For Today

FOR TODAY Monday, December 21, 2009

Outside my window...is a view of the president's house!

I am thinking...that my feet are dying! Eight tours in admissions today! Whew!

I am thankful for...my break starting in 2 days!!!

From the learning rooms...NO LEARNING ROOMS RIGHT NOW.

From the kitchen...I think we're doing subway tonight...SO good!

I am wearing...tennis shoes, jeans, and an ETBU polo.

I am creating...well, I've been wrapping presents the past few weeks...I guess that's creating?

I am going...to Arlington Wednesday!!

I am reading...nothing at the moment...BUT I hopefully be reading Harry Potter after Christmas?

I am hoping...that I don't gain any weight over the holidays, haha!

I am hearing...Forest Gump on TV...Jenn-ay!

Around the house...I have kept our bedroom clean for two whole weeks! That is the one room I suck at keeping clean! I've done well with most of the rest of the house, too! I have still been washing dishes after every meal. I guess not being stressed out about anything right now is being reflected by my apartment!

One of my favorite things...Dallas Stars and Subway!

A few plans for the rest of the week...Going to Arlington Wed. evening, Christmas with my family, last Certification exam on Monday then headed to Ennis for a few days!

Here is picture thought I am sharing...This was one of Jeff's Pictures that he took of us! It was going to be on a Christmas card, but we don't have time to make them or a program to do it on...so here's a cute picture! Jeff did such a great job! Check out his website and give him a call if you need pics done for anything! www.stapletonphotography.net

A little somethin' somethin'

Unit owned. We had a huge education project of planning a two week unit about Austin, TX for all subjects including ELA, math, social studies, science, health, PE, and art along with a technology center, culminating activity, field trip, diversity center, and bulletin board. Each lesson plan was in the Five E Model format. We worked in groups of four and it was A LOT of time and work put into it....I wanted to share a few pics of the final product.


This was a big somethin' to be proud of! My group was FABULOUS and we did a great job!
I'm off to my last undergraduate class of my life...and it is in the form of a pizza party! yessss

Dishmonster Beware

I feel a little disappointed today. I learned last week that for student teaching instead of being put into a Kindergarten class, my professor accidentally overlooked my preference and put me into a third grade class. As stated in previous posts, I love third grade...but I have been there two semesters now and I really wanted to see reading being taught and the first foundations being built...it is what was going to help me decide if I wanted to teach the little ones. But, I have come to peace with it even though I am a bit disappointed. Well, today my professor called and the school I am going to somehow decided to put me into a 4th grade class instead of a sixth or seventh. My professor is trying everything he can to get me into a higher grade class. I know that I will make the best of whatever situation I will be placed in...but it was just disheartening that it happened to me twice. My professor was laughing because for some reason I just got the bad luck this year. I am reminded that God speaks in unusual ways...and perhaps he wants me in third grade...hopefully not fourth, haha. I have no desire to teach fourth grade. Anyways...keep that situation in your prayers.

On a more positive note...I feel accomplished today! I wrapped all of our gifts, made cookies for our education gift exchange, and cleaned up the living room and kitchen! I was planning on napping today...but I got on a roll!

I have outsmarted the dishes! As much as I hate doing dishes...especially big piles...the past month Tim and I have washed everything we used right after meals....so in your face dishes...you will not become a huge overwhelming monster of a pile!

I have only three days of undergraduate classes left! AHH! I will never take an undergraduate class again!!! I also only have 2 finals...both on Wednesday next week. I am almost FREE! I also take my LAST certification exam on Dec. 28 in Arlington and then I just have to walk across that stage!! I'm pretty positive that I am going to graduate with a 4.0 too! Exciting :0) Then...getting my masters in a few years....maybe?

Dear....

Dear weight,
We need to talk. Don't get me wrong, I am grateful that you haven't gone up for the past four or more years...however, you haven't gone down either. Now I think you and I both know that I work a little too hard for you not to have budged a bit...I mean running Thanksgiving afternoon?? Come on, cut me some slack! All of this to say...help me out...I get frustrated sometimes.
Sincerely,
Jenni

Cold!!

I am sitting in my apartment with our heater on! HOW EXCITING! I know that the temperatures are just going to go back up in two days, but I LOVE this weather! It reminds me of snow and cold like in Lubbock (where this picture was taken freshman year)! I really just want to go hang up my wreath and Christmas tree and make my house start smelling like Yankee Candle Christmas smells instead of the Thanksgiving ones! Falalalalaaaaaaaalalaaalalaaaa!
This will be Tim and I's second Christmas together! Weird. Time really is flying.

I passed my first certification exam for those of you who may not have seen it on facebook! I only have my PPR to take (which on my practice I only missed 5 out of 80 so I am feeling okay about this one) and my English Language Arts 4-8 certification. I am nervous about the ELA one...I will take my practice for it the week after Thanksgiving so we'll see how it goes.

4 days until the break....I am READY. I know I won't be completely free from homework...but it will still be glorious!

Simple Women's Daybook

FOR TODAY Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Outside my window... there is sunshine and a pond.

I am thinking...I'm not thinking much...my brain feels fried after my EC-4 Generalist Exam

I am thankful for...Having my evenings back to spend time with Tim!

From the learning rooms...I am going to see how I did on my Practice PPR exam...I know I passed but I don't know how well I actually did...we'll find out Thursday! I take the real one in Arlington the Monday before Thanksgiving.

From the kitchen...I haven't taken anything out...but our options are: grilled chicken, salad with chicken, frozen pizza, tortellini, or cowboy soup!

I am wearing...tennis shoes, ETBU tshirt, and jeans.

I am creating...well, I am about to be done creating a two week unit with all subjects including pe, health, art, and music along with a field trip, diversity center and bulletin board. BIG PROJECT!!

I am going...to work out tonight after my meeting. Soccer is over and I am now getting back in shape! Yesterday was day one.

I am reading...Nothing right now...too much school! My textbooks don't count.

