Hip! Hip!

Hoooooray!!!

Today is a visit to the Hair Goddess.  All things wonderful will happen regardless if the sun is shining or not.  A visit to the Hair Goddess is like NEW free comfortable cute shoes.  I CAN'T WAIT!  Buggy is getting a trim too!  She's only staying for the haircut and then Mimi will whisk them both away so that I can have 3.5 hours of child free time.  Monster begged Mimi to get there early to rescue him because I told him that it was a Fancy Nancy kind of place and if he embarrassed me I would remove his toenails one by one.

.....Ahhhh...... Just me, the Goddess, and a salon atmosphere.  I know some are freaking out about the 3.5 hours of hair.  The Goddess and I stretch it out as long as we possible can with out interrupting her opportunity to make additional money.  No to mention it's a guaranteed amount of time that I can  be an adult.

Why do I call her THE Hair Goddess?!?!   

Because she makes wonderful things happen to my coarse, thick hair.  She changes the color each visit and expertly hides the "stress blonde"(Ahhem. GREY) that I earn sacrificially in mass amounts.  Not to mention, I never tell her what to do, and she makes it perfect EVERY TIME!!!  Surely, only a Goddess can read MY mind and understand the hills, valleys, and plain 'ole blank spots to interpret a stylish, non-mommy-like, hair do!  I only give her guidelines.  For instance-  Shorter-makes me lose 5 pounds- and a little less red.  OR  I think I might like it a little longer but not so it makes my face look long.  I've never said like So- and-So or cut here-here-and-ummm-here.  So she's the Goddess. 

**Change of Subject**  Still cheering though.

Last night was WONDERFUL!

I got to put a 1,000 piece puzzle together By. My. Self!  While that may confuse some that I can sit for 7 hours and focus on little things like that... It was very rewarding.  NOT TO MENTION I CAN SIT FOR 7 HOURS AND FOCUS!!!! Plus, the purpose of the puzzle was for my classroom.  Hubby took the kiddos to VBS so that I could have some time alone and focus.  So it was me, Michael Buble and THIS puzzle.       

Today I'm working on license plates and signs for my room before I visit the Goddess so that I can laminate them AFTER I visit the Goddess.  

Then all I have to do is hang the license plates and signs, sew the fabric skirt for a desk and glue my puzzle together and I'll be finished with the decorating part of my room. Mind you I can't put anything IN my room because I can't return until pre-planning week due to some training that I'll be doing.  That being said.  I'll get to the school early enough and get that done pretty quickly.  (I hope)

Okay off to make license plates!

Wordless Wednesday.

Childlike Faith

This little guy was one of many that raised their hands during a prayer of salvation while we were in Ecuador.  See how focused he is?

Go here for many more Wordless Wednesdays.

It's Day 2 of my self imposed early wake-ups.  It was much harder to get out of bed this morning.

*Sigh*

I wasn't a very nice person yesterday.  I was caught between a bear that was woken up before hibernation was over and a child who didn't get what they wanted at the store.  My friends joked with me... I was a 6 hour (of sleep) Rho vs. the 8 hour (of sleep) Rho.

The problem is....(Trust me. It's silly.  Which makes it even more FRUSTRATING)

My classroom isn't up to par like everyone else's is.  When I say up to par, I mean.... my room doesn't have the laminated signs or themed outcome.

My room is clean and organized.  Just no cute signs, slight "home-like" touches, or super cool reminders as to why my class is the place to be for learning.

Sadly... I am comparing myself to others.  THEN while I was looking up some stuff at school one of my co-teachers was explaining ALL that she was doing this year (because she taught the subject as her internship AT my school WITH the teacher who is organizing the WHOLE program) and I felt inadequate.  

I HATE that!

I know that I am good at teaching.  I'm not comfortable with the subject area because it's new to me.  I've never kept up with Government or Politics.

Sooo all of that to say this:

I was behaving like a spoiled brat and my Hubby caught the most of it.  Especially 'cause he used my-not-so-very-favorite-phrase "It's not in the budget"  one too many times. 

AND... 

I woke up with a slightly different look on things.  It's not my room that my students need.  It's me.  I've spent a fair amount of time working on me this summer instead of catchy phrases and cool decorations.  I can honestly say that Psalm 139 has been my study.  The Lord is continuously working on me about being "fearfully and wonderfully made".  Regardless of my weight, my offerings, or my classroom.

My request is this.... keep me in your prayers this school year.

Search me, O God, and know my heart;

test me and know my anxious thoughts.

See if there is any offensive way in me, 

and lead me in the way everlasting.

