Merry Christmas

I am two days away from Christmas Break, where did this year go! I can hardly believe that this school year is almost half over.

I can honestly say this has been a very hard year, in many different ways. I am thankful that God walked beside me and still does.....

I anticipate the year 2011 and the things that it holds..... I have hope!!

I am excited that Christmas is soon! This year my whole family will be home for Christmas, all my siblings, aunts, uncles, and cousins. We are having a 5k on Christmas Eve followed by a big breakfast, then a family picture, and then..... Christmas Eve at Nanny and Papa's house. My heart is happy.....

I really like the blog world, but I am not too good. Next year.... ;)

Memories, Clothes Swap, and the Cheesecake Factory

Oh how my heart was warmed last Friday when I visited the school I taught at last. A friend, I taught with was off and I am still off on sick leave so it was perfect. I was able to see so some of the teachers, I taught with, and some students. Oh, how I miss the students and staff. I was trying to describe to someone how we were in it together and that made it so special. Yes, there were many hard days, situations, other staff members, and difficult students. BUT you walked away knowing you made a difference. Many days I knew I was the only person in that child's life that put my arms around them. Yes, I had great families I encountered, but I had many kiddos that had emaotional needs. They needed love and stability. Maybe one day I will return......
So this little guy, I will call C, he spent a lot of time with me! He is a hoot! Teachers don't always care for the class clown,. I have numerous stories about him. There were times I would ask him to come to me, I would tell him to just talk to me. He would talk and talk! The funniest story I have of him was his quest to find me a husband or a boyfriend. It was an on going thing. I would ask him where he was going to find me a husband, he said he would sneak out and go down the street. He also asked me what "kind" I wanted; black, white, Indian, etc.. I know the picture above, I have me eyes shut, but I felt the look on his face showed more of his personality!


I read a book to my classes each year called, "Heartprints". I can say after walking the halls of the school, I realized many students, teachers, and parents left heartprints on my life!

We were the "Early Childhood" Team for three years!!

This week we had the second annual clothes swap. It was loads of fun. We got rid of clothes and accessories we weren't using any more and got some new to us clothes! A great idea for girl's night! There were no fights over clothes or shoes so that is a good thing!!haha Sorry for the poor quality pictures. I have got into the habit of using only my iphone camera.

Oh and what better way to celebrate a week after my birthday by getting Avocado Eggroles to go from the Cheesecake Factory! The weather was beautiful..... oh and a diet coke!!

Happy Birthday to "ME"

Today is my "Big 3o" birthday! I need to get this posted before midnight, while it is still my birthday! Today has been filled with many special moments. A group of great friends surprised me with a birthday party for lunch! Then tonight another group of great girlfriends treated me to dessert at the Melting Pot. One amazing day! Oh and my Pre-K class called to wish me Happy Birthday. I miss them!! I am so blessed!!!

How do I feel???? I believe 30 is going to be great. I left my 20's, with many great things that happened to me. I started and finished college. I moved to Tulsa and began teaching. Have taught for almost 5 years. I was able to travel to Russia, Italy, France, Switzerland, Mexico, and many other great places. I was able witness the births of my nieces and nephew. I stood by two of my sisters at their weddings and also many friends. Any many other great experiences.....

My 30's are going to hold many great things.........

Pictures from lunch!

Pictures from dessert at the Melting Pot!

The fondue was smoking a little too much!

Prom

Last night I attended my first prom! ha! My sister, Hayley, is a senior in High School and last night was her last prom! Her date was my brother Bradley, so sweet. They looked beautiful and handsome! Hayley wanted us to stop in and take some pictures. It was at a Wilderness Center and it was definitely in the wilderness! Oh my....

I always thought I missed something by not having a prom, but I am beginning to second guess that! I am sure there would have been fun memories, but I have my own and different memories. Now one of my sisters, who shall remain nameless, feels she truly missed out! The poor girl! :)

Summer (our cousin), Bradley, and Hayley

Hayley and I

The weather in Oklahoma has been beautiful the last couple weeks! Friday, the Spring showers began. It rained all day Saturday! I was determined to get a couple pics outside! With the help of my sister Lauren, the umbrella holder, we got a few outside shots!!

A Great Group of Kids!

Heaven

The last few months, we have had several funerals. I grew up in a small church. Now looking back I realize we were like family. It is so comfortable to go back and visit. I cherish my childhood!

I have been thinking lately how I need to video and document stories from my grandparents, my dad's aunts, and my parents.

I hate goodbyes! I don't want anyone else to pass away! I know that this is not our home. I wouldn't wish anyone back, they are in a better place.

When I go "home", I feel the loss of so many dear people. A friend of mine told me about this song! It's true this is our "temporary home".

My IPHONE

The week before my surgery, I thought I needed to finally get an iphone. It has proved to be a good decision! It helped me stay connected to the world while in the hospital and recovering at home.

I have access to the weather, the Wall Street Journal, a calendar, and many other features!! A good decision!

A Dream is a Wish.......

I have been trying to come up with a title of this post. The last two weeks have been very full. Monday, March 29th my dad had a complete knee replacement and the following Wednesday, I had surgery to remove uterine fibroids. I need to sit down and write down my journey through the process. I know God has been with our family the last two weeks. My family has taken wonderful care of me!

I was blessed with many visitors and beautiful flowers while in the hospital! I definitely felt everyones love and prayers through the whole process.

These are some scary pictures of me in the hospital! I couldn't believe my mom was taking pictures, but I am the one posting them for the world to see. I have no shame! The picture above was "after" my sis, Emily, fixed my hair-ha!!

I am so thankful that everything went great in surgery. Not to say there was no pain after surgery, but the doctors were able to remove all the fibroids. I am thankful that God led me to very skilled doctors. They said that my fertility looked great after surgery!! :)

There were a lot of questions going into surgery. They had to wait until I was on the operating table to know what type of incision I would have. I had 3 to 4 pounds of fibroids removed. I had a lot of blood loss, but I didn't have to have a blood transfusion.

My sister, Hayley, did a great taking care of me, when mom was in OKC looking after dad. We had many bonding moments! I had to have a lot of help the first few days! Thank you so much sis!!

I have had many moments of uncertainy the last few months, but most importantly I am grateful that God answered my prayer that I wouldn't have to have a hysterectomy! There were moments that I couldn't believe I was faced with certain possibilities!

The scripture God gave me the week before surgery was:

Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to Him for protection. Proverb 30:5