I am hoping...that my workout is good because I am DREADING it.

I am hearing...People in the apartment hallway. I can't wait for the day when we have an actual house of our own!!

Around the house...just me...and a sink full of dishes waiting to be washed.

One of my favorite things...redvelvet cupcakes!

A few plans for the rest of the week...I get to sleep in on Saturday! I can't wait! Then, we have a wedding Sunday afternoon.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...This was our final team photo of the season. We fell to the University of Mary Hardin Baylor in Conference finals 1-0, but we had a great season!

Healthy Week

Tim and I shopped for a healthier lifestyle this week! After having a week that started out healthy last week and ended with Pizza three times...we both really felt disgusting. SO, for the three days that I am here this week (since I leave Thursday morning for playoffs), we purchased some yummy things to eat Monday-Wednesday. Today we are eating grilled chicken and steamed vegetables. If you have ever had Tim's chicken, you know that it is AMAZING. Yum...my mouth is watering. Tuesday we are having salad with chicken chunks in thousand island dressing! We bought fun salad fixings too like sunflower seeds and raisins (for Tim, I'm not a fan of raisins in my salad) and croutons. Wednesday we are doing our usual Subway which is also a healthy alternative. So, this week is the start of eating healthy! I must say it was a bit more pricey, but it should be worth it! If you have any yummy healthy meal ideas let me know because I definitely don't want to have to make the same things over and over!

This weekend was so amazing! I actually had the weekend to myself here with my Hubs! Friday night we hung out with Jeff and Sarah and carved pumpkins. Saturday, Tim and I slept until 1:00PM and then got our costumes and went to the Fall Festival at our church. We were gangsters! We then decided to have an impromptu party at our house! We had a party of ten in our little apartment playing NERTS, eating junkfood, and watching a creepy movie. I had so much fun with that! This was our first official "party" at our house. We bought pizza rolls, mini tacos, potato wedges, and I made redvelvet cupcakes or "bloodcakes"! I enjoyed hosting our little party!

Sunday was a church-filled, nap-filled day...the perfect Sunday. Pray for me this week as our practices will be thorough and nights late until we leave for Abilene on Thursday morning. I also take my practice PPR exam tomorrow morning and my real ec-4 certification next Tuesday.

BAH

**UPDATE**
You guys must be some great prayer warriors. I went to practice today and had an amazing time. I really enjoyed what I was doing and the people I was with. I witnessed my team pulling together for one of our girls who is going through a hard time...it was just good. I am excited about our success and that we will be going to playoffs...I am excited that I have had this opportunity and I really credit that to your prayers. God really worked in me today and I was able to take off the body of frustration and put on one of gratefulness and excitement. This is a good experience...I just got caught up on myself and threw myself a pity party. Thank you for your prayers!
*end update*

I am going to be honest...the past month has been awful! I have been so overwhelmed and frustrated and I hate it. Soccer is a chore these days...I get frustrated because I feel like this is what I was supposed to do but it hasn't gone at all as I had planned. It's been difficult to build relationships and enjoy my time. It is even more frustrating that I can't play the game I love. I mean it's awesome that we clenched a playoff spot with out dramatic win in double overtime with 7 seconds left...but this is just all so different than I anticipated. I find myself frustrated to tears most days when I am done with soccer stuff. I really want to know what God's purpose was with this...I could have had so much more free time. Also, I am SO out of shape and that's depressing. Seeing that I am a goalie, we don't really run much AND I don't play...so I am ridiculously out of shape. I was planning on being in shape because I was going to be on the team...but alas, I have felt worse than I have since my junior year of high school when I quit soccer and gained some weight. Pray for me...firstly that God will give me patience to get as much out of the next two weeks as I can, and second, that I can see what the purpose of this was.

Tim has been wonderful through all of this. He listens to me and does awesome things to help ease my tension. There are so many days that I come home to a clean house or supper ready or some kind of surprise. He planned a surprise date for us on Friday and it was amazing. He is so good to me. He has kept saying the past two weeks that he has really learned to appreciate me and show me that he appreciates me. I haven't felt so loved ever! He is one amazing man...I am so blessed...sometimes I still don't believe that I married such a wonderful guy...

I've been really convicted about my time that I have neglected with God. I have been so inconsistent this year with my prayer life and just digging in the word. I am changing this...I need His guiding comfort.

RAIN

It's been raining for the past five days here...I love rain but this is getting icky! It's been nice for it to feel like fall though! I get nostalgia sometimes feeling the temperatures or smelling our pumpkin candle...I love this time of the year!

My life has been busy with soccer soccer sooooccccccccccer. I am ready to have my life back. I got to play with the team doing drills with footwork Sunday night and it made me miss playing on the field so bad! I talked to coach and it's too late in the season for me to play field because of NCAA rules about me not having a jersey or something I don't know...it made me sad. So, I continue to do goalie training knowing I will not play...which I have always known. The season is supposed to end the last week of October, BUT because we are 5-1 right now and are in 3rd or 4th place, our season will pretty likely be extended through November, which is exciting, but like I said earlier, I am ready to have my life back!

Have you ever had the Zuppa Toscana from Olive Garden? It's so good. So, I am going to attempt to make it this week...we'll see how it goes :0)! If this recipe isn't too good, Mary, I am going to steal yours, lol. I'm excited, we're actually about to leave for the grocery store and I am going to get everything for it.

School is going well, soccer is going well, church stuff is going well, Tim is doing well....I guess my only complaint is wanting to not have myself spread so thin right now....

Magnifico-o-o-o-o-oooooo

It's only Wednesday and it has already been an incredibly eventful week. Monday night we had Aaron, Kristin, Beth, Miles, and Ian over to our house to play nerts and watch the Cowboys. It was quite entertaining. My title actually derived from that night because we all broke out in Bohemian Rhapsody randomly...they know the way into my heart :0) Tuesday night, I had practice from 7:30 to 9 and then Tim had a flag football game. Tonight was church and now Tim is hiding away studying. He has a test tomorrow...pray for him! He's taking a comparative world religions class and it seems really interesting.

