartment now. There are no decorations, no curtains, no dishes, nothing except large pieces of furniture and some clothes. I'm beginning to feel overwhelmed. I'm really glad my mom is here. She came back from Batesville with me on Sunday and has been working diligently in my apartment. I don't think I would be this far along if it wasn't for her. I really do have some amazing parents!

American Idol Rocks!

2008-07-20T17:05:00.006-05:00

I had a blast on my trip to St. Louis to see the American Idol Live Tour this weekend. Kayla and I left Batesville Friday morning and headed north. We took our time and only had one major meltdown, which left me with an amazing bruise on my upper arm (gee, thanks Kayla). We stopped for lunch about an hour outside of St. Louis. We did hit the STL right before rush hour, so I was way excited about that. There was only one missed turn, but thanks to Google maps and a giagantic color copier, we were able to find the Scottrade Center very easily and even got to park right next to the building. The arena was very new and very pretty, but what amazed me more than anything was the average age of the people attending the concert. While we were waiting for the gates to open, I noticed that I didn't see a lot of pre-teen and teenagers. I saw 40+ year old women AND men with no children. The ladies that sat directly behind us were well into their forties and fifties.

Our seats were amazing! We were on the floor on row 22. Our row was the beginning of the second section, so there was a giant space between us and the row in front of us, so we didn't have to worry about large fuzzy heads of hair in every photo. The people sitting around us were fun. I made friends with the mother and daughter pair sitting next to me. The mom was a Jason Castro fan and her daughter liked David Archuletta. They were really cute and very friendly. There was even a lady behind me that gave me her e-mail and asked that I e-mail her a few pictures. She didn't bring hers because the last time she came to a concert at the arena, the security people wouldn't let her bring it in. Well, I'm a nice person and don't want anyone to be without pictures of things, so I told her I would do it.

The concert host, yes concert host, Cory came out into the audience and proceeded to stop directly by us and ushered out the giant Pop Tart. Since the event was sponsored by Pop Tarts, everyone wanted to get their picture taken with him. We didn't even have to try. It was great!

Chekizie was the first Idol to perform. His set was really good. He did a Stevie Wonder song that he sang on the show and rocked it. I totally loved him on the show and in person!

Ramielle was next. She was wearing some amazing five inch stiletto patten leather boots. Her outfit on the other hand looked like someone had gone a little crazy with the bedazzler on the black leggings she was wearing. She sang a few songs, but nothing that blew me away.

Micheal Johns made his entrance with a great rendition of Queen's "We Will Rock You." He made his entrance by rising out of the floor at the top of the steps. I even made a quick video of it.

I was really impressed with MJ. He did a great job and was even funny on stage. He joked with us when he sang "Dream On" by Aerosmith, saying he was going to end his set with the song that got him voted off. Anyway, he did a great job.

After the whirlwind that was Micheal Johns came Kristy Lee Cook. Now this poor girl was this season's sympathy vote getter. And when the announcer said her name, the crowd basically groaned out loud and sat down. Even when she sang her standing ovation gimme song, Lee Greenwoods' "God Bless the USA," only half the crowd stood. It was really sad and I started feeling bad for her until she made this comment: "Thank you all for coming to my show." I kid you not, and I quote word for word. There are about 10,000 witnesses if you don't believe me. She even did her KLC leg-cocked-to-the-side-hand-out-rock-back-on-the-other-leg-swing-her-hips pose. On every song. Real annoying.

Carly Smithson was next. Now, she's the girl who had all the potential but good never get it together on the show. I was really looking forward to hearing how she sounded live. She did amazing with her vocals, but her performance was a little lack-luster to me. She really didn't connect with us too much. But she did sing Celine Dion's "Drove All Night," a song she sang on the show, and was AH-MAZING. That girl has got some pipes, that's for sure.

Brooke White was the last person to perform before intermission. She had the second best entrance of the evening so far. She rose out of the floor with a grand piano and sang "Let It Be" for her first song. She surprised me a little. On the show, she always made me nervous to watch her sing, even stopping and starting twice during her time on the show. But she did great.

Before intermission we got the first group sing. The first six performers got to sing a song together and promote the Idol Gives Back Campaign. I'm pretty sure they all hate doing the group sings because they are so cheesey. Anyway, that was the end of the first half.

