The Ellers

Over and out

2011-05-29T16:13:00.001-05:00

I spent most of the week wanting to delete my blog. Mostly to keep my sanity and partially to take something off my back (self-imposed, though it is, I realize).

Mike has convinced me not to delete but gave me permission to take it off of my tired back for now.

Just so you know. :)

What I Thought Of

2011-04-14T20:08:00.001-05:00

The same thing has happened to me twice in a matter of months - once at the Harris Teeter Starbucks in Greensboro and then tonight, at our school night at the Ramseur McDonalds.

On both occasions, I intended to pay for my purchase with cash. Tonight, I purposely left everything else in my trunk. I ordered my food after adding up my total "in my head." Clearly I am deficient in this skill (though I have the awesome task/responsibility of teaching long division and decimals to 10 year-olds) because I was cents shy of the total on both occasions. Both times, the cashier reached into his pocket and paid my change after my embarrassed admission of the mistake (and my insistence tonight of letting me "just run to my car").

Two thoughts about this: I was struck very plainly by the realization that I'm not sure that paying someone's change would have been my first instinct had I stood on the opposite sides of these counters. Number two: that that moment of word-fumbling discomfort and inadequacy may be the tiniest hint of the REAL sense of the Romans "falling short" for me.

And I am struck, very disgustingly, by the fact that falling short feels like more of a surprise (Me? Short?) than an obvious result of my own sin and choices.

And then I am struck, maybe to just a slightly greater degree, by the fact that Christ paid my 19 cents when I had no notion of paying it, absolutely no means to pay it, and shamefully, no intention to pay it.

May we walk into Holy Week with the awe and weight of its miracle in our hearts.

Promises, Promises!

2011-03-20T14:56:00.001-05:00

I said I'd post a picture when it was official! We actually closed on the 1st and moved in 2 weeks ago. At least it's not July yet!

We didn't actually take this picture - none of the azaleas or dogwoods (yea!) have bloomed yet - but it happens to be a great picture from a former spring, so here it is!

More to come...though that really could be July! We have spent the last several weeks doing big remodeling, moving, and celebrating both birthdays, so other pictures really are going to have to be another day. Anyway, hurray for owning a home! We are loving it and trying to keep our heads above water at the same time...a constant combination! :)

Happy Spring!

Look Who's "The Big 3-0"!

2011-03-11T19:56:00.001-06:00

(only pic of him - by himself -that's on my phone...doesn't matter - he's always cute!)

Whoops

2011-02-01T19:43:00.001-06:00

So in December (a little later than I should've), I ordered some adorable address seals to match our Christmas cards. They were "free" - I ordered just enough for our list plus another sheet for some post-Christmas fun. Pear Tree sent me DOUBLE the order by mistake. THEN - after returning home to a mysterious package from "The Adams Family" in Idaho, we got a complete other (doubled) set. Pear Tree must have fallen asleep during the Eller Family label printing. Anyway, wads of fabulous address labels.

Best part? We've found the house. Closing by the end of February. (Pics to come when it's official...and following my current blogging rate, at least by July.)

Ever Eventful

2010-12-28T12:31:00.001-06:00

Inspired by Adge's text about our family tradition of interesting Christmas Days... This year, our Christmas Day trek south. This is Mike's pic of me, post-dinner in Atlanta, hoping we could make it to Nola the next day. Meanwhile, our NC home was bracing for...a blizzard?

From the Other Side

2010-10-12T20:28:00.002-05:00

(As promised. Forgive the delay AND the hiatus. Someday, life will allow time for blogging again. Hopefully sooner than later!)

My, my, just seeing that old picture of Katie in the yellow dress brings back the most special, warm memories of that year (1998). That was a most difficult summer leading up to July. I had come to Fort Worth to visit only for a couple of weeks. Camp Travis was the agenda and I was looking forward to seeing all my Texas friends again. I was really curious to know where Katie and I would pick up from as it seemed we were showing more interest in one another than just being friends before I left for the year. I played it cool for the most part not wanting her to catch onto my curiosity. I remember gathering in the Travis sanctuary for a camp briefing and trying to find her among all the youth who were gearing up for camp.

(This time in my life was particularly hard because I was wrestling with God about some spiritual things. There was a girl I liked back home but I knew she was not what God had in mind for me and I fought hard against God on this. Thanks to a band called Plankeye, and a song called "Thrice," I was nudged by the Spirit towards obedience - but kicking and screaming. Little did I know what God had in store just around the corner (well, across the country) that summer. I arrived in Texas with lingering feelings over my battle and was probably pretty distracted.)

Distracted, I managed to not make much of a deal reconnecting with Katie at camp. I remember wanting to run into her, but in my stubbornness didn't go out of my way to find her. In fact, I didn't see much of her all week - until the last night. She found me hanging out on a low stone wall and we began catching up. This lasted for some time and I remember the complete change that happened in me through that conversation. I knew I would jump back on a plane in only a few more days, but I can remember hearing in my spirit - she's worth it. I had not dated before Katie and certainly had no prior intentions of starting a long distance relationship that week, that trip, and especially that night. BUT, she was worth it. Those feelings only grew stronger over the next couple of days until flight day.

The morning came for me to make the hour or so trip to DFW and head back to Virginia for the rest of the summer. Dave and I had a serious talk about Katie following camp but the idea didn't enter my mind twice about pursuing anything just yet. I arrived at the airport and proceeded to check-in. Fortunately (all things considered), I had missed my flight. Not by an hour, but by a day! I had the right flight time but had gone by what I was told on the phone and not what my flight itinerary said. Dave had gone in with me and we had a quick, serious talk about what to do. I convinced him to let me change my flight for another week or so later, and in light of my recent discoveries with Katie, this was a very exciting (and interesting) thing.

The situation with Dave and Christy taking out Katie for a babysitter's overview later that day setup perfectly our first Reata "date." Dave and I began quickly scheming about the evening. The original plans certainly did not include the Reata and with Katie taking church pictures that day, she would be all dolled up for this "first date." In her mind, I was long gone to Virginia. But, I showed up at her front door when she was to be picked up and the night went from there. Immediately, when she got in the car with me (both of us in the back seat), I felt it was "us."

It didn't take long for me to be completely won over and my world in those final Texas summer days was filled with wanting to spend every moment with her.

The morning before I was to fly out was a very tough one. Not because I was going to be leaving Katie, but because of the conversation I was going to have with my mom. I knew I needed to stay and after already pushing my flight back once, I knew this would be hard for my mom to hear. I remember spending the minutes before I called her crying on Dave's couch - this was a difficult thing for a 18 yr. old. "Mom, I think I need to stay for the rest of the summer…I think she's the one," I said on the phone. Without missing a beat, my mom had told me that she had been praying since I left that I would find the person God had for me. (We had had a conversation about girlfriend stuff before I left for Camp Travis and she was in deep prayer for me during this time - I found out later). She not only let me stay for the rest of the summer, she did it with her blessing and encouragement (I wouldn't have stayed otherwise).

Again, I changed my date for the trip back to DFW and waited to surprise Katie (yet again) with the news. This was the beginning of "us."

The Story of Us. Part Seven.

2010-07-10T11:10:00.001-05:00

* The Disclaimer

June 23, 1998

It was Tuesday - Mike had left for VA on Monday. Monday evening, I made plans with Mike's aunt and uncle to meet with them Tuesday night for dinner. His aunt was more than nine months pregnant with their first little one, and I was set to be their babysitter. We were planning for a dinnertime-meeting to talk logistics before baby came. But there was a hitch. I had a later-evening appointment with Olan Mills, of all things, to take a church directory picture with my family. So it worked out for Dave and Christy to pick me up a la church clothes, go to dinner, and drop me off at the church in time for our picture appointment.

By Tuesday afternoon, I was halfway through Band Camp (gracious, those summers were just as busy as they are now!). I had my meeting set with Dave and Christy. I remember getting ready and literally thinking, "What if...Mike never left...and showed up tonight?!?" And that thought was immediately followed by, "If you think it, it doesn't happen... Crazy girl."

Bedecked in yellow and heels and hose, I was ready - and a little uncomfortably overdressed - for the babysitting meeting.

And the doorbell rang.

And through the screen door, I saw Mike. YES.

And remembered to breathe, and got in the car with him, and his aunt and uncle, and was asked, "Have you ever eaten at the Reata?" The Reata is one of downtown Ft. Worth's premier restaurants. At that point in history, it was on the top floor of the now-long-gone Bank One tower.

And so was our first date. With everyone dressed up. Sans babysitting discussion.

And then, I met up with my parents, and was all smiles for the church picture (below).

(Sorry - only picture taken that day!)

Wondering how Mike was in two places at once? Backstory forthcoming.

The Story of Us. Part Six.

2010-07-03T10:39:00.003-05:00

* The Disclaimer

June 1998 (still)

Following camp, I headed off to Baylor for a week-long "piano camp" (yes, I did). I still have a ton of memories of that week, but one big one was that Mike left a message at my house inviting me along with him, and his aunt and uncle to a Ranger's game. What?!? I found this out when I called home one evening (on a pay phone, I'm sure). I remember that my mom allowed me to use some of the calling card minutes to call him back and politely decline, as I wouldn't be home in time for the game. I'm sure I sulked, and then I called and it was okay - a rain check was set for an evening of Spades when I returned home. Pictured below is that evening. I remember it was the first time I drank coffee. I also teamed up with Mike's uncle, and went nil on my first-ever game of Spades, and beat the snot out of Mike and their friend.

There was one week left in Mike's three-week trip to Texas (the first being church camp, the second being my time at Baylor). We had several run-ins during that last week - planned ones, with lots of accumulated hours of talking - at places like the RAC and a party at my BFF's, aside from church.

And then, it was time for Mike to leave. I dropped him off at his aunt/uncles's apartment the evening before his flight out on Monday. I remember giving him my address - after garnering promises of more frequent communication via snail mail - and wrote it on the back of a receipt. Which I think he still carries in his wallet.

We said our platonic goodbyes, and I went home. He packed, and - the next morning - headed to the airport to catch his flight home.

End-of-Year Smiles

2010-06-14T16:57:00.002-05:00

I'm finally slowing down.

And have two good "happies" for the end of another school year.

Happy Number One.
I was teaching 2nd graders homographs (if you need a reminder...same spelling, different pronunciations/meanings, such as "present" and "present"). We're going through a few examples and I start a discussion with the word "dove." First pronunciation and meaning? A student responds with the long-o form and gives the sentence, "I dove into the water." Great, says I. What about the other form? It is pronounced correctly. Very nice - and the meaning?

Enthusiastic Female Student: It's a body wash!

Me: (stifling a giggle) Well...yes...but what is...another meaning of the word "dove"?

Lightbulb Male Student: Ohhhh. It's chocolate candy.

Happy Number Two.
Thanks to a generous stay in one classroom, I was able to read most of Charlotte's Web aloud to the same group of 2nd graders. I couldn't help but re-enjoy these particular excerpts and thought it was worth reminding others of you who haven't picked up an E.B. White in awhile...

From Chapter XIV: Dr. Dorian

"Have you heard about the words that appeared in the spider's web?" asked Mrs. Arable nervously.
"Yes," replied the doctor.
"Well, do you understand it?" asked Mrs. Arable.
"Understand what?"
"Do you understand how there could be any writing in a spider's web?"
"Oh, no," said Dr. Dorian. "I don't understand it. But for that matter I don't understand how a spider learned to spin a web in the first place. When the words appeared, everyone said they were a miracle. But nobody pointed out that the web itself is a miracle."
"What's miraculous about a spider's web" said Mrs. Arable. "I don't see why you say a web is a miracle - it's just a web."
"Ever try to spin one?" asked Dr. Dorian.
"No," she replied. "But I can crochet a doily and I can knit a sock."
"Sure," said the doctor. "But somebody taught you, didn't they?"
"My mother taught me."
"Well, who taught a spider? A young spider knows how to spin a web without any instructions from anybody. Don't you regard that as a miracle?"
"I suppose so," said Mrs. Arable. "I never looked at it that way before. Still, I don't understand it, and I don't like what I can't understand."
"None of us do," said Dr. Dorian, sighing...

Mrs. Arable fidgeted. "Fern says that animals talk to her. Dr. Dorian, do you believe animals talk?"
"I never heard one saying anything," he replied. "But that proves nothing. It is quite possible that an animal has spoken civilly to me and that I didn't catch the remark because I wasn't paying attention. Children pay better attention that grownups..."

Welcome to Our Blog!

2010-06-01T09:36:00.003-05:00

Oh. Wait. It appears I'd already started one...

Sorry for the serious MIA. I took a second job six weeks ago that, combined with subbing, made for 13 and 14 hour days...and no time at all for things like looking at a computer screen. With school almost over and the second job coming to a close (more on that later!), I'm joyfulling welcoming our first North Carolina summer in addition to things like remembering I have a husband, eating before 9pm, and little luxuries like groceries and clean clothes.

Happy June!

The Story of Us. Part Five.

2010-04-12T16:51:00.007-05:00

* The Disclaimer

June 1998

Leading up to this, I should mention a couple of other details that will soon be important! For one, I'd been going through "Experiencing God" with Dave (Mike's uncle) during the Spring and getting to know he and his wife, Christy, through this. Also, Christy was due with their first baby in June and I was going to be their babysitter. And thirdly - and most distractingly - Mike was coming back for Camp Travis.

So fast forward a couple of snail mail exchanges and the serendipitousness of growing out of the awkwardness of braces and short hair. Mike was coming back!