Speaking of Tim...he's the greatest. Today at lunch, he helped me do dishes for half of his lunch break! What a sacrifice to help his little wife! He does so much for me, he knows how to make me feel loved and appreciated! God has definitely had his hand on our marriage!

Again, I am mentioning our future after I graduate. I had the realization today that there will be THOUSANDS of fresh education graduates this May...competition. I'm nervous about that. I have NO idea where we will be and NO idea where to start looking. God will take care of us as He has already...but it would be awesome if He would clue us in somewhat sometime soon!

My mom is coming tomorrow! I'm excited...she's going to come to atleast one of my soccer games! We play at 1 Friday against Schriener University and then at 1 Saturday against Texas Lutheran University. Hopefully all will go great for us! We are 2-1 in conference right now.

So tonight during our high school small group, a student began talking about her affiliation with gangs and stuff...it was odd. I didn't know how to respond but it's so dangerous and I just met her. I didn't know how to handle it...any ideas??

WOO WEEKEND!!

This weekend was so good! Tim, Colin, and I went to Arlington to rest and enjoy family. Friday we came home to some Papa John's pizza and and hanging out. Saturday, my mom, Colin, and I went to Kohl's and I got a cute shirt. Then, all of us went to visit Granny and Papa for a bit...not long enough! But it was so good to see them!! After that we went over the Aunt Jan and Uncle Kelvin's for hamburgers and watching some football. I got to meet Miss Raegan! Let me just tell you how sweet and perfect this 5 week old baby is! She had the cutest little bow and outfit. She was so warm and cuddly....oh man...baby fever! Anyways, today we went to eat with my parents and watched the Rangers blow the game and enjoyed our company. It was so nice! I got to spend time with my Buddy and it was so good....he has really REALLY bad arthritis problems in his legs and it bothers him more than the cancer does....poor boy. Ramble ramble...sorry.

I tried on my wedding dress for kicks today...it still fit! I tried it on without the petty coat and now I think I wish I didn't wear the pettycoat at the wedding...I kind of liked it without...Oh well, it was still the best wedding (I may be biased :p)

This week may be a bit more relaxed than the last few. I feel so much more rested after this weekend than I have in a few weeks..hopefully it will get me through this week! We have a game Friday at 1 and Saturday at 1...our team is 2-1 conference. Not too shabby...

I got to teach last week in my 6th grade class!! It was so great...I taught the girls' class so it was easy, haha. I had so much fun...you can be sarcastic with this age and they actually laugh and understand. As of now I really have no idea which grade I should teach...I like 'em all!

Continue to pray for Tim and I and what we should do when I graduate!
I leave y'all with a picture of my Buddy :0)

What a Day

This week has started as "one of those weeks." I think some of it has to do with the fact that we have been on the road for two weekends in a row (that's exhausting). We went to Mississippi the week before last and then this weekend we were in Abilene. Weird that Mississippi is closer than Abilene...crazy Texas. I think it also has to do with the fact that it has been so dadgum rainy. I love rain, I really do...but it's making my pants get wet everyday, boo. Also, my door to my car is broken so I have to crawl through the passenger side because I can't keep my window down when it's raining and it's a pain. Rain should be for when I am at home cuddled up on the couch reading Harry Potter :0) So, no more complaining....that was just the rough part of my week.

Tonight we had practice from 7:30 to 9:30. It started out not so great...I have these new gloves and I hate them...but they fit unlike the last ones. I feel like they are making me drop the ball a lot...but my coach says it's because I'm not used to them. I was in tears a few times as I went to get water because I was getting so frustrated. Then, we scrimmaged so I was actually in the goal. I did okay (or so I felt). I let two in but they were up high so they were difficult to reach. I made a few good saves and my kicks were descent...so I felt okay but still INCREDIBLY frustrated. Well, we ran sprints at the end and after we were done coach came up to me and said, "Darst! I am so impressed with you!" I was totally taken back because I felt horrible about how things were going. He said, "I didn't expect you to be bad, but I am highly impressed with your progress." I felt so excited when I got home and told Tim I cried! My coach is one who is not a cheerleader. He does not compliment people often...so this meant the world to me! I feel much better now. God's encouraging me...I still sometimes question my decision.

Aside from that, life is busy as ever. I am reminded of high school. My every minute is full of SOMETHING seeing that it is the big education semester. But, I am taking care of business and getting things done.

I miss my family. I miss my parents...when we went to Abilene, we stopped in Arlington to eat and my mom stopped by to say hi. I was really sad to leave. I haven't been to my house since July 4th! I really can't wait until I can go home and see them! I also miss my in-laws...I feel sad that we have not been able to come see everyone. I miss my grandparents and cousins. I miss Jeff, Sarah, and Colin, too. We live in the same city but as I mentioned, almost every minute of everyday is full of something so our weekly hangouts have been pushed aside...I miss you guys...I love y'all!

So, as some of you know...Buddy has cancer. I am sad about this...I know he's a dog but he's MY dog and I am so afraid that I won't get to come home and spend some good time with him before he either gets really sick or dies :(. I want to go home...

This may sound depressing but I'M NOT...I promise...I am loving life and Tim has been absolutely wonderful to me since being swamped with soccer (he's always wonderful, but esp. now!)

I will try to keep this updated more often. We have our conference openers this week...dun dun dun.....

It's Official!