Concert Host Cory made his appearance on our row again, and Kayla and I took time for a photo op with the Pop Tart. Jason Castro started the second half sitting on a stool with his Ukulele and sang "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." It was really good. He was a good performer, but still needs to work on his overall performance quality.

Sayeshia Mercado was next. She appeared at the top of the steps in an amazing little dress, with all these rhinestones all over it. Her shoes had even more rhinestones and I totally want them! She sang a few songs, but it was her last song that really made an impression on me. She sang Beyonce's "Listen." That girl sang the poop out of that song. She's the only one all night long that gave me goosebumps up my arms. Amazing!

David Archuletta rose out of the floor playing the grand piano to Robbie Williams' "Angels," one of the songs he sang at the finale. He did alright, but he still needs to mature. Let me know when he's about 23 or 24, and then I might appreciate him a little more. Maybe I was just anticipating who was coming next, but I just thought he was a cute kid with a good voice.

And finally. The moment I had been waiting nine weeks for had finally arrived. The announcer made the "And now, your number one, David Cook" announcement and the crowd went crazy! He made the first strum on his guitar and sang the first Hello from his arrangement of Lionel Ritchie's "Hello" and I seriously thought I wouldn't be able to hear for the next two days. He rose out of the floor where the grand piano had been, and started singing. He was decked out in his rocker make-up and totally killed his set. He sang Nickelback's "Hero" and a couple other songs, and made his exit, but the crowd was on its feet the whole time and screamed for more. Okay, it wasn't just the crowd, it was me too. Although I don't think I was the loudest person there. He came back out and the lighting was this one red light behind him. He started his version of "Billie Jean," and proceeded to rock out for another ten minutes. OMG! I cannot wait until his album comes out; I want it now! (TWSS)

The finale was another group sing, this time including all the idols. Kayla said this was the first year they haven't done a lot of the cheesey group sings and duets. I think I actually like that, although I have no frame of reference to judge that.

My overall thoughts were why hadn't I gone to one of the concerts before! I dedicate two to three nights a week for five months of my life to watching this show, why not enjoy a concert with the people I feel like I know. Anyway, if you get a chance go see the show this year, or next year. I'll probably be there next summer! Rock on!

You can see all of my pictures from the concert here.

Whoa, slow down a minute!

2008-07-17T08:45:00.003-05:00

I can't believe how fast time has been moving. My trip to St. Louis to see David Cook is tomorrow. I have to have my entire world packed and in boxes by Wednesday. I will be leaving my apartment and moving to the outskirts of civilization, not to mention leaving my job in a week. And I leave for Florida next Friday. What happened to the summer?

I'm getting more and more excited about everything. Mom and Dad have already gotten the keys to my house (yeah!). I know Dad will be happy to have this move completed. I don't think we're going to be able to throw all of my belongings in the back of his little blue truck like we used to though. I didn't realize I had this much stuff. But, after living in this apartment for well over four years, things tend to collect.

Let me tell you about my new house. I don't have any pictures yet because they are all on Mom's camera and she hasn't figured out how to download the pictures yet. Anyway, it's a two bedroom house with a full bath and a half bath in the master bedroom (I have a master bedroom!). The only bad thing about it is all the paneling. Yes, paneling. But, the landlord has said that he doesn't mind if we paint, so bring on the Kilz primer and the roller brushes! I guess there is another bad thing about it. Oliver, my mountain lion of a kitty, will have to live at Diggy and Papaw's (Landon calls Mom Diggy- isn't that cute!). I don't know what Oliver thinks of that, but he's making the journey to Batesville tonight. Maybe he'll become an outside kitty and not use the litter box anymore...

Well, I'm sure Kayla and I will have a ton of pictures to share from our road trip to St. Louis! Wish us luck. Maybe David Cook will sweat on me since our seats are so close!

Daddy We're Down

2008-07-14T15:01:00.002-05:00

After my jaunty visit into teacher land, I returned to Fayetteville and proceeded to crash into bed after a full day of travelling, workshops, breaking and entering, and more travelling. Yes, I did say breaking and entering. I guess I probably shouldn't publish that, but since nothing was stolen and no property was damaged, I'm sure I'll be alright telling this story. Mom and I finished our workshops and decided to look at a few rent houses that were available. One was in Horseshoe Bend and kind of in a secluded spot, so I took the opportunity to practice my B&E skills. I actually used a credit card (alright, it was a used up gift card- I don't want to damage anything that still might work!) to pop the lock, and it totally worked! I've never been able to do that before, and that door seriously popped open like I put a key in it. Anyway, the house was really cute and just perfect, so we headed back to Batesville. I didn't leave Mom and Dad's house until after 7:00 PM, so it was almost midnight when I got home. I seriously crashed into the bed, with all my clothes on and everything.