Psalm 139:23-24

Funnies!

...so... I got 1/3 of my room finished.

While working on my desk area the air condition guys came in to switch out the filters....

Him:  I'm just changing the filter.

Me: Sure!

Him:  I'll be back in a minute to put the cover on.

Me:  No Worries.

(Pause)

(Pause)

(Pause)

Him:  Are you from Australia?

Me: No?!?!

Him:  Oh 'cause they say that there.

Me: I know.

Wanna know what I was thinking!?!?!?  Fuschia will probably be the only one that will find this hysterical.

....I was thinking..... and Bob's your Uncle.

Gosh. It's early.

...and  very quiet.

I've forgotten that was one of the reasons why I get up so early during the school year.  The alarm clock was set for 6:15 this morning.  It didn't go off.  

Which means 1 of 3 things:  1)  Someone messed with my volume.  2) My ipod wasn't hooked in properly.  OR (my personal favorite) 3.  The  clock is still on summer vacay and refuses to allow me to get up this early.

We started a "relaxed" bedtime last night to get in gear for school times.  They are 30 minutes after their normal bedtimes.  So the kiddos were BOTH snoozing around 10:00 last night.  Which I took full advantage of and went to bed right after that thinking my alarm clock would be forcing me out of bed at an early hour.  Hmmmpf.  

All is good though.  I'm up early.  Well, earlier than I have been for a good bit of this summer.  

I am going to the school today to finish setting up my room and putting all of the books back on the shelves.  I won't be finished by the end of the day because there are a couple of things I still have to purchase.  I have today and Wednesday to get a big enough jump.  That's it.

My schedule for this week:

Monday:  School & VBS (6:30-9:00 PM)

Tuesday:  Pool Day with Pals & VBS

Wednesday:  School & VBS

Thursday:  Hair Goddess (Praise God!) & VBS

Friday:  House chores, (Possibly School if it's open), VBS

Saturday:  Chic-fil-A , Staples Teacher Appreciation (check out yours!!)

...Upcoming Next Week...

1 week of Civics training (Countywide)

Kids Church Lock-in

12 year wedding anniversary 

**THERE ARE TWO POSTS BELOW FOR TODAY**

Please enjoy both of them!

Date Night.

It all started Thursday afternoon - AFTER my kids were picked up.

I had to find enough time get clean, and beautiful, and non-mommied because I was having DATE Night with Hubby and Fuschia and RedDaddy.  We were going to and adult restaurant and EVERYTHING!  

For a simple side bar..... You MUST establish a DATE night!  IT doesn't have to be with a fellow blogger or any other couple but, spending time alone with your husband is a MUST!  

So our dates picked us up in the grown-up car. In Rho that means, a 4 seater, non-PopTart, convertible Saab.  At least I think it's a Saab.  We have a glorious dinner complete with a very forgiving and humorous waitress.  Then after her 4th visit about dessert (We were heavy into a conversation regarding the conversation with my daughter.) we make the decision to go to Starbucks and return to The House of Rho for possible game playing and/or more adult conversation. As we exit the adult restaurant, RedDaddy decides to let the convertible top down.  MY first thought?!?!  WHOO HOO!!!

... and off we gooooo!!! (movie reference??!?!)

Note to self #1. Bring a clip for long bangs in the back seat of a convertible at fast speeds. (fast being anything above stop)

Note to self #2.  Be comfortable enough with your back seat buddy to hold her hair out of her face as she holds yours when the boys decide to hit the boost down a big hill.

Note to self #3.  Above ALL things.  Laugh.  It's good for you regardless of your hair.

Can I just say this.... We were laughing soooo hard that the "kids" at Starbucks thought we'd been out for more than dinner!!  

We order our coffee, Me - Super Sweet Grande with extra sugar.  Fuschia - Double shot of energy with double shot of cream and ummm...yeah... shaken not stirred... Please.  

Then we get back into the adult car with coffee.  I don't know if it's because the adult car is sacred or the coffee was sacred but, we gave strict instructions regarding speed limit and no boosts prior to entering the vehicle.  Plus, the ride wasn't very far due to the blessing God bestowed upon me when he built that particular Starbucks.  

Did you know??  If you are holding your coffee AND someone else's coffee you tend to resemble Cousin It in the back of a convertible?  Yeah. It's true.

When we get to the House of Rho we hang out on the couches and laugh.  I'm talking L-A-U-G-H.  Spit your water out of your mouth laugh.  We talked about movies, skits, Talula doing the Hula, kids, world problems, you name it.  It was SOOO much fun!!  Around the time we all started to turn into pumpkins, we parted ways with another date set.... Fuschia and I were meeting at 9. in the morning. for another set of grocery training.

