Random Picture Challenge 7.0

Brittany is at it again. She is hosting the random picture challenge today. Either choose from the 11th folder or September 2007 folder!

This picture is of HSU's football game. I loved how all the guys are facing forwards and watching the game so intensely. Seriously! Spring training is already in full swing and football season is just around the corner. Oh and if you don't know, I love Football :)

Update & a bit of amazing insight

First of all, thank you for praying for me to feel better and get well soon. Granted, I still feel lousy but am hoping by the weekend that the tapering off of steroids (that are making me dizzy) will help a bit too :)

Second of all, I have a friend (Sara) who allowed me to look at "x, y, and z" in a different perspective. Since they told Sara and I that our first test in Activities in Elem PE would be killer and expect to fail, she told me that drove her to study harder and prove them wrong. Well, I guess our studying paid off because we both got "A's" on our first test and 95's on our killer lesson plans we did for Monday. So as for "x, y, and z," I am taking my bloggers advice and "shutting them up."

Seriously! Liz and Gen were the first two commenters who said the same thing about "x, y, and z" (telling them to shut it/there is always a few in school) and I totally agree. I have also come to the conclusion that "x, y, and z" don't/won't study, so I am at an advantage also. Thanks for all the comments about "x, y, and z" too, they really lightened my day.

Hope you all have a great weekend. Mine is full of homework, but I am squeezing in a few lifetime movies as well. Seriously! There is nothing better than movies and homework in bed :) Try it sometime.

Enjoy your weekend

Thankful Thursday & A little bit of everything

The above pictures are just a taste of what I enjoy working with 3 days a week. M is 22 months old and such a joy. We went to the zoo on Tuesday and saw lots of animals. We spent a good 3o minutes watching the monkeys and birds. Seriously, any animal this child watches, she imitates. We spend mornings making monkey noises, walking like elephants, and just having good old fashion fun. She is such a joy and I love her to pieces. I also never get tired of hearing my name. She can not pronounce the "E" in the beginning of my name, so it sounds like "yeast" with out the "t." We are buddies and I love each day with her.
**************************************
Today was frustrating in itself because girls "X, Y, and Z" think it is hilarious and just fine to talk through out classes, show up sometimes, and not take education classes seriously. This strikes a nerve because I am a SPED/EC-6 major and take it very seriously. They don't want to do the work and this concerns me because teachers HAVE to do LOTS of WORK once they start teaching. I'm sorry, but college is not a piece of cake! Uh...now back to regular non-rants.
****************************************
I have not posted in almost two days and the reason is LIFE. I just got diagnosed with an upper respiratory infection and sinus infection today. The doc loaded me up on meds to alleviate wheezing and discomfort, but I have this annoying headache that feels like a jackhammer CONSTANTLY. At least I have not had an infection in a while, but geez, it does not have to be this strong. I am taking off morning work on Thursday (per my Nonni's demand request) and only going to class to get the gist then leaving. I really wish that I could just not go, but that is not possible this week. To all you moms too, I am drinking plenty of fluids and taking it easy...so don't worry :)
******************************************
Thankful Thursday top 10:
** Family and Friends
** Grandparents...enough said :)
** Troops who fight for freedom
** Home
** A child's laugh
** Your name being repeated over and over by a child...grin
** Clean water to drink
** Medicine that makes people feel better :o
** Professors who listen and are genuinely interested in your life :)
** People who care
*******************************************
Hope you all are having a spectacular week with out sickness. I know, I know, I will get rest, relax, and not worry. Prayers for a speedy recovery are welcome. Thanks in advance.

Have a great Thursday!!!!

NOT ME Monday

MckMama is at it again...you guessed it, it's Not Me Monday day. She is the genius behind this fabulous therapy that is free and worth looking forward to week after week. Seriously! This woman rocks my world like crazy. Now onto what I did "not" do this week:

** I did not die laughing when "Stop...in the name of love" came over the CVS loud speaker and this lady actually jumped off the ground and started singing in dancing in the aisle. I then did not have to steer into an aisle because I was laughing so hard.

** I did not spend 20 hours away from civilization (cell service, Internet) to spend time out in the middle of no where with friends and family. Never...not me!