In the morning, I started getting ready for work, and tried to open my closet to pick out my clothes. I did say try. My closet had fallen off the wall for like the third time. Take my advice, don't ever by those vinyl-coated steel shelving units for a closets; they are useless and cannot hold enough clothing to make a closet as big as mine work! I think I've had three hundred screws placed into the walls of my closet to hold this, and it still falls down. Rather than going through the trauma of the repair men having to fix it, I just packed everything into boxes and stacked it in my closet. I kept out enough dress clothes for the next two weeks, and even started packing for Florida. Well, at least until Oliver decided to pee in my suitcase, on my clothes. I spent the next few hours doing laundry and scrubbing out my suitcase. I do not want to smell like the old crazy lady with 300 cats!

Sunday I spent more time packing (all of my pictures and small nick-knacks are safely put into boxes) and watching Anne of Green Gables. I love these stories and the mini-series is one of my favorites. Emily has the first two on DVD, so I borrowed them from her. I even noticed the next installment of the series is on PBS on Sunday afternoon. I'm really looking forward to watching it; I've never seen this part. Anyway, that's what's been going on with me.

My First Official Teaching Act

2008-07-11T11:14:00.002-05:00

The last few weeks have been a little crazy in my life. I've travelled all over the Batesville-Melbourne-Horseshoe Bend-Ash Flat area and still have no place to live. Well, yesterday I had my first official professional development. The morning session I attended was really interesting. Since I will be working with high school age kids for the first time, I really wanted to hear how to get parents involved with this age group. It was a really interesting workshop and the presenter had some really good ideas. I was really excited about the afternoon workshop. It was the Arkansas History session for high school, and I really was looking forward to see how I could incorporate AH into my choir classes. Boy was it a let down. The presenter was not a history teacher nor was her focus Arkansas History. She was a literacy expert, and not only did she talk about books the whole time, everything was K-6. It was really annoying, and I became that person who tried to make all of her exercises a joke. Well, as much as a could. At least I entertained the people in my group!

The Room

2008-07-08T14:11:00.002-05:00

I received this e-mail today with a story of a seventeen year old who died tragically but before his death, he wrote this amazing essay. Well, I have a tendency to be very skeptical over some of the e-mails I receive, so I researched it. I found out the young man plagiarized an article written and published two years before his death. I'm sure the teenager would have loved to have taken another shot at this. (You can read more about the background here). Anyway, I loved the essay, and decided to search for the original author's version. I found it, and luckily, I have permission to share it with you. Be blessed!

THE ROOM

by Josh Harris

In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features save for the one wall covered with small index-card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endlessly in either direction, had very different headings. As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read "Girls I Have Liked." I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one.

And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was. This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match.

A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching. A file named "Friends" was next to one marked "Friends I Have Betrayed."

The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird. "Books I Have Read," "Lies I Have Told," "Comfort I Have Given," "Jokes I Have Laughed At." Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: "Things I've Yelled at My Brothers." Others I couldn't laugh at: "Things I Have Done in My Anger," "Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents." I never ceased to be surprised by the contents. Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped.

I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my 20 years to write each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature.

When I pulled out the file marked "Songs I Have Listened To," I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of music, but more by the vast amount of time I knew that file represented.

When I came to a file marked "Lustful Thoughts," I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size, and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content. I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded.

An almost animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind: "No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!" In an insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it.

Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh. And then I saw it. The title bore "People I Have Shared the Gospel With." The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand.

And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key.

But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him. No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus.

I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own. He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one?

Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me.

Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card.

"No!" I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was "No, no," as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood.

He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side. He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, "It is finished."

I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written.

By Joshua Harris. Originally published in New Attitude Magazine. Copyright New Attitude, 1995. You have permission to reprint this in any form. We only ask that you include the appropriate copyright byline and do not alter the content.

I'm Amazed.

2008-07-01T22:59:00.001-05:00

I play the flute, but I've never in my life played it like these two guys. I am completely amazed.

Ahhh, Venice... Beach.

