Update (My turn)

As Stacey so aptly pronounced, "your turn to update the blog!"

Okay, sloth is no excuse for updating the blog, but the winter olympics, maybe???? Okay, I must confess, I love the Winter Olympics, I stay glued to the TV. Maybe it's because its full of those sports nobody cares about every four years. Maybe it's because I have always wanted to hop a ride on a bobsled and shoot down the track at almost 80 mph. I love watching the ski jumping and once I saw it in person in Salt Lake 2002, you couldn't pay me to do it. I am amazed at how frightening a sport it is (the TV can't do it justice), but as they say, "Fat don't fly!" so I'm pretty safe from being asked to do that anytime soon. Then there is the sport no one in the US gets, curling, all I can say is get CBC on your satellite, you'd finally understand the passion behind it.

Well, I spent most of this weekend camped out at home. Saturday was a double barrel of a bad day. First, the freezing rain and sleet made the roads treacherous, second was the fact that I was sick (sneezing, snorting, ear ache and sore throat) and the clinic was closed due to the weather. So, I stayed at home with the worst case of cabin fever until this morning. Three hours, two tests and a set of X-rays later, the end result was a sinus infection that blew up into a respiratory infection. Now, maybe the shot and the medication will kick in and I'll start feeling better.

As for the news most of you were waiting for, my job interview in Dallas/Grand Prairie, TX. I thought I did pretty well, but they were looking for something else. It came down to not so much my shortcomings, but not the right time. While it was a downer that this did not come to pass, I am not about to throw in the towel. I still believe God is at work doing something we are not able to see with our own eyes. Something similar happened with us coming to ATK and Florence and then again, you never know what job is going to be posted tomorrow or who's going to call out of the blue. And I'll leave it at that...

Just ask that you'll pray for Stacey on Tuesday, her class is taking the TAKS test for reading and it's a very important day. She has worked very hard in preparing her class for this and now it's time for the result. I ask that you'll just pray for her sanity and hopefully the hard work will show with the kids' results.

the dallas trip

Well, I'm about to recuperate from this past weekend now that it is almost the weekend again. This has been an INSANE week!! We had so much fun last weekend in Dallas. We were able to spend some QT with Missy and Ryan. We did tons of shopping and eating. Come to think about it, that's all we did!!! :-) We went to the Rainforest Cafe' which was totally cool but totally expensive! Stephen had his interview Monday. We haven't heard anything yet but as soon as we do, we'll let you know. I drove back to work Monday morning in time to get to my class Valentine party. There's only a few things that teachers hate, and party day is one of them!! Add to that, Stephen is in his interview while my party is going on. One good thing about it, I was definitely too busy to think about it!! Then, I have had workshops yesterday and today. So basically, tomorrow is the first time I have been at school for a full day since last Thursday. My kids are not going to know what hits them because this Tuesday (2/21), we have our state mandated reading test which they must pass in order to go to 4th grade. Whew. That made me tired just thinking about all of that, much less living through it. Keep us in your prayers. We need them. We are both tired. Physically, mentally, emotionally....all that good stuff.

Interview...

Stephen's interview is Monday, February 13th. We will spend the weekend in Dallas. I can't wait!!

A Day at the park.....

Stephen enjoys a day at the park with our niece, Lauren. I'm not sure who is having more fun....

Prayer Request

Hello all! I am asking that you pray for Stephen and me. He has an interview next week for a job in the Dallas area. This is a place that he has always wanted to work at. You know, the Lord works in mysterious ways. When I first moved back to Texas in August, Dallas was out of the question for me. I hated it and didn't want to live there. The traffic is terrible.....Well, I believe the Lord puts you through trials and tests so that you can appreciate all that He has to give to you. And this may not be where He wants us, only He knows. But I am ready to go where He sends me. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. The Lord never puts more on us than we can handle.

Can I convert this to frequent flyer miles...

Oh me! In the past two weeks, I have driven 3000 miles. I never imagined doing that; not even with the craziness of our honeymoon (which was 1900). Two weeks ago, after driving to work for a week, I went to Little Rock and back (600+ miles plus driving in town. I returned home, then went to work (another 500+) and then a weekend round trip to Nacogdoches (1220 miles + in town driving) for a surprise anniversary party for Stacey's parents. You know those oil change guys are loving this...

As for the surprise party, it went well. I don't think they had a clue it was coming. I'll save the details for Stacey's next post.