** I did not have the best time riding in the back of a truck (holding on for dear life as well) while a 13 year old was learning to drive on dirt rodes that were all fenced in...nope, I would never like the cool wind in my face :)

** I did not sleep in a recliner last night and sleep like a baby.

** I did not have a really nice and relaxing weekend.

** I did not forget to take pictures this weekend.

** I did not really like the game "ImaginIff" we played last night! Btw...it was REALLY good!

** I am not thrilled that others are posting at 1AM as well...since I am catching up on homework that was not not done this weekend.

** I did not climb over a fence after closing it to avoid getting killed by a cactus growing up it...nope, not country girl over here.

** I did not have the best time with a friend that I brought out in the middle of no where on the drive to and there...nope, not me :)

** I did not decide to write this at 1AM, since today will LONG and TOUGH!

** I am not teaching a PE lesson to 20 EC-2nd graders today...I am not also super excited about it!

Hope you all have a fabulous Monday. I wish that the weekend was longer, as usual, but am so glad that MckMama makes Monday worthwhile!

Have a great Monday

Being spontaneous

I've noticed a trend lately, I seem to become a debby downer by the end of the week since school/life seems to speed up and get rough. Yes I still blog, but actually have had no motivation to post lately. I am tired and wiped when I get home, so imagine trying to do homework, laundry, cleaning, cooking, checking emails, and blogging while sleepy. Mind you, I did not sleep well at all last night because I decided to change my dull weekend this weekend.

This weekend, my friend and I are driving to Lampasas and being spontaneous. We both have a required event on Saturday morning, but around 2ish tomorrow, we are hitting the road. Destination: no phone service, no Internet, just peace and quiet plus being able to see my mom, dad, brother, brother's friend, sister, and sister's friend as a plus.

My dad and his company have several hundred acres of land (where they hunt as well) and everyone is heading up there this weekend. They are already there and looking forward to my friend's and mine's arrival. I am hoping it is just a 2.5-3 hour drive. My friend will be my direction helper since I have never gone from collegetown to Lampasas before. Yes I have been from my house, but it is different...me driving and no parents to direct. So if you think of me tomorrow, pray for safe travel and direction. I have an idea and map to where I am going, but it is just different w/o the parentals there.

Dad and I had a conversation last night too and he asked why I was driving 3 hours there for just about 20 hours, then driving back and starting another week off. My words exactly..."I need a vacation and this is the only one I can get for another month." I need this little retreat. Yes, it's only for a couple of hours, but it is something. He may not understand, but I am so excited for this. I promise to take LOTS of pictures and relax just a wee bit.

As for the homework front, I am taking some with me and am hoping to type up stuff that is due Monday. Oh and did I forget to mention that I am teaching 15 home school kiddos PE for 45 minutes Monday...well I am. So I am hoping to get my lesson plans and activities done ASAP too.

Hope you all have a great weekend. Relax a little and enjoy time off :) I will be back on Monday to do the Not Me Monday and do I have LOTS to report too. Enjoy the sweet weekend folks!!!

Have a wonderful weekend!!!!

2 Amazing offers in 2 days...

So I have a father who believes networking is important. Well, a guy (who I babysit for) who used to work for my dad e-mailed me this week and asked if I would be interested in an internship with S.N.A.P. this summer. You see, he is on the board of Directors as is another lady, (President of the Board) who I have worked for (babysitting,) and asked if I would be interested in developing a more spiritual based program for people (teens/adults) with cognitive disabilities. Let me tell ya, I was HONORED. SERIOUSLY! To be thought of is an amazing opportunity, but this is so COOL! Nothing is set in stone yet or put in contract, but I will let you know as the details develop.
**********************************
Well today I got a message from my church back home and was asked if I would be willing to intern as the Children's' intern for the summer :) I LOVE my HOME church. The people are AMAZING and the staff is AWESOME! Golly gee, what another honor!!! I have given an informal "yes" already and it is being described as a part-time, ten hours a week internship. I will meet with church staff on my Spring Break (9th-13th) to pan out details and learn more. Again, I will let you know more when I know :)
**********************************
Right now, I want to do both and am hoping I can. I voiced an interest last summer about this church internship, so I am so excited :) Life is stressful right now and summer is still months away, but to already to panning out summer details is cool :)
**********************************
One of my babysitting contacts has already contacted me to see if I would be HOME this summer too. Can you believe in a few months that summer will be in full swing? Seriously!!!!
**********************************
Hope you guys are having an amazing week. Yes it may be stressful or overwhelming, but the weekend is near. Can you believe it? I can't! Life is sure flying this week!