2008-07-01T19:58:00.002-05:00

Well, not really, but I looked at my countdown clock and realized I'll be leaving for Florida in just over three weeks. Oh that makes my heart sing and sad all at the same time. I have so much to do in the next 21 days- finish the blasted annual report at work, pack all my belongings into boxes to be ready to move, find a house, meet with my principal... the list goes on and on. Hopefully, I'll still have hair when I'm on the beach!

Thanks a lot Clare.

2008-06-30T23:19:00.002-05:00

Well, Clare tagged me in one of her posts, so I guess the only responsible thing to do is play along.

3 Joys:
1. Singing
2. My family (including my two nephews)

3. My friends (who I am so blessed to have)

3 Fears:
1. Failure
2. Spiders

3. Sleeping bags

3 Goals:
1. Successfully teach high school

2. Pay off all my debt
3. Succeed

3 Obsessions:
1. Workspace organization- everything must be in its correct color-coded space, or I cannot function.
2. Germaphobia- gotta love the Clorox wipes!

3. Days of Our Lives

Random Surprising Facts:
1. The dimple on my cheek is not a dimple, but a scar from a cat when I was four.

2. All the clothes in my closet must hang the same way on the hanger.
3. I may be the picture of neatness and perfection at work, but at home, I'm a slob.

5 People I Tag:
Melanie

Etched in Stone.

2008-06-30T15:10:00.002-05:00

Look what I found on the sidewalk today...

To Hear This Menu Read As a Pirate, Press 1...

2008-06-24T23:51:00.005-05:00

I feel like my world is spinning out of control. I've got to start packing up my house, find a new place to live, and complete a 70+ page annual report at work. All of my time and energy the last week has been focused on one of these projects. And the 70+ page ARgh (as I call it), has really taken over my life. I find myself working on it all day at work and even at night while at home. It's really amazing how obsessive I'm being over this. I really don't care about what's in it- it's the department's report of some of the most boring big words put together I've ever read- I just want it to look pretty! Who knows, maybe someone will see this giant publication and offer me a $70,000 graphic design job. Wouldn't that be fun! Hey, I can dream, right?

Summer's Here and the Time is Right for Dancin' in the Streets!

2008-06-22T01:07:00.001-05:00

As a celebration of Rachel's 30 years on this earth, we all meet at the Cornett abode Saturday night for some merriment and jubilation. Jamie cooked some amazing meats, Rachel made some spectacular appetizers and desserts, Jim brought his famous potato salad, and Audrie made a dirty diaper (hey, she wanted to contribute something!). After eating way too much food and drinking a couple of glasses of Sangria, we all started playing Washers. If you've ever played horseshoes, you can play washers. It's very similar. Anyway, we all had a great time, and as you can see by the time of this post, it went well into the evening. Here are a few pictures from the evening (at least until my batteries died!).

New Job, New Hair, New Attitude...

2008-06-19T20:49:00.003-05:00

So, after several consultations from the girls, I decided that I still had no clue what I wanted to do with my hair. I decided to not take any pictures into the salon with me and see what Diane thought. When she started playing with my hair to see what shape it was in, she told me she was really, really glad that I wanted to go shorter. Apparently, my hair, especially the bottom five or six inches, was really dry and damaged. Umm, no surprise here, especially since last August my hair turned purple (look here and here).

Anyway, we decided on a shape to aim for, and she started cutting.

And cutting.

As she was cutting away the dead, damaged, dry hair, my hair flipped out. Literally. It started curling up like it used to when I was a toddler. So, Diane, being the amazing stylist she is, decided to change our original plan. She didn't cut it as short as she wanted to, thank goodness, but she did add a whole lot of layers, and there was more hair on the floor than left on my head! I'm really excited about playing with this and seeing what it looks like in different styles. There are so many layers!

It's 5:00 Somewhere...

2008-06-19T12:05:00.002-05:00

I really, really want to do this someday. It sure would be fun!

I Need Your Help!

2008-06-17T16:12:00.003-05:00

Take a look at these pictures and let me know which hair style you think I should get. I have an appointment Thursday, and I can't wait to get a new look!

Here's my current look.... And here are a few options...

Let me know what you think!

Happy Father's Day!

2008-06-16T21:17:00.003-05:00

I've started this post several times, but I think I am finally going to finish it. Sunday, as the celebration of Father's Day commenced, I was here, 200 miles away from my dad. I don't think my dad knows how much I love and appreciate him. Last week, when my car was trying to cause me to stroke out, he jumped in the car after a long day of work, and drove up here to help me. If I'm ever in any kind of bind, my dad will bend over backwards trying to figure out how to help me. He is a compasionate, loving, God-fearing man, who I look up to. I love my daddy so much. Happy Father's Day, Pop!