I was up until 1:00 getting my list of 22 products from 3 stores together.  

We met and conquered the 3 stores  we visited.  I still had one more store to do after we split up at 11:30.  Total for the week???

I spent - $76.00

I saved - $35.07

ECBs- $5.00

Now, I need to remind you guys - this was only my second trip with coupons.  I think I'm doing pretty good!!  I even made a MENU.  That's leaps and bounds for this cloud jumper!

Okay.. I need more coffee and I'm taking the kids swimming.  I'd visit Fuschia's blog if you can.  Something tells me we'll have dueling blogs regarding our date when we catch up from our sleep and can manage to get back on track.

So Long Summer.

.......*sigh* It starts.

My summer vacay is coming to a quick end.  So quick in fact I'm about  2 weeks ahead of everyone else.  Which means essentially.  This Monday, I'm starting back.  Granted it will be WAY more relaxed than the first week back to work, since it's a self-imposed return.  I've spoken to several of my coworkers ALL of stressed how little time we'll get in our classrooms during preplanning.  Which means in Rho language - get it finished before pre-planning AND...seeing as I am in training for the entire week before preplanning.... it leaves the upcoming week.  

That being said.  I have to be creative seeing as the money fairy did not leave me anything despite the many nights of sleeping with my checkbook under my pillow.  So, If you have any classroom decoration and organization suggestions, feel free to comment. And for whatever reason I feel I have to say this----I'm WAY  more organized in a classroom than I am in real life.  The class is 7th grade Civics.  

Driving Home

I had the glorious privilege of driving home. alone. with my youngest in the car. Alone.

While some may think that this is a great time to bond with said child.  I found it a reflection of myself. 

 Which for my friends is this..... Am I Really THIS Random!?!?!

Here are bits of the conversation.

Buggy:  Mommy, When are we going to Starbucks?

Me:  Not tonight.

Buggy: 'cause I love coffee.  One time at school.  I left my chocolate milk alone for a really long time and then I drank it and (her hand to her heart.  eyes as wide as the can be. southern accent in a 7 year old voice) it tasted Just. Like. Coffee.(higher pitch) - LOVE it! 

Me:  Really?

Buggy: Yes (In the Are you kidding me voice?)

Me:  I would think it would taste like hot milk.  Eeeew.

Buggy:  You should try it some time.  You'll love it.  Just. Like. Coffee.

Me:  I don't think so.

Buggy:  Is tomorrow good?

Me: For what?

Buggy:  Starbucks.

Me:  NO you have HSM camp.

Buggy: tomorrow night?

Me:  No, you're spending the night at Mimi's.

Buggy: Friday night?

Me:  That's too far away.

Buggy:  (singing)  Jump In,  Jump Out!

Turn yourself around!

Jump In, Jump Out!

Introduce yourself.

My name is Buggy (Yeah)

I tell no lies (Yeah)

I'm gonna be a star (Yeah)

'Til the day I die (Oh, Yeah)

And when I die. (Yeah)

Please bury me deep. (Yeah)

And put my tiara (Yeah)

Up on my feet (Oh, Yeah)

Then we went through her name 3 more times, Karen, Shelby, Sue, Susan, Papa Johns, and any other establishment.

Buggy:  Mommy?

Me:  Yes?

Buggy:  When can I go swimming?

Me: I dunno.

Buggy:  'cause I really  like to put my face under water.

Me: I see

Buggy:  Mommy?

Me:  Yes?

Buggy:  Can garage doors kill you?

Me:  I don't (pause) think so.

Buggy:  Oh.   But, then I can go to heaven.

Buggy:  Mommy?

Me:  *sigh* Yes?

Buggy:  When will I go to heaven?

Me: (thinking to myself -don't let this bother you....) When God calls you to heaven.

Buggy: No... when I DIE!

Me:  That's when God calls you to heaven.

Buggy:  No, you die, God wakes you up and then you are in heaven.

Me: Sounds good.

Buggy:  Can you die in heaven?

Me:  No, only on earth.

Buggy:  I like to call him Bells.

Me:  Call who Bells?

Buggy:  You know like you ring?

Me: WHHAT?

Buggy:  (riiiiiiiiing) like that.  The one's you ring?

Me:  I got the bells part.  Who are you calling Bells?

Buggy:  The bad guy God.

Me:  The who?

Buggy:  The bad guy God.  You know the God over where the bad guys go.