For some reason - we usually left on Monday morning for Camp - we left on a Sunday afternoon. I remember walking the long way around the sanctuary to snag a spot with friends during our pre-Camp meeting. And Mike was at the end of the row. And afterward, I remember leaning over with a cheesy smile and waving to him from across a few friends.

The details of Camp are a little fuzzy, which is interesting, because I am sure I was hyper-aware of the things happening that week. I remember "The House That Mercy Built" and four very cute (at the time) and very short (looking back) dresses. There was also a night when I spent the entire Country Night confiding in a youth worker about my serious crush on Mike. Which is interesting, because I can't believe there was anyone who needed confiding...since I think it was probably not much of a secret.

And then there was 50's night... This is fuzzy to me, too, but apparently, after our poodle skirtin' shindig, Mike and I found some time to catch up on this (pictured) brick wall outside. According to Mike, this is when he really began to look at me a little differently. I don't remember much that we talked about, except for the topic of babies (I know! But his mom was babysitting a little one that Mike was attached to...). And then Rob told us to go to our cabins because it was "Light's Out." And I'm thinking he also took this picture??? And then Camp ended, complete with a really emotional and conflicted Katie on the bus ride home.

(Ugh. Pretend that this is a new paragraph!) It's still crazy to me that we have this picture (like the one from Part 4) because it was a big turning point to which we often refer. You can't see it, but we're sitting on a short brick wall. If you've been to Alto Frio, it's the one that borders the main road dividing the tabernacle and the cabins. You can kinda see the tower-thing in the back. The purple stripes are just the premium quality of pictures taken in the 90s. And yes, I'm wearing saddle oxfords leftover from 50's night. I think I also had a "Wonder bread" ribbon in my hair (which Mike would say is a detail I'm allowed to forget). As you can see, Mike wasn't so into the 50's night garb.

The Story of Us. Part Four.

2010-03-22T17:05:00.004-05:00

* The Disclaimer

That Year (1997-1998)

I have a few memories about that year before I get to the "how we became us" part.

Playing together in the praise band served the purpose of putting us together every Sunday and Wednesday. The drummer was offstage. The singers and our leader were on another part of the stage - so usually, it was "Mike and me." I confess that it didn't take me that long to become really impressed (ok, smitten?) with him.

I remember telling one of the singers in the band that he had a really good voice. And I remember her telling me that she heard a really bad voice and wasn't sure if it was Mike or the sound guy.

I remember that I was struck by the sincerity of his praying. When our band prayed together before a worship service, I couldn't believe that a teenager could pray that way.

I remember that one day, I got to miss school to lead worship with the band at SCS's chapel service, followed by lunch at Mexican Inn where he sat across from me. And that I discovered that he loved art and had drawn a picture of--- and decided not to tell me who it was. And I think I know who it was.

I remember telling a friend that I was not going to date anyone until after grad school and that at that time, it would be a person that was going into music ministry since I was also being called in that direction. That was on Friday night. On Sunday, Mike told an intern that he was going into music ministry. In front of that friend and me.

I remember that our nickname for Mike - in Mrs. Metcalf's class - was "atom" because "we had chemistry." (Remember, 15.)

I remember that I cried all the way home when I found out that he was moving back to Virginia in December. My brother and sister remember this, too. They remind me often.

I remember that I wrote two letters before receiving his one. And his was really deep and thought-provoking and spiritual compared to my silly ones. And he spelled my name with a "y."

This is the first-ever-taken picture of us. We have no idea who took it. It was posted on a bulletin board in the back of the Backstage room and at some point after Mike was gone, I took it and have managed to keep up with it all these years. I love it because you can see Mike's personality in it. Along with me concentrating really hard and being quite void of personality! And because we were ministering together through music. And that's just plain neat.

The Story of Us. Part Three.

2010-03-12T15:58:00.002-06:00

*The Disclaimer

A little backstory.

This is so unconventional and yet so very important. You may wonder why Mike was in Texas in the first place.

Mike is the middle of three boys, one a year older and one a year younger. Prior to the start of the school year, his family moved within their city in Virginia, but far enough that they would be starting in a new high school. Their uncle, Dave, is essentially their "big brother," being ten years older than Mike. During the same period of time that Mike's family moved across town, Dave broke the news to the boys that he and his new wife, Christy, would be moving to Texas for him to begin seminary.

Within weeks of moving to Texas, Dave and Christy had the strangest compulsion. They went to Julie, Mike's mother, and told her that they felt the need to offer this most unconventional idea: If any of the boys wanted to join them on their trek to Texas, they could live with Dave and Christy and start at a new high school there rather than in Virginia. So Julie, though I can't imagine how difficult it must have been, agreed that Mike should go, while the other two stayed.

Several weeks after moving to Texas, Dave became an intern in the Travis youth group. And that's how Mike came to be introduced in my youth choir rehearsal.

Observation

2010-03-05T15:53:00.003-06:00

Sometimes, being in elementary schools is the perfect physical reminder of our desperate need for a Savior.

Today was hat day. A little first grader in my class came into the classroom wearing a cap. From a restaurant. Named for an owl's sound. But not referring to that sound. *sad*

The Story of Us. Part Two.

2010-03-04T15:02:00.006-06:00

*The Disclaimer

The following evening, Monday night, I can tell you - again - exactly where I was when I learned a little bit more about this strange new person in our youth group. I was sitting in the middle of Johnny's playroom with...I don't know...80 other youth?...beginning a new topic at our weekly CrossTrainers Bible Study. We were beginning to study "holiness" and I remember Johnny opening our large group session asking us why God would want us to pursue holiness as Believers. I remember certain seniors and their electronic Bibles in hand (pre-iphone). I remember certain "leaders" of our group giving their long, deep-and-theological answers. Then I remember the unfamiliar voice, behind and to the right, in a corner of the room, say:

"Because we have been commanded to live like Jesus did. And He was holy."

I remember that the whole room seemed to turn with me to see who, precisely, had made the statement.

Of course you can guess that it was Mike. And I remember the exact thought that flowed into my brain next. (Keep in mind that I was 15 years old.) I'd heard him, turned, and immediately reflected, "It didn't dawn on me that he would be godly."

And that was the second part of my first impression.

And I don't have a picture of myself for this part - I (conveniently?) lost most of my non-scrapbooked high school pictures in Katrina. But a really good one is forthcoming. :) Or...if you want to email me one, I'll post it (you know who you are!).

The Story of Us. Part One.

2010-03-01T15:43:00.000-06:00

*The Disclaimer

September 1997

It was a Sunday night, early in my Sophomore Days. My head was likely filled with things like "Far and Away," turning 16, a certain Senior boy, finding my way around a new campus, wading through Mrs. Metcalf's World History, the Beginning of the End of French, piano (always), and more youth activities and trips and bible studies than I would even try to remember. I sat in my Alto seat in rehearsal - facing the Church Music Office - and remember Johnny, our youth minister, addressing us pre-practice. Which by the way, wasn't much. He introduced a guy over in the "Guy's" section (as if I was focused outside of myself enough to know which section that would be) as a Virginian coming to our enormous youth group. New Faces were normal, strange teenagers came in and out of the flow of Travis, but I was struck by a couple of things. He had long hair. He wore beach bum clothes. And he was going to play bass in the Youth Praise Band. And then, to my utter disgust, he stood up, and proudly waved around the room as if we (I) was thinking, "Oh good. He's here!"

I know now that it was sheer insecurity, but I was most put off my his joining our band. I was the only Sophomore in the band, a post that I first "humbly" declined because, I told Jason, I wasn't old enough. And then quickly took it back. Also, I was so unsure of what to do with a sheet of paper that listed letter names rather than notes (I remember asking my Dad, at his bedside in the middle of the night, how to play from a lead sheet). I had been given permission to play the bass part when all else failed...the single notes down in the depths of the bass cleft. WAY easier than a Level 2 piano curriculum, much less the new system of music I had yet to learn.

Fast forward through choir (you can picture it...we had probably rehearsed some Point of Grace, Steven Curtis...I also remember learning an arrangement of "All in All," complete with oboe accompaniment, and a song called "Nobody Thrills My Heart Like Jesus."), and our Sunday Praise Band rehearsal was about to begin. I was fooling around on the keyboard, probably trying to figure out what to play other than the bass line. I remember he walked in the Old Backstage Room, down the long aisle, and it came to a point where it was clear that I was the only bandmember whom he'd not met. So - I called out.

"I haven't met you yet. I'm Katie."

He jumped up onto the stage, stuck out a hand.

"Mike."

"So," said my preppy, confident self. "You a Freshman? Sophomore?..."

"Junior. At Paschal."

And there we were. I often think back to this evening, which is still so clear in my mind, and wonder what God was thinking as He watched this meeting take place.

(I have to break out the pictures if I'm going to do this right... Here is a picture of Mike around the time we first met. This is one of my all-time favorites of him because you can tell he is really laughing... And his belly laugh is seriously charming.)

Disclaimer

2010-02-26T15:20:00.002-06:00

I think I'm going to undertake the project of blogging Our Story. This is for us; I just have a need for it to be written it down somewhere and cyberspace turns out to be a good option. I apologize in advance for stealing the position of the audience, but will return to "normal" blogging soon!

Using Coupons

2010-02-23T14:40:00.000-06:00

Another post that I have neglected to publish sooner...

I wrote in November about my new venture into the world of coupon-using. Sorry to be so late in giving you some results... I've sat multiple receipts by the computer, reminding myself to report on my savings. Then it gets replaced by another receipt (an even better one!) and - well - here I am a couple of months down the road with no update. I'm figuring that some newbie insight might be helpful to a reader out there, so before I put this off another minute longer, here's a few thoughts...

The Good...

1) It has been - frankly - a lifesaver. My initial hope was that doing this would give us more wiggle room in the budget and the ability to put the extra dough toward something "fun." In reality (and what's more noticeable to me), on weeks that have been financially stressful, it has allowed us to eat WAY better than we would've otherwise eaten!

2) It hasn't killed my time. Granted, I DO have more of that commodity as a sub vs. a teacher, but it takes me about 15-30 minutes a week to organize. Total.

3) It's really amazing to me that my fridge is already stocked on ingredients that I used to buy only when I needed them. It's good for expanding my cooking repertoire because it has forced me to look for new ways to use those ingredients. Example: I bought four bars of cream cheese for $1. That turned into a couple of new appetizers during the holidays, a friend's pasta recipe that I'd been wanting to try, and a perfectly delicious king cake that cured Day #5 of Snowed-In Cabin Fever.

4) We have almost exclusively brand-name items. My year-ago self would have cringed because my mama raised me to know better. In fact, when the family came to visit at New Years, I found myself needing to explain our food during the house tour.

5) I will never spend money on toiletries again. Ever. Case in point: I am looking at a receipt from CVS showing me that I spent $12.02 on purchases totaling $90.13. On that trip (last week), I bought 2 bottles of OptiFree contact solution (Mike's favorite, but more expensive brand), Pantene Shampoo, Aussie Deep Conditioner, CG powder, CG foundation, 2 Crest toothpastes, 3 Reach flosses, a pack of 10 Gillette razors, 2 Dove Dark Chocolate bars (Hey! I needed to spend one more buck!), and 2 Sense and Sprays (those Glade motion-detector things on commercials right now...If they're free, I'll try 'em out!). And - this a week and a half after my other receipt that shows I spent $8.74 for $84.29...

6) We are stocked-up on some staples that will be great for donating to our local food distribution ministry. When I went to the November workshop, the speaker suggested keeping a box on hand for freebies and cheapos to donate...or when the pantry just gets too full.

7) Since grocery shopping is therapeutic to me, I've really enjoyed trying out the different stores in our area. It's kinda fun not going to the same store every time! Except that I can't seem to find pine nuts anywhere. Do they not sell pine nuts in North Carolina?

8) Many happy trips to the store. Once, I bought two weeks' worth of yogurt, a box of butter for holiday baking, and a bag of peanut M&Ms for a grand total of 54 cents. Sure made my long dia del subbing that much better.

9) I can't remember the last time I went to Walmart.

The Bad and the Ugly...

1) Time Killer Possibility #1: The most time-consuming weeks are the ones that have the best deals. I've found that I am gradually getting better at not HAVING to hit every sale. But then again, when I spent $20 on $120 in groceries a couple of weeks ago, it made it totally worth the time I spent clipping for two additional trips to that store.

2) Time Killer Possibility #2: I've yet to strike the balance in buying for our meals AND getting the good deals. I used to shop once a week with a menu in hand. Now, I hit the stores with my sale-plan, without necessarily having meals in mind, and end up coming home with four bottles of (really good) dressing and no lettuce whatsoever. I think part of it is the time factor. Part of it is the cheap factor. When I just paid 25 cents for a pack of yogurt, it seems really unfair to have to pay full price for a block of cheese. What if it goes on sale next week?

3) Time Killer Possibility #3: It sometimes disrupts my schedule. When my favorite coupon site posts a deal that is too good to miss, I might rearrange my plans, lest they run out before tomorrow.

4) Time Killer Possibility #4: Good trips necessitate additional trips. And I make mistakes. Last week, I forgot that I'd originally planned to buy toothpaste on the following trip and neglected to put those coupons in the stack, thus paying full price and having to go back for a refund.

5) It makes me feel like a really big dork that I even have a stack. Or that I'm even blogging about this for that matter.

