The Life of a Bubbly Bride

Cheers and Jeers!

2012-01-05T22:07:00.002-06:00

Cheers:
1) Youth Ministry! I feel so very blessed to be at Memorial Baptist Church...but more even more so to be involved with the girls and leaders in our youth group. I love that God has given me a passion to work along side Tim and ride the tide of social life with our girls. They welcomed me into their group with open arms and God has used that in so many ways! Love love love!

2)Eli is coming...hide your hearts! Ha, my dad sings this silly song everytime we talk about Eli. It's getting so close...less than six weeks away! We are ready mentally but not in any other way...I will post a picture of his room at somepoint. But, it is NO WHERE near finished...it's painted but SO dark...so we may be adding a big stripe or something (Tim and Dad willing, lol). I'm so excited to meet this little man!! He is getting BIG...and so is the rest of me, lol.

3) I just spent 7 solid days with my family! It was AMAZING. Arlington was great and Ennis was great! I am going back this week for my last trip before I can't travel anymore. We will be showering Kristin with some goodies and having an awesome time! Can't wait!

4) Speaking of...My cousin Kristin is getting married just a few days after Eli's supposed birthday! I secretly hope that Eli comes early so I can be there! I desperately want to be with my cousin and best friend on her big day!

5) Our house! STILL loving it!

Jeers:
1) Possibly missing Kristin's wedding

2) Grad school starting next week

3)Cankles

4) Tim being gone almost every night of the week for Upward and church stuff

5) gaining 6 lbs. in three weeks...gotta slow that one down!

Being reminded of God's goodness and faithfulness. Tenth Avenue North- By Your Side and You Are More have been weighing on my heart...check them out.

Still here!

2011-12-15T19:32:00.002-06:00

I wish that I had something exciting to update with here! I have no neat pictures or anything to share so I haven't posted anything...wordy blogs don't keep my attention.
{I'm not guilty of that, right? Ha!}

Update on the Eli:
As of two weeks ago, he weighed in at 3 lbs 3 oz. He is in the 54% for weight. He moves ALL the time. I actually have homework...every night I have to record how long it takes for him to kick 10 times. I've never heard of this homework before, but last night it took him a whopping two minutes. Like I said, be ready world...Eli is already a mess! During the sonogram he was opening and closing his mouth and sticking out his tongue...craziest thing! I have scheduled an appointment at my new doctor for January 4. My doctor is moving to San Antonio in January...boo. So, Eli will have the pleasure of being prodded by three doctors in a span of 9 months! I'm sad I won't really know this doctor very well when he gets here...but at least she is connected with the hospital I was already registered with!

Update on the Mommy:
I have gained 20 lbs...which TOTALLY freaks me out! There are still 9 weeks left that I could gain. I really want to slow it down at this point, but from what I hear that's not common. I am more tired NOW than I was in the first trimester. This week, I have come home feeling like I could not go on another day. I am sad about this because the pregnancy has been so great and easy so far! Luckily, the break is here after one more day. Being a kindergarten teacher and in graduate school does not make this exhaustion thing any better. BUT, I will be spending two weeks resting and enjoying family...that sounds like good R&R if I heard of any!

There are no pictures of Eli's room because it is still empty! So, instead, I will leave you with a picture of my wonderful hubs going through baby clothes we got from a family at our church!

Cheetos

2011-11-14T19:29:00.002-06:00

Cheetos are important in pregnancy...so is Diet Dr. Pepper...before you shame me for that I am going to tell you politely that I don't care. This is my craving, not yours. I understand artificial sweenteners are bad and Cheetos have no nutritional value...but sometimes other things just won't due:).

I can't believe 7 weeks have already gone by since the last post...sorry about that one! I am teetering on whether to put up more pics of the house. First of all, we may or may not be all the way unpacked...even though we've been in the house over a month (again, don't judge me!) Give someone a full time job, full time graduate school, a youth ministry, and a baby and you've got a few unpacked boxes in the garage. In my defense...it's mostly Tim's stuff that he needs to figure out what to do with. Anyways, my second reason is that I'm not sure how I feel about posting pictures of our house to the whole world. What a creep-o decides they like what is in our house and want to come take it? I'm sure at some point I'll take pitures and post...but I'm not ready yet, ha!

I am about to be 27 weeks along! That's only 13 weeks left of prep before Eli comes...and he could come sooner! Crazy. We finally registered. Don't get me wrong, I'm super stoked and I thought I'd be DYING to register...but with how busy we are, I haven't had the excitement when I get a break...I'd much rather rest. But, we have registered at Baby's R Us. I plan to register at Target, too. We didn't completely finish, but we're getting there! Eli's bedding is going to be awesome. Hoping he doesn't hate sports because that's the theme. I was a little concerned that there were no bed sets with hockey pucks...but, let's face it we live in Texas where people don't even know what hockey is. By the way...I'm working on that. Some of our youth came and watched a game with us last week...they'll learn to appreciate some day :). Anyways, I have started my two week appointments. My glucose test is Thursday morning and December 1 we get to see Eli again and measure his growth! He's definitely be doing a lot of growing...or maybe that's just the cheetos ;).

Job-wise things are good. Kindergarten is exhausting but so rewarding! My kids are so cute because they are starting to read and starting to write actual sentences! HOORAY! I didn't realize how exciting these little steps were going to be! My students are sweet and my formal evaluation is over. Now we can enjoy the holidays at school! Woohoo!

Speaking of the holidays...Thanksgiving break could not come soon enough! We will be busy like no one's business but the mental break will be nice! I'll be checking out academically for a full 7 days. I'm looking forward to Steven (Tim's brother) and Annie's wedding, my family coming, and going with my cousin to do her bridal portaits! EXCITING!...If I can just get through the last four days!

I hope to have a more entertaining post with pictures next time...hopfully sooner than seven weeks from now. I really hate blog posts with no pics...but I've got nothing for you. My Christmas present is a Canon Rebel T2i so know for sure pics WILL be coming and good ones at that! God bless your faces!

20 weeks and updates!

2011-09-29T20:33:00.009-05:00

Here is our little MAN! Today, I had my first appointment with my doctor here and we found out it's a boy! Exciting! Poor boy doesn't have a name yet...we're still working on that. If it was a girl, we had the name Ella Brooke picked out...but we can't agree on a boy name. The ones I love he definitely doesn't and the ones he likes I don't like...so this may take some time. Mary dubbed him "Lil Wayne" and my husband is loving that! haha! He will for sure have the middle name Wayne as it's a family name in his family and mine..but the first name is coming...eventually. It just has to be perfect :)

In regards to the house...we had to extend the contract to this Friday...the loan processor sent Tim an email saying we may be able to finish the process on Monday. This means we need to extend the deadline once again...which is NOT exciting but at this point I am not surprised and I didn't get my hopes up. Take a lesson from us and DON'T go through Chase to get a home loan...unless you just love stress, long waiting periods, poor communication, and empty promises. But, in the end as long as we have our house...that's what matters! Here is a picture of the outisde of the house...we will post more when things are official.

Next...we bought some new furniture!! YAY new furniture for a new house!! Today was the best day off ever...slept in some, got to see our little man, ate at Olive Garden, and went furniture shopping! Anyways...here are our buys...

Our table is the bigger version of this one!

Ok...so we already have couches, and it doesn't show the end table but this is the coffee table we got.. I'm super excited!!

In other news...the Stars have a new head coach and their preseason has been awesome! We will have FSN from all over the country when we get our satelite set up so we will be watching the Stars, Rangers, and Mavs! We can watch others, too...but this is what's important!

Life is going well...and all we need is our house!

Pardon

2011-09-26T21:22:00.003-05:00

You must pardon my lack of updates...I am trying NOT to be a complainer and keep my negative thoughts to myself. We are STILL in this stinking hotel...we were supposed to close almost two weeks ago. We have extended the deadline twice. So, we wait....like I said, I'm trying to keep my complaining to a minimum therefore I haven't updated my blog because it tempts me to complain about our experience with our loan processor from Chase...oops...did I just say that? I won't name names...but this has NOT been a positive customer experience.

All else is going well! I look forward to being in a bigger space because I feel like life will be more restful and happy. Thursday will be an awesome day because we will find out if this baby is a boy or girl! Until then...this week we call it Mango.

PS if you aren't on Pinterest yet...you should be. Love.

The Story

2011-09-03T16:20:00.002-05:00

Okay, so things are finally at a point where I can share all the major events that have been unfolding in our crazy lives! I guess listing and explaining will be the best way for this...

1.) We have successfully made our move to Spring!...kind of.On August 16 we packed up and headed out here to our new home. Unfortunately, our new home is at the Extended Stay Hotel in The Woodlands. Why are we in a hotel? We are in the process of buying a house. WOAH! Yes, you read that correctly, we have committed to buying a house and found the perfect one for us! We are waiting for the FHA loan to go through. Our closing date is supposed to be September 16, but as we all know (or not) these things take a while and can be iffy. I will post a picture of our cute new house when things are finalized. Luckily, because the housing market is terrible right now and there is so much competition in a bigger city area that is developing rapidly, we got an AWESOME price and an even more awesome fixed interest rate. WOOHOO! So, now we wait...and live in a little hotel room. We have a mini fridge, two burners, and a microwave. The hotel is pet friendly so Molly is here with us. It's cramped and the bed is SO uncomfortable...but it's temporary...we should be moving out in a few weeks!

2. I have a job! God opened a surprising and unlikely door and I am employed! August 8 I received a call at 5:30 pm asking if I had accepted a job anywhere. I told the lady no and she proceeded to tell me that she was the principal at Roth Elementary in Klein ISD and she wanted to interview me for Kindergarten! I was SO caught off guard because I have never even thought of teaching kinder since I've been in the schools. I went to the interview with an open heart and mind and laid everything out on the line about our current situation. The interview was awesome and they weren't scared away when I told them I was pregnant. They said they weren't sure if they needed me yet...it was dependent upon enrollment but they would inform me by Wed. or Thurs. of the next week. I got a call Monday saying they needed me! WOOHOO! My first gig would be Friday at Meet the Teacher night. However, since my paperwork had not gone through, I couldn't introduce myself as the teacher. The plan was to have me in the classroom as a "volunteer" for a week or two depending on the paperwork so I could set up the classroom and get acquainted with my kids. So, we rolled into Spring Friday at 3 and Meet the Teacher was at 4. It was unsettling because the parents were concerned that they hadn't met their child's teacher...and I totally understood that...I would feel the same way! It still went well, but I felt bad for the parents who were sending their babies to a question mark room. For some reason, apparently HR was working on a Sunday because my stuff went through Sunday evening and I got a call Sunday night saying I would be starting in the morning on the first day of school...AH! Needless to say, the past two weeks have been CRAZY not having any time to prepare for my kids. But, I survived, they have learned, and I am so blessed and happy with where I am at! I have so much technology in my classroom, I'm at an exemplary school, I make a very nice salary for a second year teacher, and my team is awesome! Now...let's just get to the reason this was a crazy God thing. I did not apply for this position. The principal got my resume from another school in the district that had decided to choose another candidate. She saw I had no kinder experience but thought something seemed right about my resume. So, although I didn't even apply, God dropped this in my lap. I am SO thankful and so happy with where I am! Klein is a district that is very difficult to get into! I even like kindergarten :) It's a lot of fun! Thanks, God...you're pretty awesome!

3)Our church...man, our church is awesome! The congregation has totally pulled us in and has been taking care of us and loving us in so many ways! Little blessings are everywhere. The girls in our youth group have accepted me with open arms and we are building relationships everywhere! It's so exciting! (Could there be anymore exclamation marks??) We are so blessed and so excited :).

4) God's faithfulness...never failing. If we doubted God after how amazingly He has worked out our transition to Spring, we'd be idiots. His hand has been there every step of the way and he has just cleared any obstacle that has come our way. Now, I'm not saying being obedient is always easy, but God has really given us a sense of peace with how He has provided for and confirmed our call here...I've never had God move so much in my life!

5) The baby. The baby is GROWING. Geeze! My pants are all rubberbanded and I've moved from tshirts that are smalls to mediums because they are SO much more comfy :) Sorry, Tim...I've raided your stash! Another blessing for this pregnancy is that I have not been sick at all. If I didn't know I was pregnant...I could be on that show, "I Didn't Know I was Pregnant." I feel fine...normal...just wanting PIZZA all the time. Thank God for this!

6) Grad school. I am skyping my classes and hanging in there while life has been nuts! I'm still enjoying it...but I must say that I am ready for May to be here!

So, this year is definitely a MAJOR milestone in our marriage. Probably the biggest year we will ever have...we made the scary move for Tim's dream job, I have a new job, I will have my masters degree, we will have bought our first house, and we will have a baby all in the same year! WOW. What a fun time in our lives...sure life has been stressful at times and full of Chaos...but I wouldn't have it any other way...well...that's not true...I need to move my family down here with us...then I could confidently say I'd want to change NOTHING.