While I was out in Texas, it rained like crazy (4-5" in 40 hours) - which was good since they are in a severe deficit situation (20" below normal). Yet, it was bad in the since that the roads were in awful shape and it delayed my return home. On the other hand, it meant spending an extra day with Stacey and getting some Cowboys gear dirt cheap. It was weird, some areas had grass just as green as spring, after the rains; while other areas were scorched.

Ramblings....

Here it is Friday Eve and I am SOOO excited tomorrow is Friday. I get to see Stephen tomorrow which I am VERY excited about! This has been a stressful week and I'm ready for it to end!! I had a workshop Tuesday and I'm starting to get REALLY stressed about an upcoming state mandated test that my kiddos have to take which they must pass in order to move on to 4th grade. The thought of possibly having some of these kids AGAIN for another year totally exasperates me! I'm not trying to be ugly, but......today was one of those moments though that make me proud to be a teacher. I have a kid who was retained in 3rd grade this year for that very reason (failing that test) and he is really bad and has a terrible home life. He's the one I mentioned just before Christmas about getting the toy from his secret santa. Anyways, we took an old released test from a year or two ago and he made a very high B on it. I was proud of him!! Not to mention he brought ALL of his homework back today for the first time this year. Small miracles.....Praise the Lord!!

I have gone crazy. I have gotten back into scrapbooking, full speed ahead!! In fact, the other night I went on EBay....evil.....I saw something scrapbooking I like. I should have never bid on that thing but I did. Stephen attributed it to me being a desperate housewife....well actually he said desperate heifer.....Well, I won the thing. I kept praying for a sniper to come in a steal it away from me but that never happened. I guess it was because the biggest college football game was on TV....Rose Bowl....Anyway, I am having to control myself about getting onto EBay!! My name is Stacey....and I'm a Scrapbookaholic!!

Buster....the King!!

Well, this is Buster. This is the dog that Stephen and I got for his mom and dad for Christmas. He has already grown quite a bit since this picture was taken. He is the biggest mess. He loves to go outside and play. He has found that if he cannot go outside, he'll show you...he'll mess in the floor!! The other day my mother-in-law was getting ready for work and Buster climbed up on the couch, lay his head on the pillow, and went to sleep. He will also pull the blanket off the couch and go to sleep on it. He will be a really good dog eventually!! :) By the way, this is the chew toy that we got him for Christmas and he has had a time with it!!

Back home again!

Well, at 7AM this morning, Stacey and I parted ways again and headed back on on the journey trying to get this Texas move complete. Thus, just under twelve hours later, I arrived back in Alabama. It's going to be some adjustment since we'd been back under the same roof since the 18th of December. Nice to be able to spend that much time together, just wish it could be permanent.

One good thing about being back here is that I've seen enough UT stuff to drown a longhorn steer (pun intended). I tried like crazy to find some Astros stuff, but every store was inundated with the Horns Rose Bowl Gear. Then again, maybe it's not so bad when you go to the sporting goods stores here and find nothing but hillbilly, hunting orange UT stuff.

We each had good Christmas'. Stacey received tons of scrapbooking tools and gadgets and I got tons of MSU and Astros stuff. I even managed to get some Dallas Cowboys stuff with my Christmas money. We also got a photo printer from my parents, so that will save us one headache with the elimination of the hated trip to Wal Mart for photo processing.

The weather in Texas has been almost unbelieveable. On Christmas Day it was nearly 80 and New Year's Day was 82. I could not believe seeing people in the Lufkin Mall wearing T-shirts, shorts and flip flops on New Year's Day. Unfortunately, the hot weather was contributing to the grass and wildfires in Texas (fortunately, none are near our family, but all areas are under burn bans). So far, there is no end in sight.

The job hunt continues, but things have been picking up. Two companies within an hour of Stacey's job has expressed interest and I have applied for a couple more places. Maybe things will get moving quickly.

And finally, yes, I enjoyed lots of good eating while I was away. My Fat Guys Club friends in Michigan would be jealous (Clear Springs, Cotton Patch, La Carreta, The BBQ House, Butcher Boys). Let's just say the onion rings at Clear Springs were at their finest...

Sniffle, Snort part 2

Well, as luck would have it, I started the sniffles and snorts as soon as I got to Alabama. I have been pretty sick but I have still been able to enjoy myself. We have done plenty of shopping and eating. I haven't been to see Chronicles of Narnia yet but I will soon. Stephen HATES to go to the movies so it usually takes some big convincing on his part!! Tonight we are going to Huntsville to see some hockey. I actually won some tickets yesterday on the TV station here so I surprised Stephen with it last night. Just when he thinks he has me figured out, I surprise him again!!