So there you have it. Trying to strike a happy medium of time spent and enjoying serious savings. I'd say I'd keep you posted, but...

Summer 2009

2010-02-17T10:39:00.011-06:00

I've no idea why I keep putting this off, but figure if I don't hurry and post these, it will be Summer 2010. Which sounds quite delightful at the moment.

Summer 2009 was blissful, but I couldn't post much without a computer and no camera-cord. So...enjoy a few random pictures from SOME - definitely not all! - of our adventures in the time between Texas and North Carolina. (Note: Some seriously missing pictures include our time in Savannah, Virginia Beach, the Rohrer Bed and Breakfast :), and some going away parties... Alas, I am no photographer.)

First up, a most lovely picture taken upon our arrival into Orlando. We missed a flight due to Hillsboro traffic, and after a few deep breaths, ended up getting cheap flights on another airline. Flying to Orlando was quite possibly the happiest flight I have ever been on.

The first of three rental cars in a three-week period - the third of which was wrecked en route to our first interview at what is now our church.

I love this picture, hence recently adding it to our profile. This was taken our first evening on our cruise to the Bahamas. Incidentally, I saw another woman wearing this dress on the same night. Oops.

If it weren't eight months since our vacation, I could probably count up the number of churches we visited on our trip. Close-ish to 10. This was a random stop en route to Savannah, which we were compelled to make when we saw this sign. Oh yes, we did.

Aboard a catamaran in Hilton Head for some dolphin watching. Not so many dolphins. Not so impressed with Hilton Head. Best strawberries I've ever eaten when we picnicked on this boat, however.

We LOVED Savannah, but didn't get any pictures. Go figure. In Charleston, though, we did something seriously cool. After a couple days of walking around and touring the city, we decided we really wished there was a tour for the historic churches, particularly since Charleston is the home of "The" first Baptist church in the U.S. Well, we found such a tour! And - were the only patrons to show, so we had a private tour of 5 (or 6?) of the historic churches in downtown Charleston. SO very cool.

One thing I remember about The first Baptist church (other than the fact that it is Calvinist, which I find interesting), is that the architect was well-known and the designer of many Old Charleston buildings. And I don't remember his name. But anyway, he believed that no creator of any kind could ever touch the perfection of The Creator, and purposely designed all of his buildings to have a flaw. In the church, he made one tiny row of molding lay flat as compared to the rest of the molding.

Tea with Jenna and Adge one night in July. It was amazing. And I would give just about anything to be doing this tonight. Mostly to see my girls, but I wouldn't hesitate to eat the food again, either.

Em and I getting our belly dance on for Hannah's bachelorette party. Dear Hannah was one of my best friends from childhood in New Orleans. So fun - she married the brother of another one of our best friends! They'd known each other since 2nd grade, but didn't "see each other that way" until after going to college together! The whole wedding weekend was a big reunion and I had such a blast being part of it...

This picture was at Hannah and Jerry's Commander's Rehearsal Dinner... It was divine! Hannah is in the middle and Ellen is our sweet mutual friend who was also a bridesmaid. I met Ellen in, like, 6th grade at Ridgecrest for Music Week. She then became Hannah's college roommate and we reconnected while visiting Hannah in AL. THEN - she went to Truett with Mike and we got to live in the same city for a few years!

The Bridesmaids! Or as Hannah said, "Her Essential Nine." I went to school with two of these girls and went to church with five of them. Three visited me in Ft. Worth after we moved. One lived down the street. One evacuated with me for Katrina and one - Hannah's lovely sis-in-law - was a new friend of the wedding weekend. Like I said, I didn't want it to end!

Hannah and me with our girls Cathy and Jenny...New Orleans friends who moved to Ft. Worth after us and lived around the corner... So many connections! (Cathy and Jenny will be Em's Maids of Honor with me in October!)

Eating a slider at a choir party. Ha. Yeah, right! Our good friends, Gregg and Lauren, have a baking business and made these ADORABLE cupcakes for our church choir cookout.

A little Dallas time with Carrie and Lisa, my Baylor roomies. If you look closely, you can tell where we ate. YUM.

This is just too cute. This was our church going away party and our good friend Traceylyn (sheesh, we have a lot of baking friends) made the cakes. This cake was - as you can see - a guitar...and thankfully someone got a picture and sent it to us.

Lots of fun pictures and good memories to go with them. Thanks for indulging me. Better start making plans for this summer's pictures to go up a little sooner... Hmmm....

True Colors

2010-02-10T16:21:00.001-06:00

I am not ugly to people. Especially not out loud and certainly not to strangers. I listen to telemarketers' spiels before politely declining. I once gently refused a kiosk offer and the employee followed me a little ways to tell me "thank you" for being "classy" about it. Twice I have been pulled over, thanked for my courtesy, and left with a warning. Maybe I could attribute this to good upbringing, conviction. Mostly, I don't have the nerve to be rude. Until now.

I just told US Airways - an actual, physical representative - that their policy is "ridiculous." It has been that sort of day.

I feel better now. And Mike's calling them back.

And a little bit more...

2010-02-08T20:16:00.003-06:00

I'm feeling a little too satisfied that, to the Facebook poster who called last night's game "nonexciting," it was possibly the most-watched TV program ever.

And one other thing. I lived in Texas when the Cowboys won in 1996. I am absolutely sure that, as a school-loving 8th grader, I would keenly remember a late arrival, excused absence, or early dismissal as a result of the win... Um, yes. My mother's Garden District school this week...

Who Dat?

2010-02-07T16:14:00.006-06:00

Well, I'm caving. I can't let this next hour and 20 minutes go by without a little "Who Dat?" for the blogging world. I am a fair-weather fan, I admit it. As one who is totally and unapologetically athletically-challenged, I'm the one who feels like a great play in a game is just an interruption to my conversation. I'm the one who jumps up, annoyed to be cheering and says, "So what happened?"

But I'm also one who remembers - distinctly - going to Saints' Games as a kid with literally NOBODY in the stands, except for the two (opposing teams') fans behind us who, apparently, were using dirty language, because my mom literally covered my ears in a jesting attempt to remind them that there were kids around. And they apologized. I also remember sitting on the field while my dad's choir sang the national anthem and getting caught by the camera in the Superdome. I remember that, as a kid, no one in my family owned a Saints shirt. I remember the people in my class who did and frankly, I interpreted it to be part of their personality to wear a Saints shirt, rather than acknowledge that there was a team worth supporting outside of a physical presence inside the Dome. And I can still tell you about Bobby Hebert and Morten Andersen, and oh yeah, Archie Manning (and Peyton and Eli) was a member of our church. And then, we moved to Texas, right at the beginning of the Cowboys' heyday. Of course, now my family is back, and NOT being fair-weather fans like myself, they are all going nuts. And now, I am too.

So here's a few thoughts:

- I mostly wanted the Saints to MAKE the Superbowl. I think I'm more excited that they are playing tonight than I am worried about whether or not they will win.

- One of my first thoughts this morning was a secret prayer that they would win anyway. Not a secret now, I suppose.

- I like the Colts and am totally anticipating a good game between the two teams. And I am slightly disgusted by the Facebook poster that called this an "unexciting Super Bowl" a few minutes ago. Talk about a fair-weather fan. Even I know what is at stake here.

- I believe that Archie Manning is secretly pulling for the Saints.

- Hearing and reading sports journalists refer to the Saints as "one of the top two teams in the NFL" is still catching me off guard. Even today. I actually got a lump in my throat reading the paper this morning!

- I think this may be the first (and possibly last?) game that I actually look forward to every minute of the game and the commercials...and don't so much care about the intermission. Umm, I meant halftime. (Addendum: Just realized it will feature The Who. That was our band show junior year. Maybe I'll reminisce and watch a little after all...)

- According to my family, the city of New Orleans is going nuts. During a REGULAR season game, there is no activity anywhere away from TV screens. Consider the bridal shop that closed down 30 minutes prior to kickoff during playoffs a couple of weeks ago. Or the completely empty Starbucks/Creole Creamery when my dad and I left for a mid-game treat. Everyone knows it's the best time to go grocery shopping. Are they actually leaving the stores OPEN for the game tonight?

- I learned from my mistake in dress-shopping with Mom and Emily, and wore black and gold to church this morning.

- Not surprised to learn, via facebook, that on nola.com, you can read about the teenager sent home from school on Friday for wearing a Colts' jersey. You can also read about their newly-elected mayor...being the first to replace Classy Mr. Nagin...about three stories down from the Super Bowl stories.

Here's to a Cinderella team from my childhood, to the shots of Archie Manning that will undoubtedly air, to celebrities in black and old gold, to a city that deserves something to get all riled up about. Who Dat, folks!

"Uh-oh. I bring the wrong color thread."

2010-01-31T15:44:00.009-06:00

Two weekends ago, I spent five blissful days wedding-planning and dress-shopping with my mom and sister (who live in New Orleans). I realize not everyone reading may know my fabulous sister, but thought that blogging some of the weekend will give you a small taste of the Crescent City - as wedding planning there, in good NOLA fashion, is its own kind of project.

The wedding is scheduled for a Friday in October. It is planned so because, before the actual date was set, Em and her fiance wanted a fall wedding and fall weddings in staunch Southern Louisiana families tend to be on Fridays. Why? Because of tailgating automatically slated for Saturdays. Fortunately for many of their guests, the wedding weekend falls on a bye week for the Tigers. They're going with a Friday anyhow to accommodate this fact and their preferred reception locale. I will be careful regarding the details I divulge, as they are Em's, but you can see how the process has begun by considering the essentials.

This is my beautiful mother and one of Em's bridesmaids (and former roommates), Jen. Jen was one of several who joined us at some point in our dress-shopping excursion. Jen is one of the twelve bridesmaids Em has chosen (including me). Also, I think Em's other attendants are all model-beautiful. Somehow, Em has managed to become great friends with women of exceptional genes. Try choosing a bridesmaids' dress with that on your shoulder.

Day Two of dress-shopping was also Saints-Cardinals Game Day - which was actually the first priority - and we were, fortunately, able to shop around it. Em and Mom (MOB) were decked in jerseys, as were many of the bridal consultants and other brides/maids we ran across on that day. I fell considerably short in my adorable MOH outfit, chosen as if I were going to be gown-fluffing in Dallas. What was I thinking?! (MOB's looking at some of the details on a gown, but of course, that had to be cropped!)

Yes, this adorable little puppy (who was with her bride) was also ready for the game...she's wearing a black/old gold tutu. Why not, right?

This was at Yvonne La Fleur, a New Orleans fixture and an absolutely amAAAzing dress-shopping experience. I think it was what I decided would be typical of New Orleans bridal browsing, though I would never have known what that would be before we shopped there. I can barely describe it, but here's a try: It is a 40-year old dress boutique, filled with separate rooms of clothing (think Mardi Gras Balls, Sweet Sixteens, and apparently, what some people wear everyday), Yvonne's signature scent, European underthings, French show tunes, and sweet Yvonne, wondering into and out of the bridal room trying on a fur and commenting (under her breath) on her ability to have the most wonderful furrier as a supplier.

The shopping experience was also exceptional. The consultants work with one bride at a time. Em was fitted in the bridal dressing room while Mom and I lounged on the antique sofa, with the lone job of watching/offering our (most careful) opinions. How novel. And all of the dresses were hanging in the air. Weird, but it was actually loads better than cramming back plastic bag after plastic bag in an overstuffed salon. (Apparently, as Yvonne sewed her personal wedding dress herself, she had added the bridal shop as she expected every other one to be.)

This is also where THE dress was finally purchased a few days later, celebrated by Em and her entourage with a complimentary bottle of champagne. If you've been to New Orleans, you know that something like this is not done to inflate the buyer's sense of what they are getting, but actually, as if every other store in the world does this and whyever wouldn't they?

Nine months to go...more to come, I'm sure!

Part Two

2010-01-23T09:57:00.004-06:00

I have to say this, after reading further into Genesis: I DO so love the reunion between Jacob and Esau (Ch. 32-33). Can't you just picture it? Jacob, his clan, his animals, seeing Esau and his 400 men waaayyy in the distance, perhaps from atop some deserty cliff? He obviously saw them "while they were still a long way off." And then, can you help but wonder what both were thinking? Jacob's absolute terror vs. Esau's complete and total embracing of his past and his present. Maybe Esau was a tad confused, and even a little flustered, as wave after wave of "gifts" came - minus one twin brother...

In this way, I want to be like Esau. To be able to say, "whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, 'It is well, it is well with my soul.'" That might just be better than the blessing.

P.S. - I can't ignore that in the middle of this reunion, Jacob wrestled with God. That is another story, like my previous post, that has utterly baffled me. I'm still thinking about it. However, I can add Mike's commentary on this (unbeknownst to him...if he reads the blog, he will get to weigh in). When I once mentioned that I've never "gotten" this little event in the Bible, my enlightened husband responded with, "Well, for one, it showed that God allows us to wrestle with Him." And that's the point I have to stop on for now.

From this morning...

2010-01-21T10:07:00.005-06:00

I've never known what to make of Jacob and Esau. In the birthright story, you can almost blame Esau for laziness and feel that he "deserves" to lose his birthright. But what about the blessing story? Jacob (well, with his sneaky mama's help) deceived Isaac and still came out on top. Yes, there were hard times ahead for Jacob. Yes, there was restitution between the brothers in the end. But ultimately, Jacob was (more?) loved by Isaac, Rebekah, and - it's tempting to say - by God. Apparently God had a plan that even included injustice, sin, betrayal...

