Just to see it in writing.

Yesterday was a very difficult day for me. Even after listening to a sermon that all but stuck a neon arrow sign over my head and spotlighted me in a crowd.

The short version... When all was said and done...I survived. Despite the worrying, stress, and flat out expectations of ruffled feathers and fists....I came out untouched and ultimately ignored.

Which really was a let down to me....

so I asked myself...

"Self?!?!---Why are you upset? Why are you not happy that you were taken care of and not placed in the middle of whatever circle you thought you'd be and tarred and feathered?"

Before I could answer the internal conversation I knew..... Despite the expectations... Some things are beyond our control. Despite the outcome of what I'd like....the decision isn't up to me. You see when you add people into your everyday life, they end up changing the outcome of what you'd like to dictate. Something about choices, expectations, and free will.

So, I wasn't happy because what could have been didn't happen...which in my mind would make the situation easier to deal with. I'd've been able to flesh out somethings instead of dealing with them the way I should--with the one that can fix it and lastly...because it means the next time it'll be the same until each person involved will be able to overcome their part in it. I seriously thought I was through with my part...but now I'm "planning/worrying" about reactions to their part....So does that mean I'm through??

Probably not.

Pssst. It's the new do!!

My friends laugh at me when I start to talk about the Hair Goddess! She creates miracles with her gifting of making me beautiful. Thought I'd share her newest creation. I'm trying to grow it out. Whaddya think??

Veterans Day

I spent today with 300+ 7th graders celebrating and honoring Veterans of today and yesteryear...

I can't begin to tell you the treat we had as students pulled together as a team to work towards a common goal AND show their love for their country.

We've been working very hard on explaining to our students why patriotism and respect for our country and the current people who are fighting for it is so important. We also wanted to make sure that they realized tomorrow isn't just another day off from school and a reason to BBQ.

As I'm recapping the day in my head and remembering the kids shouting out thanks and standing out of respect.

They got it.

....and my day is done.

My final challenge to you is... will you remember why tomorrow is important?

Missing U.

P.S.. A special thanks to the photographer!! Love, Aunt Rho!

Happy Father's Day!

To the Father of my children, my best friend, and the love of my life....

Make a Smilebox greeting

And... this is where I'm at...

Lots of stuff has been happening around me over the last couple of weeks. So much in fact, that this old girl only has the picture above in her head.

I'm still processing a good bit of it because I'm not sure which way to go. You know when you're at the crossroads and you see the mountains on the right or the valley on the left but, not sure what's right after that?

So you wait for directions....

As could see from my last post, I was cruising this past week. It was a cruise that I did absolutely nothing on. I never visited the pool deck... Not ONCE!

I did go on to both of the islands... #1 for a 50 minute solo jet ski ride in a group... Me in the water on a Jet Ski following a leader for 50 minutes.... it was nice but, like any following there were some sharp curves that I was scared of so, I had tense muscles..... Which led me to island #2 of some retail therapy...free stuff...and a massage/facial back on the Big Boat....which was extravagant and I recommend to anyone!! The rest of my time was spent reading, looking at the water, and sleeping.

Seriously.

I needed that much rest.

I hear you asking... What on Earth is happening in Rho's life that is making her so stressed. tired, overworked, and plain absent in the World of Blogging?

I wish I could tell you. I'm not sure.

There are some things.... like having a close friend relocate, work/training, and some more traveling....but, I'm not quick to place the reason there.

I'll be unloading/processing here for a while so, it may not be all full coffee mugs and flavored creamer... If you can't handle that... take a break for a bit..

That's what I did.

Soo... this is what I've been up to....

Make a Smilebox postcard

The end is near......

...don't freak out.. It's just the end of the year.  Can I tell you how exciting that is?!?!!?!

I'm enjoying my Memorial Day by catching up on some chores and relaxing.  I've managed to finish two books and most of the laundry. 

This week is final's week.  Monster has 5th grade graduation, Mimi is retiring,  and I'm moving classrooms.  That's it.  That's the last of the "Have to" things we have left.  

And then Summer....

The relaxing days of renewing friendships, hanging out, and getting organized for a new school year.  