Me:  (Light bulb ON!)Oh.

Buggy:  They live in bad guy heaven, you know.

Me:  That they do.

Buggy:  I'm not going there.

Me:  You're right.

Buggy:  Are you going to lock the doors?

Me:  (confused. again.) To what?

Buggy: To the car (Duh?!?!)

Me:  I can.

Buggy:  I hope the windows don't break.

Me:  I don't think they will. (pulling into driveway)

Buggy:  Don't forget.

Me:  I won't.

Thank you for being a friend.

Yesterday, I found out that Estelle Getty passed away.  The spunky mom that taught me about eavesdropping and sarcasm while watching my favorite show on Saturday evenings.  (at least I think it was Saturdays)

That being said, memories of the show The Golden Girls, have been flooding my brain.  I've been humming the song since last  night.

Thank you for being a friend.

mumble-scrumble down and back again

Something, something, pal, and a confidant

And if you threw a party

iiiinvited everyone you kneeeew.

You would see the biggest gift would be from me.

aaand the card attached would say..

Thank you for being a friend.

Okay. Okay.  My memory isn't that vivid anymore because I haven't heard it in forever but, I got the last verse Right?!!?  My point is this... 

I have a relatively small circle of friends.   Friends that I can cry in front of, tell my thoughts to without having judgement (laughter probably, but still no judgement).  Friends that love me no matter what.  Friends that correct me or pray for me.  Friends that are willing to stop what they are doing despite their chaos to help me in my moment.  Friends that I could send the biggest gift to and sincerely attach Thank you for being a Friend as the card.

I guess what I'm saying is, in my mind, I haven't done a very good job of Thanking my Friends.  Not that a large gift is needed -just a simple gesture of love shown or a small note.  Listening instead of speaking first.  Hugging instead of trumping their day. 

So my challenge to myself for this week is to let my friends know that I love them!  My challenge to you....do the same.  Sometimes it's as little as making sure your problems aren't the first to be heard.

Extra Credit Challenge!!!  

I hope you are at least humming the song to understand my maddness.  Try to remember the words to the song.  DON'T CHEAT by looking it up on a lyrics page.  If you don't know the song... make it up!!! 

Coupon Crazy!!!

Oh. My. Goodness!!!

I went grocery shopping WITH coupons for the VERY first time tonight!  

I spent $38.00, I saved $34.00.  They (being Publix) PAID me to buy salad! I had a 2 one dollar off coupons, got a dollar off of 2 from the magic coupon book that Publix gives you when you walk in, the salads were BOGO AND then my shopping trainer found $1 off coupons 'cause we talked each other into almonds for the salad which was for each bag that were ALSO BOGO so that's an additional $2 off......

Soooo All that to say.....  $5.00 in coupons for a $3.49 purchase in which I got 2 bags o salad.   Yes.  I'm serious.  No.  I'm not making this up.  

I had to shadow someone to get the full experience.  I'm probably going to talk Fuschia into taking me to CVS for that learning experience as well.

WOO!!  HOO!!  I'm saving Hubby dollars by spending them!  

I need some sleep tomorrow is a busy day!

Usable Scars

I have two scars on my body.  

One on the back of my  left leg and one on the front of my right leg.  Both I received for not paying attention.  Both I received unknowingly until someone else pointed out the severity.  At the point of the injuries I seriously thought nothing of them.  Until someone ELSE noticed the bleeding.  Am I really that unobservant?  Sadly, my answer is yes, WHEN it comes to myself.  When it comes to others, I'll notice in a heartbeat.

I was playing catch-up on my blog reading this morning.  I hadn't read on my bloggy-bar for quite sometime and needed to catch up with my reading.  As I visited this one though, I got to thinking (yes, I was on coffee cup #1) and the Holy Spirit started moving, and my fingers started typing. 

How many scars do I have?  Which lead to the counting of scars you see above.  Then I began to think about my Ecuador story.  I talked about stretch marks.  OH! if I have to count those from childbirth, we'll be here forever!  Then I thought about the teary moment I shared in front of the church (yes, I gave a 3 minute summary of what is typed out here)  The visual of me standing with a microphone and tapping my heart is stuck in my brain.  

How many scars DO I really have?  

Too many to count.  Which is a good thing.  Each and everyone of those wounds brought me through something.  A broken heart, A limping spirit, A tainted life, A hurting marriage, A lost child....the list is long and painful.  You see, the Lord brought me through EVERY SINGLE ONE OF MY WOUNDS!  Thank you Lord!  His hand was on my shoulder as I cried uncontrollably over the lost of my first child.  His arms were wrapped around me as I struggled with my past.  He wiped the tears off my face as I silently wept for the young girls in Ecuador who had no choice but to give themselves over to adults who did not care about them.  