Yet I am wrestling with God on this one. We have been trained to earn. We have been trained to work for things and feel wronged when we don't get what we deserve. (Then again, we feel wronged when we do get what we deserve.) What's our lesson here? All I'm coming up with is another example of that "last best word," grace. There's no understanding this story because it goes against our human nature to accept a life of sin as one having a happy ending or a (mostly) innocent life as being cheated.

I know that, following Jacob, I was saved by grace out of a life that would otherwise bring me exactly what I deserve, namely death. But there are days (more days?) when I feel like Esau and that my "blessing" (though infinitely lesser than salvation) seems to be portioned out to everyone but me. What I know, but don't necessarily feel, is that it's still an act of grace.

May we continue to wonder at the miracle of grace and may we resist the temptation to cheapen our salvation by worrying about what we do or don't deserve.

Traveling Mercies

2010-01-20T09:53:00.002-06:00

I finally read Traveling Mercies (Anne Lamott). It's been hanging on my list for awhile and after picking it up for a possible Book Club suggestion (and then deciding it might not be the right suggestion - yet), I impulsively took it on last weekend's trip to New Orleans. I couldn't put it down.

I don't have the energy to review this book, only to say that I both loved and hated it. Anne Lamott is an absolute Artist of a writer and has the most amazing way of combining multiple, divergent stories to make a simultaneous point. Fascinating.

Among so many quotable little "nuggets," I thought I'd pull a few just for you:

The grace one - see blog "description."

The patience one - "But patience is when God - or something - makes the now a little roomier. Looking at the one beam of sunlight streaming into the living room, casting warm light on our pets, two plants, one old friend and a small boy drawing on the floor, I finally realized I was more or less OK for the time being - and this was an amazing difference."

The surrender one - "And I saw that it would be an act of both triumph and surrender to give up trying to have straighter hair. And that surrender means you get to come on over to the winning side."

The loving others one - "I knew on the beach that Jesus would have stepped in to save the dog, and he would have been loving the dog beater as he did so. He would have been seeing the dog beater's need and fear. Well, I am certainly not there yet. I myself am a bit more into blame and revenge; also, I've found that self-righteousness is very comforting. But Jesus is quite clear on this point. He does not mince words. He says you even have to love the whiners, the bullies, and the people who think they're better than you. And you have to stick up for the innocent."

I would really love to have one more, as I've learned that I have a thing for odd numbers and four quotes is bothering me just a tad, but alas, the laundry is calling. Praise God from Whom all blessings flow.

Wants vs. Needs

2010-01-12T14:45:00.001-06:00

Needing lots of chocolate this week. And my supply is rapidly diminishing.

Poetry...in motion...

2010-01-08T12:35:00.001-06:00

So subbing has its perks. But I miss the relationships (little ones and coworkers) intensely. On a rare occasion, I can waltz into a classroom as a stranger and emerge a hero (I like to think of it as helping create a "mid-year morale jumpstart"). I won't lie. When a previous class waves at me or calls out my name from down the hall, it makes my heart soar (remember, I don't get daily waist hugs right now, so these help). I also get lots of notes ("You're my favorite(scratched through) second favorite teacher" and "You seem nice so far" are two of my favorites). What strikes me is that children have no fear of writing a note, thinking it reduces some of the awkwardness of actually saying it aloud. Wouldn't it be great if we continued to write notes upon our first (good) impressions of people? I can just picture a few:

"I like your necklace/shirt/shoes."

"You obviously work out. Are you a runner?"

"I feel comfortable with you."

"You're funny."

"You're good at making small talk."

But I digress. The other day I got past the first-impression note stage and made it into the poem category. Poor little Daniel T....will never know he was published in cyberspace:

"For: Mrs. Eller

T is for teachers, so terrefic.

E is for you, looking like a golden egg.

A is for awesome, you look like.

C is for certificates, you have.

H is for humans, heart is of pure gold.

E is for even, everyone is.

R is for you looking so real.

We put italltogether and that spelles ("es" scratched through) teatt (scratched through) teacher.s ("s" scratched through)

Happy teachers day

sencerilly Daniel T."

You can't make this stuff up.

Harry's Bookshelf

2010-01-07T14:38:00.004-06:00

Oh! From someone who's had this and this on my reading list for a couple of years now, THIS just puts a lump in my throat (click for a review)!

I guess it shouldn't be so surprising...Rowling did have a classical education!

Epiphany

2010-01-06T15:37:00.005-06:00

"Today is known as Epiphany, which means 'to make known' or 'to reveal.' The wise men were the first Gentiles (or non-Jews) to acknowledge Jesus as king. Their journey to Bethlehem and back revealed that Jesus came for the people of all nations and races, and that the work of God in the world would not be limited to only a few. Thanks be to God!"

-Tracy Hartman

I also remembered that last year's Epiphany devotional was especially meaningful to me, particularly the prayer at the end. In case you missed it or want to read it again, go here.

Best Christmas Present Ever!!!

2009-12-24T16:44:00.004-06:00

I'm getting a brother-in-law!!!! Congratulations to Emily and Brandon!!!! (And this is the quickest pic I could find...from Halloween. No worries. He did not propose as bacon!)

Needing to Be More Like Simeon

2009-12-22T11:51:00.005-06:00

Luke 2:25

And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him.

My heart is heavy this week. I am immensely thankful for the new life that Mike and I are leading in NC. We have made new friends, explored our new state, and watched in awe as God has affirmed His calling us here. It has been tremendously more wonderful than we even expected and I am grateful. But there are hard moments. We have questions about His plans, our future, His provision. And, as we start to feel we've come to be accustomed to, we are waiting on these things. Waiting to see His hand direct and provide. Waiting on answers to questions we're scared to ask. Waiting to feel stable and secure and maybe even a little more comfortable.

When I realized this morning that I'd be reading about Simeon and Anna - two big checks in the column of "Waiting on God" - I nearly groaned. I wanted to say, "God, I'm wanting answers here! Not another lesson on two people who waited and got what they wanted!" And then I realized...Simeon wanted something much worthier than answers to "I-know-He-holds-the-future" questions. He wanted to see the Salvation of people. And, then, as we read, he praised God that Salvation came. He blessed/encouraged/even warned Mary and Joseph. And that's the end of the "blip" of Simeon.

May we desire something much Worthier and Bigger than our little worlds can hold within them. And then, may we praise Him for being this One. May we bless/encourage/even warn others if we must. And, if that is all my life is about, may it be enough.

Our First Tarheel Snow!

2009-12-19T10:58:00.004-06:00

OK, so it was more ice than snow this time... It's still beautiful! And my favorite part? It SMELLS wintry! Plus, it forced us to have a cozy night in of homemade pizza, ice cream cookie sandwiches (never too cold for ice cream!), a couple of good movies, and a lazy brunch this morning. Thank you, Lord, for forced rest in the midst of holiday bustle.

Letters to Important People

2009-12-18T12:26:00.002-06:00

Dear Blogspot,

Please make an iphone app like Wordpress's. It really makes me want to change my blog over.

*

Dear Google Chrome,

Please make your browser more compatible with downloads. I would be all-Google Chrome if I didn't have to switch back and forth with IE all the time.

*

Dear Nestle,

Please consider selling your morsels in sizes by the number of cups rather than weight. It would be so much easier to know how many bags to buy without the danger of leftovers begging to be eaten mid-bake.

Sincerely,
Katie Eller

I can't believe...

2009-12-12T19:32:00.002-06:00

that after seeing every single episode of "Ugly Betty" thus far (my girly, guilty pleasure), it was Mike, in all of 5 seconds, that recognized that Archie is "The Karate Kid."

Peace

2009-12-06T16:06:00.003-06:00

Do you know what is almost as happy as unexpectedly receiving money in the mail (I know I'm not the only one who occasionally says, "You know what would be great, honey?...What if, when we check our mail today...")? It's finding a long-lost favorite CD!

I found this yesterday. Right before nearly selling it because it was in the wrong case (oops). It is on my "Top 5 of All-Time List" and I'd been missing it for YEARS. It makes me think of the summer before starting at Baylor because I think I played it on a near-continuous loop, particularly the song, "Peace." Which amazes me at this second, as I just realized that this is the Peace week of Advent. Hmmm...that calls for a posting of the lyrics, then.

He is my Light and my Salvation
whom have i to fear
in His secret place i'll hide and pray
that i might hear a simple word

o how i would have despaired
if You had not come found me there
i can lean against Your throne and find my Peace
find my Peace
and when my enemies draw near
i pray that they will find
that i'm protected and secure
all tempests He will bind with a mighty word

o how i would have despaired
if You had not come found me there
i can lean against Your throne and find my Peace
find my Peace

He is my Light and my Salvation whom have i to fear?

Oh, Peace. And then, if I might find the other of my long-lost "Top 5 of All-Timers" (Caedmon's "40 Acres")...

New Adventures

2009-11-23T17:38:00.003-06:00

I'm subbing. For those who were wondering. It's a slow start and I had tons of hoops to jumps through (4 shots!! What kind of bureaucracy is this?). Anyway, it has its perks. Nothing like teaching, but easier on the stress level, I suppose.

Last week, I subbed in Kindergarten. I loved the teacher/assistant I subbed for, so it was a really fun job. One cute story out of it... Apparently the class had had a sub that (!) - well - picture: Kindergarten Cop. When the teacher was telling her students that I would be coming, one little guy named Luke commented, "Boy. I hope she doesn't let us stand on the tables."

Update

2009-11-15T20:23:00.002-06:00

Baby Gage went to be with the Lord this afternoon. Ugh. Life is hard.

Please Pray...

2009-11-13T20:37:00.002-06:00

for the Fleener Family (I just added their blog). They are friends from our church in Texas and their 3-month old, Gage, is fighting for his life.

Psalm 121

A New Project

2009-11-10T20:40:00.004-06:00

I am reeling from the endorphins that come from saving money!!

Before we left Texas, we spent a couple of weekends with Mike's aunt and uncle, who had just been called to a new church close to Sulphur Springs. The first weekend we saw them was the day we had let FBCA know that would would accept their invitation to come in view of a call. Christy was telling me about her friends in Georgia who were zealous money-savers that use a website called www.southernsavers.com. She mentioned that the stores listed are the ones scattered throughout the southeast and that I should look into it (and yes, North Carolina is considered the southeast). It is a website that is predominantly a help for "couponing." (I actually detest that word, so we'll say "using coupons.") I have made a couple of ill-attempts at using coupons during our marriage, but never had the time - or patience - to keep up with something that didn't really save me much money. (As my mom would say, "just go to Walmart and buy the Walmart brand!")

I checked out the website before leaving Texas and was intrigued, but also overwhelmed. It was a whole other world and the information was TOO much for me. There are codes and short-hand, and all kinds of concepts that are against my grain. I decided I'd make "using coupons" one of my projects once we got to North Carolina.

After being in NC long enough to even consider a "project" of any kind, I looked at the website again. The "Getting Started Guides" baffled me, so I'd read and reread them to make sure I was really decoding it all (is this how an early reader feels?). I noticed that the lady in charge of the website gives classes called "Coupons 101" and decided to see where that would lead. She had classes in SC, AL, GA...and one - last Saturday morning - in Thomasville...30 minutes from our house. I decided I had nothing to lose and poked my way over to this workshop.

It was held in a small methodist church. I figured I'd be the only non-member there and that the members would wonder why in the world I came. When I parked the car, not only were there traffic directors at every post, I got out of the car to one of them saying, "Sorry, ma'am. We didn't expect to have to fit 130 cars in this lot!" Turned out that there were only about five members of the church in attendance, let alone the small number from Thomasville. The crowd came from all over the state to hear this gal.

I then proceded to listen for 2 1/2 hours until my brain hurt from information. This lady is a young mother of three (all under 4-years old) who was the same skeptic I am (was?) before being introduced to the world of "using coupons." As she so aptly put it, "Why would I want to unbuckle and buckle my three small children 10 times to save $5 or $10?" She clarified much of my confusion...added a little more for me to figure out...and lit a fire in me that wants to try it out for myself.

Don't stop reading. It'll pay off...

Two new-to-me major concepts that are not at all how I was raised to grocery shop are two fundamentals of saving serious money:
1) Products in a store go through a 6-8 week cycle of price fluctuating. At some point during the cycle, they hit their "rock bottom" price. (Note: this is a price cheaper than Wally World)
2) If you "stock up" on that item to last you through the remainder of the cycle until it goes on sale again, you will save bunches. Consider paying $1 for 6 boxes of cereal at once rather than the regular price, or even a middle-ground price, every week.
(and 3rd, because I know you're wondering about it, just find the cheapest buy for your milk and in-season produce...I don't think you need to stock up on either of those!)

Lastly, you throw in the coupons, add to that the stores' doubling and tripling policies, and you're walking away with groceries that are not only cheaper, they may have cost pennies, been free, or even better. Oh, and southernsavers.com makes it a no-brainer because she matches the sales with the coupons and voila - the time-consuming part is taken out almost entirely. I go to the website, check my stores' sales, cut (or print off) the necessary coupons, and shop cheaply.

My first three attempts have been oh-so-successful and I think it can only get better as I learn this new skill. On Monday, I bought $15 worth of groceries for $6 (I can't even eat much Chex mix, but for 36 cents a bag, I can sure use it at a Christmas party). Then, yesterday (!), I got $42 for $13.21, including several free items and a bottle of Tabasco that I was actually given an extra 50 cents to buy (that went toward the cost of something else). Today, I'm hitting a couple of other stores because the sales started over this morning. This is slowly becoming addicting...