I miss you, family! I love you guys...but know God is SO good!

So, that's the crazy news in our lives...what a crazy God we serve! (In a good way) ha

Can't Wait!

2011-08-16T14:18:00.002-05:00

I have an amazing story to share...God's been working like mad. Be looking forward to a post on His faithfulness and goodness on our journey of obedience to Spring! We will be moving Friday. I will explain the big story soon. I hope you are on the edge of your seat with anticipation :)

I'm sure this is normal...

2011-08-10T20:39:00.003-05:00

Do you ever have so much to say that you can't say much?

Here is the low down- the best I can do for now...

1. Tim is now a youth pastor in Spring!
2. We are looking for a place to live.
3. I am looking for a job...I had an interview today but I'm not sure how to feel about it.
4. We will be trying to square things away this weekend so we can move ASAP.

I'm really glad God wants us to give him our burdens...I felt like exploding earlier..but I gave it to God and I feel like I can peacefully breathe. As I was reading and praying, I felt guilty asking God to take my burdens...Jesus already did that, why ask Him to carry more?? But, our God is good and He gives peace along with a light and comfortable yoke.

Oddities de la Tim

2011-07-25T15:52:00.003-05:00

Here is a list of a few things I may never understand about my husband...some cute, some quirky, some annoying. I love Tim and he makes me laugh. SO, here goes the Oddities de la Tim:

1. How do you get in the shower? Most people run the water to get it to the right temperature and turn on the shower. Then, they get in. We all know cold water comes out of the shower head before the warm...so water first, then enter. Tim stands in the bathtub and gets the water to the right temperature while standing in it. Then,(This part makes me laugh)he splashes water onto his shins to check the temperature. He then turns on the shower and gets sprayed immediately...brrr!

2. Which way do you face when you shower? I think (because I don't watch people showering lol) that most people face away from the water and tilt their head back to shower. Not my Tim...he faces forward, lol.

3. Do you spread condiments with a knife or a spoon? I have explained to Tim that butter knives are called so because you are supposed to spread things like butter with it. Well, Tim always uses a spoon...then he licks the condiment off. This isn't too bizzare, but when he licks off the butter or the mayonaise I almost throw up. Also, it wastes the condiment that gets stuck in the groove of the spoon for non spoon lickers.

4. When licking fingers...he HAS to make a loud sucking sound on each finger...ew.

5. After making chocolate milk, do you leave the spoon in the cup? I'm sure this one isn't as odd as I think...but I think the spoon knocking into your mouth while your trying to drink is annoying. Tim likes the keep the spoon in the cup and so when he's done the cup falls over all the time!

6. Does your husband like girl bands? My husband likes to listen to Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, and Regina Spector. Haha, he won't admit this to you...but look at his iPod.

7. Tim is not a taste tester...he will add the seasonings without tasting it between...we have had many salty meals that were not edible.

8. Nails. Tim's nails grow like a woman's. He lets them stay long...so his nails are longer than mine! In order to fix this, I am the one who clips his fingernails and toenails...haha. I also pluck his eyebrows.

9. This one is an old one...Tim used to wear girl pants. I HATED them. They got stolen once...I was SO sad let me tell you...But, girl pants don't look good on anyone but girls. Sorry boys.

10. Meat poisoning. When we have steaks...my husband literally makes himself sick everytime. He tells me after he's done to never let him to that again...but it is inevitable, haha.

11. Snot Rockets. GROSSSSSSSSSSSS. He doens't believe in kleen-ex outisde or in the shower...it's so gross!

11 seems like a good number to stop at. Now, I'm not saying that I am perfect by ANY means...his list of things he won't ever understand will far exceed my list for him. I just thought I'd share because I'm pretty sure some of these things are guy things that my friends can sympathize with. Love you, Mr. Darst...your manliness exceeds all.

Beach Countdown: 6 days!

Breakdown

2011-07-22T10:23:00.002-05:00

This is mostly for my own mental wellness...I'm breaking down our eventful next two weeks:

July 22 (Today!): Go to Arlington to see my parents and borrow some boogie boards and chairs for the beach!

July 23: Hang out with the fam, go to the Ranger game (story on that later).

July 24: Visit the in-laws

July 25-26: Get ahead on homework for when we go on vacation/class on Tuesday night

July 27-28: Last days of work at ETBU admissions/church Wednesday night/Class Thursday night

July 29: Finish homework before leaving for Houston/drive to The Woodlands

July 30: meeting with the personnel committee, lunch with church staff, meet and greet youth and parents and Q&A session, dinner

July 31: Lead Sunday School with worship and hanging out to get to know us, meet the congregation during the service, get put on the spot for questions, get voted in or out in the evening

August 1: Drive to Port Aransas!

August 2-4: Be a beach bum...hopefully get an interview soon after!

August 5: Hear this precious prune's heartbeat (it will be lime-sized by then!)

BUSY but EXCITING/RELAXING next few weeks!

Okay...so about the Ranger game story. I give campus tours at ETBU in this oh, so wonderful heat! I love ETBU, so I love giving tours. I had a family come in to tour with a girl, her friend, and her parents. When I walked in the room to meet them, I saw the dad wearing a rangers polo shirt. I was like awesome, a Rangers fan! I love to find things to chit chat about between buildings we go into. The Rangers are a good talking point. I proceeded to look down at his hand and lo and behold there was a world series ring on it! I couldn't help myself but blurt,"So, that's a world series ring!" He told us how he worked for the Rangers as the VP of Information Technology. That opened the door to talk about how I was from Arlington and how Tim and I love the Rangers and my family did, too (run-on sentence). So, we pile on the golfcart like sardines and have a lovely tour...like 2 hours...longest one I have done. It was two hours because they were LOVING it! They loved to stop and talk about EVERYTHING at ETBU and it was fun! I love tours where people ask questions and are excited! After the tour, the girl and her friend are super excited and they are wanting to come (the friend had to intention of coming to ETBU). So, as I am walking back to my office the dad pulls out a card and says, "Here's my card, if y'all ever come to Arlington, give me a call!" In which I reply, "We're actually going there this weekend!" He said, "Saturday at 7:05 okay?" I say, "Uh, yessir!" He replies, "Your tickets will be waiting at will call" and he writes our names down. AWESOME! So, it was already a great tour, but now we get to go to the game for FREE! I'm excited...yay for Admissions!

Beach countdown: 9 days

A Special Announcement!

2011-07-10T21:19:00.000-05:00

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Decisions, Decisions...

2011-06-24T10:44:00.002-05:00

...began celebrating school being and realized summer is gone, haha! Lame. I've been working in ETBU admissions and doing grad school which has pretty much sucked out all that is good about summer and left the heat...gross. East Texas summers are HOT. The humidty here leaves us swimming through the air daily.

BUT, onto bigger news...

Tim and I have some big decisions coming. Today we leave for Spring, Texas to interview with the personnel committee at Memorial Baptist Church. They are paying for our gas, meals, and hotel stay...so it's kind of minivaca! I'm excited...but nervous. This is the church where the associate pastor showed up to our house in Longview a month ago to chat...odd...but sure, why not? The next day, the pastor called us to meet him in Lufkin the following Friday to have an interview over dinner with his wife. After feeling like we had blown that chance and walked out thinking, "at least we met nice people and got some free food," we got a call back asking for out testimonies and philosophy of youth ministry. 1 week later, we get another call saying that the personnel committee had fallen in love with us based on our testimonies...we are paying your way down here to interview...what? Hm...okay. Pray for us as we interview and seek guidance on our decision making.

After this happens, Tim gets a call from a church in Teague, TX informing him he is in their top 5. They had him make a video answering questions and doing a mini-lesson. They meet Sunday to watch the videos...pray for this one, too!

Two days later, a guy from San Antonio called. He runs a ministry through the schools and they contacted Tim for interest in him being the junior high pastor. The guy has since Skyped with Tim and has been in close contact wanting to get him out there ASAP. It's not ministry through an actual church...but an organization through the schools. I'm not clear in what the job entails, but the guy has been pursuing Tim eagerly.

All of this to say...there will be no teaching jobs in any of the big cities. That is totally nerve racking. We are open to God moving us wherever...but me not having a job is kind of a big deal...I need health insurance. No job=no insurance. Our pastor preached on being called out of easy decisions and living the American dream...we were convicted. We had been starting to doubt all of these doors that were opening. BUT, we are open...we just need clarity.

SO, please pray for us especially in the next few weeks...we have some BIG decisions to make!

One Month Later...

2011-05-15T15:19:00.004-05:00

I accidentally let about a month slip by with no posts, bad....

My two biggest pieces of news:

First of all- I am officially an ETBU Tiger AGAIN! I started graduate school and I'm working towards my masters in education for instruction and curriculum. Don't ask me what I want to do with that, because I'm not sure. But, I am two weeks in and almost done with my first two classes! The program is a 13 month program where I take six classes this summer, one in the fall, two in the spring, and one next May and I will be walking across the stage! WOOHOO! So, this time next year, I will be recieving my diploma once more. Sorry ETBU, you just thought you'd got rid of me. Also, sorry bank account...you just thought we were done hurting you!

Second item- I got a new car! Well, it's an SUV. It's a 2007 Jeep Patriot, black. Unfortunately, it's a standard and I have not quite got the hang of it yet...but atleast it's nice! The Focus was trouble from day 1 and after the alternator died for the third time in six months, we decided it was time. We still have CarCar, my hyundai...but hooray for JeepJeep!

VanGO

2011-04-15T16:39:00.002-05:00

Please check out the awesome work some friends of mine from college are doing in the name of Christ!

http://whoismyneighborvango.blogspot.com/

41

2011-04-06T18:58:00.002-05:00

41 days until SUMMER!! WOOOHOOO!! Can I get a what what? How about a Hallelujah? Maybe a yeah baby! Just thought I'd share...now if we can just get past TAKS. NERVOUS? Yes...

I realize I usually blog on Wednesdays...this is because after my p90x is over, I have a quiet house on Wednesday nights. So, I have time to blog. I was going to do another awkward video post, but I decided to save that for you another time. Maybe I'll do a video post on a day I don't work out and save you from the grossness that is my hair and face post-workout.

Anyways, Happy Birthday to the beautiful Sarah Stapleton! She's great!

On another note- I have my job next year for sure. If God doesn't open a door for Tim for youth ministry somewhere else, I will definitely be teaching third grade. This is a nice feeling because I know many districts in Texas are CUTTING probationary teachers. So, hurrah for a job!

On a more serious note, let me share a new development. God has decided to work in a way that I did not ask him to. As a normal woman, I have always desired to settle down, have a cute brick house, and grow my family and accumulate the things that make my house pretty (i.e. the new living room set I'd like to have, a bedroom set where we can fit our clothes in, new wall decor, painted walls, etc.) These things aren't bad...BUT, God has released me from that desire (again, not that I think it is wrong to want those things.) All of a sudden, I am willing to sell everything I have and GO.

Excuse me?

Yes, I (we) will GO. Wherever God wants us to GO, we have committed to say, "yes, Lord!" Although it could mean staying here, it could mean leaving the country, leaving the state, going to a new city where my job situation could be nerve racking for lack of positions available...we've said, "Okay, God." YAWEH...that's what's important...I AM. So, if I AM says go...we will!

What's crazy is I never said we wouldn't go certain places. BUT, God just gave me a peace and I am no longer attached to the American dream. Sure, God could just be using this as a means to remind us live simple and Christ-like lives. But, we may end up somewhere unexpected! Again, I ask prayers for us as Tim seeks youth ministry...somewhere.

Looking forward to a weekend in Arlingfun! Tim is going to a concert for his birthdayand I am doing a 5k with my beautiful cousin! Watch out DFW!

Awkward post alert! Have Fun :)

2011-03-23T19:58:00.002-05:00

Simple Woman's Daybook

2011-03-02T19:01:00.003-06:00

For today, March 2, 2011...

Outside my window...it's dark and cool...it makes me excited for summer. Not that I'm ready for heat, goodness NO! I HATE Texas heat and if it weren't for my family I would probably not stick around! I think I was made for up north: I love hockey and cold weather and I don't have an accent.

I am remembering...I got a message from a friend of Tim's today. He just randomly messaged me to tell me that he had a random memory of talking to Tim the day after we had broken up in 2006. He told me how Tim was upset and he had given him some advice to wait for me because if Tim really thought we should be together, God would bring us back...SO, I'm remembering the sad times...but rejoicing in what became of them :)

I am thankful for... Friends and family in Arlington! We went to the Stars game for my birthday on Saturday. It was fun, but even more than that, I was surrounded by people I love! AND, I got to spend an afternoon just chit-chatting with my Granny and Papa. I adore them! <3

I am creating... Critical thinkers in my classroom :) Woohoo higher level thinking!