But it's the memory of 

The place you brought me from

That keeps me on my knees

All of my wounds listed or not listed were healed by the one God I put my trust in daily.  It's because he healed me that I continue to look to him each morning that I get out of bed.  It's because of the silent whispers of knowing he's with me each step of every day that I can do the things he's called me to do.  It's because of what he brought me through that I can talk to others and guide them through or around the same things.

But I'll build an altar with 

the rubble that You've found me in

and every stone will sing 

of what You can redeem.

God uses us in ways that we can serve and help others through the experiences we have and the mistakes that we make.  I'm so glad I'm un-perfect.  I'm so glad that I have the scars visible or non-visible.  These make me realize that in the grand scheme of things I'm useable.  Think of fine china.  The ones that only get used on rare occasions verses the everyday stoneware that is used everyday regardless of it's chips.  I don't want to be used 1-2 times.  I want the Lord to use me every chance he gets.    

I am broken torn apart, Take the pieces of this heart

Heal the wound but, leave the scar

So take this post as an encouragement!

Bloggy Buddies, Friends, Sisters,  

Regardless of your scars you ARE useable.   It doesn't matter what you have been through or what you are going through.  There is someone that can help and guide you.  There is someone who cares enough to wrap their arms around you and weep as well.  AND  there is someone out there who would benefit from you making yourself useable.  If you have a wound, turn to the Lord.  Ask him to help.  If you have a scar, don't be afraid to show it.

Words in italics are from the Song : Heal the Wounds  by Point of Grace.  If you'd like to hear the song click here.

Lord,

This post isn't at all what I thought it would be.  Thank you for using me for a simple message such as this.  My prayer is that others will benefit just as well.  I thank you for showing me that I, too can still learn from myself and my scars.

~Rho

Anything But THAT!!!

I'm officially off the couch.  I got up and was able to drive the boys to baseball this morning.  On the way home, I was listening to the radio and heard the most disturbing news.  Even if it's only 1/2 true or not even true, I'm still very afraid that someone even decided to report this.

Apparently, the 80's fad of NEON colors is coming back.  I hated the fad THEN I can't even imagine how they would fit into todays "styles".  Oh. Dear. Lord. Just thinking about the possible combinations is enough to put me back on the couch.  On the radio announcers behalf.   He reported it quite well - including the implication that our insurance rates will go down due to the fact that you'd be able to see people a mile away.  Oh, my head is spinning.  I teach tweens and teens.  I can't imagine what my classroom would look like!!!  Note to self:  Ban all Neon colors in Syllabus and Rules of the Room.

THEN, as I get home to report this fashion mistake, I journey to friends and fun reads and I find THIS.  I'm still gasping for air.  Another fear I have second to needles.  AND it was found during a major dislike I have.  (One might say that I have compared it to Satan himself)  Of course after 3 days on the couch, I'm playing catch up on the house work and I have mountains of laundry.  Seriously... the Snake himself has invaded Laundrydom!

As you can tell, I'm in MUCH better spirits that the last couple of days.  I even painted my toes and had an extra cup of coffee to celebrate!  Well, I better get back to the rest of the house.

Cranky.

I've been sleep walking for the last 2 days.  I have no idea what day it is or what the weather is like.

I do have mobility back and I'm dealing with the pain.  I'm trying no medis today.  So far I've been up for an hour and a 1/2 and things aren't looking good for the home team.

I've found that when I'm off of my internal schedule and wimpy I don't get to do the things I'm used to doing.  Which makes me feel like I'm not useful.  When I'm not useful... I get cranky which adds to the attitude of everyone else in my house because things aren't going the way they should. 

Sooo on top of not feeling well, I'm cranky... which means the attitudes are flying freely in the House of Rho.

Just another day in paradise.

All because of a cute purse.

That's the story I'm sticking to.

I bought the cute purse for a whopping $6.00 on Saturday.  It was one of those too good to be true purchases that I just had to have.  I'm starting to think that the Evil one was involved in this entire scenerio of hurts and pains.

Monday while shopping with JoJo I adjusted the purse with my left arm and turned my neck at the same time.  That's when I pulled it or pinched whatever I pinched.  Throughout Monday night my shoulder and neck area had this annoying sense of pain.  Like an upcoming headache that you know will knock you on your behind.