And one really fun Target deal. I tried it yesterday and it worked like a charm. I read later that you could try it several times and I wish I had!

*To my Texas friends: I could almost guarantee a similar website exists for Texas stores. If you know of one, post it! www.southernsavers.com does list Kroger, I believe, and the drug store info would apply in Texas. Check out the CVS guide. It's apparently a "gold mine."

Autumn

2009-11-03T20:44:00.012-06:00

By God's grace and through His love, I am witnessing my first "real" fall ever! Before we moved to North Carolina, we were told by many that we would experience four unique seasons. Coming from Louisiana and Texas, I'm used to the usual "hot" and "hotter." It is truly His gift to me that we would arrive just in time to see the beauty of changing leaves. I have been AMAZED at it. Many times as I leave our driveway, I stop to poke my phone out the window of the car to take another picture of one beautiful tree and thought I would share a couple!

(PS - If you know me, this is so NOT typical! I tease my husband for taking pictures of landscapes and nature, insisting that I only want pictures "with someone I love" in it. Oh, how circumstances change.)

This is our cute little house, taken the last week in September, about a week before we moved in. Notice the big tree in the upper left corner... That is some type of maple and the same tree that is in most of the following photos.

These are some that I took probably the second or third week. It was breathtaking - the different colors of the leaves against the piercing blue of the sky. Same tree...from the car window.

Also from the car window... This is about a week and a half ago.

And this was last week. The tree now has almost no leaves on it. I'm on our porch here.

This is our neighborhood. It is a "walking" neighborhood - perfect for me! On this day, I was walking around, listening to Anne of Green Gables, and the leaves were raining on me. It was ...well, "magical" is as close as I can get here. I now go walking and literally pray for a gust of wind when I come to a tree that is losing leaves!

And this beautiful red leaf is a gift to me that God has put by my car in the church parking lot (no trees!) for the past two Sundays. Both times, I've brought them home.

Continuing Ed.

2009-10-11T20:46:00.006-05:00

OK, one of my first questions as a new resident of North Carolina was, "If I live in Texas, I'm a Texan. If I live in North Carolina, I'm a ???" Apparently, while it is correct to say "North Carolinian" (both short i's), I was informed that it is most common to refer to oneself as a "Tarheel." Soon after followed one of my second questions. "What is a Tarheel?" And guess what? There is no good answer! Apparently, it may have something to do with Civil War soldiers from North Carolina who "walked as if they had tar on their heels." I don't know about you, but that's not good enough for me. I guess I have plenty of time to figure it out, but for now, you can know that being a Tarheel is not necessarily being an alum from UNC-Chapel Hill. So, if you are a Tarheel, but also fan of NC State or Duke, what kind of conflict do you find yourself in? That's my question to all of you North Carolinian Tarheels, not UNC-Chapel Hill Tarheels.

Having spent my entire life between the states of Louisiana and Texas, I am learning a lot of new things here, only the first of which is keeping the three aforementioned schools separate, let alone their colors and their fans.

Here's more:

1. Living in the Eastern Time Zone is a bigger adjustment than I thought. It's one thing if you're traveling here. Quite another when you're leaving a message on someone's phone back home. Or planning your evening around a primetime TV show - or - the news! Isn't it CRAZY that the news comes on at 11pm? By that time, I should be watching something fluffy to fall asleep to, not the news! Just when Mike and I were getting our Conan on earlier...

2. Tea. They drink so much Iced Tea here that they only specify if it's "unsweet." And - I don't even know what to compare it to - it is like Starbucks to a New Yorker, like English Breakfast to a Brit, like Dr. Pepper to a Baylor Freshman. I kid you not. I was at breakfast with three members of our church the week before we moved and one of the Tarheels at the table with us ordered tea. Loving (what I thought was hot) tea for breakfast turned out to be Iced Tea! I gawked at him, said, "I have never seen anyone drink Iced Tea for breakfast" and he responded, laughing with, "Well, I'm glad I can be the first." As I've relayed that story to other Tarheels, turns out that it's not just him. As one lady said, "Oh, I drink tea for breakfast all the time." As if she'd said she had oatmeal every morning.

3. Ride you by = drive you by. As in, "I can ride you by all of the grocery stores/elementary schools/professional offices sometime if that would help." This is a habit I cannot acquire.

4. Pocketbook = Purse. When we were looking for a house to rent, one landlord told us she'd locked her pocketbook in the car. My thought was, "Oh. How very streamlined of her. She only carries a wallet..." Then our realtor told me she liked my pocketbook. My wallet, at this time, was deep in the depths of my (sister's) navy blue purse and I couldn't remember pulling it out in front of her. After a few similar statements, I finally asked for clarification. A lady held up her brown leather purse and said, "this is a pocketbook." So...as people have asked about our adjustment to NC, I have told them of this new discovery, to which every person responds, "Well...what do YOU call it?" :)

5. Pig-pickin': A common type of social gathering in which a pig is roasted for a "Barbecue" dinner.

On the other hand, a few terms that have gotten me blank stares:
DPS
DiscipleNow
HEB
brisket
Tex-Mex

Awake

2009-10-11T20:32:00.002-05:00

I should probably have a much cleverer blog for my return to blogging after the long, computerless hiatus and given the fact that Mike and I are in the midst of a completely new life.

Right now, Mike and I are BOTH working on computers. Mine is on loan from my mom and is a laptop that has to be plugged in at all times. But, I have the luxury of getting to check email on a computer rather than on my phone. Fun until you have a long response to write. Mike is currently choosing Christmas music. For our church. In North Carolina. Where we live.

Of the five people I know who read this blog, I believe all of you know that we now live in North Carolina, having moved here the first of this month. But in the event someone in cyberspace didn't know, Mike is now the Associate Pastor of Worship and Music at First Baptist Church Asheboro, NC. If you feel like taking a look at their website, you'll see many of the things we love about the church and what we get to take part in. If you don't have time, way to have better things to do! :)

There is a long story about God's leading us to this church and this town that begins over a year ago. I'll have to save that for another blog, but we are here and we are getting situated, all while enjoying colder weather, multicolored trees, mountains, and new friends. God is faithful and we are so thankful to Him for His guidance and provision and the honor we have to serve Him. He alone is worthy!

Enough

2009-08-31T16:00:00.002-05:00

A close friend shared this sermon manuscript from her home church in Jackson, MS. The title is "Elijah: Every Dream Lost. Every Dream Fulfilled." It was an encouragement to me, but be warned, it is a challenge to be sure...of the most difficult kind. Grab some kleenex and be reminded of Who it is we worship that is Enough.

Out of Hiding

2009-08-03T13:45:00.003-05:00

Well, I haven't been hiding. We're just laptop-less. And it's no fun blogging at a library desktop. Much better to blog with a good cup of tea, sitting in a comfy chair. I'm currently using Mike's laptop that is screenless and sitting on the edge of the bed with the laptop hooked up to a monitor on the nightstand. So there you go.

We've had a killer summer and by killer, I mean wonderful. I've thought of so many clever blogs to write, have taken pictures (with no place to upload them, they remain stuck in my camera for now), and wanted to post several updates, but alas, have had no outlet!

To sum up June and July: missed flights, tipping 1,000 shuttle drivers, I heart Priceline, lazy boat days, kayaking in turquoise water, 1 book/week, river charm, farm-fresh cider, "no we're not on our honeymoon," deal-searching, mountain time, historic church tours, rear-ended rental car, roaming Hampton Roads, new NOLA restaurants, packing up and moving out, girl time, nothing time.

My next blog will be either:
- two more months from now, when I need to sum up our fall OR
- Good news! We have a laptop.

***On a completely different note and a much more important one, please keep the Henson family and the White family in your prayers. The Hensons just lost their 12-year old daughter in a church bus accident (www.fbcshreveport.org). The Whites are my cousins - see January post - and on the 6-month anniversary of Jennifer's death, they learned that her older brother (my age, husband and father to 9-month old Caleb) is being summoned for a second, 12-month tour of Iraq.

East Coast Bound

2009-06-06T19:17:00.002-05:00

We are leaving for vacation tomorrow. Bags are packed, tickets printed out, reservations made, loose ends tied, and spirits are high! We will be gone for 20 days, part vacation on the East Coast, part family-time in Virginia (which is really vacation, too). We'll be back for a quick run-everything-through-laundry before repacking for the CBF and a week in New Orleans. I'll try to take pictures and plan to blog our vacation sometime in July... Happy Summer!

Let's Call the Whole Thing Off

2009-06-01T12:58:00.002-05:00

So after 11 years, one might think that my husband and I (hailing from different regions of the country) would have come to the point of agreeing to disagree about "correct" pronunciation (aunt = /ant/ vs. /ont/). I thought we had. He thought we had. However, in light of the Stanley Cup Finals, we have come to a new word that is the cause of much laughter - and arguing - in our house these days.

Is it /pEEnguins/ or /pAYnguins/?

According to the never-fail resource of dictionary.com, neither of us is right. It's /pEHnguins/.

Now you know.

Oh, Dear

2009-05-27T09:32:00.002-05:00

I seriously just heard the following conversation:

Amy: (reading directions for a game she brought from home) What does "execute" mean?

Klohie: (from across the room, involved in another game) Oh! I know what "execute" means! It's like when Jesus died on the cross! They executed him.

Amy: (confused) So can you execute pizza?

Our Big Weekend!

2009-05-25T15:24:00.014-05:00

Well, okay - it was Mike's big weekend, but hey - I've been putting the food on the table...and pretty much earned both degrees vicariously via listening to the rehashing of lectures/discussions, reading and editing papers, listening and watching sermons, and all the other things that go with being a Seminary wife.

Last weekend, Mike walked twice - once for his MDiv at Truett and once for his MM at Baylor. Sunday, he was ordained. The ordination was long overdue, but was extremely wonderful and made more special by the people surrounding us on that great night!

Some pictures...

This is one of my favorites...Mike's two caps, gowns, and hoods being de-wrinkled (yes - he had to have two separate ones. You'd think they could just change out the hood, but no. They wouldn't get as much money that way.). The red was for Divinity and the pink for Music.

Doesn't he look "masterly"? Or at least pastoral?

These are two of Mike's Church Music profs - Dr. York and Dr. Bradley - both of whom he's had since coming to Baylor in 2000. I'd rather have posted the picture that was minus me, but it came out blurry.

Mike's goofy smile in his graduation gift from me. He asked for a Baylor alum polo, though he was technically an alum after his bachelor's. I figure that after 9 years, he's earned every bit of green and gold he chooses to bleed.

Music at the BU graduation. The organist, Dr. Joyce Jones, played at both ceremonies and was also my dad's organ prof when my dad was at BU. The trumpet player, Wiff Rudd, played at our wedding 5 years ago.

Mike calling his mom after receiving sheepskin #2.

Pretty stoked about this accomplishment!

Mike conducting the choir at his Ordination Service...singing, "Here I Am, Lord" (Listen to St. Olaf singing it at http://www.imeem.com/normanbi/music/I_wAze7J/the-st-olaf-choir-here-i-am-lord/).

Mike sharing his testimony and call to ministry.

Dave praying for Mike and me (Mike's kneeling, our hands are on his shoulders). Dave is Mike's uncle, the reason we met and started dating. Dave also baptized Mike when he was 11 and married us 5 years ago!

Countdown

2009-05-12T12:36:00.003-05:00

3 days until Truett Graduation

4 days until Baylor Graduation

5 days until Mike's Ordination

26 days until Vacation...the best part of this equation...

(This feels a bit like a Silverstein poem.)

Oh, and let's throw in a move, a field day, three field trips, plays, parties, and final assessments.

Roller Coasters

2009-05-10T17:56:00.003-05:00

Found this online and thought it was cute...

"But one thing we have to remember is: If there's a roller coaster, there's a carnival; if there's a carnival, there's cotton candy; if there's cotton candy, there's fun. And although you may get upside down and turned around on the ride, in the end you'll still be happy you got on."

Here's to roller coasters! :)

Stand By Me

2009-05-08T11:55:00.001-05:00

I reached my "pre-lunch" goal for our work day a little early and found this... I thought it was pretty darn terrific. Enjoy!

http://www.playingforchange.com/episodes/2/Stand_by_Me

It's a Sign

2009-04-30T14:13:00.005-05:00

So I've always taught my students to sign an "r" for restroom when they need to go. It's a great solution for not having to interrupt any class or work time with a simple nod of my head. Well, our students learned the sign language alphabet with our Spelling program, so last year, my little creative kids decided to add "t" for "tissue," "w" for "water, and "h" for "hurt" (which, of course, means "bandaid"). I applauded their ingenuity and went with it. Now, though, I realize I have created a monster. When this year started and I had a round of class-interrupting "Can I get a drink of water"s, I thought I'd share the insight last year's students had...except that my little ducklings took this in a whole new direction. Instead of signing the aforementioned letters to mean the same thing, they adopted the "w" for water, but have decided on a whole slew of new ones. So many that I can't keep up. But as it was my idea, I am trying to be a good sport.

Some new ones:

e = emergency (funny how "r" evolved to "e")

s = sweatshirt (to go get theirs or take theirs off)

h = hot, in other words, "Can I take off my sweatshirt?"

bh (one per hand) = burning hot (Can I take off my sweatshirt?) oh, and as it is right-to-left for them, I just see "hb."

wb = Can I get my water bottle?

fb = Can I fill up my water bottle?

b = boo boo (I need a bandaid.)

t = towel (I spilled water on my desk.)