We (Hubby & I) have a much needed Grown -Up Only cruise planned in three weeks.  The Kiddos have 2 camps each... One being church camp (while we are on the cruise) and then Monster has baseball (with nephew Flash) and Buggy has American Girl Camp.  I'm throwing a week of Livie Lou in here too.  Then it's pretty much unorganized, do what I want to bliss.  AAAAhhh.. the life of summer.  

I do have one week of training sometime in June...but nothing to worry about.

I'm off to tackle the kid's closets.... Say a prayer for me!!!

Oh... What a Beautiful Morning!!

I've been leading the life of a single parent this week...and to say that the kiddos have challenged me would be an understatement.  This morning was probably one of the monumental mornings of the week!

After spending a quiet morning listening to my iPod alarm of Praise & Worship songs while getting ready..I realize with quite a start that my Oldest didn't finish his homework due to a late baseball practice...

So, I wake him up at 6:00...By 6:40 he finally rolls out of bed starts the shower and proceeds to work on the first of many problems left for his assignment.  At 6:50, I wake up my youngest, who sleeps like the a teenager at the young age of 7.  **sigh** By 7:00 she's finally crawling out of the bed...and this is when it becomes interesting.

I decide to change my outfit for the second time, and go to pull the clean pair of jean capris off of the back of the couch. 

   

There is a spider the size of an intertube on the leg of my very clean capris... Okay.. it was the size of a silver dollar but, still he was larger than life at the early hour of 7:00 AM.  

ME -(screaming) "GET it!!"

Monster -(screaming back) "Get What?"

ME - "The spider!"

Monster - "Ummm... not so much" (Grabs Shoe and proceeds to try and aim to throw at the ENTIRE stack of clean clothes --the shoe-a-nator)

 

ME - (angry) "Buggy!!!! Get out of bed!!

Buggy - It's cold!

ME - (angry) If you put clothes on it wouldn't be cold! (fear) Get the Spider! I want to wear those!

Monster - I can't I'm afraid!

ME - Me TOO!!!

Buggy - I'm COOOOLD!!!

ME - (angry) Get dressed, Get your hair brushed, eat, We're leaving in 5 minutes!!

Monster - Moooom... Get the Spider!

ME - YOU!

Monster - I caaaaan't  I have arachniphobia!

ME - So doo I!!!!  You're younger and can recover quicker!!

***Sigh*** So much for the man of the house....

I grab the CLEAN  pants, throw them on the floor.  Then grab the shoe-a-nator and throw it at the pants....successfully smooshing the 1/2 dollar sized spider on the fourth slam.  The now dirty capris are un -wearable!  I take them back to the dungeon of laundrydom (aka garage) to be washed again.

**did you catch the Phineas and Ferb references???**

Happy Mother's Day!!

The most challenging part of being woman... and the most rewarding and blessed...

Enjoy your day Moms!!

Why?

(deep exhale)

As you saw yesterday, life has been a little busy and the schedule that was posted is the "winding down".  I've been doing some serious soul searching as well... You know in those free moments right before I fall asleep from exhaustion.

I'm looking around and asking the question of "WHY" lately.  

Why do I set the alarm for  4:30 and crawl out of bed at 5:00ish? 

Why do I wait until Saturday to finish 18 loads of laundry when I can have an ongoing of some during the week?Why do I start a non-fiction book only to quickly turn to fiction or go to sleep?

Those simple defining me moments of curiosity that could in retrospect make my life a little easier. (minus the fiction book)

Oh... here's another one... 

Why do I post randomly about why questions when I have a million plus ideas in my brain?

....see!?!?!

Slowly but surely...

I'm getting there. The coffee is definitely helping and the fact that I'm a walking Zombie keeps others from interfering.

We have 3 weeks of baseball, 4 weeks of school, 2 weekend trips, --throw in a week where Hubby will be riding in the Policy Unity Tour (I'm single parenting) and then I will be in the month of June!!!  Which means summer, and friends, and camps, and sun, and beach, and cleaning, and avoiding laundry at it's finest!!! 