I am going...To Ennis to see the other side of the family this weekend! We haven't seen them since Christmas!

I am reading... Exodus, Job, Luke, and 2 Corinthians! Tim and I are reading through the bible in a year and it is the best part of my day to sit down and read and discuss with my wonderful hubinero!

I am hoping... God opens and closes doors! Tim has started sending out youth ministry resumes again and we just want clarity and direction! Join us in prayer!

On my mind...I wish I was talented with hair...I can't figure out getting it to wave or curl! Suggestions??

From the learning rooms... We have begun our unit on How to Eat Fried Worms! I branched out from the other teachers these next few weeks to do something fun! We are enjoying it! We need a little fun before TAKS!

Pondering these words... Oh death, where is your sting? Oh hell, where is your victory? Oh church, stand in the light! Our God is NOT dead, He's alive! He's ALIVE!

From the kitchen... Taco soup!

Around the house... I just cleaned the living room and kitchen. NOW, if I could just keep our bedroom clean! Our dining room table is a crap collector! I hate cleaning it off, but it looks AWFUL! I will get up to clean it soon.

One of my favorite things... I love makeup! I know this is silly and most days I only wear base, eyeliner, mascara, and blush...but I just love it! I love to enhance my features...it's like a blank canvas every morning! FUN!

From my picture journal...

Blast from the past...don't laugh too hard! Homecoming 2005! (speaking of Tim and I dating forever ago) LOOK AT THAT HAIR, on both of us! GROSS!

To all of my thousands of readers (ha!), I haven't posted because I haven't felt like I've had any exciting news...so I leave you with the plethora of thoughts that is, SIMPLE WOMAN'S DAYBOOK!

Tim Time!

2011-02-10T21:08:00.003-06:00

Because it's almost Valentine's Day, and because my husband is awesome...I am dedicating a post to some favorite Tim memories!

1.) The first time I saw Tim, he looked like a hobo, ha! He had on cut off camo pants made into shorts, a dress jacket, high top converse, and long shaggy/curly hair.

2.) When we met forreal at the hospital, we went through 25 ways to fight fatigue together because he had been at Walmart counting mullets all night (see two posts ago for the full story).

3.) After one of our first big arguments, he showed up at my door wearing his nephew's plastic knight armor and went on to say, "I have traveled far lands to declare my love for you and tell you that I, Tim Darst, am an idiot and I am sorry." In his hand was a bag of peanut m&ms (jumbo bag).

4.) After the Stars had just come out of the NHL lockout, we were saying our goodbyes in my driveway one night and he said, "Jenni, I got you Stars tickets." Me, being the ridiculous Stars fan that I am started freaking out and he continues, "look up." DUMB! But, sweet in a way...

5.) The summer I got 25 bee stings at Children's Camp, I got home from camp to find my Tim with a gift bag. The contents of that bag were: Cortizone cream, peanut m&ms, and my true love-chapstick!

6.) In college, getting phone calls to come outside because he brought breakfast- donuts!

7.) Getting ETBU to plant flowers that spell out "Will you marry me?" in the main flower bed and proposing!!

8.) Tim promising before we got married, and still holding to it to scratch my back every night...best part of my day!

9.) Tim worked on the ETBU grounds crew, often having rough and long days just so I could get free tuition.

10.) When I called to tell Tim my engagement ring had been stolen, all he did ways tell me it was a dumb ring and could be replaced...this was on his way to Arlington. When he got there, he just held me and told me everything was fine...eventhough it wasn't (not to me anyways!)

11.) Tim coming to the wedding showers even though he didn't want to.

12.) Driving to our honeymoon and being so hungry that we stopped at an Arby's in the middle of nowhere! Our first meal as a married couple haha!

13.) Coming home on endless occasions with fresh flowers on the table and sweet surprises like white cheddar cheez-its or chapstick!

14.) Many songs written and recorded for me and about me...Tim is an amazing guitar player and singer!

15.) Calls saying, "change into something nice, we're going on a date!"

16.) During our wedding ceremony, we weren't sure what to do after the songs had gone on for a while, and whispering in my ear, "act like I said something sweet to you!" and we did.

17.) Tim crying as I walked down the aisle.

18.) Back massages after stressful days teaching in Marshall.

19.) When we first started talking, we'd stay up on AOL instand messenger talking until 3am...then progressed to the phone. Tim didn't realize that long distance cost money...so he racked up a big ol' bill and had to pay back his parents. Luckily, he got a cell phone not too long after that.

20.) Text messages every morning saying something to the effect of, "good morning beautiful, I love you!" or "I've got bad gas."

21.) Yesterday while I was getting ready, I noticed it was quiet in our apartment. I went downstairs to find Tim making pancakes. When I got downstairs, he put on a cheesy song and started dancing with me in the kitchen!

The list goes on...

all of this to say, I have the best husband any girl could ask for...sorry ladies, the best is taken!

Happy Birthday!

2011-02-02T18:25:00.003-06:00

Happy birthday to my wonderful Granny, Lorene Francis! She is one of the most gentle, sweet, loving ladies I have ever met. Not only is she sweet and amazing, but her health is incredible! She is a breast cancer survivor and I only hope to be as strong and amazing as she is! Happy Birthday, Granny! I love you and can't wait to see you soon!

Supermanitus

2011-01-19T18:01:00.002-06:00

I am self diagnosing myself with Supermanitus ....... a disorder I made up myself.

I fall victim of Supermanitus often. I'm sure I'm not alone here (then again, I wouldn't be surprised since I am odd). I have this tendency to think about life's possibilities...I think about how capable I am and how much I have to offer the world. Then, I start wondering, "What am I doing here?" I honestly and truly feel like I could have chosen almost any career path. I think God has blessed us all with many abilities and learning quickly and enthusiastically is one of my favorite abilities.

However, I start dreaming...like unrealistically. I start wondering what if I went back to school and became a doctor, what if I did broadcasting school and took the unpromising plunge into the interning world? What if I became a wedding planner since I love weddings so much! What if I could be a motivational speaker since I love to talk and get people excited? What if I went into business because I like to be challenged and work my way up to the top (I do love competition!)?

I WANT to do it all! I want to be a superhuman! Then, I wonder if what I am doing is really what God wants of me. I mean, I love learning so much it's fitting to be a teacher, right?? But what if there is MORE? There IS more...God calls us to more than our jobs...past those weird dreams and unrealistic future planning. God wants us to be obedient...He wants us ALL. I want it! BUT, what else does He want?

I.am.capable. I.am.smart. BUT, I'm also a child of God and Supermanitus can be blinding to truth. So...what will I do in my future? Still unsure. For now, I teach and soak up the blessings. Someday, heaven is all that's certain...

Now that I took that post in many different directions...I will stop before it becomes any muddier.

:)

2011-01-09T17:31:00.007-06:00

Holiday

2010-12-27T18:46:00.003-06:00

I have obviously been on a holiday from Blogger...but now I am on a holiday in real life! So, my holiday from Blogger is o-v-e-r.

We have had a wonderful break! I came to Arlington Tuesday morning and hung out with my best friend and cousin, Kristin Stapleton. I love her, I love my time with her! Thursday evening, we had Christmas at my parents house. Tim drove in after work and Jeff, Sarah, and the kids came over. I love our family time! Then we ventured out to Big Lake, TX for Christmas with the Darsts.

What is in Big Lake, TX you may ask? Ummm....Dairy Queen?

....and some awesome family! Tim's sister Mary and her husband and kids live there. If you aren't familiar with them, here is the story. First of all, Daniel (Mary's husband) and Mary were my youth ministers starting my sophomore year of high school. They were wonderful...like they came to Target when I worked there at age 16 and bought a bag of candy just to give to me! HA!

Anyway, from that youth ministry developed a friendship. Mary became one of my best and wisest friends! She's my friend that I can not see for years and we hug and start talking as if we have seen each other everyday of our lives. I LOVE HER and had such a great time talking like old times! One thing I will be FOREVER grateful for is her having her first son, Chaz. ( I love Hannah...but this particular story involves Chaz!) As Mary is in labor with Chaz, I decide to come up to the hospital to support my best friend...Who is in the waiting room? None other than the super handsome Mr. Tim Darst. He is sleeping in a waiting room chair. I sit caddy corner to him. Tim wakes up and says, "Whoa! When'd you get here?" I go on to explain I just got there and he explains why he is tired...well, of course he's tired he and our friend Greg had spent most of the night counting mullets in Walmart (duh, right?). Because he is tired, I decide to help him fight fatigue. It just so happened that there was a magazine on the end table with 25 ways to fight fatigue. So, we read through them and laughed. We then proceeded to play paper football where I definitely won...legitimately...(he will never EVER admit that). He let me win right? NOT. Ok...digression...anyways, we end up exchanging *GasP* screen names! BIG STEP, right? HA. Then we start chatting nightly...he gets my number, asks me on a few dates and...TADA! Married almost two and a half years...all thanks to my friends Mary and Daniel!

We had a very sweet time with both sides of our family! Tomorrow, Molly and I will pack up and head home to relax before our TAKS semester begins! Here's to a new adventure!

on to day 4 and 5...

2010-11-22T14:18:00.005-06:00

Day 4: Something you've had to forgive someone for...

I have to forgive Tim for drinking all of our drinks we share :) He doesn't mean to...he just does it. Who said this had to be a deep truth?

Day 5: Something you hope to do in your life.

As most wives and women do, I hope to have kids! Here is my furry child, Molly! She has been a blessing and a joy! But, I still want some human kids :)

Also, I want to be a radio personality...seeing in that I don't have my degree in communications or anything other than education...it's defnitely a long shot...but I would LOVE to get paid to talk and people may actually WANT to listen to me! How fun!

Day 3

2010-11-08T18:59:00.002-06:00

Day 3: Something you have to forgive yourself for.

I must admit that this post was difficult to write. Because of the love and grace that is Jesus Christ, forgiveness is something that I learn more and more about. I feel I have not held guilt over myself for many things in my life because I am aware of the freedom that is Christ.

That said, I had a hard time coming up with something to write. I don't feel like I have struggled to forgive myself...but these are two things that I struggle with.
1) Spending time in the word. From sophomore year in high school to sophomore year in college, there were very few days I would miss reading my bible and spending time with God. Busy-ness has taken hold of my priorities and I am ashamed to say I have been very inconsistent the past few years. Recently, it has been my desire to get back into that intimate place with God.
2) As stated previously, I have built up a bunch of resentment towards myself when it comes to image. I need to forgive myself for being so judgemental of myself and learn to embrace the beauty God has placed inside of me.

Alright....something more fun.

Today we had a meeting in school and discussed stuff coming up in the next six weeks. These include,
1) 7 1/2 days until Thanksgiving break.
2) Early dismissal Nov. 19
3) Our third graders get to see the Nutcracker Ballet in December!
4) Our Christmas PARTY in my class!
5) 24 1/2 Days until Christmas break!

I went home this weekend and I was so homesick leaving!! I miss being close to family and I miss the Dallas area! Come on holiday breaks!!

Day 2

2010-11-04T20:16:00.003-05:00

30 Days of Truth

Day 2: What I love about myself.

I love that I am a wife. I love this whole marriage thing. It has been so awesome and wonderful to be married to Mr. Tim and test out my wifey skills. I love to cook (not that cooking constitutes a good wife)! I love having a companion to share life with everyday and every night. I love waking up beside my best friend. I love having someone to make decisions with. I love to share stories at the end of the day. I love that I can just lean over on the couch and my hubs is there. I love having someone to talk about the future with! I just love being a wife!

I also love that I am ambitious. I love to push myself and achieve my goals. When I set my mind to something, I will do my very best to succeed. I love a challenge!

Here's to being a wifey!

30 Days of Truth

2010-11-03T18:51:00.006-05:00

Taylor and Sarah have dived into the thirty days of truth, so here I come, too! Maybe this will motivate me to blog? I read everyone else's blogs everyday...but I just haven't been motivated to soul search or anything...so here goes 30 days of truth!

Day 1: Something you hate about yourself.

The number one thing I have hated about myself since I was elementary school is my weight. However, over the years I have realized that it's not my weight I hate...it's my mindset! I hate that I don't see myself the way that God sees me....or anyone else sees me for that matter. My husband tells me everyday how beautiful he thinks I am...how badly I'd love to believe him! I can remember back to before third grade struggling with seeing myself as beautiful. I hate it. I hate that it effects the way that I carry myself...I hate that it effects my relationship with my Creator and my husband.

I'm hoping day two is a happier truth!

Now that's out of the way...Halloween was exciting in our neck of the woods! Tim and I trecked out to our fall festival as bars of soap!