Oh - and for some reason, they haven't picked up on these from each other, so in addition to seeing an array of signed letters, I'm having to decipher that to Jill, "t" means "tissue," to Molly it means "towel" and to Preston it means "tired."

I'm "t."

Oh, the Thinks You Can Think

2009-04-21T20:26:00.002-05:00

This is mostly for me...that I never fail to remember what conversations with 7 year-olds are like.

I had an...interesting...playground conversation today. What began as admiration for the large variety of foods this little boy can palate (as most of you know mine is short...and yet significantly longer than it was when I was 7) turned into his 5-minute discourse on the ins and outs of eating grass. As in:

"When I was 4 and also when I was 7 but a long time ago" (His birthday was in January.)

"I don't like all types of grass. The good kind is the kind closest to the driveway." (And I was asking if St. Augustine was better than Bermuda.)

"Klohie likes grass, too." (A classmate)

"It's really good. Mm-hmm. I've tried it lots of times."

So there you go.

A buck well-spent

2009-04-16T17:19:00.002-05:00

I am new to itunes. And I am in love. How have I missed this??

Case in point: In November, I had the unfortunate (sorry, "Rent"-lovers) experience of seeing a high school production of the musical, "Rent." I thought it might be the "TBS" version and a good chance to see what the hype was about. It was...well...two hours of my life that I'll never get back (we left before the 3rd hour). So, being grown, mature adults, Mike and I decided to rent the DVD (no pun), to see if it, indeed, held any redeeming qualities. Very few. My guesses had been right - only the most amazing, well-trained musicians can pull off such unsingable music and since the movie includes the orignal cast, I was able to appreciate a couple of amazing songs, one of which is simply unforgettable. I have had "No Day But Today" on my mind for five months and, thanks to itunes, felt like I could enjoy this one piece without paying for/supporting the remainder of the musical.

Buy this song. Better yet, buy the one by Jason Consolacion (from the album, "The Pool Table Matter"). It is an acoustic version and is absolutely amazing. I can easily give credit where credit is due on this one.

(I tried to find a youtube that would be free, but this guy's videos are not good. The song is totally worth it...every second of it.)

Why I Love What I Do

2009-03-20T13:13:00.002-05:00

I just ran across this great - and short - article. While reading it, I was reminded of a) one of the key distinctives of classical education that resonated with me when I took the job three years ago and b) a short answer to the question I can never answer well, "What is Classical Education?" (see the first sentence). Mr. Kern puts into words to those unnamed tensions I felt, before Live Oak, as a reading teacher struggling with the books I was being asked to "teach." Don't get me wrong - I love to read "fluff" for my "fun" reading! But as for what needs to be put into childrens' hands/heads/hearts by educators and parents, the current culture's filter is a bit wide. And without some serious thought and intentionality, the filter will grow larger and poetic knowledge (see paragraph 2) will become distorted at best. Parents and future parents out there: insist on great books!

http://www.memoriapress.com/articles/classicallit.html

The Fig Tree

2009-03-17T20:27:00.002-05:00

I have always wondered about this passage (and the preceeding verses). I thought this bit was good - from the Lent devotional I mentioned in February.

In the morning as they passed by, they saw the fig tree withered away to its roots. Then Peter remembered and said to him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered.” Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. Truly I tell you, if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and if you do not doubt in your heart, but believe that what you say will come to pass, it will be done for you. So I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

“Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone; so that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.”

Mark 11:20-25

I’ll admit that the fig tree thing is strange. Why curse a tree for being figless when it wasn’t time for figs? It seems to be connected to the Temple incident. The tree has leaves, but no fruit; the Temple, in Jesus’ opinion, wasn’t bearing fruit either. The withered tree stands as proof that Jesus’ confrontations are more than just words. When he says God is displeased, you’d better do something about it.

Then he turns that around on his disciples. “Put your faith in God,” he tells them. “You’re impressed by a withered tree? You could order that mountain to jump in the ocean if you really had faith in God. In fact, whatever you pray, truly believing, will be yours. And by the way, when you pray, you should forgive others, if you want God to forgive you.”

Jesus, do you mean that if I’ve been praying to become more forgiving, but I can’t see any change, it’s because I don’t really trust God? My nasty thoughts, my secret angers, and my bad attitudes are more like mountains than trees. Do I really want to get rid of them? How serious am I about following you?

Richard Vinson

O Lord, I want to believe. Help me to let go of what keeps me from being closer to you. Help me to trust you to change me. Amen.

I Heart Spring Break...

2009-03-09T13:56:00.005-05:00

Partially because of the fact that later today, I get to pack up my fave spring/summer clothes for a trip to New Orleans, but also because of this gloriously wonderful Monday (after a jam-packed weekend, no less). This is how I have spent my day thus far, to be rounded out with laundry, a walk to the park, pilates, time with my book (hubby's at church), another episode of 24, and Part 1 of Mike's birthday celebration...

(Waco-Mclennan County Library)

Lent

2009-02-25T21:25:00.003-06:00

In our time at Truett/Live Oak, Mike and I have really come to appreciate the beauty and thoughtfulness of the church calendar. There is much to glean from journeying through Lent to Holy Week. I found these devotions during Advent and thought they were beautiful. This organization posts them all year, so a Journey to the Cross, of course, begins today. In case you want to join in...

http://www.d365.org/todaysdevotionJttc/

And either way, a beautiful benediction for Ash Wednesday:

May the God who called Jesus to the cross and who supported him on the road be with you. May Jesus, who calls us to follow him, be constantly in your thoughts. And may you feel the Spirit, the wind that blows the dust and stirs the ashes, all around you.

A Fitting Tribute

2009-02-20T23:31:00.006-06:00

Mike and I have been watching Conan since the night after our first date - at the hospital after his cousin's birth in 1998. I think Conan's great, but I watch because it makes Mike giggle - which makes me giggle (He has the BEST laugh).

Anyway, I have always loved Conan's "string dance" that comes during his opening. He doesn't always do it, but enough that Mike and I place bets on whether he will. It's pretty much expected for me to say, "What do I get if he does?" when Joel is announcing the show.

Anyway - found this video and because we also love Colbert, thought it was fantastic. Mike giggled like a girl - before we even watched it. So - here it is - and cheers to Conan's last Late Night...

(Word of warning - contains some late night language.)

Life in Pictures...

2009-02-15T20:09:00.012-06:00

Meet Sophie - the newest Harlan! We were in New Orleans this weekend - she is 8 weeks old, the runt of her litter (3.4 lbs.), and such a sweet little puppy!!

The cutest baby in the world... (Owen) These were taken when Adge, Jen, and Owen visited back in January. We had such a blast with him around! In the first one, he kept falling over onto his little monkey. He was so tired and it was so adorable!

And finally...because you wouldn't believe it if I told you... (And frankly, I couldn't bring myself to describe it anyway.)

This is the billboard at the exit to my parents' house. Only in New Orleans.

Chicks and Ducks and Geese

2009-02-06T12:20:00.005-06:00

Why do I love first grade? Who knew I could live out a fantasy like this:

So - if you read my Holiday Favorites entry - you know that at my school, the students study a composer every month, along with some key pieces by that composer, through the venues of music class (primarily) and a listening CD (great fun for me!). Last year, our music teacher selected some jazz composers for a "fun/different" unit in music. For February - WOW - she picked Rogers and Hammerstein! I don't care what has happened in the day - a little "My Funny Valentine" or "Some Enchanted Evening" or "Edelweiss" or.... goes a long way.

So today, my students were enjoying their snack with the CD playing and it came to a big bandish version of "Surrey With the Fringe on Top." Now, it is quite expected for 1st graders to dance when they hear danceable music playing. But today, my little ones were getting down - and swinging! Just picture little 6 and 7-year olds doing their version of the "lindy" while passing out snacks, giving the restroom pass to a friend, throwing trash away, etc. For about two minutes, I felt like I was living in a musical. And I loved every minute.

I couldn't find the exact version of "Surrey" (ours didn't have words), but here's a little of Nat King Cole's - which may be even more awesome...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMVPG1AmD4Q

My 25 Random Things

2009-02-02T20:16:00.003-06:00

So...this has been flying around Facebook and has been extremely fun to read. I've had a bunch of people tag me to do the same and didn't feel like going back to find who all I needed to include. I also felt a tad awkward telling people I wanted to know more about them... So I thought I'd just post mine here.

1. I think that my parents, my siblings, and my husband are the absolute best in their fields.

2. I am married to the godliest, most kind-hearted person I have ever known. I truly married "up."

3. When Mike and I have a free Saturday evening, we celebrate by cooking a fancy meal.

4. If Mike would be up for it, I would live in New York in a heartbeat. Not going to happen.

5. A coworker inspired me to want to have five children.

6. I am (very!) distantly related to D.L. Moody, Sam Houston, and Bill Clinton.

7. A perfect moment would be curling up on the couch, with a good book, in a clean house with clean and put-away clothes, a full fridge, and no errands to run or emails to write.

8. My husband and I met when we were 15 and 16 - at praise band practice. I remember introducing myself and shaking his hand. I had a crush on him for a long time!

9. I like putting outfits together (or as Em would say, "ensembles"). It feels like a hobby.

10. My body belongs in another decade.

11. Mike and I are watching "Groundhog Day" - and it's Groundhog Day. We have done this every year for as long as I can remember. Mike can quote it and pulls something from it about once a week.

12. I hate it when people ask where I'm from since I don't have a short answer.

13. I have known my best friends since middle school.

14. I'm not an animal person. I bought a fish for my classroom and have already premeditated putting it in our school's auction.

15. A good vacation, to me, consists of good food and shopping. I only sightsee to say, "I've been there."

16. I love teaching first grade.

17. I can't function if the kitchen's dirty.

18. When I'm stressed, I opt for retail therapy or Starbucks...if I'm having both, it's a REALLY bad day.

19. I think my mom is the most amazing mom. She knew how to do it and did it well. All three of us adore her. I can't think of one time when she or my dad raised their voice at us. She did know how to make our toes curl, but of course, it was done with honey on her lips.

20. I wish I knew Latin.

21. I can do a little of a lot of musical things without doing a lot of one of them.

22. I once had a collection of 200 McDonald's toys. In high school.

23. I have been baking our bread for the last two years - my friend actually lets me grind wheat with her mill!

24. I am an ESFJ - very heavy on the F. I think some people would be surprised that I'm an "E," but it makes sense to me. I'm much more invigorated by good conversation than alone time.

25. Coming up with 25 things was harder than I thought it'd be.

What a Week

2009-01-24T11:49:00.004-06:00

It has been quite the week for the White/Harlan/Eller clan. Last Thursday night, my 20-year old cousin, Jennifer, died in her sleep. The cause is still unknown. I had a full day at school, rushed home to get ready for my company and an hour after Jen, Adrian, and Owen arrived, my mom called. I knew it had to be bad because, though I talk to my mom almost every day, I call her. Her schedule, I guess, is more predictable and we've just got the whole routine figured out. So, when she called, at 5pm on a Friday, after a long day of school, knowing I had company, I knew it wasn't good. I even remember looking at Jen and Adrian with a worried expression before I answered. I answered and could tell something was wrong. I guess there's no way to say it "gently," so my mom just said, "Jennifer died this morning." I cannot tell you the shock that I felt. The wind was literally knocked out of me. It just didn't seem real!

Because my mom was on her way to Shreveport to be with the family, we decided to stay and wait for more information. On Saturday, the visitation and funeral arrangements were made and Mike and I made plans to hit the road after the Sunday AM service. I guess that, up until that point, I was mostly in shock. I would catch myself thinking, "Did this really happen?" and "Surely they're about to call and say everything is okay." Well, we went through Sunday AM and then packed to leave and I remember thinking, "I can't believe I'm packing to go to Jennifer's funeral." We drove into town to catch the last hour of a 5-hour visitation and I guess that was when it all came to a halt. In the moments leading up to the arrival at the funeral home and in actually seeing the family, well - you just can't prepare enough for that.

The funeral was quite amazing. Mike and I have said all week that we will probably (and hopefully) never be at another funeral so incredible. The family? I think they are doing as well as could be expected. This is one of the godliest families I have ever known and I tell you, though I know it was by the grace of God, watching them at the visitation, you could tell that they were ministering more to those who were coming to see them than the other way around. They certainly did for me. I'll never forget Doug (Jennifer's dad) telling me that "This is when our belief in God's sovereignty is the rubber hitting the road." Talk about putting faith into action.

We were there through Monday, got into Waco late Monday night, and woke up to a busy, hectic week. We were recovering from the weekend (in more ways than one). I was recovering from a sub I'd not expected to have when I left school the Friday before and honestly, it was just a rough week. You know - "when it rains, it pours." Everything from breaking my third plate in two weeks (having never broken one of our plates in 4 1/2 years..and Mike broke the first two!) to losing my keys in the parking lot at the grocery store to some always-present reminders of a personal struggle. For several days, I just wanted to sleep until the weekend (or even June, for that matter).

Anyway, praise God for the weekend. We came home last night and have pretty much relaxed our way into the weekend. I think I am ready for some (mild!) productivity while I process the past few days. And God is faithful - one afternoon, I just needed an encouragement from a friend and found it in an emailed prayer. Then, I needed Mike to have some good news about our "graduating into life" process and it came on Wednesday night. It's just good to be reminded that I am not "stuck" in this week. There is so much to be thankful for and to be hopeful about.

