where it counts

I had to make a phone call to a father of a very upset little girl to inform them that his little angel had kicked two boys...where it counts. I can't remember how old I was when I learned this was a bad thing. She was five and a half.

Brad and I have decided to take the plunge into joining a small group. I am really excited about developing some relationships where it counts. I also learned a teacher from my school is in the group -- God is good :).

We are praying a lot about where we are headed next year. I find it so uplifting when God makes you yearn for something, but yet the situation is totally out of your control. I am learning to trust God where it counts.

Our mischevious little dogs decided to shred our carpet this morning, sometime between my shower and the time I left 25 minutes later. Let's hope that doesn't cost us too much money to fix because we have very little money where it counts (but a lot in retirement where it doesn't count yet...).

By now, my phrase is worn out so I will anxiously await my husbands return, invest some time in cleaning, and be thankful that my count to the weekend is down to one more day.

six more weeks...

Today the groundhog saw his shadow. I can't say I'm surprised. Teaching Kindergarten you learn a lot of valuable "world" things...like the history of Punxtaswaney Phil. For instance, of the 82 times (I think!) that his predictions have been recorded, a mere 15 of those forecasted an early spring. But of those 82 predictions, he has only been correct 33% of the time! So maybe he'll be wrong this year :). Either way, all I'm asking is that my husband doesn't have to plow our entire alley way again because the church we rent from has plowed us in (innocent mistake I'm sure but nonetheless troublesome!). It would also be nice not to get stuck 5 times on your way out the alley way and then not be able to drive about 44 mph due to ice and snow shalacking your axles. Ahh winter.

Last weekend was my 24th birthday! The weekend extravaganza began on Friday night with a wonderful night out with my dear friend Sarah. We went to dinner and then came back and relaxed. On Saturday, after shuttling my husband to and from basketball games, we finally left for Indy. A quick stop at distinctive got my engagement ring back (after a long two weeks with a bent prong!) and then to the fashion mall for a little more than my hubbie could handle :). But did I get quite the birthday deal. How about a $240 outfit for a humble $82?? Happy birthday jeans and a top to me. Thanks BCBG.
After we departed from the fashion mall, we headed straight downtown to check into our hotel. Many traffic lights and bumpers later, we arrived at the assumed hilton. You'd think, right? Oh no. There are apparently 5 hiltons in one square mile. Of course we would go to the wrong one. So more traffic lights, bumpers, and parking garages later, we arrived at the real hotel. I won't admit that I was cranky, because it was my birthday after all. A quick shower and we headed to the fabulous pf changs -- I, of course, hadn't eaten a thing because all my meals were saved for our one stop! Bad choice. "Our wait is two hours." Blasted. We strolled around the mall and my stomach was very glad that it was only a 50 minute wait after all. Dinner was as good as imagined and after a while longer out, we headed back to the hotel.
Sunday brought more surprises! My wonderful mother and sister made cupcakes for my whole class to take in on monday. These were no regular cupcakes, definitely superstar quality. I'm talking dinosaur and teddy bear sprinkles. I even had enough to share with students from last year. I'm blessed.
I finished off the birthday celebrations with massages with dear friends yesterday. We went to a beauty school in anderson and other than my inexperienced masseuse's long nails, I walked away relaxed. We followed our girls day out with dinner and great conversations. I love girlfriends.
A great birthday celebration. I am a lucky girl.

I must mention here that my dogs are sick. Pray for them. Both are having less than solid stools, one is upchucking, and they both refuse to eat. We know from my previous post that this is a tragic and frightening thing!

My snow day count is up to two. Brad's? Six. I was resentful, I'll admit. But I'll be the one snuggled in at 10am in June while he makes up each and every minute.

I've decided along with the master's I'd like to begin that I'd like to write children's books and go to conferences on all things literacy and best practices. I'm not sure how all those will fit into a schedule but I'll try to make it work. I begin tomorrow with the indiana conference on learning. I'll let you know how it goes!

Lastly, if you could say a prayer on the direction our lives are taking. We are praying about some changes that I will not mention here just yet. Change is scary and uncertain but I don't want to let my hesitation and comfortability of where I am at change who God would like me to become. I'm open, Lord. Send me.