I am now the backup goal keeper for the ETBU Women's Soccer team! I had training yesterday and it went wonderfully! At one point for a slight second I was questioning why I had volunteered to throw myself of the ground over and over...but I'm really excited about it! I'm not that bad! I prayed that God would close the door if it wasn't in His plan and so far it is still open! I started to stress about missing classes but the dean of my department told me it would be great and I should enjoy myself. I then realized that I would be needing to email assignments and do work while we were on the road. We didn't have a laptop, nor do we have money laying around for one. Well, usually when I get paid I give the money right back to the school to pay for rent. Well, this check came in after we had already payed our rent. SO, we had a full check available. That same night, Jeff, Tim and I started leading worship for a youth conference in Tatum, TX. We got paid...we were not expecting it but we did and added up we had enough money for a laptop! So, we got one and didn't even spend all the money set aside for one! I am definitely more confident in my decision now! God has been good...He is good. Our first game is tonight at 7. I am excited...I may not be playing but it will still be awesome to be out there!

Classes are going! I am slightly overwhelmed at the amount of work there will be this semester...but I am on top of things! If I can continue in this pattern life will be good! I am just a very busy girl. Luckily, I have Tuesday afternoons to do homework and study.

I start Thursday in a 6th grade language arts class on Thursdays!! I'm really excited to see what teaching a sixth grade class is like!! The second half of the semester I am going back down to third grade...which will be great because I loved it last time...but I have already been in a third grade class and it would be nice to be in something I haven't done yet. Anyways...this should be good!

I'll try to keep everyone updated...

Normalcy

Being back to the real world after a WONDERFUL vacation is kind of depressing. I had SO much fun with my family at the beach! Sadly, we only got to play for two full days...but it was so relaxing and nice! Everyday since then I have told Tim, "I wish we were still at the beach." And he replies, "Jenni, who WOULDN'T rather be at the beach?" It's true...if anyone could choose work or the beach I'm pretty sure it would be a unanimous decision. Unless, of course, your job was to play at the beach. BUT, I'm pretty sure that's non existent, otherwise, where can I apply?

Saturday (the morning after we got back) Tim and I went with a friend and his family to the new Cowboy's Stadium! We've seen the outside but never the inside! They have season tickets so we got to walk around and enjoy the newness of the stadium. November 28, 2009 we will be going crazy in that stadium because we are going to support Texas Tech in the Tech vs Baylor game! I am so excited!!! It will be nostalgic!

It's weird for me to actually admit that I am ready for school to start. I am sick of having two jobs (one of which I am not fond of). I am ready to dive in to my last semester of classes!! I have TONS of expensive books to try to figure out how to get good prices on...so that stinks...but it will be the last time I have to buy college textbooks! HOORAY!! I can't believe it's already my senior year, I feel like I just finished my senior year of high school. Crazy how time flies!

I dyed my hair back to dark brown and got it cut yesterday. I am sad to leave my blondeness because I really came to love it...but it's way cheaper and easier to have my natural color. But here's to change!

Like a Dream

Finally, we are 1 day away from vacation!! I am SO excited. Tim and I will be meeting Jeff and Sarah at their house Tuesday morning for a long drive down to Port Aransas! I am SO excited! It is so delightful to know I only have to work half a day tomorrow then the rest of the week is complete RELAXATION with people I adore! Pray that we will have a safe trip!

Shark Week on Discovery is this week! Tim and I are avid fans. It was quite difficult to choose between Shark Week and the Rangers tonight so we just flipped back and forth! Hopefully, contrary to what Jeff says, there will be no shark attacks, haha. Only he would hope for that...weirdo. Anywho...

Tim and I visited Ennis this weekend! It was a short trip, but a good one!! We got to see everyone...all the siblings were in the same place for the first time in a while...that was awesome. It was really awesome to see Mary and Daniel! I miss you guys like CRAZY! It was a great few days.

As you can see, my post is quite eccentric (notice all the exclamation marks). Another exciting event coming is Taylor's baby!! I didn't realize how close it is for Reagan to get here! I feel overly excited!!!

...I think it's time for bed...

Simple Women's Daybook

FOR TODAY Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Outside my window... there is sunshine and a pond.

I am thinking...that I miss our youth group. It'll be nice to have a Wednesday night off...but I really miss our youth.

I am thankful for...Vacation coming in 13 days!!

From the learning rooms...empty?

From the kitchen...we are having fajitas tonight!! I tried a new recipe this week I got from Sheryl and it's taquito casserole! YUM!

I am wearing...work out shorts and an ETBU shirt.

I am creating...fajitas tonight.

I am going...to work in a bit. I opened this morning in the healthplex and we have a very tour filled day at work today.

I am reading...The third Harry Potter book. It's Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. I gave in and started reading the series and I am enjoying it a lot! I went through the first two books a week ago and I started the third one today.

I am hoping...it doesn't get too hot today.

I am hearing...ESPN SportsCenter in the living room...one of my favorites :0)

Around the house...just me...and a sink full of dishes waiting to be washed.

One of my favorite things...is the Dallas Stars and Mrs. Baird's Doughnuts!! YUM!

A few plans for the rest of the week...Working the next three days then Kristin's coming to spend the weekend with me! I am excited! :0)!!

Here is picture thought I am sharing... Speaking of Stars Season...I can't wait!! This was our first stars game together...exciting!! We had our cheese faces goin'

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY Wednesday, July 15, 2009


Outside my window... I see a baseball field. I am at the Healthplex about to wrap up my shift here...then I get to workout...joy.

I am thinking...that it's insane I only have two semesters of college left! I only have one semester of actual classes and then student teaching. SO excited!

I am thankful for...my husband. He is such a wonderful person.

From the learning rooms...no learning in summer :0)

From the kitchen...no cooking last night :0) We had an oven pizza from Walmart, you know those premade kind?? They are sooo good! I did get a new recipe from Lauren and Sheryl though! I am going to try it soon!

I am wearing...gym shorts and a tshirt.

I am creating...well I framed some pictures last night, so not creating really but creating a more personalized home.

I am going...to work out at 9:30 and then my next job at 1.

I am reading...maybe Harry Potter soon? I have never read them...

I am hoping...that I don't die today when I work out.

I am hearing...sports center on the gym tv

Around the house...I hung new pictures!!

One of my favorite things...pizza! I really love pizza more than I should.