We are leaving for Texas in the morning. Stephen will be there until January 2nd, when I have to go back to work. I'm sure we will be very busy while there. We never seem to be able to sit for longer than 2 minutes when my sisters are involved! :-)

I smell my banana nut bread. It must be ready. I think I made enough for the whole state of Alabama. I filled everything I could find with the stuff!! I think I made too much......

Multiple ramblings...

As Stacey would say, "Have mercy!"

I'm having the worst case of ADD I've had in a long time. I guess when you couple the excitement of Stacey coming home, needing to do laundry, wrapping Christmas presents, and straightening up the apartment; I just bounce from one project to the other in 20 minute intervals. This has been going on since 7PM and you'd think it would eventually slow down. Naah! Unfortunately, it is a reminder of how much I hate wrapping Christmas presents. I am terrible at it, especially when they come in odd shapes and we have plenty of them this year. I've gotten 6 done, and 1 more to go. Maybe it'll get done before Stacey arrives...

So, I guess you'd ask, how's the hunt going? Well, after a pretty slow couple of months, things are starting to pick up again and not a moment too soon. It's been 4 1/2 months since we started the dual household situation and it's grown beyond old. Yet, I have patience and faith that God will provide in His time, and if I can be patient, the reward will be worth the wait. I've really spent most of my time searching close to Stacey's job, but I'm not sure that it's going to pan out. Thus, I have expanded my search in hopes that something will pan out locally while searching near and far.

As for Labs R Us. Well, they have made buddies in their new homes. Puppy, the yellow mixed lab we got for my dad, is having his romp at my parents' home. I gave him to my dad on the 10th and dad's proud of him. Unfortunately, while Puppy was here with me, the remainder of his litter was sent packing, but not to doggy heaven, just New York to a rescue who provides pets to the inner city. Anyway, he's settling in pretty good, just trying to chew everything that is not nailed down. Hopefully, the little fella will get a name this weekend. Chester, the black lab at Stacey's parents' home is settling in just fine. He's turning into the shadow of his counterpart, Magnum. Oh the adventures just waiting to happen...

Yet, as Stacey mentioned, we'll be together for the next two weeks and I'm chomping at the bits for it to get here. I can't wait! A week here and a week of vacation in East Texas. Will the eyes of Texas be upon me...who knows?

Out for the holidays!

One of the things I love about teaching is the holidays. The other 3 reasons I love teaching are June, July, and August! :) Just kidding! I love the children also. I am off for 2 weeks and I am so excited to be with Stephen for those 2 weeks. I am leaving in the morning to go to Florence until next Friday. Then, we are traveling back to Texas to spend Christmas with my family.

One of the neatest things happened today that just made my heart smile. I have a child in my class that is very much not wanted by neither mother nor father. He lives with grandma. It's a really bad situation. He is pretty poor. He is also the worst student in my class but I understand him. He has a very hard life. Anyway, another teacher, who wanted to remain anonymous, decided to get him one of the 2 things that he wanted for Christmas. He wanted more than anything a new remote control car. She bought it for him. You should have seen his eyes light up. It was priceless. That very much made my day. Even though he is a little stinker, he still deserves to be loved. To be honest with you, if I could, I would bring him home with me. He just needs attention. He craves it and unfortunately, gets the wrong kind of attention. I will never understand how some people can become "parents". I guess that is the one question I will ask God when I get to heaven.

Happy Belated Birthday!

Happy Belated Birthday Stephen. It was on Wednesday. I have been SOOOO busy with school that I nearly forgot it! Shame on me!!

Awwww......

look at us! Are we ready for Christmas or what???

Labs R Us

Well, it looks as though our families are lab exclusive. Stephen and I bought his mom and dad a yellow lab puppy for Christmas. Then, my dad came home with a new black lab puppy today. We already have a grown black lab. Isn't he adorable! I don't have any pictures of the yellow lab yet.

the new child in the house....

Stephen and I decided to get his dad a new puppy for Christmas since he is retiring in a few weeks. Stephen found the cutest little yellow lab mix puppy yesterday at Pet Depot and adopted him. He doesn't have a name yet. Stephen is keeping him until Christmas. Some of the stories I have heard so far are hilarious. I only wish I could be a fly on the wall to witness this some of his antics in person. Stephen got about 2 hours of sleep last night. The poor little fellow cried all night. (both of them! :) ). This afternoon both the puppy and Stephen took a nap. Stephen thought he put the puppy in the kennel. He went to the bed to take a nap. He called me and told me how good the puppy was being. I told him he might want to go and check on him! Sure enough, the puppy had gotten out of the kennel. Lucky for Stephen, the puppy found a towel and curled up and went to sleep.