This is Jennifer's obituary - you can see what an amazing life she led...

http://www.legacy.com/shreveporttimes/Obituaries.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonID=122973596

A Picture from Thanksgiving 2007 with all of the cousins/significant others. Jennifer's in the middle...

Abide With Me (Lyte/Monk)

Hold thou Thy Cross, before my closing eyes;

Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies.

Heavn's morning breaks and earth's vain shadows flee;

In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.

(This song will always make me think of her. She and Mike have sung it around a piano on many a Thanksgiving Day.)

A New Endeavor

2009-01-11T20:34:00.008-06:00

So I have taken up a new hobby. I am teaching myself to knit. I decided this awhile back and asked for knitting "stuff" for Christmas. I realize that there are several reactions to this, but I would like to humbly point out that knitting is making a resurgence in the crafting world. Plus, who wouldn't want to receive a handmade cashmere scarf for a gift - or perhaps some baby booties at the next baby shower? And with all of the knit accesories out there, I am having visions of cute little hats and belts and jewelry. I've also decided that it is the perfect hobby for me for the following reasons:

1. It is pretty mindless. I can do this while watching TV and it doesn't involve the high level of decision-making inherent in most craft projects (i.e. - scrapbooking...).

2. It is economical. I bought the yarn and needles for my first "real" project (a chenille-type scarf) for less than $10. And with the Hobby Lobby sales and 40%-off Michael's coupons, I don't see this draining the bank.

3. It's transportable - I can do this anywhere! In the weeks since Christmas, have taken my knitting in the car on our Sunday morning 40-mile treks to church, sat in a Virginia hotel room to knit while watching a ballgame (well, maybe not really watching), and then, knit in bed while talking myself into going to sleep at a decent time.

Anyway, I thought I would show you my first two attempts! They are quite imperfect, but very handmade. So far, I have taught myself how to cast on, knit and purl stitch, and how to bind off. In this first potholder/washcloth, you can see how long it took me to get the hang of it...but it did eventually even out...

Also, when I was "binding off" on this first one, I totally messed it up. My book led me astray so I ended up having to make something up. I figured it out - thanks to the internet - by #2.

Not bad, I suppose. I still have a long way to go, but maybe someday I'll look back on this post and see how far I've come.

Epiphany

2009-01-06T18:25:00.002-06:00

From the Advent devotional I've been following at www.followingthestar.org...

It has been a long journey — many miles for the Magi, and many days for you and me from the first Sunday of Advent to today - Epiphany. I love Epiphany; it is one of my favorite words. It means a sudden, deep revelation, usually brought on by a simple event — a "light bulb moment."

In the humble house of the growing Christ child, the Magi had a life-altering moment. We know that after they left, they went home another way to avoid revealing the location of Jesus to Herod.

What has been your epiphany this Advent and Christmas season? Think about it right now. Write it down somewhere. The routine of life has already started back for most of us. Before it overtakes us and dulls the wonder we have experienced, mark this day and remember.

David Burroughs

My epiphany? That "I know he holds the future and life is worth a-livin' just because He lives."

Today's prayer:

God of every epiphany great and small, I humbly give my voice to you. Please speak through me. I give my mind to you so that I might have your thoughts. I give my heart to you, that you might show me how to love more deeply. I give my hands and feet to you, that I might be your presence in the world. I give my life to you to be used as you see fit. In the name of your Son, my Savior, I say, "Amen."

November/December Happenings

2008-12-17T14:13:00.007-06:00

Some random pictures worth sharing:

I love a good guest reader... Here's Bud's annual Christmas Crocodile. Not so classical - seriously cute!

A nature study of a poinsettia. My students studied it, drew it, mixed watercolors, and painted from the mixed colors...quite impressive! I've tried before - it's hard! I thought I would share some:

Mike's french toast at a favorite breakfast spot in Old Mandeville. It's about 5 inches high.

Our 3-ft. shrimp poboy in New Orleans. Not the *best* I've had, but definitely the most fun. We shared it with my dad, were STUFFED, and had tons left over.

a new perspective

2008-12-12T15:58:00.001-06:00

I was sitting next to my little Preston during yesterday's Christmas service rehearsal and someone was wanting to trade books with him. He had Eragon - from the library. He said very matter-of-factly, "I can't trade this book because I'm working on it." Then, he turned back to keep reading and I said, "Um, Preston...your book is upside-down." And he said (imagine a little voice, very serious), "Yes. I like to read upside down. Makes it more challenging. Then, you can pick out all the words that stick out." Then, he proceeded to show me some of those words that "stuck out."

Err Jordan?

2008-12-09T12:41:00.002-06:00

I'm in the library at school. My students are happily reading library books and I'm actually finished (for the moment) grading papers - my usual library activity. One of my little ones just brought me a magazine with a picture of Michael Jordan dunking, his feet above the heads of the fans. He asked me if that was cheating. :) When I told him it wasn't, and that it was really how high he could jump, he said, "Oh. Then it would only be cheating if he jumped off of another player's shoulders." Isn't that a great mental picture? :)

Holiday Favorites

2008-11-30T17:43:00.004-06:00

I am in the middle of that awkward-but-fun part of the year in which I have 13 precious little ones to teach during the "optimal learning time" between Thanksgiving and Christmas. (Sidenote: I wonder where this 3-week period would fall into Vygotsky's "zone of proximal development" theory? Would my Head of School buy my saying that it, indeed, would be outside of my kids' learning zone?)

It is awkward because it is one-third of the quarter, and therefore, must represent a fair amount of curriculum, learning, and assessment. However, my students are in Advent for Santa (hopefully not entirely, but they are 6 and 7). They are attending Christmas parties, or just staying up late with babysitters while mom and dad attend them. Homework, by now, is losing some of its luster (seriously). Sleep is a little less of a priority (I remember my own post-bedtime Holiday capers, like passing out candy canes to carolers.). And honestly, I really can't blame anyone for wanting to get the most out of the season.

On the other hand, it is fun because of all of the events to look forward to in the coming weeks - parties, programs, recitals, our Nativity service, Advent chapels, and (shhh) my pre-ordained week-of-fun - cancelling homework, straying from our curriculum to read good books, make special projects, and refusing to grade papers of any kind.

Anyway, as I jump into this part of my year, I can't help but reminisce about past Decembers in my first grade room. Some highlights:

1. Last year, our "Composer of the Month" was Handel. With each composer, our music teacher compiles a CD of a couple of standard pieces for the kids to listen to during any quiet work time that we may have. This is actually a very effective way of training those little ears to recognize key works (just ask one of my dads from last year whose son fully explained the 1812 Overture when it came on the radio). Anyway, with Handel came "The Hallelujah Chorus." I told my kids about the tradition of standing upon hearing this piece - and made them stand every time they heard it during December. :) Which was a lot. :)

2. In classical education, we memorize a lot. During December, we memorize Isaiah 9:6-7 and the students learn sign language to all of the names of Christ. Two years ago, I was playing our monthly CD and it included Handel's "For Unto Us a Child is Born." One of my little boys picked up on the fact that this was what he was memorizing and when it got to "Wonderful....Counselor....the Mighty God....." he started to sign all of the names. As you can imagine, this caught on.

3. Two words: Christmas Centers. I don't do much in the way of centers because I CAN do so much with just 13 kids. Also, our curriculum doesn't much call for them so my centers usually amount to seat work during reading groups. Except for that preordained week-of-fun. I put together as many centers as I can with a good mix of review (disguised as a Christmas game) and productivity (i.e. - making Christmas gifts for their families). Divide up the kids, give them LOTS of time, and make it stretch for a good 3 or 4 days. When I start to stress that we won't be finished by the end of the semester, it's a good sign. :)

4. Books, books, and books. Thanks to my mom, I have TONS of great Christmas books that I will read during every little break for three weeks solid. Each year, I look forward to classics like The Puppy Who Wanted a Boy, Christmas Cobwebs, and Polar Express. The best part? Most of these are brand-new to my little ones and I get to be the first to share them. :)

5. The little things my kids say during the season. Yesterday, it was, "Mrs. Eller - we have elves ALL OVER our house." Today, in chapel, it was, "Saint Nicholas???? As is SANTA CLAUS!!!???"

A Starbucks Vent (not Venti)

2008-11-28T22:50:00.005-06:00

I love Starbucks. If you know me even remotely, you know this is true. If you know me more than remotely, you know that in my family, we rate days according to how many trips to Starbucks are needed. There are "two-Starbucks" days and really, really tough ones might make three trips necessary. I'm also known to joke that on a bad day, a combination of Starbucks and the mall are 1) good therapy, but 2) usually expensive.

Anyway, have you ever been to a non-Starbucks and ordered using Starbucks terms? I really try not to do this, but I always flub up the size. I almost never remember to say "small" instead of "tall." I've noticed that there's usually one of three reactions to this:

1. The non-Starbucks barista politely translates in his/her head and gives you the small.

2. The barista pointedly reminds you that there is no "tall."

3. The barista gives you the biggest size. This actually happened to me a couple of weeks ago. I determined that either she had never, ever been to a Starbucks or more likely, was literally making me pay for my mistake. I did.

All of this to say, when you are able to notice the above pattern when ordering at other cafes, you don't need much else to understand Starbucks' standard/monopoly on our society's coffee culture. Right? They have no reason to worry about their standings. Right? And how many people do you know that go to Starbucks in the way most people go to other cafes (as in, only when their personal choice is less-than-convenient)? Right.

So on Wednesday, my family ate ourselves full at a good ol' catfish place in Shreveport. We needed to run some errands, I had not had Starbucks, and I suggested that we divide and conquer our last-minute Thanksgiving necessities and then finish up at Starbucks. We did not at the time realize that this location closes at EIGHT. We walked in at 7:57. So, as my team consisted of Mike, my grandma, and me, we called all of our family to take speedy orders to bring home. When we had ordered everyone else's beverages, my Grandma placed her own order. It went something like this:

Granny: ...and I'd like a tall mocha.

Barista: Do you want a "brah-vay"? (don't know how to spell her mispronunciation...should have been breve.)

Granny: Um. I don't know. I just want a mocha.

Barista: (getting impatient) Do you want a lot of cream or a little bit?

Granny: Oh. I guess a lot of cream.

Barista: That's a mocha brah-vay.

Are you kidding me, Starbucks? We fans, er, customers put up with embarrassment, flustered bookstore coffee shop employees, and pay for wrong drink sizes because of our devotion to you! And yet, you insist that my 81-year old Grandma, (whose parents, she says, would roll over in their graves if they knew the amount of money we pay you for our coffee) understand little nuanced coffee jargon that produces a drink she really doesn't want in the first place?

I think THAT is a tall order.

In case you were wondering...

2008-11-17T23:17:00.004-06:00

What the "Bush Countdown Calendar" people were going to do for this year's Christmas sales, I found it.

Seventy Times Seven

2008-11-14T21:35:00.002-06:00

Today's radical thought: What if our motivation to forgive came from our realization of what we have been forgiven, rather than an attempt to "forgive the wrongs done to us"? Let us remember, we don't have to forgive sins. We only (and I do mean only) have to forgive people.

Florida, Florida, Florida

2008-11-04T19:13:00.003-06:00

The polls are just closing and I'm already missing Tim Russert! Oh, the memories of the all-nighter in my Collins dorm room, watching his little white board go to town...

Literary Festival

2008-10-29T21:48:00.004-05:00

This week has been our school's Literary Week, culminating with tomorrow evening's Literary Festival. Quite fun, full of storybook and literature-themed costumes, class plays, a pumpkin carving contest, guest readers, you get the idea. Today, I was talking about this with my class and it dawned on me that I should probably make sure that all of my kiddos understood the term "literary." The conversation went something like this:

Me: Does anyone know what the word "literary" means?

(Lots of raised hands.)

(Lots of wrong answers.)

(Teacher slightly ashamed.)

Me: Well, it actually is referring to the word "literature." What is literature?

(Some "oh's!", more raised hands.)

(Teacher feels a sense of relief.)

Klohie: It's having a lot of litter!

(Followed by more wrong answers - yikes.)

So...my kids NOW know what the terms "literary" and "literature" mean. Please do not mention this to anyone at my school as the world of classical education is quite obsessed with books. Literally.

:)

2008-10-28T19:59:00.004-05:00

A funny for today...

One of my little ones was copying some work today with his tongue partially out of his mouth. What was so cute was the fact that with each word, he changed the shape of his little tongue. I had to force myself to stifle a laugh because of a Harlan mannerism that came to mind. ALL of us kids are known for sticking out the tongue in any act of physical exertion, so...we shoot (or attempt to shoot) basketballs with tongues out of our mouths. We lift heavy things with tongues out. When I was a 5th grade cheerleader, I was offended by a good friend who put up a portrait of me in our school's auction...dressed in my cheerleading uniform...doing a "spread eagle" (a type of jump, I promise)...with my tongue out. I'm pretty sure the runners in our family (not me) don't run with hanging tongues as evidenced by the fact that they are quite verbose. Anyway, I was remembering all of these things as I watched my little one write. It occurred to me that we stuck out our tongues and none of us (in any way) are athletically inclined. I thought the tongue out was the clue that we were bad; but this little one is a good writer. Maybe there's hope for us yet.

:)>

Chick-Fill

2008-10-21T19:53:00.002-05:00

(That's what Mike and I call it..one of our weird nicknames.)