A few plans for the rest of the week...work, work, Colin's party, and Kristin is coming!!!

A picture I want to share...

This is a picture from our 1 year anniversary date! He surprised me with a big bag of goodies. He woke up at 8:00 and went a got me a bunch of fun things that went with a sweet note. Like one sentence was "you are sweeter than strawberry shortcakes" with a box of stawberry shortcakes inside. Then we went to Olive Garden, played some Lunar Golf, and then dessert at Cheddar's. It was so much fun!! I love him so much!

Bang to Bland

This weekend was fun! It was great to see my family, we don't get to see them often. Friday night we hung out and the boys played softball and we came back and grilled hamburgers and shot fireworks. It was so fun to be with family and friends! We were sad when we had to leave...but that was not the end of the weekend. Saturday Tim and I hung out with my parents and had amazing brisket! I love spending time with my parents. That night, Tim and I went with Kristin, Sarah, and Colin to Joe Pool Lake and we watched the fireworks show followed by Whataburger and hanging out at Kristin's CUTE apartment! I love it! It's HUGE! Sunday, I guess we just couldn't bear to leave yet so we ended going back to my Granny and Papa's to hang out with family one more time before we left. All that to say, we got back at 12am last night and now I am sitting at work tired and wishing it was the weekend again! It was so much fun! I love my family :0)

Tim called me this morning to tell me that I had a flat tire. I don't think it was flat when I drove to work because I would have noticed. But, he drove by it after I had gotten to work and I had a flat tire. He aired it up, so maybe it was just incredibly low and not a flat...I hope. If it is a real flat that makes a flat, a drivers side door that doesn't work from the outside, a cracked windshield, and a shaky steering wheel. Poor car :0( Juan, my car, needs some attention...

So Mondays are dull...but maybe yours will be more exciting than mine :0)

No title today

We are back from camp! Well, we've been back from camp since Friday...so almost for a week now. I can't say that sleep wise I am completely recovered. I had to work the Saturday after we got back from 8-5 so I didn't sleep in then, then church was Sunday again no sleeping in, then Monday and Tuesday I woke up at 6:50 for work and today I woke up at 5:30 for work...so I am anxiously awaiting Friday so I can get some good sleep. But, camp was so awesome! Not just for the kids, but for me as well. It was refreshing. Also, I was able to get to know the junior high students a lot better since we spent a week with them. I had a blast and I think many of the students learned some important things about what being a Christian is really about. I pray they continually apply these truths and challenges to their lives. Coming back to work was so lame compared to how much fun last week was...but that's life.

32 days until we leave for Port Aransas! I am so excited! I went tanning on Tuesday (trying to get a base tan so I don't completely fry at the beach) and I burned! My belly looks like a piggy belly. Anyways, I can't wait to go!!! This will also be little Colin's first trip to the beach! I know he'll love it!

Me and Tim's one year anniversary is creeping up on us fast! I can't believe that this time last year I was about to start counting down in the single digits! Ahh! It's been a wonderful year! I love him so much, he is the best :-)

Originally for the fourth of July we were going to Ennis...but the family is going to go out of town to Big Lake so we may go to Arlington, we may stay here...I'm not sure what is going on. So, for those of you in Arlington, we may get to see y'all!

Aaaand, that concludes my no big news post.

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY Friday, June 19, 2009

Outside my window... we are at Jeff and Sarah's...so outside THEIR window, it is dark because it is 11:15 pm and the boys are playing Wii and Sarah and I are chillin'.

I am thinking...wondering if ETBU will actually get a master's program in the next year.

I am thankful for...a day of rest tomorrow! Tomorrow we are going to sleep in for the first time in FOREVER. Having two jobs (both of us) gets tiring. So, it'll be nice to relax and do laundry before a busy week of camp in Ruston, LA.

From the learning rooms...Tim and I will be teaching half of the youth going to camp in small groups. In preparing, God has shown me a lot of things that I need to work on personally.

From the kitchen...we won't be cooking next week because camp cooks for us YAY!! But, we are trying to eat healthier.

I am wearing...my denim gouchos that I LOOOVE and a yellow etbu blue crew shirt.

I am creating...a special something for my Dad...but I'm not sure when I can get it to him.

I am going...the beach in AUGUST!!!!! I cannot wait. It's my parent's 30th anniversary, Jeff and Sarah's 5th anniversary, and Tim and I's 1st anniversary! So, to celebrate we are all going to Port Aransas together and I CANNOT wait!! Laying on the beach sounds so luxurious right now!!

I am reading...My bible...I have been so much more consistent the past month. I love it!!

I am hoping...to get down to 20% body fat by August. I have 3.1% to go.

I am hearing...guns and bombs going off from a game Jeff and Tim are playing.

Around the house...Sarah is now sleeping on the couch and again, the boys are playing...Colin has been asleep for a while. At our house, there are clothes everywhere waiting to be washed.

One of my favorite things...is my relationship with Tim. He told me yesterday that he expected us to have a great marriage but didn't realize how great it would be. We have been able to communicate incredibly well and by putting God first...it has been incredible!

A few plans for the rest of the week...tomorrow is getting rested and ready for camp, Sunday church, and Monday we leave at 10:00 am and worship and serve until Friday! Sadly, Saturday (the day after we get back) I work ALL day in the Healthplex...boo. No recovering for me.

Here is picture thought I am sharing... This is the happiest day of my life!!

Early Mornings

I am sitting at the ETBU Healthplex trying to stay awake right now. I am definitely not a morning person...so seeing 5:30 am does not make me smile. At ETBU, the faculty and staff work ten hour days Monday-Thursday so that they can have Fridays off. Well, the Healthplex is still open on Fridays and Saturdays...so here I sit. It's not too bad, there's just no one here and there probably won't be all day. Atleast it gives me time to update my blog, right?

I was good this week. I worked out Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. I might work out today...but I am being tempted to take the day off and take a nap instead! We'll see...