And I was also able to spend time with my ridiculously sweet nephew, Colin man who made a handsome Mario!

And how could we forget our sweet Molly Lou?? She, too, had a costume! We couldn't pass up the 50% off cow costume we found on Halloween at Petsmart. Sadly, no trick or treaters came by for her to show it off! But, I will give her some fame in the blog world! Meet Molly Moo!

Hopefully the next post will be sooner than later...

Fail

2010-10-08T16:49:00.004-05:00

I get an "F" in blogging.

I guess the mess that some would call my first year of teaching has been a bit overwhelming...a lot bit, actually (not that a lot bit is a phrase). It bas definitely been an experience so far. I have 21 kids in my class. I teach every subject. I am learning tons about discipline and classroom management. A whirlwind...that's what it has been. A whirlwind that leaves me gasping for breath every weekend! But, here the weekend is...and I am now sitting on the couch trying to stop my head from spinning.

My most exciting news to share with the blogging world is about our new addition!!

You guessed it! We have a baby! A baby puppy :) Her name is Molly and she is wonderful. She is a spaz, but I guess fits the life of Tim and myself. She is half Shar-Pei and half Rat Terrier...how that happened, your guess is as good as mine. BUT, I love her and enjoy our walks together after hard days!

Tonight marks the beginning of hockey season and the first Friday night to relax in a while! And, how 'bout them Rangers?? What an exciting time!!

Small Blessings!

2010-08-20T21:11:00.003-05:00

My main purpose for this post is to share about two blessings that I recieve five times a week! As many of you know, I am not a morning person. God knows this...He MADE me! So, because He is good and knows me so perfectly, He has used two of my favorite things to bless each morning:people and animals!

As I drive into Kilgore, I take a loop that sends me close to my school. Off of the loop lives a sweet old man. This man looks around his late 60s-70s and is tan. Why does it matter that he is tan, you may be asking? Well, this sweet old man drives his motorized wheelchair to the edge of his driveway and waves at all of the people in the cars passing by in the morning. Ever y morning I have gone to work this week, I have a recieved a wave and a nod! I am sure the intention of this funny man is to make people's days...and he sure does make mine! If he only knew how much of an encouragement he is to me in the mornings, I think he'd quit from being overly appreciated! I'm really contemplating stopping to thank him one of these days; maybe I should bring him coffee when it gets colder! What a sweet blessing! I hope I use anything I can still do when I am old for others!

My second blessing every morning comes in the form of two dogs. If you know me, you know that I am helplessly in love with canines! If I had a lot of money, I'd give it to save dogs like the lady on Last Chance Highway (she is my hero!) Anyways, as I turn onto the street my school is on, there is a house with a chain link fence. Inside this fence there are two dogs: a golden retriever and a small white and red dog. Every morning I have gone to work, these dogs are playing together. They chase each other, roll around...I even saw the little one running underneath the golden retriever! They are best friends! Even when I leave and they are sleeping, they lay together. How does this touch my life? For one, I just think it's uber cute! But also, it reminds me of the value of friends...it makes me appreciate those in my life who have been by my side! I especially am reminded recently of my two friends who are teaching at this school with me! They have been life savers! I love them! I feel like such a nerd (because I am) because I literally laugh out loud when I pass these furry little friends! Just like the old man, if they only knew how much they made my morning! I just want to hug them! (My principal may not like the dog hair on my clothes and I bet the pet owners wouldn't appreciate the weirdo who stops by their fence)!

Thank you, God for these sweet things!

In other news, I have been super busy with school preparation! School starts in T minus 2 days! WOW. My mom is coming out to spend the day with me tomorrow and help me get a few last minute things in order! I am a bit nervous...but not too bad right now. I have been pushing it to the back of my mind and acting like it's not actually happening! HA! That'll be a rude awakening Monday morning!

I met 18/20 of my kids last night! I am really excited about building relationships with these lovelies! Pray for me and my kids this year!

I will post pictures of my classroom soon! I have only had it organized for about 20 minutes, then the kids came in for meet the teacher and it got torn apart! BUT, I will post pictures soon! I also plan on taking pictures of our new place, but we are going to paint in the next few months, SO I will wait!

Different Things

2010-08-09T20:56:00.004-05:00

First of all, I would like to ask my readers for prayers tomorrow as 1. we move, and 2. Tim has his interview for ETBU admissions! We have a full day of travel, interview times, and unpacking! The stress has been running high, so prayers would be GREATLY appreciated!

About our new home- We have found a towne home that is perfect for us! It is about 1150 sq. ft. and has a dishwasher AND washer/dryer connections. We are very excited! I will be posting more pictures as we get moved in; this is our living room!

In other news, I found a blog that makes me giddy to read. Call me a huge nerd ( I don't care! ), but it's a blog about grammar and editing! Insert angels singing here! For my teacher friends out there, I found this hilarious way to explain how to use semicolons from a link from this new blog! You can find the semicolon explanation here. The blog is bluepencilediting.blogspot.com! I love it!

Tomorrow is move in day, Wednesday is PDAS traning, new teacher orientation Thursday and Friday, and then more trainings and meet the teacher next week! Again, I ask for your prayers for my sanity. I feel like everything is happening all at once and it has been incredibly overwhelming! BUT, thank God for my new job! He provides...yes He does!

EMPLOYED

2010-07-30T16:29:00.003-05:00

Finally I can say that I am employed! I will be working for Kilgore ISD at Chandler Elementary as a third grade teacher. While I am thrilled to finally have a job, there has been SO much going on trying to get things sorted out this last minute that I have been stressed out like mad. We have to find a place to live and the means to come by it in the next week. We are also waiting for Tim to get a job. He applied for the ETBU admissions job and we are keeping our fingers crossed for it! He would do such a great job. If that doesn't work out, we will be living in Longview (sadly not as close to Jeff, Sarah, Colin, and Carley as we'd like) so he will have options.

Obviously, God has a sense of humor. If you have talked to me the past year, you will know that I said I would work anywhere BUT drumroll please...East Texas. God thought it'd be HILARIOUS to open a door ONLY there. So, I'm confident that God isn't through with us out East and I am having to eat my words as we will again move back and continue life on our odd journey.

Here are a few of my positive thoughts:
- Although we will be East we will live in a CITY! Longview has much more to offer than Marshall.
- I went on a small shopping spree for my classroom with the giftcard I had recieved from my lovelies at Spring Hill and I got some super cute stuff!
- I found all the wonderful things people gave me at SH to add to my shopping spree stuff.
- I will finally have benefits!
- I have the keys to my very own classroom!

Here are my concerns:
- Jeff and Sarah will be more than 5 minutes away.
- The guy that had the room before me left a lot of stuff...I have so much cleaning and organizing to do!
- I do not feel I have enough time for training, putting my room together, finding a place to live ,and moving.
- Needing money for all the fees and a truck for moving.

Here is what I am confident in:
- God's plan is the ultimate plan...beautiful and strategic in every way.

Though I am very sad to depart the metroplex once again, I know God is going to use us as He always does.

Worry

2010-07-18T22:34:00.003-05:00

I've never had to be this patient and faithful. I have points in my mind where I just feel like breaking down and crying because I feel as if I've done everything in my power to find a teaching job...well...I guess that's the problem...I've done everything in MY power. I have been tested greatly these past two months about waiting for HIS timing. I've never had to wait for anything big, really. Now, Tim and I are both looking towards the end of Camp Thurman and attempting to remain confident of God's provision. Funny how God likes to strengthen us. I fight anxiety everyday by reminding myself that God is faithful and His timing is perfect. Although I fight doubt, God continues to provide...why wouldn't He now? His Word truly has been a lamp unto my feet and light unto my path...His words have reminded me of His faithfulness to His people. So, we wait...and ask for prayers!

26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

Matthew 6:26-27

And the beat goes on

2010-07-06T17:59:00.004-05:00

Life is still moving despite my absence from blogging. Life is busy, but not too eventful...if that makes any sense. Tim and I are working at Camp Thurman and we work Mon-Fri 7:30-4:30. It's been so fun and I definitely love my job. I had forgotten how much of a joy it is to work at CT...so many relationships, laughs, blessings, and fun! There really is no better job...I wish I could do it year round.

Speaking of jobs, I still do not have one. I have put out numerous applications and have only had one interview. God has not opened any doors and He closed the one...so here I wait (un)patiently trying to continue to be confident in His plan and His timing. Tim also does not have a job yet...we have had one lead there and we are just waiting...so pray for our career situation.

Tim and I will be married for two years on Monday! WOW....time has really passed quickly. What a wonderful, Godly man. He loves me almost perfectly (everyone has flaws) and I still feel like the luckiest girl alive for being married to a man like Tim. What a hunk! Life has been so wonderful with him in it!

My last bit of news is that my niece, Carley Erin Stapleton was born June 30, 2010! I got to hold her and see her and she is perfect!! So exciting!!

The End

2010-04-29T12:57:00.002-05:00

There are so many "the ends" going on right now and I'm beginning to have trouble processing it. First and foremost, as many of you know, I am graduating Saturday along with my brother! I do enjoy being able to say that I am graduating the same as my 4 years older brother...but that's besides the point :0). It is actually really special to me that we get to share this day together! We'll get to that later. Firstly, Saturday marks the end of my college career as an undergraduate. I haven't decided yet if I want to get my masters, but if I do it will not be right away ( I know many are saying, "don't do it! start right away!" but, I've made up my mind about that part. I have worked very hard in my studies and I would like to get a few years of teaching under my belt. I achieved my goal I set for myself four years ago by graduating with a 4.0 Summa Cum Laude! Exciting! I feel very accomplished and thankful that God gave me the patience and endurance to reach that goal. God gave me a brain and helped me use it!

Back to my brother. This marks the end of living in the same city as Jeff, Sarah, Coling, and soon to be here Carley. I am so sad about this! I have only spend one year away from them and that was when I went to Texas Tech my freshman year and Jeff and I unknowingly decided to transfer to ETBU the same semester. It has been so much fun and such a blessing to have friends (family as well) like them here with us every step of the way! I am going to miss them so much! No longer will I just walk in their house like it's my own...we'll have to drive 2.5 hours then walk in. Hopefully, they will realize that God really ACTUALLY wants them to go back to the Metroplex :0)!

This also marks the end of our service with the youth group at Crossroads. We have been a part of the student ministry for so long now and we have seen our students grow in maturity, spiritual maturity, and had so much fun along the way with them. This Sunday will be our last Sunday at Crossroads. I will not longer play bass for the church or teach small groups in the youth group. This makes me so sad. I love those kids so much! I love Crossroads so much and I pray that God leads us to a church as thriving and encouraging as this one. Our official last day with the youth is two weeks from yesterday and I can't say I 'm looking forward to it. Too many goodbyes and sadness.

Another end is the end of our first apartment together. Tim and I will be parting with married housing 707 E on May 15. It has been a great little apartment for us as our first place and our neighbors have been wonderful! It will be sad to leave behind our first apartment...but it will also be exciting to move on...even though I get in moods that I feel like I'm not ready to move on. Let's just say I'm a sappy wreck lately going from extreme excitement to extreme sadness, good grief!

Tim and I are still on the job hunt. We will both be working at Camp Thurman as counselors for June and July and will be praying for doors to open up for us for our actual careers. I am praying that God will open doors before June and July so I don't have to worry about work and interviews clashing...so pray for us please! AND, if you have any tips for teaching jobs in the metroplex let me know!

Onward Ho to real life!

Ready to slow down!

2010-04-08T21:02:00.005-05:00

Being a senior education major who graduates in 23 days has its pros and cons! Obviously, the biggest pro is that I am ALMOST done! Who knew the light at the end of the tunnel would actually fully emerge! I am definitely ready. I am not, however, ready to leave our friends here at ETBU. Life will be different without them!

A con of being a senior education major about to graduate is the frenzy that accompanies it. Tonight was our rest night on p90x...I was so excited! Yet, I am reminded that it was in fact not restful as we just got home at 9:05 pm. We firstly went to my Education banquet. There, I won the Delores Neally Spruell Award...they explained it as was I was nominated unanimously by the education faculty as the elementary teacher most likely to succeed. The reason there is a name on the certificate is because there is a $100 reward for my efforts! Our dean said some very nice and flattering things about my GPA, my teaching, and my attitude and I am so encouraged! After the banquet, we took Sarah a cake for her birthday! Then we headed to the Alpha Chi honors fraternity induction. We had our yearbook picture for the year and then we headed to a forum on spiritual warefare. It was very interesting...but only so much can be discussed in a 60 minute block.

So, here I sit updating my blog instead of getting to bed on time. This weekend is our macho man/girls rule weekend! It's a weekend aimed at purity and modesty for our students! We are so excited about this event! It is going to be a great weekend for our students and us, too! Also, Saturday morning I am going to have a dog for the morning and parade him around for someone to adopt him! SO EXCITED!