Yesterday morning, as I got up to get the Boys off to Baseball, I couldn't move.  So much that Hubby had to take the day off.  My entire left arm was numb and I had a severe pain that went down my neck and across my shoulder blade.  I called the Dr's office around 8:30.  When I called again at 12:30 they had not "had the opportunity" to read my notes as of yet.  Which in Rho language means - fat chance at getting an appointment. 

So, as I talked to the operator I asked if I could go to option #2 known as urgent care.  I'm a girl that went through labor with no epideral and I was HURTING.  I wanted a doctor THEN.  So, I call Urgent Care and amazingly I have an appointment in 30 minutes.  I  get to the office by way of being chauffered by Hubby who was trying to explain that a shot wasn't all that bad and that I needed to suck it up because I was an adult.   My response... he is not a successful cheerleader in fact- he was quite rotten at the job.  Then a small voice from the back seat replys  "but, Daddy... you have a GREAT toe touch!"  Which caused me to laugh, which caused me to hurt, which made me more cranky.

At the office, I was called into the back within 5 minutes sat for about 10 and saw a dr that agreed that I needed lots of rest and relaxation.  (Rho's version and leaving out the physician mumbo-jumbo.) Get a shot that fraidy cat me, didn't scream at (an answer to prayer) and then we went home and I was sleep walking until about 5:30.

We ended up going out to dinner with the in-laws (I didn't put make-up on or fix my hair... that's how bad I was feeling).  I ordered blueberry blintzes.  The lady forgot to put MY order in - HELLO?!?! and then they didn't sit right with me.  I got home took my medis and then promptly put myself back on the couch to watch Hubby play Guitar Hero until about 9:00 - I was up and down enough between being nauseous and other things that I decided to crawl into bed and hopefully fall into a deep sleep that would make Sleeping Beauty look like an amateur.  Much to my surprise that didn't happen.  

Around 11:30 -1:00AM  I was up and down due to my stomach.  at 1:30 I went into full shivers and could not get warm until about 3:00.  I'm not even putting in the pain that my shoulder was giving me because the triple whammy wasn't at all fair.    So four blankets, a body pillow, and an arm pillow later, I was finally somewhat comfortable and passed out until about 10:00 this morning.  

So here I sit rather lopsided as I type mostly with my right  hand because I don't  want to over use my left.  I'm off to crawl back on the couch. 

Ouch.

****SEE UPDATE BELOW****

I've hurt myself pretty badly.

I'm currently typing with one hand because I can't use my left arm.  I just left a message with the Dr. to call me back for an appointment today.  

I'll rant about that later.

I pulled or pinched something in my neck/shoulder yesterday while I was out saving Hubby money by spending it. 

Sooo... all of that to say... pray for me today.  

You might want to pray for the Dr. too....especially if he's planning on giving me shots. 

***Update***

I've been to the doctor.  I have officially pinched "something".  I received a shot in a place that shall remain nameless (YAY!! I didn't scream!!)and some medis that will keep me pretty sleepy for the next couple of days. 

Back to my place on the couch.

Frustrations Abound!

...I tried to do something really proactive.... Unfortunately... I'm a day late and now $1.75 short.

Fuschia and I were talking about her ability to save huge amounts of dollars on grocery day.  I was explaining to her that I needed visual notes and examples to which we unofficially decided a field trip on a predetermined grocery day was in order.  Mind you we didn't discuss which day nor will we until - say- the day before 'cause that's how I think.  Anyways....

So yesterday, I receive a call from Fuschia explaining she's on her way to get the paper.  I think... Smart idea!!...and mentioned what a great idea it was to Hubby and how I thought I should do that too...  Fast Forward to today.  In my brain, because I know this has happened in the past, I know that my local Mart always has extra Sunday papers available on Mondays.  So, after dropping Flash and Monster off at baseball camp (yes, I have another extra child this week.)  Buggy and I head to the Mart for a paper and a broom.  (It's rather wise not to ask why I'm purchasing a broom..it involves children, a trampoline, and more frustrations)  I walk ALL over the Mart with a shopping cart with bad alignment looking for the stink'n paper... NOTHING... EXCEPT today's! 

 So, I go to plan "B"  

I stop at one of the vending machine thingys that sit in a parking lot with 73 other newspapers.  I place my $1.25 in, pull the lever, and get a locked door and .25 cents back.  So, I proceed to place the 3 remaining quarters I have in my hand in the vending machine thingy, pull the lever, and have .50 cents returned.  Gradually, after running through all of my quarters, I figured out that I was going to break the window soon and the cost to fix the window and a possible ticket or arrest far out weighs the cost of a paper and possible coupon savings.  So needless to say, I'm paperless and couponless.  