Tim and I saw Up last night. I must say for the first like hour of the movie, I have never been so sad during a Disney movie. But, it was good. The ending offered redemption and happy feelings so I guess it was pretty good. I still don't know how much I liked it. No Monsters Inc. that's for sure.

I've been reading Romans the last few weeks and it's made me feel so optimistic of being a child of God. His grace is sufficient, His stregth is perfect. What better than to live in the Hope God perfectly placed for us when we choose place ourselves in his grace. Full confidence...life is sweet.

So, there are some weird noises coming from one of the hallways and it's freaking me out...I'm going to go check it out...

EDIT:
I'm still in the Healthplex and I have been facebook wondering. I see my friends who are getting married and my mind thinks "I want to do that again!! I'm so jealous!" Then, I see my friends who are married and have dogs, and I think "I want a dog sooo bad!" I also see friends who are pregnant and having kids and I am thinking "I wish that was us!" I am wishing wishing wishing and I forget that I have plenty of time and much to enjoy in the present. However, I can still wish...

Time for a breather...kind of

I have not updated in a month! Exactly one month from today, actually. That's unacceptable. I guess my problem has been that I have been busy with May-term and work. I took a special education online class this May term and since it was online, there was A LOT of busy work. But, I feel like I can maybe breathe now. Oh wait...I did just pick up my second job so maybe I won't have as much of a breather as I thought...at least there is no class!

I just got finished doing two consecutive tours. If you know anything about East Texas, you know that it is incredibly humid here. As the temperatures and the humidity rise, tours get much more strenuous. Todays tours were good, just tiring. As for my second job, I will be working in the Healthplex at ETBU. Sadly, I have to work Fridays and possible a few Saturdays, but we need all the extra money we can get!

My degree audit for college says SENIOR! I am officially a college senior and I am so excited! It's crazy to think that this time next year Tim and I may already have jobs and a place to live somewhere besides Marshall (we hope!). Pray for us that we will have clarity and wisdom as we figure out where we need to be.

We have had many evenings lately with friends and family. I feel like a social butterfly! It's been fun, but I can't wait for a lazy day! That sounds nice. It would also be nice to get a full nights rest...I haven't slept a whole night in a long time...hopefully that will stop soon?

We helped Jeff and Sarah move into their new house!! We love it!! We don't love that it means they will be staying behind when we leave..boo. Helping them move in gave us excuses to hang out with them and my parents more...we're sneaky.

That's all I have right now but hopefully I will update more often than just once a month....

Hooray for Tim!

Today is Tim's birthday! Happy Birthday to him! He has been such an amazing part of my life. He is a phenomenal husband. He is always so willing to help out around the house, he opens my doors, he will do anything asked of him because he is a selfless man with a great heart! I am so excited that 23 years ago today, he was born! If it weren't for that day, I have not idea where I would be right now and I don't care to know. I love him so much and I have been blessed to have been with him for almost 4 of those years. Happy Birthday Tim :0)

Finals are this week. I took one this morning which went pretty well. I had a terrible time focusing for some reason...but I got through it and hopefully it will be enough to get me an A! I have already turned in a take home final for my Children's Literature class and I have one more final to do for my Research and Practicum class. I finished my 28 page paper for that class and it feels amazing! All I have left besides that one final is work this week and so life is going pretty well right now.

Just an update for those of you who read my last post, I have been in the Word much more frequently. I admit that weekends I have slacked off, but weekdays I have done well! I read Ruth the other day because I had a dream I was supposed to. I realized how amazing of a husband I have to see some of the same qualities displayed by Boaz in Tim. Now, I am reading Romans. I must say my optimism has been way more prevalent lately...so thanks for the prayers!

Papa, Your birthday was two weeks ago and I was supposed to acknowledge that in my post and I got sidetracked by what I was typing. So, Happy Birthday Papa!!

Awakening

I have come to a realization. It has opened my eyes and has made me come to what I would like to call a personal awakening.

It all started in our chapel service on Wednesday. At ETBU, we are required to go to chapel, a 50 minute worship time on Mondays and Wednesdays. As we were singing, I was jolted by a sudden rush of emotion and passion. I was finally singing to a God that was touching me as I sang. I'm not saying that I have never sung to Him...but it has been a while since I have felt this strong sense of love, passion, and submission. As I sang, I realized that I have been far from Him. Yes, I have been leading bible studies and being active in the church...but my personal walk has sucked. My prayer life and time in the Word has suffered for the past year and a half. At this point, after feeling very down and depressed for the past weeks, I have repented to the God that I have selfishly neglected.

This brings me to tonight. If you have known me for more than three years, you would know that I have been an incredibly optimistic and bubbly person. However, the past year and a half I have been quite the opposite. I have been negative, easily depressed, and very closed off. Tonight as I was talking to one of Tim's friends, Andy, and I realized the reason for my lack of optimism and feelings of sadness have been to the lack of relationship I have mentioned previously. From my freshman year in high school to my freshman year in college it was rare that I missed a day in the Word and in prayer. Since coming to ETBU, I have been very inconsistent and my prayer life has been horrible. From realizing this, as mentioned previously, I know that I can be repaired. I have done this to myself and let Satan warp my optimism of life and Christ's joy in my heart. This is my awakening...things are about to change.

In other news, my parents are coming in town tomorrow and I am excited to see them! I am sad that I won't be making the trip to my Granny and Papa's, I miss my family very much. Granny and Papa, if you read this, I love y'all very much and I am sad that we won't be able to come in. We have a wedding tomorrow and we will be spending Easter here.

I will get my cd of wedding pictures tomorrow when my parents come in. I have not recieved my album yet after 9 months...so they are compensating by giving me the cd of pictures before I get my album...so I am excited. Perhaps I will share a few photos here!

Happy Easter!

World's Worst Blogger

I am the world's worst blogger! So much has been going on, I just haven't found the time to write. I don't even know what to write really. I guess I will just start.