I have job fairs and applications out of my ears! Please pray that God would reveal his plan for us so we can know where to have a home!

Hiatus

2010-03-27T21:58:00.003-05:00

I am so sorry for this unintentional hiatus! I have had so many things going on that I kept pushing updating aside! I am now sitting on the couch watching the Stars (who will miss the playoffs for the second year in a row, first time to miss twice in a row since 88-89 when they were in Minnesota) and I finally have some time to update.

Much has happened in the past month. First off, I am at my new location for student teaching. I am at Crockett Elementary in Marshall, TX and it has been quite an experience. Absolutely different than Spring Hill but I am learning a lot and my mentor teacher is so sweet! I have really been forced to learn intense organization and classroom management strategies but it will be great for my own class.

That brings me to my next topic...finding a job. I have applications out for Arlington, Mansfield, Kennedale, Spring Hill, HEB, and some other schools in the DFW area. I find myself getting discouraged at the issue of trying to find a job in the DFW area when I am stuck over here. But, I am reminded that it is early and people are just now signing contracts so it will be just fine! Also, God is good and always provides, he has his timing and it's perfect...I just need to chill.

I graduate 34 days from today! I am very glad...and I succeeded with my 4.0! Woohoo! I will be graduating Summa Cum Laude. Also, I was asked to read a scripture verse at our graduation because I have been an "academically outstanding student." I am honored I was chosen for this occasion. I was also notified last week that I will be recieving an award at our education banquet next week! I will update and share what I am recieving because as of now, I have no clue! But, I was very happy to recieve the email that told me of this good news! I feel like my hard work has paid off for sure!

Another big happening in the Darst household is that we have started the P90X workout program! We are on day 9 and I will just tell y'all that I am already seeing results! It's so encouraging because I have been at a plateau for a long time! (I actually gained a little weight this semester, haha). But, we have a different work out every day and one rest day (every Thursday). I am LOVING it and I can't wait to see how well it worked 81 days from now!

We went on a mission trip to Galveston, TX this past spring break and it was awesome! We were actually in a little community called Bayou Vista and we fixed up a church that had taken some big damage from Hurrican Ike. It was a great experience!

I will update more often...sometimes I just need one post after a long time to get me started!

Fun Stuff

2010-02-23T15:48:00.007-06:00

I wanted to share a few things with my readers! In our classroom, we have been doing some fun things in social studies!

This is called the eight fold person, it was made out of 1 sheet of white paper and a circle from the head from another piece of paper. On the inside of the character's shirt, you can write facts or stories about the character! What's neat is that you can use these for historical figures, your students biographies, story characters, athletes, etc. It is so cute so I thought I would show my student's work. This is our People of the Alamo display!

Here is one of the Suzanna Dickensons upclose!

This is a folder game that I made for a review for our social studies test! They are incredibly simple to make since you design it yourself! I made the rules to be generic so the game can be played for any kind of review of any subject, you just have to make new questions each time!

The last thing that I wish I could post a picture or video but I can't seeing in that I don't have permission to use my students' faces is our news cast! We had a lesson guided by one of the lessons in our social studies book. We read the lesson the day before with a picture slideshow for engagement. Then, the next day, we reinacted the events from the lesson as if they were unfolding in real life! We reinacted the Mexican War including the boundary disputes, the skirmish at the Rio Grande, the Battle at Palo Alto, General Winfield Scott taking over Mexico City, and the Treaty of Hidalgo being singed. They all had one of those specific events and had to write a newscast as a group. They then acted out the news cast with interviews, news anchors, and field reporters. It was the cutest thing I have EVER seen! I wish so badly I could show everyone! I also want to post our class picture, but I'm pretty sure I can't do that either!

I miss my Spring Hill students very much! I am now embarking on a new journey in Marshall at Crockett Elementary in third grade. It was been interesting thus far. We will pray for a great second half!

Such a nerd!

2010-02-16T19:49:00.002-06:00

In high school, I really began to appreciate history. I had great teachers and I finally paid attention to how interesting the stories and events from history were. From my classes, I have learned that stereotypically, many elementary teachers do not enjoy social studies and history (which can be seen when it is saved for the last of the day when there is no time left). BUT, I am not the norm. I LOVE social studies. If it wasn't for the ridiculously hard Texes test and the history department I'm not the fondest of here, I SO would have done a history specialization. Anyways, I will only be able to teach history up until 4th grade because of my specialization. This makes me sad because there aren't "history" teachers in the younger grades...I would LOVE to just do social studies! I am enjoying it even more than language arts! Anyways, my kids are having fun with me and getting excited with me and I LOVE it! Friday they are turning into news reporters and will be reporting events LIVE from the Mexican War! I cannot wait!

Last week I lied to my students. I am not normally a liar and I want my students to trust me, but they definitely will remember our lesson. I typed up an official letter from the SHISD saying that the students would be required to pay ten cents for sharpening their pencil, then cents for getting out of their seats, etc. I gave this letter to our math teacher across the hall and told her to come interrupt our "lesson" to give me this letter. She did some wonderful acting and came in telling me that I needed to read this. So, my teacher and I reacted to the terrible news in front of the students. I read the letter to my students and they were boiling angry! They were raising their hands, questioning, telling me it wasn't fair. So, we decided that we would write letters to tell the administration why it wasn't fair. I felt bad because two of my students were crying (but Mrs. Jordan pulled them aside). They wrote these incredibly angry letters and signed a petition. After they had written their letters, I told them it wasn't real. They were so relieved/laughing/mad that I had done it. BUT, I explained to them that this is how the Texans felt when Santa Anna was taxing things he was not able to tax. It was awesome! They all forgave me and told me they would always remember that lesson. It was so awesome!

My students are asking me everyday not to leave and it breaks my heart! I absolutely don't want to leave them, I love them! But, I must do it to graduate. I am so sad about that :-(. I am going to miss them SO much.

Breaking the Habit

2010-02-02T19:28:00.002-06:00

I am already trying to break my coffee habit. I thoroughly enjoy the caffeine boost I get from the stuff, but it makes my stomach want to revolt...not badly...just enough to make me know that I don't feel completely right. Obviously my body is saying, "your selfish idea of waking up is not fun I will make you miserable." So, I am trying to just get enough sleep at night. Every morning, I would love to drink a nice iced diet dr. pepper, but it just messes with my breathing too much when I run. Speaking of running, I went yesterday but skipped out today. I am trying not to feel guilty because I know that I need rest...I felt awful today...but I still do feel guilty because I can't seem to get back into a consistent work out regimen...bah.

I had my first lesson that my university supervisor came to watch. She had so many good things to say (encouragement and critique)! She told me I was a natural and I was very flattered by that. She also was so excited and impressed that I use my new iPhone in class for a lot of different things. If I need to look up a picture online, I can do it and zoom in on it with the elmo. I was able to play the song that the Mexican army played as they marched in towards the Alamo for my class off of my iPhone, too! What a great tool! She thought that was genius! I felt clever :).

Everytime I make games for my class that is for two teams (the class divided in half), I give them ridiculous names that I hope will make them say, what?? or gross! We have played Jeopardy twice and a cloud game and the names have been given as followed: Llamas vs Wombats, Armpits vs Feet, and Aplacas vs Squid. At first, the students reacted like, "how could you do this to us??" But they quickly embraced the names and begin yelling for their oddly named teams! I had students saying "Armpits are smellier, so they're better!" and another student rebutted with, "but feet sweat more!" It was entertaining to me that they enjoy their names. I love being able to share some of my oddity with them. They really look forward to what their team names will be when we play. I love it!

Happy Birthday to my Granny! She had a birthday yesterday and she is one of the most wonderful ladies on the face of this planet!! She is beautiful, graceful, and so kind. I can only pray to be as wonderful as she as I mature! I love you Granny!

Week 4

2010-01-27T17:23:00.002-06:00

I am almost devastated to type week 4 in my title. I cannot believe this will be the halfway point of my first half of student teaching! Gosh, I am so sad! I am loving every second of it. I never dread going to school everyday and when I'm gone, I miss my kids! I may be ridiculous, but I praise God everyday that this experience was dropped in my lap when I thought it was a huge mistake in the first place. Wow, God...you're such a silly guy!

Anyways, I teach in the afternoons. I teach spelling and social studies or science (right now is our three week social studies interval). Next week I will start teaching ALL day. Can I just say I love social studies? Today was the Alamo lesson...SO much fun. I get so excited and I think it gets the kids excited, too! I am almost positive that I have the assertive presence I have been lacking. My students are no longer testing my boundaries and I am thankful for that!

I dealt with my first throw-up student last week. She came up to Mrs. Jordan's desk to make corrections on her paper and she just started getting sick. I told the students to turn around and do their work and gave the girl the trashcan and she walked up to the nurse. It was really sad because I, being the Madame Barfs-a-lot of elementary school, know how it feels to puke in front of a class. She went home sick, obviously...but the situation was handled...and I didn't throw up myself, so SUCCESS!

I finished the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series and I loved every page of it! Almost every student in my class who is able to read that level has begun the series and I am excited that I was able to help them get excited! I have started the Harry Potter series again....don't judge me, haha!

Anyways, life is so wonderful and I am loving every minute of this whole teaching business!

Perks of Student Teaching!

2010-01-18T17:02:00.002-06:00

Because today was a holiday in the public school system, I had a day off!! It was absolutely wonderful. I slept until 11 this morning, worked out, had lunch with Tim, and cleaned our apartment! We are about to go grocery shopping followed by pizza and watching the Stars game! We haven't had an evening together, alone, in over a week! I am very excited!

Friday I got to be the teacher in my class because my teacher was at a workshop. It went well overall. I had to do some documentation because, of course, the day the teacher is gone there is a scuffle on the playground. But, the boys were all happy and friends again by the end of the day...one just had a black eye. So, I documented the incident just to be safe in case there was a mad parent (which I doubt there will be) and I checked with a teacher that I had taken necessary steps.

My boundaries were tested on Friday. The students, being the little stinkers they are, decided they would see what exactly they could get away with. So, I was pretty stern with them, but they were kept in line! Hopefully next time they will just know how I work and forget the testing the boundaries part.

We had our DNOW this weekend at Crossroads. Our youth had a great time, we had a great time, and I think they learned some good stuff. I am really going to miss our youth group when we move. It was so nice to see Daniel, Mary, Chaz, and Hannah, too! I miss them so much and it was great to hang out and catch up.

So starts week three tomorrow!

Mmmmm

2010-01-12T17:52:00.002-06:00

Today I found myself in a new routine. Every morning when I get to Spring Hill, I put my things down in my classroom at my little desk and head to the teachers lounge. In the teacher's lounge, there are teachers, food, and coffee. I get my daily morning cup of coffee with Carmel Vanilla creamer and splenda sugar. Often, there are donuts, cake, or goodies someone has made...but I typically avoid them for my well being. Today as I walked in, I found myself automatically in the teachers lounge getting my cup of coffee...it is now routine and I love it! Free coffee on cold mornings to get us up and revving for the day! My new necessity- teacher's lounge coffee...it MUST be special since it's from the teacher's lounge!

I once again succeeded in riling up my class today. My poor teacher...She says the things I do are great but sometimes I wonder if the energy freaks her out. We played a science game today and a spelling game today that the students have never played. They LOVED it! However, the classroom was slightly noisier. She says she loves what I am doing and I sure hope so! I think a little noise sometimes is okay...but it's not my classroom...sooo, hopefully I am not completely wrong!

On a side note- Today marks one year and six months that the Hubs and I have been happily married! Such a hunk...and he's all mine ;-)

Day 5

2010-01-11T18:57:00.003-06:00

As I cried myself out of bed because of my serious morning condition I have suffered from all of my life, I reminded myself of why I woke up at 5:40. I go to Spring Hill to do the thing I love most right now! Once I was out of the shower, I was feeling less pathetic and was able to start my day. I got ready, packed my disgustingly adorable teacher bag, and picked up my fellow Spring Hill companions. It was a wonderful day!

Today was a writing day. Meaning, our fourth graders practiced a writing passage for the TAKS test. Therefore, my teacher and I had a lot of time to get things done around the classroom. For me, I used this time to make the fun games that I will be playing with my kiddos! My kids will be Cloud EXPERTS this time tomorrow. I had to find 45 pictures of specific clouds and it took a very long time to put together, but I think they will LOVE it! We are also playing Science Jeopardy to get ready for their science test next week! I think they will find these games extra fun!