Tuesday Tribute for teachers

Wayne got me started on this Tuesday Tribute about a month ago and I won't look back. So many have touched my life and I am very thankful. There are so many people who make my life worth living and I promise to honor each one of you :) This week's tribute goes to:

TEACHERS

Some of you are teachers of Kindergartners or below and some may say that you have talent, I say you're a saint in my book. If you are in elementary school, you rock. Middle school...have fun and high school, you are just brave. Plus, if you teach special ed, you have a gift.

THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for ALL that you do in those eight hours during each day, five days a week. You don't get paid enough...by the way. I do realize that it is not about the money since I am studying to be a Special Ed teacher and have been told as well, but there is something just special about teachers.

If you don't teach school, but teach in another way, like with kids. THANK YOU VERY MUCH! In my book, everyone can teach something and any teacher is SPECIAL. Anyone who cares to teach children about the world is SPECIAL. You are all heroes in my book too.

Thanks again for all that you do

NOT ME Monday

Can you believe Monday is already here? Seriously! The time just FLYS by each weekend. Each week, I hit a wall and dream of the weekend. Then there is a point on Sunday when I get excited because I know Not Me Mondays by MckMama are just around the corner. MckMama's famous "Not Me Monday" idea had hundreds of hits last week and this week will be no different. Sit back and enjoy today as MckMama totally rocks our socks off!

** I did not not change from shorts to pants to shorts back and forth about ten times this week. I totally did not want to have to explain that many times, so the car was a better idea in my head. ;)

** I did not live on iced tea last week nor did I wear the same brown pants three days in a row. Stress does crazy things to people and for me, the pants/shorts situation kind of made me think that it was okay since I was only in them half of the day...then changed to the other.

** I am not getting really tired of this yo-yo weather.

** I did not feel really domestic on Sunday night as I sewed buttons back on pants and washed dishes...nope not me :)

** I did not get really giddy when I felt more muscle in my right arm.

** I did not cook a new recipe and actually LOVE it. Has a little kick in it with the cayenne pepper and pepper too. I will also not post it this week either.

** I did not allow the bathtub to overflow once I got in it this week...never! Oh and I learned my lesson for allowing it to get really high too ;)

** I did not voluntary pull the Internet/computer plug this week and allow 60 emails to pile up after two days. I would never make a move to improve my weekend either :o

** I most certainly did not admit that I actually like spending time with my friend at the hospital. I would so rather her be home, but hey, the hospital chair is actually comfortable. BTW, she is doing okay. She is expected to in the hospital for another week and my daily visits I think brighten her day as much as mine.

** I did not actually enjoy my weekend this time. Packed with movies on tv, laundry, hospital time, cooking, and homework I actually enjoyed the two days of no fixed schedule. :o

Hope you all enjoyed this edition of NMM. Free therapy and fun reading. What more could you ask for. Be sure to check out MckMama's blog for more NMMs.

Have a GREAT day!!!!

Now doing MUCH better...

I must be a real popular person since I had 21 words of encouragement and support this week. It meant the world to me and I am very appreciative. This week was a toughy, but it is over. Celebration time!!! Thank you all for your love and support this week! You all rock my world...literally :)

TGIF

Needing encouragement

Hi everyone,

This week is NOT treating me well and I am already overwhelmed. Could ya send me a little love and encouragement please? It would just make my day/week. This and next week are looking cruddy so I am just in need of a little support and encouragement.

Thanks,

Following HIM (~Elyse~)

Tuesday Tribute for Abby

Wayne features Tuesday Tribute each week and to see more, click on the button.

If you have not pressed on my left hand side "Praying for Abby" button, you should. Her story and updates will change your life. This four year old is fighting leukemia and is only four. She does not feel sorry for herself and her smile is contagious. Abby's family is her ROCK and she loves fan support. Check out the Riggs family blog by clicking on Abby's button.

Seriously! This young lady is making a difference in the world and she is only four. Today, my Tuesday Tribute goes to Abby for staying strong and fighting this cancer straight in the face. She may only be four, but she is wiser and stronger beyond her years!

Personal note: Abby, you are so strong and I wish I had as much strength and endurance as you do today. Please feel better soon and keep smiling! Love you sweet girl!!!!

Fight Abby Fight!!!!

NOT ME Monday

Guess what? Queen (she is royalty now) MckMama is genius for starting this Not Me Monday post. Seriously, I look forward to it each Monday and this whole free therapy is a major plus. So hunker I crack myself up down for some embarrassing things that did not happen this past week.