My guess is that I'll continue to stop at random places today as I remember to in search of the Sunday paper... on Monday.  

Sunday Snippit

Today the youth took over the services!!!  We shared all of our Ecuador skits, dramas, videos, and dances.  I was in the dance part... Can you imagine?!?!?  I think I'm still catching my breath after 2 services.

During the 9:00 service, I shared my Ecuador Story.  Needless to say.. it didn't quite come out like the following.  I added some tears, took out a LOT of words and shook like a tree during a hurricane (Yes.  That bad.)  I think I made the point.  

This is what I was supposed to say.....

I went on this missions trip with the heart of seeing and experiencing new things.  I was planning on it happening while looking through my camera lens.  I love to witness and observe others as they experience life.  I find the little things in those situations through my pictures and hope to capture the moment so that I can remember why I took the picture and the person can remember what was happening at the time of the picture.

As we arrived in Quito, Ecuador and waited on the bus for a couple more of our bags to arrive at 1 or 2 in the morning…..One of the things that Joil asked of us was that we remember to be flexible.  Now…. In my mind that means one of two things:

1.  Flexible with my schedule which means at any point in time the plan could change and we’re just going toroll with it.  It’s the definition of unexpected and something that I thrive with.  After all… keeping people off of their schedule would help them experience new things.  New things that I could capture and share with others through my pictures.

   2. The second thing that flexible means in my mind is stretching.  That’s how you become flexible.  In order to be flexible you have to be in shape and be able to stretch and accomplish different things by pushing yourself outside of what you are comfortable with.  

 

I realized something while I was trekking through mud up to my knees and climbing a mountain I wasn’t in shape to climb.  God didn’t bring me on this trip to capture other’s moments while they were experiencing new things.  God brought me on this trip to take me out of my comfort zone – push me outside of what I was comfortable with.  This trip took me out from behind the camera lens.  God put me smack dab in front of students ½ my age while I danced and gave me joy and a new look at worship.  He placed me in front of a group of 20 + children to tell a bible story in a language they couldn’t understand but, he gave me an interpreter so they could.  He gave me children that were the same age as mine that looked at me with hungry eyes in search for love and all I could do was wrap my arms around them.  

When you think of a rubber band that is stretched at just the right amount… you notice it never goes back to what it was originally.  Sure, it still looks the same but its slightly altered maybe it has some marks on it where it was stretched. It’s also a little more flexible when you pick it up and stretch it again.  I may look the same but, I promise you, I have some marks from where I was stretched and honestly, I’m looking forward to the next time I’m stretched again. 

A Million and Five things to do.

I feel so rushed and unprepared.  

I have to do lists for my to do lists.

I can't seem to find a focus area and then I remember something that I wanted to do and stop what I was doing to finish what I remember and then get frustrated because I've spent all day doing... NOTHING because I was doing too many SOMETHINGS.  

Just a small vent.

You may go back to your regularly scheduled peace. 

**giggle**

Meet Livie Lou.

Meet Livie Lou.

She's staying at my house for the week!

We're playing ....

.....and having fun.....

Fun Times at Rho Rho's!!!

I'm home!

Whew!!

What a whirlwind of weeks!  I'm home for the remainder of the summer with the exception of one weekend.

Last week, I left early due to a situtation with my sister.  Without dragging too much of her personal life into my blog... She's heartbroken.  Keep her in your prayers.

Schedule for the remainder of the summer.....

This week......Livie Lou!!!  My almost- 2 year old niece!

Next week.....Flash!!!  My 11 year old nephew & Baseball Camp for the boys (Monster included)

Week after that.... High School Musical Camp for Buggy.

Week after that...."Recover Week"

Week after that... Civics training... New subject area I'm teaching for next year.

Week after that... Return to school..

Typed out like that... there's not much time left and I've done ZERO in the get-organized-'cause-I'll-be-home-all-summer -department.

This weekend is the major birthday party for the kiddos.  Of 'course invitations will be emergency personal phone calls to friends and family due to the fact that Hubby and I can't get it together to pass out the printed invitations that have been in the car for a week.  And they were SUPER CUTE!

Tonight.... Joy Fellowship

Tomorrow... Water day for the kiddos for the church.

Wednesday... Church - teaching first class?!?!  Oh!!  I forgot to type that out!  - Hubby and I were asked to help with the small group set up that will be happening on Wednesday nights due to the remodeling of our Children's church.  We accepted after much discussion and prayer.