I do not have any pictures yet of the little thing but as soon as I do, I'll post them.

Stephen is finally feeling better. We hope he keeps his good health through the holidays.

I have been SO busy with school. I have been coaching an academic spelling team and tutoring quite a bit. Plus, I had my appraisal last week with the principal. This week we have a field trip. I am ready for the holiday!!

Happy (Sniff, Snort) Thanksgiving!

Well, I have been suffering with the sniffles, sneezes and snorts for over three weeks now. Stacey and my poor co-workers have been listening to my wild sneezing fits about every other day, I'm sure their eardrums are almost bleeding. Monday night, I got very little sleep and I left work Tuesday afternoon and was absolutely miserable because I couldn't breathe. I finally gave in and went to the doctor. Once again, a sinus infection. Fortunately for me, I got a shot and some medication and hopefully will start feeling better by the weekend.

Also, on top of getting to spend the entire day together, Stacey and I were able to go to Huntsville and Decatur to do a little shopping. We finally have Christmas shopping almost wrapped up except for a couple of items on our own wishlists and now can spend a worry-free December. We also got to hit our favorite BBQ place - Big Bob Gibson's in Decatur. I'm still full for the delicious BBQ and half rack of ribs. For the BBQ challenged and non-Alabamians, Big Bob Gibson's has won 6 or more World BBQ Championships at Memphis in May, won the Best Sauce on the Planet Award back in 1998, and hosts the All-Star BBQ Challenge on OLN. These boys know what REAL BBQ is all about and it's a NOUN, NOT A VERB! for our grilling challenged friends.

Thanksgiving day will consist of us going to my aunt and uncle's house in Crane Hill followed by spending the rest of the time with my parents. I'm sure we'll eat a ton, have a good time visiting with the kin folks, and watching football between naps. I'm sure the Cowboys game will not go unnoticed. :-)

Stacey's home

Well, for the first time since Labor Day, Stacey is back home and you can't believe how great it has been having her here in Florence. I know that the Lord has great things planned for us, but this is just a reminder of how wonderful it will be once we are in the same town for good.

As you expect, Stacey's inner-child kicked in and we ended up putting up a Christmas tree - decorated to the hilt. No surprises there, eh? Stacey loves the Christmas season more than anyone I know. If it was left up to her, we'd be putting one up on Nov. 1 every year. So, now our living room looks ready for Christmas Day.

Just an update on the insurance issue. Well, Stacey went back to the doctor and will be in the walking cast until December 14th thanks to the lack of urgency at our insurance company. Her physician prescribed another medication and we are awaiting the results of this one. Fortunately, there was no issue getting the medicine, just hoping it will work.

May the Farce Part III

Well, some things just do not change...

Unfortunately, this one is serious, but the absurdity of the situation makes this another farce. Stacey has been in a walking cast for over a month with the bursitis underneath the heel spur. Stacey's doctor prescribed medication to reduce the imflammation and the farce ensued. After the one week trial/samples ran out, our insurance company would not allow the prescription to be filled. Our "friends" at the Shield in the Land of 10000 Lakes have denoted that the medication prescribed was not acceptable, but it took them 10 days to "review" and then we get a letter through snail mail informing us of the rejection. Next, we call then insurance company for rationale and next steps to take and they tell us to get a substitute. Thus, we go back for a substitute, and it was summarily rejected by these same arrogant non-physicians. We complain again and gripe about the amount of time and inability to get treatment because of their delays and they basically tell us that it's not their problem. Finally, we get a list of acceptable medications and substitutes and what is the head of the list??? You guess it, the original prescription, followed by ibuprofren - tylenol. Now the insurance companies are getting into the "call two aspirin and call me when I care" mode.

Hello!!!?!??! What are we throwing our hard earned money away for if the insurance company won't pay for what the doctor prescribes???

May the Farce Part II

It's Christmas season and now is the time Stacey and I always make out our wishlists and then exchange them. For those of you who know me, I'm a Star Wars junkie, no I do not have a Darth Vader or Storm Trooper costume, but I have done really well about not mass collecting the collectibles from Episode III...UNTIL NOW!
The list came out and it would be like reading a kid's list. Anyone got a Spud Trooper or Darth Tater ya want to hook me up with???

Well, some things just do not change...