I want...

my weekends back!!!

Homework is taking my weekends away and I want them back!

I want to, for just two days, not be stressed and worried.

I want to enjoy MY days away from school.

I want my weekends back!!

Is this too much to ask?

For realz?

Have you ever heard of the expression "don't blink?" Well it has hit me right in the face this week! I can not believe that...

* the school countdown is on (I start 8/23)

* I am a senior in college this year

* my brother gets his permit this year

* my brother is 15 already

* some cute quads will be THREE on Sunday

* this is my final year as an undergrad

* this time next year, I will hopefully have a job as a teacher

* my birthday is near as well

Time flies so fast!!!

Give me a break!

Have you ever been taken advantage of? Do you feel let down after the fact?

This week was TOUGH and I was reminded multiple times, by family and friends, that it is okay to be upset or emotional and for others to see it! Wednesday, by far, was one of my worst days and I had a really difficult time with the after effects, but each day after has gotten a little better! Sure I am HURT and frustrated but my mom reminded me that I am "only human and it's okay to show others that you are hurt."

It's frustrating, annoying, and down right ridiculous how others sometimes convey meaning and messages but it's LIFE and life is not always fair!

So if someone forgets that you are only human and have feelings as well-it's okay to some them a little emotion!

Since your only human!!!

Simplifying

Simplifying: a word I am not used to. A week ago I was diagnosed with anemia plus another issue (e-mail for details) and have been experiencing severe fatigue to the point where I am tired all the time.

SO

I have to now simplify my life and activities and focus on school for the most part. There are only TWO weeks of school before a week of finals and they look just packed of projects and miscellaneous stuff to complete.

THEREFORE

I have to give up my babysitting job and volunteer activities on Wednesday afternoons. I may not like this idea but it is for the best until I get my energy back.

I ASK

For prayers as I finish my last semester of my Junior year (19hours) and for my sickness to go away. A plus would be for the return of my energy too.

Have a great Tuesday!!!

S.L.A.M.M.E.D.

So much for easily coming back to school.

I am pretty much slammed (to say it lightly) this week with tests, projects, and reports that are all due on Thursday and/or next Monday. SO...my time online for "fun" stuff will be limited. :( I will eventually post vacation stuff soon.

Have a great week!!!

Just because...

I know I have been MIA on and off but school has been really busy and hectic these days. I have been taking the weekends to relax and rest up for the next week ahead.

Thought you would enjoy a picture or two to hold you over until I have time to put three or more sentences together :)

A week without stress is possible

Earlier this week, I commented on FB & twitter that I was going to attempt to not be stressed and I have to tell you the truth...it is not easy not being stressed. Monday was easy, Tuesday I was good until I was working on a calendar and I almost killed the computer/printer at school but I survived. Wednesday was great and Thursday was starting to ware on me a tad but I just remembered my challenge to myself and get through this week.

SO...I can officially say that my "school week" is almost over...finally...and I survived a week without stress...during school! I can already tell ya that Friday will be smooth sailing since I only have one class (8-11:30) and it involves decorating a classroom in preparations for a preschool adventure each Friday for the rest of the semester. I am SO EXCITED about this class. I get to teach preschoolers each Friday and get class credit. Ideal situation for me!

This weekend I have LOADS and I mean LOADS of reading to complete and notes to take...but I am just a-okay with that since it is the weekend by golly and I have Monday off for MLK. Can I get a woo-hoo?! Stress will not be a part of my weekend this week. I can assure you of that. I am also excited to watch football all weekend long too. Superbowl Sunday (2/7) is just a little ways away and I am counting down.

I am also a little, okay A LOT, excited about catching up with my blogging peeps! I have missed you this week but I am still getting used to a busy and hectic life back at college and by 10pm...I am done. So bare with me as I adjust :)

Hope you have had a wonderful week! Are you glad it's Friday???

TGIF

Behind...in more ways than one

I will admit that I am behind in blog reading and commenting...I am sorry! Some weeks days will be better than others. I know my sweet peeps "get it." Time sometimes seems to FLY and other times it seems to DRAG!

This weekend's outlook looks daunting, but I am up for it. I may need a weekend off after this one. First, I wanted to say that you for the prayers and encouragement on my last post. I really appreciated it today :) Secondly...I am having to take a step back and reorganize/recognize how much I can bite off in every situation. NO, the word, has never been an easy word for me to dispense. I am not wonder woman, by no means, but I just like to have a "say" and be involved in all that I can be.

BUT my priorities will be rearranged and my life needs a little breather too. This week showed me who is boss and I was literally flying at the sleep-deprived seat of my pants. This will not happen again. I have to take care of ME and get my school work done first before other activities.

I am definitely thinking about Jeremiah 29:11 right now and it is by far my FAVORITE verse..."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." This verse will be by my side this weekend for sure!

Have a safe and fun weekend!!!

Wordful Wednesday...fee style

Please know this following is a vent and could be humorous to some!!! You have been warned.
Have you ever been overwhelmed by how much things cost?! Have you ever wanted to just scream at the top of your lungs because you get another call, from another company, saying that your "bill is...." or "your rate will be..." or "it will take x amount to fix?" Well this has been my week and it's only Wednesday.

It started on Monday, when my truck had to be put into the shop b/c it was towed...well I get the dreaded call no owner wants...your truck needs this, and this, and this repaired/replaced!

Then when I pick it up on Tuesday...it was expensive. Let's just say that!!

Then...I get a call on Wednesday saying my electricity has been shut off and apparently it is against the law to not have electricity on in the apartment. AHH!! So after shelling out more $$ to pay the bill, I get the electricity turned back on. Thank you Reliant for making me shell out more money!