Today I thought before I acted in the classroom! I heard this awesome corny joke that I know they would have LOVED and it came to me as Mrs. Jordan had left the room. PERFECT! I could be the cool student teacher who jokes around when Mrs. Jordan is gone! As I opened my mouth, I quickly closed it upon thinking about how every student would then have a joke to tell and my teacher would walk into a class of chaos after leaving it peacefully pleasant. So, I thought before I acted and saved myself and the teacher some trouble. I just like to entertain...but I can't ALWAYS do that.

5 days in and life is fantastic!

I lost a tooth.

2010-01-08T16:33:00.003-06:00

Day 4 of student teaching:

Lessons of the day

1) Have project measurements pre-marked when marking with anything other than whole inches. 4th graders in my class do not understand what a quarter of an inch is. An activity that was supposed to take 10 minutes to explain and put together took 45 minutes because the thought than one inch can be divided into four parts was over their heads. So, drop teachable moment so activity can be completed in one day.

2) Have a procedure for when students tell you, "I lost a tooth." A student raised his hand to tell me he had lost his tooth. I laughed and said, "cool."...then realized he should probably rinse out his mouth. I referred him to our teacher and she had little boxes to put them in.

3) I am going to need to be more authoritative. I got to do a book talk for my students for the book The Sea of Monsters from the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. If you have been around me for more than five minutes, you know I am dramatic. Well, give me a script or a story and I am on my way. I had the kids on the edge of their seats with excitement and then they couldn't calm down. Although I love getting students excited...I need to be stern enough to get them back on track. Pretty sure my teacher had me to thank for the hyper kids at the end of the day.

4) Always act like you know what you're doing. My teacher had to take a student to the office and did not get back in time to take the students from the computer lab to the buses and cars. My teacher never got back...So, I pretended I knew what was going on and got them from the lab and to their respectable places and then prayed that I did the right thing and they all got home...my teacher returned to the room like 5 minutes later and apologized...but I guess pretending to know what's going on is good for the students.

It's been a great week...I am definitely glad for a weekend to unwind with but I am excited about next week!!

It MUST be a dream!

2010-01-07T16:29:00.003-06:00

So, because three flawlessly wonderful days is just unheard of...I must tell my tale of day 3. It's funny how when big events come up you dream about them. I remember the month before my wedding. I kept having these ridiculous re-occuring dreams that I would be up at the alter and some guy (not Tim) would come down and I HAD to marry him...I had no choice. I also remember dreaming about sleeping through my finals the night before finals. Well, in my dream last night, I was awaken by a doorbell ringing. I had no idea why someone would be ringing the doorbell before 6 am. Then, Tim jumps out of bed and says, "Jenni, it's 7:05!" I jumped out of bed to see my phone ringing because my ride is waiting for me outside.

Then, I realized...this was not a dream at all. It was the reality of my morning. So, I washed my face and put on some makeup, grabbed the first pair of clothes I could find and left...10 minutes flat. (My ride had left at 7:05 because I would not make them late because of my stupidity.) In the midst of my getting ready frenzy, my hunk of a husband was being the saintly wonderful man that I love so dearly. He went out to start the car, put in the address in the GPS, made my lunch for me, and was waiting at the door to kiss me goodbye. With the help of him and my GPS, I arrived at the school at 7:59 and the students were not in the room yet. My teacher had been notified thanks to my friend, Andrea, whose mom works at the school. My teacher was absolutely understanding and wonderful about the situation. It was a bad morning. (I never turned the sound on my phone back on last night after church, so while my alarm was going off, there was no sound.)

Because of the kink of the morning, I felt out of it during the day and tired. So, because there cannot be three perfect days in a row...this one came about.

I have decided to be a better blogger and try to humor you readers with my fun student teaching stories. Hopefully you enjoyed my drama of the morning. What a nightmare!

Student Teaching

2010-01-06T21:33:00.002-06:00

The past two days have been the most wonderful days of my education career! I began my student teaching at Spring Hill Intermediate School Tuesday. I was nervous because it was a new district so far away and I had no idea what my teacher would be like....not to mention I had no desire to teach fourth grade! Well, my teacher is absolutely AMAZING! She is so sweet and loving and SUCH a great teacher! Spring Hill is a wonderful district from what I can tell. I walked in and felt welcomed automatically. The kids are angels and my teacher picks what she gets to teach. I love it! I could so be a fourth grade teacher! It reminds me a lot of my elementary school. These two days are the first time in the past four years that I have felt completely confident in wanting to teach! Hallelujah! Spring Hill is much different than Marshall...but a good different! I have a feeling these first 8 weeks are going to fly by much faster than I would like them to. I emailed my professor begging him to let me stay for the second half, too since fourth grade is considered a lower and an upper grade. Anyways...just a quick update before I hit the hay! I am loving student teaching!

Just some thoughts

2010-01-03T23:05:00.002-06:00

Tomorrow is the official first day of getting back into my workout routine. This break has been glorious not thinking or worrying about working out seeing that it is not a favorite of mine. My little belly can vouch for that! But, it must be done. My goal is to lose at least six pounds in the next four months. I think it is doable, but it will be a challenge. I have been the same weight since high school...but maybe I can break that! I can see myself now moaning in anguish and hating myself for not running for two weeks....humorous for others I can imagine. Luckily for me, most people don't get back for another week so I will have the gym basically to myself....so maybe I won't make a fool of myself after all...at least not in front of many people.

The last step of my education begins Tuesday. I will be student teaching in Spring Hill in a 4th grade reading class. I think I'm ready...well, maybe I will be ready if I can remember the teacher I am supposed to be with. Ha! I don't know that I ever got official documentation of my mentor teacher's name. Hm..I should look for that. But, it should be a great semester! It just doesn't feel real...I will definitely keep updating how that goes.

Have you seen the movie Julie and Julia?? It made me want to be a blogger for one and two I am hoping to be like Julia when I am old...without the annoying voice. Just saying.

To my family- Thank you for a wonderful holiday season of joy, relaxation, and full bellies!

For Today

2009-12-21T16:49:00.004-06:00

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'

2009-12-11T11:28:00.007-06:00

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

2009-12-08T18:15:00.004-06:00

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....

2009-12-01T16:05:00.002-06:00

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!!

2009-11-16T12:19:00.003-06:00

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

2009-11-10T16:01:00.003-06:00

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

2009-11-02T13:10:00.004-06:00

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

2009-10-25T21:43:00.003-05:00

**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

2009-10-13T17:20:00.002-05:00

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

2009-09-30T21:09:00.002-05:00

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!!

2009-09-27T21:40:00.002-05:00

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

2009-09-15T21:57:00.002-05:00

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!

2009-09-01T16:15:00.002-05:00

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

2009-08-12T15:01:00.002-05:00

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

2009-08-02T21:44:00.002-05:00

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

2009-07-22T10:59:00.004-05:00

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

2009-07-15T08:57:00.004-05:00

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

2009-07-06T09:05:00.002-05:00

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

2009-07-01T06:55:00.002-05:00

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

2009-06-19T23:15:00.002-05:00

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

2009-06-05T07:30:00.004-05:00

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

2009-05-27T15:36:00.002-05:00

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!

2009-04-27T13:16:00.002-05:00

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

2009-04-11T00:34:00.002-05:00

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

2009-03-31T12:53:00.002-05:00

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

2009-03-03T15:19:00.002-06:00

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

2009-02-21T19:19:00.002-06:00

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

2009-02-15T18:33:00.002-06:00

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

2009-02-09T19:41:00.002-06:00

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!

2009-01-16T15:02:00.003-06:00

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

2009-01-08T13:03:00.002-06:00

....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

2009-01-01T14:58:00.003-06:00

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!

Sadie

2008-12-23T17:14:00.003-06:00

I have issues with people who abuse and neglect dogs. Presently, I look at dogs off of the SPCA websites and look for a dog that I will someday get to take home with me. Many of the dogs on the website come from abusive homes and have sad stories. There was one dog in particular named Sadie. Sadie was a beagle mix who had been so badly abused that she was bug eyed and paralyzed. When I saw this dog, I wanted her immediately. She is a special needs dog. As stated previously, she is paralyzed and has to be helped around and fed and given water with help. Her little tongue always sticks out of her mouth and she was completely adorable. I was so moved by her story I was wanting to call and ask the place to hold her for me. As I read, I came to the part that said "we lost Sadie on.." I don't remember the date, but it was a memorial fund for dogs who are abused. I was incredibly sad that I wasn't able to be the owner of this dog, but atleast she isn't in pain anymore. That night, I cried...cried for dogs who are abused. People take out their aggression on these innocent animals. They starve, beat, burn, and do so many things that you could not even imagine. The crazy part is that most of these dogs still love humans. Anyways, as I was crying and feeling horrible I realized that people do this to children and sometimes adults, too. There are people on this earth that take pleasure in torturing not only animals, but human beings. Anyways, my heart is saddened for pups that are neglected and abused and I wish I could take every one of them home with me. This may sound silly but I've been praying for these dogs, afterall, they are His creation.

This is Sadie

What?

2008-12-17T15:14:00.003-06:00

8 things you've always wondered about me!I was tagged by a few people.
8 Favorite Restaurants:
1. Italy II
2. Olive Garden
3. Jalepeno Tree
4. Taco Bueno
5. Jason's Deli
6. Campo Verdes
7. China King
8. Did I say Taco Bueno?

Things that Happened Today:
1. Work
2. Andy and his sister came over
3. I am making a big supper later
4. Christmas party at work
5. Went to Walmart with Tim
6. Ate Subway
7. Walked a girl to the nursing building
8. Cleaned house

Things I Look Forward To:
1. The real Christmas break...Dec 24 we finally are off for a bit!
2. Graduating
3. Having kids!!!!
4. Getting a dog
5. Sleeping in
6. The stars playing on Thursday
7. Seeing a movie with Jeff and Sarah on Friday or Saturday...I forgot when
8. Seeing my family next week

Things I'm Scared Of:
1. Spiders
2. Snakes
3. Sharks
4. Where we will be in the next years
5. Debt
6. Not being able to transition smoothly from college to real life
7. If Tim were to die
8. People in other cars

8 Things I Wish For:
1. No more debt
2. Kids
3. For my kids to grow up to be strong in their walks with Christ
4. To finish college with a 4.0
5. For Jeff and Sarah to end up in the same place as us
6. A dog
7. A home
8. More time in the day

8 Things I Watch on TV: ( We don't watch much tv)
1. Sports Center
2. Dallas Stars
3. Dallas Cowboys
4. Dallas Mavericks
5. Rangers
6. Simpsons
7. What Not to Wear (I am a bit obsessed)
8. Wheel of Fortune

I tag EVERYONE...that means you maaaaa

My goal

2008-12-15T16:04:00.002-06:00

I set a goal in high school to make straight A's in EVERY class. I blew that goal in chemistry the 5th six weeks by getting an 89. Although my semester averages were all A's, I did not achieve my goal.

So, in response to my high school failure, I set a goal freshman year to graduate with a 4.0. I have made it this far and I just got all of my grades in and I am one semester closer to achieving my goal! Three more semesters with two crazy hardcore classes and I will hopefully achieve this! Pray for my sanity while doing so.

I think that college is more about experience than grade point average, but I didn't come this far for nothing. So...GO Jenni!

About that...

2008-12-11T15:11:00.005-06:00

Finals are finished! I am just waiting for my grades to be posted online. Thank goodness for that! Now, it is the break and all I am responsible for is work! BUT, luckily I love my job. I actually may not finish this post because I have a tour coming up in a few minutes...but maybe I will- time will tell.

Tonight we are having Jeff, Sarah, Colin, Ben, and Tiffany over for dinner and it is going to be swell! Tim is making is famous twice baked potatoes and we are going to indulge in food and fun! I am excited. Life just seems so much more enjoyable when I am not stressing about projects and tests. Sometimes I don't have a life because of how busy school gets...but this week has been social and fun!

I heard on TV the other day that how your house looks reflects how things are going in your life. I have found this to be true. Our house has been a DISASTER the past month and I was so stressed. Now that this week has come about, the house is clean and I am not stressed at all. Funny how that works.

I am so thankful for Tim...I know I say that every post, but it's so true. He is the best husband and I am so grateful that I found him before some other girl did, haha! They surely would have snatched him up before me! I guess I can thank Daniel, Mary, and Chaz for that one :0)!

I am going to try to enjoy my break and I hope everyone is enjoying the cold!

AND, because I got tagged TWICE...here is this.
Rules are, you must list 5 addictions and pass it to 5 people!
Addiction -- an abnormally strong craving
1. Tim. I can't help that one. I love being around him and doing things together. I love that we sit on the couch and laugh at our goober selves. I love that we go to the grocery store together. I love that he loves me.
2. Chapstick...I cannot live without it and I freak out when I don't have atleast one with me.
3. Watching the Dallas Stars...I can't help it. I get so excited when I know they are coming on TV.
4. Animals...I am such a sucker for animals. I love them and I love to cuddle them and talk to them and be a goober about them.
5. I am obsessed with Facebook...it's sad.
6. I am adding this one because I can...I am obsessed with hanging out with Jeff and Sarah. I get withdrawls sometimes. It scares me that in a year and a half, we will quite possibly not be in the same place and that makes me incredibly sad...Tim and I are very thankful for our friendship with them.