Oh..and then I think I'll take a day or two to listen to silence.  This will include locking myself in a closet of shoes because there are no more clothes due to the fact that I've got them all piled in front of the washing machine.

I've just returned from taking 200+ 8th graders to New York and Washington, D.C. for one week on a bus...and I found out that I'm employed next year!!  Which is a SUPER Bonus considering I'm still annual contract and 12 teachers at my school were let go...I don't know the final number for our county.

That's about all the time I have this AM... I really am trying to keep up...promise!

Miss y'all!!

I could never imagine....

I've been caught up in my own personal complaining spirit over the last 3 days. Mainly because I don't know or understand what I'm doing and it's putting me in a place that makes me feel incompetent....and then ....

Life is given a whole knew perspective.
Go Here.   You'll only have to read the headline.

I left just the link.. well.. because, it hurts too much to type a description.

I can't imagine what this family is going through.

Please keep the family, the students, teachers, and staff in your prayers. 

Breaking News....

In 2009 the government will start deporting all the mentally ill people.

 

I started crying when I thought of you.

Run my little crazy friend, run!

Well, what can I say?? ........

Someone sent it to me, and I'm NOT going alone!

Hang'n out at Nana's....

Hi All!!!
I've been vacationing at Nana's for Spring Break... We got ONE whole day of SUN--which meant annual beach pictures.

There are some professional ones and alot of random snapshots that my sister and I took. I know there are lots and lots of the girls... but, I couldn't get the boys to help me out!!

Enjoy!!!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Funnies by Monster!

Monster---Is she an athlete?

US--She's an olympic gold medalist.

I often think that if I ramble on to nothing I might... might... come up with something intelligent, witty, and/or just plain funny.

The problem is.. at this very moment.. I'm so stink'n brain dead... I can't find words to even ramble.

We're talking the point in which a double shot of espresso wouldn't even touch the low levels of energy that are oozing out of me at the rate of turtle speed.

So.  Yes.  I'm alive.  

I promise, soon.. when the words are there... I'll post.

TTFN.

**Sigh**

I've been running on full speed lately.. and the fun things end up being at the bottom of the list.

I'm so sorry I've been neglecting my bloggy buddies!!!  

It's baseball season, end of a 9 weeks, and shortly coming up on the dreaded "CAT" that we have every year called State Testing.  I have at least 1 more month of spot checking in...

Love Ya, Miss Ya, Never Change!!

~Rho

Embarrassed..

WARNING MALE READERS.... FUNNY BUT OH, SO GIRLY...

You all know I teach middle school.... Right?

So.... I had a great opportunity to add yet another embarrassing experience on my list of life.  Due to the fact that I've lost some weight, my underclothes are needing some replacements.  So, I noticed in a flyer that there was a "sale" on cute panties at Tar-get.  

So off I go with children in tow due to a conflict in schedules.  

I had a bunch of errands to run... and this one was a breeze through the clearance and then the lingerie department to check out the sale items and then off to the Pizza man.

As I'm walking up with a minimal amount of cute, stylish, and not so modest underclothes that are made for no panty lines and only hubby to see... I spot a student from last year.  *GASP #1*  She is currently in another co-workers class but, definitely someone I see on a daily basis.

So... I nonchalantly arrange the soon to be purchased items so that the price tags are instantly available and place my purse in front of the items as a shyly wave at my student, look for my children, and walk up to the counter. AND... the student walks behind me *GASP #2*  So, I place my items on the rolly belt thingy with my purse next to them to cover the items so she doesn't have to see what I'm purchasing. 

Thinking, since I chose a woman cashier, she would be somewhat considerate of the fact that I'm buying underclothes and only underclothes AND she would see the subtle hint of me hiding the items under my purse and how the tags were neatly stacked so all she would do is scan the tags... was a BAD idea.  *GASP #3*  Apparently, I chose the only woman who all but called for a verbal price check on the "clearance" items on aisle 4.  I dare say she was making sure I grabbed the right size the way she held these up individually before scanning them. *GASP #4*

Sooo.. after paying...a quietly mumbling "See Ya Tomorrow!"... it wouldn't surprise me if I have a yearbook spread and some MySpace gossip towards the budget cuts being so low that I had to buy my underclothes on clearance at Tar-get.  The only thing I had going for me was the fact that one might call these a "little" bit more fashionable. 