** I did not not sugar coat my answers in a meeting on Tuesday and just did not blurt out anything that came to mind. Mind you, this meeting was not at 9pm on Tuesday night and I did not only get a few hours of sleep for my bright and early class on Wednesday.

** I do not get really giddy when I am really tired. I surely did not find that out this week either. Nope not me!

** I did not fall in love with Lifetime movies this week.

** I am not in love with my turtlenecks this winter. No that would be silly and they are shirts for goodness sakes.

** I did not draw a bath and then wait 30 minutes because I got distracted on the computer. No the water was not oh so cold and I did not have to wait for the water heater to reheat.

** I did not drop my razor in the toilet and have to fish it out this week...nope, not me ;)

** I did not wake up wide awake on Friday morning. Mind you in it was 4:30AM and I was less than not thrilled to be up at such a dark hour. I then did not stay up for 21 hours following that nice wake up call. Baking sweets did not fill my kitchen Friday night nor did I actually enjoy baking up a storm.

** I did not actually go out to a coffee shop on Friday night. This is not surprising since I tend to be in bed early...what a life I know. I did not then have an Alpha Phi Omega (service fraternity) rush game night event on Saturday night either. I did not ditch my quiet evening for fun nights that I actually enjoyed :) The cookies and brownies that filled my kitchen on Friday night were gone the second they were smelled by begging college students too. I am not glad I got out of my schedule and enjoyed two nights out. No, they were not that late, but this is HUGE for me.

** Slim junior was not found gone on Friday afternoon. That is count SIX of the rat issue. I know...GROSS. I then did not find that something has been in my rice cakes, onions, and popcorn that were sealed! Uh...I am tired of slims period!

** I did not enjoy a bowl of Vanilla ice cream with a spoonful of blackberry preserves atop on Sunday night.

Hope all of you have a fabulous Monday. Be sure to visit MckMama's blog on Monday for more NMMs. Can't believe the weekend is over already. Like I say each week, the weekend REALLY needs to be longer.

Have a fabulous Monday!!!!

Limbo

To all my faithful readers,

I have been a bad blogger this weekend. I am only now turning on my computer this Sunday night for homework. This weekend has flown by and I PROMISE that I will be back soon.

I definatly will post a NMM tomorrow and life will kick back into FULL gear in the morning. I have had a really bad migraine today and am just now attempting to do homework. I also have a friend who is in the hospital and she is making slow progress. Her name is Muriel and she is a tough cookie who is fighting an infection that got into her blood stream.

This week is FULL as I have 4+ tests, two papers, and four articles for the school newspaper due soon. I will be back when I can.

Thanks for all the love and support!

Following HIM (~Elyse~)

TGIF

THANK GOODNESS IT'S FRIDAY!!!!

I have come to realize that my schedule is just going to be tough this semester and I am OKAY with that. I am learning to trust my boundaries and let a few things go...just a little bit. I am learning that kickin' the feet up is a good thing. I am learning to trust HIM!!! He has a plan that I will stumble upon and LOVE.

TGIF

Thankful Thursday

Top 10 for the week:

** Supporters...not the best 4 weeks, but great supporters.

** Facebook, Twitter, Blogger...my outlet I am grateful for.

** Smiling faces

** Blackberry Preserves

** Coffee...LOTS of this this week :)

** Answered prayers

** Lifetime movies

** Emails that make me laugh

** Laughter in general

** People who make my day :)

Have a wonderful Thursday

Wordful Wednesday...just pray

Angie hosts the WW and I thought it was time to tell ya something. No, I can't keep my mouth shut that is why it is WORDFUL! There is a bunch of illness and tough times ahead and I challenge you to pray for anyone who is fighting illness or is having a tough time right now. I wish I could tell each family there is a miracle coming their way, but I do not know what God has in store for each family. Please take a moment to pray for families who are in the midst of turmoil or distress.

Abby has also been on my mind lately and I really have been impressed that this three year old is fighting leukemia with such a strong urge. Her family updates their blog daily for updates on her status as well. I do not know how she remains so positive and is only three. I wish I could be as positive about this situation as her. Her button is also on my right column under praying for.