I am tagging:
1. Maaaa
2. Kristen Clifton
3. Sharon Wheat
4. Andelicia
5. Mary

Outta my way, BOX!

2008-12-02T10:54:00.003-06:00

This Thanksgiving I was sitting at the in-laws house and they were watching Jingle All the Way. There is a part where this guy is running through the holiday parade and there is a person dressed up as a gift box and the guys yells "outta my way box!" and pushes the box down. The movie is horrible, but that made me laugh, so I thought I'd share.

Last week was way too nice. I did not do a single thing that had to do with school and I enjoyed my family and friends. We had TWO thanksgivings, so we definitely had our fill! I was not ready to come back at all! Almost my whole family was at our Thanksgiving which was so awesome considering there is always someone gone to one place or another. It was delightful! I love my family.

Now that I have come back to the real world, I am stressed out the worst I have been this semester! Atleast I got a nice week before, right? Today, I have a math project due, the homework for the next test due, three chapter reflections due, and a test. Tomorrow, I have my huge science project due that is most of my grade and I am only 1/5 of the way done! I have to finish this tonight. I have a final on Thursday and then two take home finals due Monday and Tuesday of next week. If you have ever had a take home final, you know that they are much more challenging than in-class finals. The other final I have next week is in-class and stress free. I have an old edition of one of my books that I have to use for my take home final in my Ad. Lit class...so this could pose a problem. On top of that, I am having to work extra for our Shadow Day that admissions runs. So, this week is definitely not my favorite, but there is light at the end of the tunnel! Pray for my stress level.

On a more positive note, the relationship between Tim and me has never been better! The more days that go by, the stronger we grow, the more we love each other and the more we understand how to make the other feel loved. I remember back to six months ago when things were very shaky, hard, and sometimes just flat out bad. Since we have been married, we have been able to be completely honest with each other, talk out our issues when they pop up, and love each other like we deserve. I have never been so in love with him and I look forward to this to continue!

Dear Sarah (and Jeff)- thank you for being wonderful to Tim and me! We love y'all!
AAAAAnd, Dear Mary, Happy birthday yesterday! We love you very much too!!

Well, I was just taking a break between the math project and the science project so back to work I go!

A whole new world, a dazzling place I never knew!

2008-11-20T10:20:00.003-06:00

My title has absolutely nothing to do with my post...often times they don't.

Last night Tim and Jeff had their soccer championship game, and they sadly lost. My team also played our championship game...we lost, too. I scored our only goal though! I also pulled my hamstring pretty bad...all in the love of intramurals! Too bad I don't get a tshirt out of that one...

This weekend is coming fast, and I am definitely ready for it. I have had so many projects and papers, it's time for a break! It's too bad that I have one more big project due the next week, a test, and a final. BUT, I am almost there. I know that the next semesters are NOT going to be any easier...in fact they get busier and harder...but, a break will so so nice. I can't wait until I can just go to work and not have to worry about class over Christmas break. I guess it'd be nice to not worry about either, but gotta make that money and pay those bills!

I am ready for this week, but then again...although traveling is nice and I love to be with family...I know it's going to be exhausting. Luckily, we get to have a Thanksgiving with both families! HOORAY! I am just praying that this one will be a little more tame than the last.

I hope everyone enjoys their holiday!

**EDIT**
So, I'm sitting here thinking about the things I want. When my mom asked me what I wanted for Christmas...there wasn't anything really that I wanted. The things that I want are unrealistic not possible for the time being. Examples...
- I want a baby. This is not okay for many reasons. One, there is absolutely no way on earth that would be financially feasible right now. Two, Tim and I definitely need a few years to enjoy just us and cherish that time. Three, I haven't graduated yet, and being pregnant could DEFINITELY make things difficult.
- I want a dog. This is not okay because we are not allowed to have pets where we live. There are stray dogs everywhere that we could rescue, but alas, no animals allowed.
- I want to graduate. Well, duh, this is not feasible because obviously I have three whole semesters left.
- I want to know where we'll be in a year and a half...well, that's God's timing and not mine. SO, who knows when we will find out that bit of info!

So, if you ask me what I want for Christmas...I don't really know...I just know that I'm getting ahead of myself.

I copied Sarah...

2008-11-18T10:06:00.003-06:00

So, here's to procrastination and blogging!
I have copied Sarah's Simple Woman's Daybook.

FOR TODAY Tuesday, Novemeber 18...
Outside my window...I can see the parking lot...but I feel the coolness from the outside which makes me smile. I love cold weather. I just gave a tour of our campus in this cold weather.

I am thinking...that I have two more projects I need to finish in the next few days, so I really should be reading right now.

I am thankful for...this Sunday. We went back to Crossroads and it felt good to be there. I think we are going back next Sunday.

From the learning rooms...I have two classes today. I have a classroom management which I love, and a math class tonight that my attitude has been poor about. The math class is not bad, but I get so frustrated with it because it is so late. I need to not be a poop about it.

From the kitchen...tonight, I am not cooking! Tim is making his infamous twice baked potatoes...oh they are sooooo good!

I am wearing...my Rec-ing crew shirt with a black undershirt...it makes me smile to remember those awesome times at Children's camp. I love getting people excited...that's why I work for admissions at ETBU.

I am creating...a movie for my science class, annotated bibliographies for my Adolescent literature class (I love this class!) and working on a math notebook with article reviews.

I am going...to clean at some point today...

I am reading...Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants for my Ad lit class.

I am hoping...That God clearly shows us (Tim and me) where we need to be after I graduate.

I am hearing...a lawn mower close to our house...otherwise it's just me in my apartment clicking the keys away.

Around the house...there are guitar hero guitars laying out and our running shoes on the ground from when we played raquetball and crashed on the floor to play guitar hero.

One of my favorite things...is falling asleep beside my husband everynight.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
-Finish the three projects
-Win soccer playoffs
-Go to Ennis this weekend.
-Not go crazy.
Here is picture thought I am sharing...

This is a clip from the movie I am making for my science class. It's a slowmation movie that Emily and I made out of playdough. We took tons of pictures and barely movied things so that it would be animated. This took forever...

http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Rainy day

2008-11-11T11:20:00.003-06:00

Three projects, a test, and reading two books are on the agenda for the week! Next week I have to do annotated bibliographies for those two books, two article reviews, and a TEKS notebook...my goodness! Maybe by Thanksgiving I'll be able to breathe...until then I will sit here and slave away as I listen to the wonderful rain!

I have not been sleeping well the past two weeks. I wake up a lot, so in the morning, no matter how much sleep I get, I don't feel rested. Last night I had three dreams about going to the moon. In the first dream, we were chosen by a church group with Sarah and Jeff to go to the moon! In the second dream, we went with one of our married couple friends Sarah and Matt. The last dream, we we won some contest to go. Before we left in the third dream, we went to this big convention that was very crowded and there was a hockey game going on, shopping, people everwhere! I got separated from my family and I didn't have a cell phone so I laid down on this cot and waited. It was strange...maybe God wants me to be an astronaut!

Kristin came in this weekend and it was awesome! I love my cousin...I forget how good of a friend she is. Tim and I definitely enjoyed her company. One night we went over to Jeff and Sarah's and Nena and Ken were there...so we just had a big party!

That's just about all going on in my life at this point...dreaming big and not sleeping (oxymoron?). Soccer playoffs are next week and I am extremely excited!

Have a nice week!

Red Raiders

2008-11-01T23:00:00.001-05:00

Well, how 'bout em??

Oh corn!

2008-10-28T13:52:00.011-05:00

The title of the post is for my granny and my mom. They say "oh corn" or "oh foot" when something goes wrong, haha. Really, there's nothing wrong minus the fact that I am yet again procrastinating.

Also, I mention corn because Jeff, Sarah, Colin, Tim, and I went to the corn maze/pumpkin patch/farm thing in Shreveport this weekend. I value my friendship with them so very much, this weekend was pleasant! I laugh so hard when we hang out with them...we have many "adventures" even if Sarah does not like being adventurous!

Tim and I are still absolutely clueless about where we need to go to church at. We still don't feel "at home." It's disheartening...it just makes us want to stop church for a while. But, we need the fellowship and family...so that's not okay. Pray that we will find a church home somewhere that we can be loved and used for His work.

I had a traumatic hair cut this weekend. It is uneven and not at all what I wanted...so in an hour I get to go get it fixed, and I am incredibly excited...I have had to wear my hair up in the past few days because of how awful it is. Luckily, my old roommate's mom is a wonderful stylist and she will save the day!

Can I just say that I am really bad at personal relationships? Since I've gotten married, it seems the thing I care about the most is coming home to Tim to hang out and rest...which isn't bad, but I feel like I have neglected other friendships I have made in the past. Luckily, we have married friends, too, which makes it easier to hang out all together at once..but still...sometimes I feel like I isolate myself...and lately it doesn't bother me that I do, and I don't know if that's okay.

Well I hope everyone is having a good, yet cool, week!

Can I just say....

2008-10-22T15:37:00.002-05:00

Can I just say that I love my husband? I do. He is wonderful.

We are on the etbu commercial together and we look cute :) .

This is us being our crazy selves this weekend for Homecomming at ETBU.

Number three

2008-10-15T15:08:00.006-05:00

Lives can be taken so fast. I was informed that a friend and fellow youth that I used to take home from church almost every Wednesday was killed in a car accident. She was a sweetheart, a youth that I was hoping I could be a good influence for. When I was a youth at University Baptist Church, we had about 15-20 students. Out of those, three have passed away in the past two years. One from an accidental gun shot at a party, one from a weak immune system from leukemia, and one from a car crash (she was present when the one at the party died). It is so hard to fathom what God's intentions are. Why would he take a life so young? Obviously, in His plan there is a reason, but in my totally human mind...I get so frustrated.

In my frustration, most of it stems from knowing how little time we have here. Part of me screams inside begging to God that these young people knew Him...and that I was someone who could have helped or hurt their belief in God.

I guess my big issue is that I was the female youth leader of all three kids that have passed away. Could I have done a better job? Did anything I said help them see the glory of our Majesty? Did my example open their eyes to accept our wonderful Savior? I don't know any of these things for sure, God does. But I want to know...I want to know full well that these students are up celebrating the new life with our Creator.

When we see the God of the Old Testament full of anger and revenge on His people, it's hard to believe that Jesus came from that same creator...gentle, humble, loving, accepting, forgiving. I know God is all of these things, but contrasting that to the wrath he put upon the Nations of Israel, he doesn't seem to be the same God....or atleast until something like this happens. God gives AND He takes away. I just wish I could grasp why.

I sing when I'm alone in my apartment :0)

2008-10-14T10:24:00.002-05:00

It has been a while since I've blogged...I'm sorry to have kept you guys waiting.

Life is busy...and while it's busy I sit here and procrastinate. I haven't had time to blog because of school and such. I love being an education major and not writing papers all the time...but project after project gets tedious and time consuming! I am ready to get in that classroom!

In other news, Tim and I have begun praying about our jobs. We figure it's never too early to start praying for direction and clarity. We have thrown around the ideas of living in Mansfield and then I could teach in Arlington or Mansfield...I would love that! We both love that area! But, that's what OUR plan is, haha! God does place desires in our hearts for a reason, and so living back in the metroplex is still realistic! I am excited to see what the next few years will bring! I am scared at the same time, though. When we move, we will not have income yet...so that could be a bit rough. If everything goes as planned, we will be out of debt (minus school loans and a car payment everymonth) next year! It is so nice to be able to say that! When I start teaching and Tim is doing ministry, our income will triple if not quadruple what we are making now! We can finally have a real saving account!!

I probably won't be blogging again for a while, Homecoming is this week, soccer is starting, and like I said projects are piling. So, this will have to suffice your hunger for now!
Just know that God is good, and we are doing great!

I am quirky, too!

2008-09-29T09:21:00.002-05:00

Okay, so I'm not all spiffy and I don't know how to get the little icon....but I know I got tagged by Sarah to name 7 quirky things about myself, SO HERE GOES!

1) I keep chapstick with me at all times. I CANNOT live without it. I have five different kinds in my purse right now!

2) I have to press snooze at least two times in the morning. (Sorry, Tim!)

3) When I use the microwave, I leave the left over time up...and it drives Tim nuts haha!

4) I am obsessed with cleaning my livingroom and kitchen.

5) I have to hang up ALL of my tshirts and hang them in order of color- Black, brown, blue, purple, red, orange, yellow, grey, and white.