**Good thing I opted to put the other more expensive stuff down from the Mart**giggle

My Precious Daughter

At least that's the e-mail title that her teacher sent to explain why she received a red for the day.

Apparently, she wasn't "listening and following directions". Again.  So she was moved to yellow.  Because of that she had to "walk" during free time instead of playing.  Well.. she was supposed to walk.  Apparently.. the teacher found her playing on the playground.  When asked about it she explained that she never did "walk" and therefore she had to sit in time out.  No worries... Instant punishment at the house for being disobedient.  Right?!?!

So.. when I picked her up from school.. She was honest and told me what color she had for the day.  When I asked why she got a red.....Her version was slightly different.  She did have a yellow but, when they made it to the playground... She and her friends found an ant that lost it's colony and they had to built it another home.

In her mind.. she was helping something.. therefor she wasn't in the wrong. What do you do with that thought process??!?!?

She did get a firm talking to about being disrespectful and not obeying her teacher.  

Oh! My Goodness!!

They fit!!!

I can fit into the Phase 1 "skinny" jeans!  

I'm not by any means close to my goal weight...I've lost 5 pounds in the last month... However, I've been busting my tail in contortions that Bob from the Biggest Loser weight loss videos have put me through and I'm starting to have all of the fat cells move around to create the illusion that I've lost like 8.5 pounds.  (On a 5'3" body.. that's almost a full size of clothing!)  

So the "skinny" jeans are relaxed fit... and are actually relaxed!  Not wanna-be's.  WHOO HOO!!  They're also a coveted size single digit but, I'm not going all that crazy 'cause I'm TOTALLY not there yet.  It just so happens that the tag and the actual size of the jeans don't match up but, who am I to tell people that?? 

(Shh.. my secret is save right?)

Off to celebrate with a Full Strength coffee!!  

Don't worry.. I gots lots of "cheat points" even after my freak out Wednesday over a piece of chocolate cake and brownie.  

Watch out Dr. Suess!!

I LOVE my friends!!!

when they're good

and when they're "bad"

when they're happy

and when they're sad.

I love them on ALL of the day's that end in "Y".  

I love them even when they make me cry.  

I love them during the night and all through the day!  

I love them when they ask me to pray!

Through thick and thin it's always a ball, I love you friends! One and ALL!!

Just wanted you to know that!

:0)

Funnies!

..This one is from Monster...

My 10 year old genius.

Monster:  "Dad... Is paper made out of trees?!?"

Hubby:  "Yes"

Monster:  "So.... homework really does cause trees."

My own personal environmentalist!

Too much time.. and too little things... Wait a minute!

...reverse that.

The oddness behind the fact that I've been somewhat wrapped up in stuff is that I haven't had the urge to blog.  It's not that I don't love you!  I'm checking on my bloggy buddies often!

It's just that I've.. well...been talking to someone else.

Don't be offended.  He's a super nice guy!  He loves me for who I am and gives GREAT guidance!  Not to mention in my "still" time... we've become super close!

Before y'all freak out and call Hubby... he already knows and is okay with it....and for those who are REALLY freaking out.....don't panic...

I've pulled back to have had some quality time with God. 

I can't believe how much I've missed him!!

There are seasons when we forget what's we should be doing because of what's happening around us and I was in that season.  But, I'm getting refocused and God is working on somethings... so I'll be here and there and checking on ya..but, not so much on the blogging myself...

....at least for today.

Madder than a hornet!

I can't say why for fear it'll end up hurting something important.

Just pray.

Where on EARTH are my clothes?!!?

I'm trying to get ready for this morning and 1/2 my closet is missing.

For the first time EVER it's not in the dirty clothes!!!  Buggy is too small and too young to be borrowing my clothes and Monster wouldn't think of wearing the pinks.  So what's the DEAL!?

Wordless Wednesday.

How do you???

...get mad at THIS??