One accomplishment I have achieved is that I was inducted into Alpha Chi, the top honors fraternity on campus. So, that was pretty neat and I feel like it was a good way to celebrate my hard work!

I cannot believe that I am down to two semesters of school! Well, actually I have four weeks of classes and finals...but after that...two more! I only have one more semester of classes and then the next semester is student teaching...wow! It is crazy how close it is...I know it may feel like it's been forever sometimes, but in retrospect it's really has flown by.

Today I was encouraged by the teacher I have been interning with. She told me she talked to our principal and told her that I was a fantastic intern and that they should keep me around Crockett when I graduate! While we have no current plans to stay here, it was still very exciting to me that my teacher had those nice things to say about me. I only have two weeks left in her class after this week, and I am really sad. I have really started to get to know these kids and they are an oddly wonderful and well behaved class. I am going to miss them so much!

My Dallas Stars playoff dreams for this season are slowly dying...sad day.

Tim and I are doing great. Even though life happens and its not always good, I always have Tim and he always has me. I like this marriage thing.

I have my biggest section of my paper due in two weeks and I can't get writing on it until next week. So, pray that it will go well for me! Also, I have many small assignments, projects, quizzes, and tests coming so keep me in your prayers!

I will try to write more often...

I see I'm Not the Only One

I see I'm not the only one who is busy! We all seem to stink at updating these blogs lately.

Today I enjoyed a day off from classes! I usually have my internship at Crockett Elementary, but it was TAKS reading day and we aren't allowed in the rooms...so I got to sleep in! My aerobics class is over, so I had nothing today but working out and work. It was nice. I'm at work right now and it's slowed down a lot, so I am enjoying a few minutes of down time.

I finished my literature review for my research paper! JOY! That is probably the hardest part of this big paper that I am writing and I am proud to say that I have 9 pages down...mean I'm about 1/3 of the way finished! Woohoo!

This weekend is Natalie and Charlie's wedding! I'm excited for them! Plus, that means we will get to go home and spend time with my family which is always awesome. Jeff and Sarah are staying at my parents house so we will just have a big party!

Life is busy right now, but it's good! Crossroad's Youth stuff is going great and Tim and I are having a blast working with the youth with Jeff and Sarah.

I wrote a Book called "Don't Go in Bubba's Room." When I was little, I told my sunday school teacher that one of the 10 commandments was "Don't Go in Bubba's Room." So, because we had to write a book that gets published into a real book, I wrote about that and had my Bubba, Jeff, do the illustrations! It is awesome! Jeff did a great job with the pictures and I can't wait to get it in book form!

I guess I will end here...and enjoy my sweet tarts :-)

Barfday weekend haha

Tim and I came home this weekend for my birthday. The big 21...except not so big, haha just another number. Anyways, Friday we left at noon to go get my hair high lighted by Sharon. We were a bit late because of traffic but we made it and I love my new hair! When we got to my house, my parents were just getting home-good timing. We went to eat at Italy II and it was amazing...it's my birthday choice...of course we went there. Then we just hung out the rest of the night.

Today was an interesting one! First, my mom and I were trying to get my vehicle registration sticker that expires this month. When I went to get my insurance card, we realized that I still had the temporary one they sent us that expired in OCTOBER! So, Tim and I have been driving with expired insurance for about six months. Anyways, so we called State Farm and they were going to fax it to us. So we went up to my mom's work and her key wasn't working. So, we couldn't get the fax. Luckily, the security guard had a key to get her in. Surprise, surprise the fax wasn't there. So, we called again and they refaxed it and we got it. We went up to Tom Thumb to get my registration. We get up there are the fax had only given the last six digits of my VIN number. We thought she wasn't going to let us get the sticker, but she called State Farm to verify. When she called, they only had access to the last six digits. Somehow, they put her on hold and found it therefore we FINALLY got the sticker. Then, we went to pick up my cake! It is the kind I had at my wedding- white cake with strawberry filling but it's decorated in pink and brown! We came home and ate Bueno and watched the Stars (perfect birthday). We went to Academy to get me some new shoes and I came out with some cute and affordable Nikes AND a Mike Modano shirt!! EXCITING! We then proceeded to go to Chili's to treat my parents to a meal. We had some barfday fun ;-)

I love coming home to see my parents. It is always so relaxing and we have a great time. In the morning we are leaving at 7 to drive back to Marshall to hear Jeff preach. It is going to be another fun day with the fam! My 21st birthday could not have been spent any better way!

Mawiage

So, as mentioned in the previous post, Tim and I attended a marriage conference for our Valentine's celebration. Some people may think that counseling and conferences are just for people who are struggling, but they're not. Well, I think it's safe to say that we are all struggling sometimes and we all feel screwed up, but conferences and counseling are really for just improving no matter where you may be at in your relationship.

Anyways, Tim and I had a great time. We learned so much that it would take an incredibly long post to type it all. The speaker was Ken Brumley- he's great. We learned a lot about how to prevent certain mistakes from happening, how to communicate better, how to resolve, and how to show love more fully. All of this tied into scripture. Tim and I both feel that we have learned a lot and will use a lot of the strategies and advice that we were given.

There was a particular thing Ken talked about that was called the "un's." These are things that begin with un like unresolved, unappreciated, unfaithful, etc. A struggle that we have has been leaving "un's" unfinished. Sometimes we just just leave arguments and issues unresolved and there is no closure which can come back to haunt us in the end. So, that's something we are working on. .

There was a beautiful banquet to end the conference and Tim and I were playing the Newlywed-Trulywed game. Our church took the youngest two couples and the oldest two couples and we palyed. Tim and I won! We had a tie breaker against the longest married couple and we won! It was fun to see how much we really new about each other. We had practiced the night and day before asking each other random questions so we could be prepared. We thought we were ready, but none of the questions that we practiced were in the game. However, we pulled through to win! The best part of this was that we had so much fun "exploring" each other. We got have fun asking silly questions and getting to know each other even more. Ken talked about this, and it's a good practice to have. He says that we never get tired of being "explored." We all like to talk about ourselves and we like to see that someone is interested in us. So, we are going to try to do that more often, it's very fun you should try it! Anyways, our reward was a $50 gift card to Cafe Italia here in Marshall! It was exciting!