Just What I Needed to Hear.

2008-06-11T21:44:00.002-05:00

Have you ever heard a song on the radio and thought, wow that's exactly what I needed to hear? That happened to me on several occaisions last week. Several times when I found myself doubting everything that was going on in my life, this song would somehow either come on the radio or I would begin humming it. I downloaded it from iTunes and have listened to it a lot over the last few days. I was hoping there was a really good video on Youtube, but all I found was this one. Just ignore the video and listen to the song.

Chris Sligh

"Empty Me"

When Will It Be Boring Again?

2008-06-09T10:17:00.002-05:00

After another tow, this time to the dealership, my car is now fixed. Mom and Dad came up, with Landon and Braden, and saved me from the massive coronary I was about to have. Although, by Saturday afternoon, having three adults and two children crammed into my small one bedroom apartment, was about enough to give a healthy person a moment of cardiac arrest!

Dad rode with Mark the tow-guy (who now knows where I work and live, by the way) and sat at the Nissan dealership until my car was fixed. Luckily it was something easy to find with the computer diagnostic they can run on the car. Something about some sort of connector slipping out and causing the alternator not to charge. I don't know. I just know where to put the key in, how to check to make sure I have oil, where the gas goes, and how to add window washer fluid. That's the extent of my car knowledge. Oh, and I can also change a headlight bulb.

Sunday after church, I went with Shawn, Jaclyn, Jeremiah, and Danny to see Kung Fu Panda. Totally hilarious, by the way. Definitely kid friendly, so if you're looking for a movie to take the kiddos to, that would be the one. I laughed out loud more times than I can count, and not just a chuckle, but almost a full-out belly laugh.

Anyway, I got to bed early Sunday night and slept through the majority of the storms we had. Nothing serious, but there was so much rain! Well, that's all I have to share at the moment. I'm sure I'll come up with something else to tell you about later. Peace!

A Night View...

2008-06-06T20:10:00.004-05:00

The other night, I decided to hop in the car, before it decided to be schizophrenic, and headed to campus to take some pictures of Old Main. I love this building. Constructed between 1873 and 1875, it's the oldest building on the University of Arkansas campus and one of the oldest buildings in Arkansas. Old Main was re-opened in the fall of 1991 after an extensive renovation. It is now one of the best know symbols of our campus and is even found in the University logo. More historical information on Old Main can be found here. Anyway, here are a few of my pictures.

Senior Walk is another tradition the University of Arkansas has. From the very first class, graduates have had their names etched into the sidewalks all over campus (mine is being etched as we speak!). This is a picture from the walk heading to the front doors of Old Main. The lights along the sidewalk have always made me think of C.S. Lewis' "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe."

I WANT MY MOMMY!

2008-06-06T19:31:00.004-05:00

This week has been a very hard week for me. I've come to the realization that I will be moving to a new town, away from my friends and family that I have here. My apartment was flooded. My car broke down, and after $450 still isn't fixed. And now, there's some bad news from the home front. AND my favorite flip-flops broke this morning.

I really didn't know how I was going to get through the day. I talked with mom early in the morning, and we both had to hang up because there were more tears than talking. And, then it hit. When I called mom later in the day, I had one of those crying fits where you get so worked up, you can't breathe and all you can do is cry. Mom immediately called dad, and within 45 minutes they were on the road to get here. That's why I love my mommy and daddy.

...It's Another.

2008-06-05T11:27:00.002-05:00

So, my new battery was almost drained by the time I got the office this morning. Yeah, that means my alternator is going out. At least my car didn't die in the middle of 6th Street at 5:15 PM this afternoon. Anyway, I was kind of sad watching my car be towed away on a big roll-back on its way to Bud's Auto Repair. The tow truck guy was really nice, and it seemed like I was supposed to call them- he was in the area AND headed to Bud's to pick one of the drivers up. Hopefully, Bud can get my car running again with no problem and have me in my car this afternoon. And, Lord, please no more. I don't think I can take another catastrophe this week.

If It's Not One Thing...

2008-06-04T19:15:00.003-05:00

So Monday I decided to move away from Fayetteville. Tuesday my water heater flooded my apartment. And today, my car battery decided to go kaput. Seriously. This has not been my week!