Hot Chocolate....

Don't panic Coffee lovers and friends.  I have not lost my mind.

My mother shared this with me through an e-mail.  Of course I think I've seen it before.. but, seriously I never put much thought into it until yesterday.  When it comes to it - I could kick myself in the buttocks if it wasn't so sore from my continuing battle with the DVD player, that I missed out on a concept this easy. I don't know about you.. but, I've been dealing alot with material issues.  God and I are working it out, but my problem is/was, as mom's we're so caught up in making sure everyone else is satisfied that no one takes care of us.  So, reading this...gave me a new perspective.  (Day 2 of the Esther series kicked me good too!)  

So all of that to say.... Read below.  I'm thinking that occasionally, Hot Chocolate is good for you.  I think you'll agree with me after you read!

HOT CHOCOLATE

A group of graduates, well established in their careers, were talking at a reunion and decided to go visit their old university professor, now retired. During their visit, the conversation turned to complaints about stress in their work and lives. Offering his guests hot chocolate, the professor went into the kitchen and returned with a large pot of hot chocolate and an assortment of cups -porcelain, glass, crystal, some plain looking, some expensive, some exquisite - telling them to help themselves to the hot chocolate.

When they all had a cup of hot chocolate in hand, the professor said:
'Notice that all the nice looking; expensive cups were taken, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress. The cup that you're drinking from adds nothing to the quality of the hot chocolate. In most cases it is just more expensive and in some cases even hides what we drink. What all of you really wanted was hot chocolate, not the cup; but you consciously went for the best cups... And then you began eyeing each others cups.

Now consider this: Life is the hot chocolate; your job, money and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain life. The cup you have does not define, nor change the quality of life you have. Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the hot chocolate God has provided us.

God makes the hot chocolate, man chooses the cups. The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything that they have.

Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. And enjoy your hot chocolate.

I'm not speaking to my DVD player.

Just so you know....My long term friendship that played Disney movies and the occasional ooey-gooey movie night is being tried.  

Apparently upon my decision to get fit and pick work-out videos the DVD player decided it was in my best interest to play the stupid things and thus, I'm stuck with sore muscles and the inability to move.  

But, Rho - you say- don't you have to press play?!?!  Aren't you somewhat responsible for the picking the torture device of the day?  

I stand here not so kicking (because it hurts too much) but definitely screaming saying --

NO! -  I only place the DVD in the player.  It's the player's fault that it starts automatically and therefore I proceed to stay trance-like in different contortions and aerobic moves until the credits are off and I'm collapsed on the floor red faced and sweaty. (Can you say Eww?!?!)  

Hubby says... it'll get better and I do this every year.  My Small Group says it'll get better when I make the decision to keep it up or quit.  I must say the quit option is sounding REALLY good right now!

 *sigh*  

But, I'm not a  quitter.... at least not today.  I have dreams of size single digit this year and so I press through - albeit much slower than I normally do.   Please pray for my DVD player.  It needs all the help it can get.  Oh - and pray that I can find forgiveness so that the long-term friendship will be renewed.

Smile!!  It's almost Friday!

Look what I got!!!

I just needed a minute to tell everyone how Wondermous my friends and family are!!!

Yesterday, while getting dressed to do the feared workout (post to be posted later) I heard the doorbell ring.  While that would make most people excited I cringed inside due to my son's new stalker friend that doesn't understand that we aren't his second home.  (post to be posted later)  All of that to say I was PLEASANTLY surprised when it was the UPS man for me!! ME!!!!!

My tea timing buddy surprised me with this....

It's an electric kettle!  Which is the coolest thing I've ever made tea with in no seconds flat!  

The coolest part is that I can press on.. have tea and finish the book series that my reading buddy has introduced me to!! (The cover is in the car!!!)  For the record... I read the first 3 pages of the second book during our "silent reading" time at school and had to force myself to go back to teaching!!! ERERRG!

All of that to say... 

THANK YOU!!!!!

Bugisms and Funnies...

We had a great dinner last night with some friends celebrating a birthday.  Here are some of the conversations.  Humor brought to you courtesy of the House of Rho.