Seems like a busy week.. huh??  Throw in an extra child under the age of 2 and I'm already tired thinking about it!!!

Off to play with Livie Lou!!!  She's busy searching for Unca Miiiiiike.

More when I can.

 

Pancakes!!

They fix everything!

We're having pancakes for breakfast this morning. It's a family favorite.

It's also a cure all when you're feeling blue - at least that's the common brainwave here at Nana's.

Off to play in the syrup!!!

Weigh-in Wednesday - My Ecuador Story

**Sigh** No change.
Of 'course I've been traveling the world over the last week so, I don't know why that would surprise me in the least.

***My Ecuador Story***
I must say I enjoyed Ecuador. Enough to plan more trips. Not enough to live on a permanent basis. At least that's not what I'm hearing at this time. I was so blessed through my experiences and trust me when I say, I was S-T-R-E-T-C-H-E-D beyond anything I thought I would be.

We started with a 3 hour drive to Jacksonville, a 1 hour flight to Miami, a 3 hour flight to Quito, Ecuador and then an overnight stay in a hotel. Our second day was an 8 hour bus ride to Sucua. It was the most scenic, scary, amusing, and eye-opening thing I've ever experienced. The houses went from posh to poverty in a blink of an eye. The mountains were enormous and the plants and waterfalls were eyecatching.

Our first full day of ministry was in 2 schools. Yes. Schools. We were able to go in, do puppet shows, bible stories, skits, songs, and games with the most loveable groups of children I've experienced in a long time. They truly just wanted us there. I left the country thinking I was going to pour into every person I met only to be shown how much I needed to be poured into myself. That evening the youth performed in an interpretive dance and human video for the all Spanish youth service that was happening over the next 3 days.

Our second day of ministry started with prayer and preparing for performances that evening. I danced. Yes----you did read that correctly. I participated in an interpretive dance with 3 other adults and 4 youth. It was AMAZING.... for me. I'm still waiting for the youtube posting before I can say how good I looked. I started learning the dance for exercise and it overflowed into a new form of worship for me. Not that I think I'll be "performing" in my future. We then did street ministry and invited children to a service that we gave in a small church on the corner. That evening I performed in my dance. The pictures are less than flattering but, I had a wonderful time!!!

Our third day of ministry we split into 3 different groups. I asked not to climb any mountains. So I was in the bus group. Hubby..on the other hand.... climbed the mountain. In the bus group, we drove about an hour away and had about a 15 minute walk -across a swinging bridge - with the puppet stage, boom box, and balloons. There my group of 8 performed for about 20+ children that climbed out of the mountain to attend this service. The smiles alone were worth it. I gave the bible story through an interpreter. That's an experience. Then we met up with the remainder of our groups and performed one last children's service. After the service.... we climbed down the mountain to the river for baptisms. Yes. Down the mountain....which means eventually back up the mountain to leave so... I ended up climbing a mountain anyways. On our trek down the mountain I discovered a byproduct of the RAIN forest. It's called mud. So much mud that I had it up to my knees at some points. Yes. ME. We made it down the mountain and watched most of our youth be baptized in the roaring river. Whether it was for the first time or to renew a commitment. The presence was amazing. Then the students braved swimming through the raging river to the sandbar where on the other side and "down a little bit" lived a 15 foot boa. (Notice - my name is not in the swimming) Then we made a mad rush back to the hotel for clean up and the final youth service of the week. Our students performed in a human video.

I can honestly say, I spent a good bit of my trip looking through the viewfinder of my camera. I took over 1000 pictures. But, in this over all experience.... I learned some AMAZING things about myself and my plan. I am continuously being stretched. I didn't realize how much I had sunk into a comfort zone. But, I tried new things. Dancing. Mud. Foods. Language. These things... some good, some bad pushed me out of my zone. There were so many other experiences I could type about....I'm sure that I'll be posting on this for quite some time.

Today's lesson though!?!? Get out there and be stretched. Be flexible. It's worth it. And the cool part... if you're stretched enough... you won't go back to the original state you were in.

Yes. I'm back.

I've been wondering around trying to sort out all of the wonderful events that happened in Ecuador.  To date... I'm stumped as to how to write it.  So... I'm still seeking direction on it.

I've also been running around trying to get stuff ready for my next trip which is today.  I'm packed and off to my mother's house.  While the original plan has been altered.  I will be spending the next week there.  I do have computer access and will be able to post from Nana's.

Please pray for my sister she's going through some very difficult things right now.

Here's a teaser picture from our day at the equator.

Off to Nana's!!

~R