Pray for my Granny, she had surgery on Friday. I love you Granny!

It's about time

My Granny and Papa say I don't update my blog enough...which is true.

I really don't know where to start. Classes are going pretty well. I am doing well, however, I am busy basically all the time. My days are completely full of classes and work. My internship at the school is going great, and I am feeling confident that I will be able to be a great teacher. I know the first year will be hard, but I feel very natural and comfortable when I am in the classroom.

Last weekend, Tim and I were leaders at a Disciple Now in Tatum. I had a great time leading the high school girls. We had good discussion, fun getting to know each other, and had some adventures along the way. I am getting so re-energized and ready to have our own ministry again. In the meantime, we have been helping at Crossroads with Jeff and Sarah. I am extremely excited because I am going to start leading the high school girls on Wednesday nights. It feels so good to be used again!

This weekend, we are going to a marriage conference for Valentine's Day. I am excited! Instead of spending $50 on flowers, chocolates, dinner, overpriced everything...we are going to learn how to strengthen our marriage in Christ! I'm pretty sure that outweighs $20 roses! We will be with almost 50 other couples from our church and I think it's going to be really good.

We are going to Arlingfun next weekend for my birthday. I am getting my hair highlighted by Sharon! I feel like I need a change, and I thought this would be a fun way to do it! I haven't died my hair in a long time!

Tim is outside shaving his head, and he is about to need my help, so I am signing off because I am rambling.

Her name is Jenni!

I started my internship at the elementary school this week. It has been good. Tuesday I was in a second grade class, and I wanted to be in a third or fourth so a girl and I switched so now I am in third grade! I loved Thursday's class so much! The kids were so sweet and their teacher has wonderful classroom management. She did say this was a uniquely obedient class, but still this teacher is good at her management. I was talking to a student in the morning and she said, "My name is Gabrielle but I go by Gabby because I don't like the name Gabrielle." I found common ground and said, "I know how you feel, my name is Jennifer, but I like people to call me Jenni." So, the whole class the was whispering to her friends, "Her name is Jenni!" She felt special because she knew my first name instead of Mrs. Darst. I was able to read to them and observe reading and math. I enjoyed it a lot!

I was excited when I got my internship badge because it said Mrs. Darst! I haven't been able to use that name yet and now I do! It's exciting!

I guess I haven't updated in a while...so for those of you who do not know, Tim and I have been married now for six months! It's so wonderful!! I love him and he is my breath of fresh air after a long day of school, internships, and work! I love him so much!

On a much sadder note, a girl from the education department was killed in a car accident yesterday morning. She was in a few of my classes throughout my time here at ETBU. She was on her way to a school to do her student teaching and a truck had a blowout and hit her car and she died at the scene. It was so heartbreaking because not only is that tragic, but she is someone who I have interacted with and been around. She was the sweetest girl, a bit shy, but had an incredibly huge heart. I have a hard time understanding why. Anytime things like this happen, I struggle with what God wants to use this for. I mean, she was a senior, almost graduated, she was going to be a choir teacher, she had so much going for her, but God didn't intend on what we thought her future would be. What is even worse is that there was no speeding, alcohol, or anything wrong involved with the accident...it was all due to a blown tire and loss of control of the truck that hit her headon. It's a stupid accident. I can't imagine being in her parents place...getting a phone call that their daughter was taken from them. I know God always gets the glory and that He is always in control but sometimes it's just hard to see. Pray for their family.

Get Motivated

....I can't! I just cannot seem to get motivated about ANYTHING. Tim and I did not work out over the break at all, and when we went Monday both of us just about died. I am so out of shape after these few weeks and I honestly have NO drive to get in the gym again. Tuesday, we didn't go because I didn't have any water already refrigerated (yeah, it's dumb...but lukewarm Marshall water is gross! Plus, I didn't want to go so that was my excuse). Yesterday we didn't go because we do not have a working shower. They were fixing the shower, and the pipe broke OFF of the wall! So, it is in the process of being fixed right now. So, today we really are going...but I have no desire to which never makes for a good work out. Man, I stink at this. Tim and I both are obsessed with the Biggest Loser and usually that motivates me...but that didn't even do it this week! This time last year, fitting perfectly into my wedding dress was the motivation. I have a goal but no motivation. I would like to lose 8-10 pounds, but getting there sounds so hard. But...I can do it...I just need a kick in the rump.

School is starting Monday. I just ordered my books today and I am not excited about this semester...well I am excited about being in the classroom on Tuesdays and Thursdays but my other classes...eh. Again...I just need a swift kick to the rear.

I know that I shouldn't turn my blog into a complaining store, but that's what's up in my head right now. Thought I'd share.

Does anyone have any motivation techniques??

Scrabble at Midnight

This break has been good for me. We have been away from home for a long time, but I have spent a lot of time with my family, so it's worth it. Christmas was awesome- my mom got Tim and me and Wii! We bought Mario Kart a few days ago and it's so much fun! Christmas at my Granny and PaPa's house was good, too. We had a lot of good things happen and good surprises!

Tim is hunting with my dad right now. I didn't get to bring in the New Year with my hubs, but I have been spending time with my Maaaa. It's been a lot of fun. We played Mario Kart and Scrabble to pass time as we brought in the New Year. I never get time for just my mom and I so this has been wonderful! We went shopping and walking today and tonight we are going to watch Mamamia! I am excited :-)

Tim and I go back to work on Monday...boo hiss. I am not ready yet haha. Classes start the next week and goodness knows I am NOT ready for that yet. I haven't recovered from last semester!

I hope everyone has had a happy New Year!