On my seven minute drive from the office to my house, I noticed my air bag light was flashing at me. As I pulled in to my parking space at my apartment, my car decided to do some sort of gurgle, gurgle, puthunk, and proceeded to die. I tried to start it again, and all I got was a click click click. Not good. But the lights were working, if weakly, and the car did try to start, so after not panicking too much, I called Shawn and told him I wouldn't be at church tonight and then called my dad. I told him the symptoms, and he decided it was either the battery or the alternator. I figured since my interior lights were still weakly working, I didn't think it was the alternator. Dad then asked me how old my battery was. I told him at least four years. I think Evan helped me replace it when the last battery, the original six-year-old factory-installed battery, exploded. That was in September 2003. So, yep, it was the battery.

I started trying to deduce who would be at home and able to help. I called Jamie, and he came to my rescue... with Audrie in tow (I really think he wants to be a stay at home dad). He pulled out the jumper cables, charged the battery for a few minutes, and we were off to Wal-Mart. We decided to go to the mall Wal-Mart since the Wal-Martians have invaded Fayetteville and use the 6th Street Wal-Mart like it's their bedroom (more on them later). Well, my car had other plans. We got on the road, and I took the on-ramp for I540, when all of the sudden, my odometer, speedometer, clock and basically all the interior lights went out. The car was still running, so I took the next exit and got on the phone to Jamie, who was following me. He suggested Sam's since we were basically there. Good idea. We walked in, checked with the Tire & Battery Center, and were told "that'll be about 20 minutes." Are you kidding me? If we had gone to Wal-Mart, that battery replacement would have taken a good hour and a half. I really think I may have to break down and get a Sam's Club membership...

So, I have some of the best friends in the world, who, when I call in my hour of need, drive 17 miles and come help. Thanks Jamie and Audrie! Our harrowing drive to Sam's will always be remembered, especially when I start down I540 with no speedometer, odometer, air conditioning, or lights! But no hour of need goes without payment. At least my payment will be time spent babysitting Audrie...

Life... As It Happens to Me

Update on Things

Ghostly Nights

Book Suggestion

Before and After

Charlaine Harris Books

Billy and the Nephews

New Site!

After School Fun

Game Night at the Browns

The End of the Beginning

A Blast from the Past...

Doctor, Doctor, Give Me the News

A Pain in the Ear...

Cool in the Pool

A few summer pics...

A Total "Eclipse" of the Harry Potter

I'm a Nerd!

The Dog Days of Summer

Change is a-comin'

A Day Gift Wrapped with Tag that Says Love Satan

Little House on the Prairie

Merry Christmas and Ho Ho Ho...

I'm Alive I Swear! Just Really Busy!

Procrastination is the New Trend

A New Normal

We buried Melanie today.

Melanie's Story

Just Like That

Before... During...

It's a Marry World!

The Time Traveler's Wife

Even if I was alone with a dead demon.

What Do I Know of Holy

Unfailing God

One Man's Highly Qualified Is Another Man's Idiot?

House Update

Jonathan Got a New Hip.

Revolutionary Road

Holy Crow! What a Day!

GO KRIS!!!

American Idol

13 Days and Counting...

Concert Season

Exhaustion Has Set In

Mile Three!

H2O Overload...

Praxis Shmaxis!

Their Round and Clear and Pop Really Easily...

Mile Two

I am the Spector of Death!

Mile One

I hate being sick...

Monthly Report

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes...

Don't Forget to Eat Some Black-Eyed Peas Today!

Merry Christmas!

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas

The Toughest Day

It's Not Christmas Without Jingle Bells

Thirty-Five Years is a Long Time...

The Best Part is the Giving...

A Skunk and a Monkey Knocked On a Door...

It's the Great Pumpkin, Miss Brown!

It's All About the Control Top.

Tears, Spiders, and Fisticuffs

A Letter to My Father

**Insert Snappy Blog Title Here**

I like Ike... Not.

Beautiful, Beautiful Boys

I Hate the Boonies.

I'm Alive! I Swear!

New Kid at School

Facing My Fears...And Running Away From Them!

Don't Stop Thinkin' About Tomorrow...

I Need a Hug

Gosh, I'm Such a Slacker!

It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World

I'm in Florida!

Last Days Are Hard.

Insert Snappy Blog Title Here