So every other Tuesday is Chick-fil-A day. According to our lunch coordinator, "they didn't really bring their a-game today." I didn't notice until one of the kids asked for sauce. Just as I started looking for it, a Chick-fil-a lady popped in and handed me a bag full of every possible type (except, of course, ranch - being the off-day that it was). I said to her, "Oh great! That was perfect timing - (and why didn't I think twice before finishing with) Thank you." So... I shouldn't have been so surprised when I turned back around to face my kids with her voice trailing off, "My pleasure..."

Seriously?

Seussical

2008-10-15T21:52:00.002-05:00

I took my kids to see this today. We have read almost all of the first grade "staples" in the Seuss genre. It was quite interesting. I admitted to my chaperone parent on the way in that it was kind of an excuse to see it myself - I left a little, well, tired (bright! fun! jumpy! all the way through!!!). After the opening number, the little one sitting next to me said, "Wow - they really have worked hard on this. They all move at the same time and the same way." Halfway through the (1-hour shortened-for-school-groups) production, one of my little boys turned around and whispered, "Hey, Mrs. Eller? Is this almost over? I'm getting EXHAUSTED." After it was over, another little boy said, "I really liked the 'Green Eggs and Ham' part. I didn't so much like the other parts.'" And then on the way home, another one said, "For some parts of it, I think I would have rather been at school doing work." So there. And I've had the musical version of "A person's a person...no matter how small..." in my head all evening long.

This is the best I could find on YouTube. The good part is at about 4:00 when the cast does their curtain call while singing the words from "Green Eggs and Ham." Not the best, but the best I could find!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DOkWMoh13E&feature=related

Childlike Faith

2008-10-13T20:34:00.003-05:00

Being a first grade teacher in a classical school gives the title of this blog many new meanings, one of my favorites of which is the opportunity I have to hear children pray a couple of times a day. I admit that at times, I have taken these beautiful moments for granted, but all it takes is a new extra-special or extra-funny one to remind me to listen closely. A few favorites:

1. A student who regularly prayed beginning with, "Dear God, Thank you for this day. Thank you for our school, our families, and all of the beautiful things you have gave to us..." In a classical school, grammar is highly valued, but not once did I ever dare to correct this. I was too afraid of the day he would realize it should be "given" instead of "gave."

2. Some memorized prayers by students (usually not of the Baptist tradition) that I have never heard before. These are so beautiful and you can't help but think that reciting this category of prayers has its own benefits, especially to a listening teacher.

3. The occasional prayer in which a student prays directly for a friend...in front of the class. This would include "Dear God...please help (student's name) to remember his homework tonight/do his best work/not get in any trouble/play ____ on the playground, etc."

4. And my new favorite from last Friday went like this -

Preston: Dear God, thank you for this day. Please let Justin not get in a wreck in his new car -

Micah: He got a new car?

Preston: Yeah.

Micah: Oh.

Preston: And thank you for keeping us safe and protecting us. Amen.

I loved this for several reasons. #1) The non-challance with which Micah and Preston took a side-note during the prayer. #2) The fact that I am fairly certain Micah does not know who in the world Justin is. #3) That Preston then referred to Psalm 121, which the class has just memorized. :)

Two things strike me about all of these prayers. First, there is nothing too big, small, personal or unseemingly so to pray about. And - my students have no doubt that God listens and answers. Gives a whole new meaning to learning from your students.

Ginny Owens

2008-10-02T21:31:00.000-05:00

I just can't help it...

From here I can not see
why you'd choose this path for me
but I don't have to understand to believe
that you know why
You know why this road
why this way
and this load
you know how far I must go
till I see
till I know
why this road

hard-to-keep secret

2008-09-18T20:54:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow, I am throwing my college roommate her lingerie shower (this, of course, is not Mike). Our other roommate and I decided that the perfect cake for such an occasion would be a cake of a Victoria's Secret box or bag. My friend from church said she could do either, and I must say - it is amazing. I will definitely be taking pictures! And I may not let anyone cut it!

What I DIDN'T train for...

2008-09-11T18:04:00.003-05:00

When I went through Teacher's ed, I was not prepared for the following:

1. fixing things...pencil sharpeners, broken books, headbands, etc.

2. switching posters because of the little ones who use them for bandaids and kleenex

3. answering to "Mommy"

4. playing chess

5. teaching adults

I love my job.

Pet Peeves

2008-09-04T23:33:00.007-05:00

At Carrie's shower, she and Jeff had to play the "Nearlywed" game. One of the questions was naming the other's biggest pet peeve. What followed on the way home (and for the last two weeks) has been an on-going conversation between myself and Mike regarding our pet peeves. Initially, this was so that, should we find ourselves in a similar game, we would have the right answer. Since the car ride, things have come up in conversations like this:

Katie: I thought of another one.

Mike: Another what?

Katie: Another pet peeve.

Mike: And?

Katie: Bad spellers.

Mike: And dirty kitchens.

Katie: Excellent point.

So...I thought I'd try to write down all of the ones I can think of (in no particular order, for now). Maybe in an effort to get over them?

1. Being interrupted. This includes an important phone conversation in which the person with whom I'm speaking starts talking to someone else...usually about something less important. This also includes an important conversation (or date) with Mike in which a person from church/home/work calls him. This includes students talking when I'm talking. This includes pop-ups online. I do not like being interrupted.

2. People who think themselves to be "outside of the rules." I had a college roommate like this. Even at school today, a parent was politely asked by a teacher to pull her car forward as it was time to begin carpool. The parent refused.

3. Clapping at church - after an element of the service.

4. "Nothing is Impossible" - our church's impossible benediction. We all hold hands. It sounds like a cross between "Getting to Know You" from The King and I and "It's Possible!" from Rogers and Hammerstein's Cinderella. And there's nothing we can do about it.

5. Teachers who hate teaching.

6. Teachers who don't like kids.

7. Bad salaries for teachers (and why numbers 5 and 6 are unacceptable...get a desk job!). Note: Teaching at a new, private school is not yet the gold standard for good salaries, but as my current position is perfectly lovely and I am surrounded by the best teachers in Waco, it's worth every penny I don't get paid. Nevertheless, teachers don't get paid for what they do.

8. Irresponsibility.

9. Bad writing/spelling/grammar, particularly in any sort of professional communication or publication (ahem....church newsletters). :) I think emails and blogs are exempt from perfection - for me, it's more conversational. And for the sake of anyone reading this and judging my grammar.

10. Cheesy Christian fiction. There are two and a half authors that immediately come to mind. I'd given in to thinking that christian fiction was only going to go so far, and then Tamara Leigh happened. Read Perfecting Kate. I'm working on another, but I was highly impressed, for lots of reasons.

11. Dirty Kitchens. Now, all who know me will fully and rightfully expect a messy purse, car, and closet. But I can't function with dishes in the sink, with a full dishwasher or with - gasp - dishes on the counter. And food anywhere? Can't deal with it. Unorganized fridge or pantry? Completely different.

12. Insensitive, rude remarks/yelling. I grew up in a house in which I have absolutely no memory of either of my parents raising their voice or saying anything unkind or sarcastic.

13. Being "called on the carpet" or "thrown under a bus." Don't call me out, whether or not you have reason to. It is unkind and it's bad manners. And I wouldn't do it to you.

14. Blanket statements. Mike will tell you that I don't like a "Do you think we can do laundry today?" when it really means, "Would you mind doing laundry today?" In our faculty meetings, we have a rule about stating an opinion using "we." We have to be prepared to name who is involved. I would like to add to that. No one can say "y'all" without being prepared to name who is involved.

15. Having way too many pet peeves.

Good grief?

2008-09-04T23:31:00.009-05:00

This has been on the forefront of my mind lately. This summer, I lost my beloved 84-year old Grandpa, "Poppa." I was there when he took his last breath. He was one of the kindest, gentlest, most loving and patient men I have ever known. Within 12 days, we buried Poppa, my grandmother (his wife) was put in the hospital for four days and my parents had to put down our 11-year old family dog, Maddie. In the midst of this, Mike and I were dealing strongly with a personal struggle that has reared its head nearly daily for a year and a half. During that time, I knew that I could only function by the grace of God and the prayers of many people. In July, I found myself struggling to function normally. Nothing bad - I know we were immensely blessed. But as I get back into routine, I have reflected on my summer and how I spent it as I was realing back from the events in late June. Three things stand out.

1. Food. Usually, I am a comfort-food eater. This time, though, I had a weird appetite. I'd go for hours without being hungry, feel ready to eat, couldn't eat what I'd gotten/made, then ate something random, like a cookie.

2. Shopping. I could have predicted this. I always hit the stores when I'm stressed. I'm otherwise very good at talking myself out of things. Grief, though, brought it out big-time. Consider my clothing purchases from the time when Poppa was in his last few days until I headed back to work (about 6 weeks). I bought 2 skirts, 5 dresses, 3 shirts, 6 pairs of shoes (four of which totalled under $50...and were from 4 different stores), 2 jackets, 2 bags, a necklace, a scarf. Yes. I have more than I need. Instead of feeling like "I don't have anyting to wear," I am now waking up thinking, "What have I not yet worn?" This, I realize, is not okay.

3. Books. I read 14 books in those same 6 weeks. I read or listened to:

An Acorn in My Hand (Bouldin)

Hannah's Hope (Saake)

The Abolition of Man (Lewis)

Teaching with Love and Logic (Fay/Funk)

Confessions of a Shopaholic (Kinsella)

Shopaholic Takes Manhattan (Kinsella)

The Princess (Wick)

Who Brings Forth the Wind (Wick)

Angels and Demons (Brown)

PS, I Love You (Ahern)

Rosie Dunne (Ahern)

The Devil Wears Prada (Weisberger)

Perfecting Kate (Leigh)

Deep Dish (Andrews)

I am not yet over this, as I have two right here beside me that I am in the beginning-middle and middle-end of (Sacred Marriage - Thomas and The Blessing of a Skinned Knee - Mogel), one underneath those two that I have only barely began (Anna Karenina), and one on reserve at the library that I'm planning to get tomorrow (Splitting Harriet - Leigh).

I know grief manifests itself in a myriad of ways and that that's okay. I'm not sure that these particular ways have been healthy. Is it bad to leave a stressful situation quickly, making a beeline for a book...on purpose? Mogel puts it this way: "Winnicott believed that we speed up our lives...in order to escape feeling helpless in the face of overwhelming problems or inner struggles... We're not afraid of losing time but of having time to reflect. Without the usual distractions and interference, we may have to confront feelings of disappointment, loneliness, frustration, panic, helplessness, and exhaustion, and our fear is that we are not strong enough..."*

*I had saved and not posted this blog for a few days. Now, a coworker is facing a scary prognosis for her 8-year old son. Talk about putting things in perspective. Makes this seem almost ridiculous.

No-more-need-for-a Decision 2008

2008-09-04T21:07:00.004-05:00

Sarah Palin is reason enough to vote Republican.

I Love First Grade

2008-09-02T19:58:00.004-05:00

Well, at Live Oak, it would actually be "Grammar One." I love calling First Grade "Grammar One."

Anyway, I am reading this book (more on this later) called The Blessing of a Skinned Knee (Mogel). This is really more of a parenting book, but was recommended by my mom and a friend/administrator and let's face it, I really do parent for several hours of each day...and many students at once, for that matter. Anyway, in a chapter on teaching children gratitude, Mogel writes about our need to set an example in this for kids and yet, while needing to learn gratitude, children are supremely better in showing thankfulness for those "holy details" of life. Consider the example of the child who says something like, "You mean I can get rainbow and chocolate sprinkles on my ice cream??? This is the best day of my whole life!" I was laughing aloud at this, shared it with Mike, and he pointed out that this is my life everyday.

Two years ago, all I needed to do was say, in a a quiet, supressed excitement, "Boys and Girls....Today....we are going to have...a test/homework/extra math!!!" What followed - truly - were whoops, hugging each other, and hugging me. Talk about attitute being everything. Last year, all I needed to do was switch the slightest detail of our day (using a different color marker on the board, letting the students turn in their papers upside down, drawing a happy face on their best phonogram rather than circle it, you get it) and my kids went bananas. I was at a conference when a teacher spoke about the little novelties that her kids loved. The day she switched the yellow highlighters in a center for some pink and orange ones, it was all over the room! I love this.

Today was a good day. I came home exhausted and hungry (meaning: I really don't feel like cooking). After a love-and-logic moment with a student not in my class, I couldn't help but smile that my little family this year is such a sweet group. My last two Live Oak classes have been simply wonderful, too - this time of year is always bittersweet. But - just today, one of my little ones was helping a friend tie his shoes and when he finished tying, the "tyer" gave the "tyee" (another little boy!) a hug. Isn't that so sweet? And he is not the only one like that. Last week, one of my other little ones accidentally took a coke can belonging to another student for a project. When it was pointed out to him by the can-owner, the little boy stopped everything and said, "It was yours??? I'm so sorry....do you forgive me???" It had to be the most earnest apology I have ever heard from anyone, young or old.

So...thank you, Lord, for another year at Live Oak and another wonderful class.

Katie (if you hadn't already guessed)

Call me a hypocrite.

2008-09-01T14:05:00.005-05:00

I told Jen a month ago that I loved reading blogs but didn't think I would have one because I had mixed feelings about what to write and who would read. So much for that. Let's hope it doesn't have the same fate as my LiveJournal account. :)

Katie