See more WW's by clicking on the button

Tuesday Tribute

Wayne decided to start Tribute Tuesday and I thought I would play along again this week. This week's tribute goes to my Popsie...a Wayne...as well. Popsie is always there to listen and talk to. He genuinely cares about each person he sees and is SO CARING. Life with Popise is hilarious and very insighful! I am so proud to call him my grandfather and my life is so blessed with him. Anytime I call him, he always asks "How ya doin'?" Then I always say...good..."How 'bout you?" Cracks me up that we have our little ritual...every time with out fail. Many memories are shared with Popsie and I am so thankful for him as well.

Have a wonderful Tuesday

NOT ME Monday

Ok can you believe it is Monday already? Seriously, the weekend just seems to zoom by! MckMama and her Not Me Monday therapy session is the reason I look forward to Mondays & because of the weekly & FREE therapy she provides plus laughter too. Now onto what every wants to read...my nots of the week!

** I did not have ANOTHER rat situation in my apartment this week. Nor did I not jump up when the rat ran across my kitchen floor Sunday morning nor did I find a dead rat on my kitchen floor Sunday night! Nope...Y-U-C-K!!!

** I did not tell some of my class members to just agree with the teacher so we would not get even more far behind than we already are!

** I am not tired of drainage/allergies and the effects of them. Left out the details :)

** I was not not a nice Christian girl on Wednesday morning driving into school, since the weather man told me to stay in, but school decided to start just late :( I did not slip and slide and skid all the way to campus and feel really uneasy the entire time. I did not have bad thoughts the entire way to school...no cussing (promise)...just thought!

** I did not slip on the ice on Wednesday and fall on my tailbone...O-U-C-H...It HURT and STILL does!!!

** I did not feel like dirt run over for most of the weekend. Feeling better today though :)

** I did not spend most of my weekend with the tv on with movies in the background while doing homework. Nope...Not me...I always do homework in silence!

** I did not eat/drink 2 milkshakes this week. Of course, I did not make them myself and they were not amazing by the way.

** I did not have a hilarious conversation with my sister on Friday night. It most certainly was not the highlight of my day :)

** I did not eat 2 chocolate bars and drink iced tea for dinner on Sunday Night!

Hope all of you enjoy the free therapy today! Head on over to MckMama's blog for some more FREE therapy! Enjoy this week :)

Have a great Monday

Honest Scrap Award

Jill over at Sneaky Momma awarded me with this award. I feel so honored :)

Here are the rules for these awards:
1). List 10 honest things about yourself - and make it interesting, even if you have to dig deep!

2). Pass the award on to 7 bloggers that you feel embody the spirit of the Honest Scrap.

10 honest things
** I don't mind changing stinky diapers.
** I love a good and hard challenge.
** I can't stand feeling left out.
** I can't believe how childish college kids act sometimes.
** Reading books about Special Ed gives me encouragement.
** I did not make my resolution about loosing weight this week. I will live on the healthy side...most of the time :)
** I am addicted to checking my emails at least 4x a day. Now twitter and facebook are right behind emails.
** I LOVE history :)
** I have really small veins, so on a good day, giving blood is tough.
** I really need this week to go better and not have as many surprises like the last 3 weeks.

Passing on the award
I can not just pick 7 of my sweet commentors, every single one of you deserves this award. So go ahead and award yourself this award. Then let me know you did :) I am amazed at the power of encouragement each one of you has and am very grateful for EACH ONE OF YOU!!!

Serious.Life.Magazine

Serious Life Magazine is a free magazine that is published monthly. It can even be emailed to you...that easy and free. Brent Riggs, who is the editor, invited blogs to be featured in a blog directory...in the magazine. The magazine will be up online on Monday. My blog as well as many others, including MckMama's, will be featured in the blog directory. Just to let my curious bloggers know, Brent Riggs is the father of Abby, who is on my Prayer List. She has leukemia and is such a little fighter!

Head over to Serious.Life.Magazine to see what this magazine has to offer. Pick from an array of many subjects such as family, adoption, humor, spiritual life, finance, and many more! Remember that the magazine is FREE and the new issue is available on the Serious.Life.Magazine website THIS Monday!!!!

Encouraging Words

With many experiencing loss or sadness or hospital visits today, I thought I would give a few Bible verses of encouragement today. My prayers and thoughts go out to each family who are in the midst of troubling/hard times right now.

** Romans 15:5-6: "May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."

** 1 Corinthians 14:3: "But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort."

** 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17: "May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word."

** Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Live each day to the fullest