Buggy:  I don't like this.

Me:  You ordered it.  You eat it.

Buggy:  I don't like this.  It's not good!

Grandaddy:  (Whisper, Whisper, Whisper) 

Buggy quickly picks up the eating utensil and shoves food she doesn't like and isn't good into her mouth.

Rho gives Grandaddy a puzzled look.

Grandaddy:  I just told Buggy that I'd take her on another boat ride if she finished her dinner.

Me:  Buggy?  Is it good now?

Buggy: .. for a boat ride it is!!!

Background - This girl is citified.  I've never thought about hunting nor do I claim to have any knowledge of the sport.

PK:  You really need 4-5 trucks for dog hunting.  It's cruel but, fun.

Me:  What do you do?  Run over them???

(That's sooo not the case after the table had a good giggle)

Last but not least.....

After sharing a very good friend's 37th birthday.... I couldn't figure out why my math wasn't working out.  I KNOW that she and I are close in age but, for whatever reason what I THOUGHT my age was and versus what I KNEW her age is were not in the mathematical scheme of being remotely close.  So my friends... I'm sad to say, last night as I was driving and doing the math of subtracting my birth year from 2009..... 

I gained 1.5 YEARS in age!!!  -----MY birthday isn't until SEPTEMBER!!!  

I seriously considered calling the Hair Goddess for an emergency appointment!

**Random Thought**

I and some friends are working simultaneously and individually (Think it out) on the Beth Moore study of Esther.  Bloggy Buddies... I can not tell you how good this is!!!  

When you have the time.... Search it out and DO IT!  

Blech.

That's how I feel.

It could quite possibly be that I'm still "achey" and can't figure out why.

Or it could be the fact that I had to wake up to an alarm clock.

Or it could be the fact that I'm going back to work.

Or it could be the fact that My house looks like a whirlwind hit it.

Or it could be the fact that I've only had 1/2 a cup of coffee.

.. take your pick.

But, know this.....I don't feel so hot.

Funnies...

Hubby :  How many tea bags do you use??

Me:  Four

Hubby:  What do YOU think I'm gonna do with....

Me: FOUR!

Hubby: Tea bags???

Me:  Use four tea bags..

Hubby:  OH.. You mean the number four!

Question of the Day.

Is it wrong to finish the Double Stuffed Oreos so that they won't be in the  pantry?

There were only two.

I've been run over...

... at least that's what I feel like.

Go, Figure!

It's my LAST real day of "vacay" where I can  do things I enjoy doing (like tackle the ever growing invisible list) and I'm forced to lay down and rest.  

I have NO fever, just sniffles and ACHES!  I'm praying it's just the weather and I'm going to medicate with caffeine (aka coffee).

As for everything else.. the laundry is going to have to wait  -There went that resolution....(Pshaw!- as if I'd resolve to do anything with laundry!) and getting the kids back on schedule will be an alarm clock shock on Monday when I get it as well.

We've actually had a calm couple of days here but, I'm having visions of craziness starting up soon.  Baseball season is just around the corner. *sigh* 

I'm off to crawl on the couch.

TTFN!

Buggy Update

All is well with Buggy!!!

She still has a small bump on her head but, otherwise, she's as random as normal!!! 

Can I get a Praise the Lord?!!?

Happy New Year!

We ended the year out with a pretty big BUMP and are entering 2009 with a 4:15 AM wake-up call.

Buggy and Monster were playing in the golf cart at Mimi's when Monster hit the gas too hard while Buggy was still getting situated and she fell out and hit the concrete with her head.  She's got a massive knot and we're keeping a close eye on her per doctor's orders to make sure she's fine.  Needless to say... we'll be up at odd hours this morning.  She's responding well and played hard for most of the evening.

I'm still winding down from my one cup of coffee that I had around 10:00.  Remind me that when Bumpa makes coffee to only have a 1/2 a cup.

I'm thinking of each and everyone of my Bloggy buddies right now.  I'm remembering where we came from and how far we've gotten... in personal growth and friendships.  

I can't wait to see what great plans (and posts) there are for 2009!!!

Happy New Year!