6) I shower multiple times a day.

7) I never finish what I am drinking...there is always something left in the can or the cup. (and I don't drink my cereal milk)

I know I have tons more, but those are few. Haha

If all my readers could keep my granny in your prayers, that would be wonderful! She has breast cancer, so it's scary, but they caught it early. So, prayers please. AND, granny I heard that you read this so I want you to know that I love you! (you too, Papa!)

This weekend went by way too fast!

Another week come and gone...

2008-09-19T16:04:00.002-05:00

I am sitting at work passing the last 10 minutes, and I figured this would be a good way to do so. It is Friday and for that I am incredibly thankful! This was not a bad week at all, but the weekends are always more than welcomed! I am incredibly excited about tonight...Tim and I are going on a DATE! Who says you can't go on dates once you're married??

My husband is the best. We were just laughing together last night remembering that our first meal was at Arby's! We went to Arby's in our mock wedding outfits and a just married car. We were so hungry, we didn't want to wait! I never thought I would love someone so much...God truly created something amazing!

We are visiting another church on Sunday. I am pretty excited, we both have a good feeling about this one...so pray for us! I applied for two scholarships today...so pray for that, too!

Tim has cooked for us twice this week! He is a great cheif, might I add! He made some wonderful chicken and then last night twice baked potatoes! What a catch!!

God keeps blessing us! Life is wonderful :-)

Sleep habits

2008-09-11T09:27:00.003-05:00

One of the biggest surprises of marriage has been the sleep habits of my husband, Tim. Before we got married, he swore to me that he layed on his stomach with his hands pulled in and did not move at all (like he would know since he was asleep, right? haha). Well, I have learned that is NOT what happens. He changes positions a lot and talks. Many nights I am awaken and I can't help but laugh at the funny things he does in his sleep. One night he was on a roll! He woke up at one point talking about his feet and when I said "what?" he mumbled something and fell back asleep. Later that night, he rolled over and patted my leg and was still asleep. After that, he rolled over and put his arms around me and said, "no shower." And I asked him, "you don't want ME to take a shower?" and he said, "no" and then I asked, "do you not want to take a shower?" and he mumbled and was out again. He does things like this many nights, but I can't always make out what he says. Last week, he mumbled something about moving rocks. Last night, he mumbled something about food, but I couldn't make out what he said. The funniest thing he has done happened last night as he was falling asleep! I was facing away from him and I heard like a smacking noise. He was kissing his hand! He woke up and was like, 'oh my gosh, that's not you!" It was so funny, somehow he thought he was kissing me...so I kissed him and laughed for a while.
On another note, I woke up myself up last week punching the air...haha I've never done that before, Tim must be rubbing off on me. I was punching this guy in my dream and lo and behold, I awoke taking a cheap shot in thin air!

I have my first test and my first peer teaching today! Wish me luck! This weekend we are coming to Arlington to visit my family, then to Cool to visit the grandparents and then Sunday to Ennis! Busy, busy weekend!

I hope your week is going splendidly!

Hello old friend...

2008-09-04T14:12:00.002-05:00

It's definitely been a while since my last post. As suspected, school beginning has taken over my life and no longer do I have time to dawdle around on the internet.I should be reading and working on endless MINDLESS projects for my classes...but I think it's good to unwind a bit.

My classes this semester are not that bad. Sometimes I get really tired of classes that feel like an insult to my intelligence. I feel like I am wasting my time and money on certain classes that will go unnamed. Anyways, I am definitely thankful that it's a light load even if I still have a lot to do. Projects, projects, projects...and they're all the SAME just for different subjects! Venting completed.

It's weird to have wifely duties. When I get home from work, I usually have an hour until class. So, I do dishes. When I get out of class, I go home a straighten the house, vacuum, make the bed, sort the mail, clean the bathroom, and the kitchen (I can't stand a dirty kitchen...or even a dirty house for that matter!). Then, I sit and I read or work on whatever assignment or project I have until Tim gets home. Tuesdays and thursdays I go to class and get home at 6:30 and cook dinner afterwards. Then, I clean up dinner and spend the small remaining time left with my husband. I have never been much of a clean freak...but now that this is our HOME, I cannot stand for anything to be out of place. Ask Tim haha. I like that I have routine, but it's just funny to look at myself as a wife.

This week we began our Journey program here at ETBU. Journey is an organization that gives freshman upperclassmen mentors aka "mom and dad" and brothers and sisters that are all freshmen, too. They meet once a week for bible study and encouragement and then hang out and build relationships all semester. For this organization, I am a coordinator. Monday went AMAZING. We have done a lot of preparation and retreats and meetings and we finally began! We had almost 200 freshman show up!! Our moms and dads this year are amazing....all spirit led passionate people who want to be RELATIONAL. I am so stoked. It takes up a lot of time, but it's so worth it!

Tim and I are church hopping. Lucky for me, chapel on Wednesday was a church fair. So, I got to go around and meet people from different churches and see what they had to offer. Two churches in particular stuck out and we will be visiting them in the coming weeks. I talked to the youth pastors of both churches and both were so excited that I brought up Tim and I wanting to help with youth! We want to work with youth, just not full time. So, I am incredibly excited about checking them out and seeing where God wants us! In fact, one of the youth pastors emailed me personally. Pretty cool...I hope we find where we need to be!

I should probably update this more often so that I don't write novels every post.

These are the days of our lives...

2008-08-22T08:52:00.004-05:00

*UPDATE* I was off this afternoon and I went and changed my social security card, drivers license, and my school registration...SO, I am OFFICIALLY Jennifer A Darst!

I'm posting from my job here in admissions again...surprised? You shouldn't be, I still just sit around all day. However, lately I have had a sense of contentment with my job. I have been told that people have told my boss that their tours were they best they had recieved on a college campus. My bosses are pleased with my work and it makes me feel accomplished, especially when most of the day I feel like I am just wasting my time and the school's money sitting here.

The freshman moved in on Wednesday. I felt bad for them, it was the rainiest possible day that they could have moved in. BUT, they all got settled in. It is so refreshing to see excited young people coming into college! They are so excited and alive waiting for their new lives to start...it rubs off on me! Just talking to them charges my day up because they want to know all about college, what they can get involved with, and what kind of professors they will have. I have met a few of the students I have given tours to and they were excited to see me, what a welcome! All of our BSM Journey Coordinators are sitting out at the meals recruiting people to join our freshman family program and we had tons sign up in just one day! This is going to be a good year!

As for me and the school year starting, I feel quite uneasy. I don't mind working, but classes starting just does not sound appealing at this point! I bought my books yesterday...but it still hasn't quite dawned on me that classes begin in 2 days! I am now an upperclassman in college...how odd. I feel like a sophomore since this is only my second year here. When I look at my semester by semester plan, it is so crazy to see student teaching next year! WOW, college really does fly by. I can't wait until I can do what I am actually going to college for! I will say I am incredibly excited about my bowling class....that's going to be freakin awesome!

Last but certainly not least, the marriage update! Married life still has not ceased to be incredible! Not only that, but God has provided for us in big ways and we are feeling good about where we are! Tim is an amazing husband. The little things he does mean so much! Like last night for instance, there was one of the biggest mounds of dishes that we had so far. I was not feeling well and he got up and did the dishes for me! He's so sweet! We got new phones and we have unlimited texting and picture mail...and he sends me sweet messages all the time and cute pictures. I love Mr. Timothy.

I have a lot to say this time around...there is more but I think I will break it up and save some for later because this is probably too long of a post.

Fairwell my friends!

One month!

2008-08-12T13:28:00.003-05:00

Today, Tim and I recieved a blessing. Everyday I go get the mail for my job, and I check our mailbox as well. Today, as I was leaving the postman said, you have some mail in your box so he gave it to me. There was an unusual letter that was not addressed with our correct address or return address- just "Jenni and Tim". So, I opened the letter and inside there was a note that said "you guys are good people" and a $100 bill! I started tearing up right away and ran outside, jumped in my golf cart, and drove to where Tim was working to show him. This was such an exciting surprise because as you read in the last post, we are struggling financially. So, to our anonymous friend(s)...thank you so much. Know that you truly blessed us and God will bless you in return. Thank you.

In other news, today is our 1 month anniversary. One month ago today, I was getting my hair all touched up and ready for our wedding. It doesn't feel like it's been a month already. I love married life a lot. It can definitely be stressful, but when you have your best friend with you all the time, the stress doesn't seem unbearable. I am so grateful for the month we've had together and I look forward to the ones to come! I love my husband so much!!

We have some friends getting married suddenly this weekend. It's exciting, but it was supposed to be in November and so they are kind of stressed out. Prayers for them. Prayers for my attitude, too. I really wanted to stay home this weekend and relax, but it looks like we will be bsuy busy getting this thing together. I don't want to be a sourpuss...I love them very much.

Ay Ay Ay....

2008-08-06T13:26:00.002-05:00

I know Tim and I followed God by getting married. So, why are we struggling so bad financially? I know God provides...and He will continue, but oh my goodness- bills keep stacking up! Today, I was trying to get cleared from the business office so I can go to school this semester. We owed $728 for our summer rent which showed up as being covered by our financial aid package. Well, we were told that we were to pay it and then we would get a refund since it showed under our financial aid package. Apparently, that was incorrect information. I went and paid thinking we would get our refund in six to eight weeks, and she told me I would get $415 for a book voucher and nothing for a housing refund. So, there goes the $728 we charged on the credit card thinking we would get the refund and pay it off as if we had never charged it. We are struggling financially, and it's scary! I am just ready to be on our feet making normal paychecks so that we can get in the swing of things.

We are both very ready for me to graduate so we can both go get the jobs we actually went to school for. Our annual income will almost quadruple when we get jobs in two years. Poor Tim, I know he is really not enjoying his job right now because it is SO hot outside. He is working 8 hour (well 10 hours until this week) days in the sun. If it weren't for me getting my tuition paid for my senior year through his job, he probably wouldn't work there. I really want to get out of debt...most of the debt is from school and it is terrifying when I look at the amount of the loans between Tim and me. I am venting...

God provides. That is what I keep having to be reminded.

Mawiage

2008-07-30T14:50:00.002-05:00

When I fell in love with Tim, I fantasized about how marriage was going to be and how wonderful it would be to have the love of my life with me forever. Now that it is here, I can't believe how naive I was....naive in a good way...naive to think that it would only be as good as I thought. It has exceeded my expectations and I am in awe at how wonderful it is to spend everyday and every night with the man God has called me to be with. It is crazy how perfectly God created marriage. Sure, it isn't always easy, but it is so amazing. The bond that grows between a husband and wife is absolutely breathtaking. How could two people be designed to help each other's weaknesses and feed off of each other's strengths so perfectly? I guess that is the mystery of God's power.

It brings me grief to see what our world today sees marriage as. It is a broken, corrupt, temporary fling that has fallen with mankind. This is not how it was intended to be. First of all, 1 Corinthians 13 explains the importance of love. Well, what is love? 1 John is full of love references that explain what love is and how we should love. Love is applied to each of the husband and the wife in Ephesians 5 telling of how the husband is to love his wife as Christ loved the church...bathing them in the word of God. Wives, they are to love their husbands and to submit to them. So, now it is obvious why marriage here has gone wrong. If people don't know of Christ's love in the first place, how can they have the marriage God intended them to?

Now, I'm not saying me and Tim's marriage is perfect by any means, but becaue we have the love of Christ, our love goes beyond what many American's love does. This is the wonderful gift of God. Knowing this, I am challenged to use our marriage as an example of grace and love and let people see that who may not know Christ. I want everyone to experience what God has intended for those who accept His love.

I love my husband and I love our marriage.

Work Work Bo Bork

2008-07-23T15:28:00.003-05:00

So, here I sit at work again. Our system is getting upgraded today and tomorrow so besides campus tours...I have nothing to do! Again, I like my job, but when there is nothing to do, the time passes so SLOWLY. I wish I had something really exciting to write about...but I don't haha. I am actually up at the front desk since my boss went home and I guess it looks like I am working while I sit here and type, play on facebook, and look at wedding pictures. Poor Tim, he works outside in the heat all day, and I go out there everyonce in a while, but for the most part I get the luxury of airconditioning. He is always so tired when he gets home, it makes me feel bad for him!

I am starting to work out again today...oh hooray! That is sarcasm. I haven't really worked out since the Tuesday before our wedding...that was like two weeks ago! I definitely don't want to put on any weight or lose any progress that I have already made.

I cannot say that I am ready for school to start. I don't mind working, but when school AND work come around, I know it won't be as fun. Plus, when school starts I only will be getting like 11 hours a week, so Tim and I will definitely feel that. But, God provides :0).

Am I weird? Is it normal to look at your wedding pictures atleast once a day everyday after your wedding???