Then I figure out that I need to call my Internet provider and make sure that bill is paid too.

Thank you Suddenlink for taking more of my money!!!

Then and only then, while I was driving out of the Dodge car lot, I realized I needed:

Do people realize that I do not have a

Trying to look up...priceless!!!

For more WWs, click on the button

One of the most interesting days...

Today was, well, one of the most interesting days I have ever had in my life. I went to Wal-mart after church to grab lunch meat and a newspaper. Then I walked to my car and it happened, or did not happen! My key would not turn and my steering wheel would not turn. BAD NEWS in Texas people!!!

So there I was...I called my dad, after the 3o minutes of trying to start the car, and he said to call someone to come pick me up. I tried a few people and eventually the neighbor boy, who will be a senior in HS, came to pick me up. I thanked him for the ride home and then waited until my dad got home for round two of the ultimate, start the car gig.

Well we both head back to Wal-mart and dad tried and tried, but to no avail. So we drive home, in his car, and call the wrecker to come pick it up. BTW...if you live in DFW, B&B Wreckers was amazing and so kind. So the wrecker got to Wal-mart, accessed the situation, since I was smack dab in the middle of the parking lot and tried a few maneuvers first. To no avail, he had to tow it. So getting his wrecker in was interesting, but then we ran into a small snafu.

You see...the wheels would NOT turn. So the guy had to get this thing-a-majig out and manually turn the wheels. We were also blocking several cars and this family was really sweet and said they would wait. Then there were some bone heads who tried to back out while the wrecker was in the middle of the parking lot. Seriously?!?! Do you not see the HUGE wrecker in the way?!

Once this sweet guy got the truck on the wrecker, we squared away the details. Since the Dodge place is close until tomorrow, the guy had to take it back to the "yard" until the morning and then he would tow it to the car dealership.

So I must say...it was an interesting day and tomorrow will be even more as I have to be at the dealership at 7AM. YEP...you are reading this right! This chick gets to rise before the sun comes up and meet the sweet wrecker at the Dealership. I am extremely grateful that this wrecker was SO NICE and SO HELPFUL too.

Monday will definitely start out early ;)

Some days...

** Some days are tough and hard to get through!
** Some days are pleasant and make me smile.
** Some days I literally fly by the seat of my pants.
** Some days you just won't find me in the best of moods.
** Some days I will need a Virtual hug or Heavenly hug!
** Some days you do not want to cross me!
** Some days are full of anger and pain.
** Some days/nights I do not sleep!
** Some days/nights I sleep perfectly.
** Some days I worry!
** Some days are delightful and FULL of memories.
** Some days are easy & Some days are HARD!
** Some days make me full of emotions.
** Some days I don't get on the computer.
** Some days I don't blog or comment{gasp}!
** Some days are full of words and others are not.
** Some days I just give it all to HIM and watch as my path unfolds.
** Some days I question my "plan" HE has for me!
** Some days I just need to relax!
** Some days I just want to stay in bed.
** Some days start at the crack of dawn.
** Some days I need reassurance.
** Some days I need strength!

I was listening on the radio to KLTY {Christian station} and Natalie Grant has come out with this song Perfect People. It is now one of my favorite songs as it is a gentle reminder that there is NO PERFECT PERSON on earth.

Perfect People by Natalie Grant:

Never let 'em see you when you're breaking
Never let 'em see you when you fall
That's how we live and that's how we try
Tell the world you've got it all together
Never let them see what's underneath
Cover it up with a crooked smile
But it only lasts for a little while

There's no such thing as perfect people
There's no such thing as a perfect life
So come as you are, broken and scared
Lift up your heart and be amazed
And be changed by a perfect God

Suddenly it's like a weight is lifted
When you hear the words that you are loved
He knows where you are and where you've been
And you never have to go there again

Who lived and died to give new life
To heal our imperfections
So look up and see out let grace be enough

By a perfect God (5x)
Be changed by a perfect God
Be changed

Life is not always Peaches & Cream

You know what??? Life is not always Peaches & Cream. Life throws everyone, yes everyone, curve balls and whenever you don't want one...BAM! Most of you know that I am infection-prone and have a low and prone system for infection. Last year, my fabulous allergist put me on a preventative antibiotic to try to stop all the blessed sinus infections after my Tonsillectomy & Adenoidectomy. Well it worked some of the time, yes I still got a few; but not as many. Then Mr. Allergist, who I LOVE and Adore, thought it might me good to go off of it during the summer and then go back on it during the cold/flu/spring season.

I had my doubts but agreed. Well I have been off the preventative antibiotic for two weeks and BAM...I now have FOUR infections. On Friday, I was diagnosed with a double ear infection and a sinus infection. Then my asthma kicked in over the weekend (lovely, I know) and I was diagnosed with Bronchitis today. Let me tell you when those breathing treatments aren't helping every FOUR hours, something is wrong. I am miserable and KNOW I will get better soon...but come on...this is RIDICULOUS! Oh and there's another kicker...due to my strong antibiotics, inhaled steroids, asthma medicines, and oral steroids, I could possibly get thrush (yeast infection) in the mouth as well...Well ain't that grand!

The fact that I was around coughing/sneezing kiddos last week may not have been the best idea, but I had no idea this curve ball would HIT me like this. So my sweet peeps, that's my story and I'm stickin' to it! Thank you for the continued prayers! I really appreciate each and every single one of them.

PS: As soon as I am feeling better, I will post picts from last week's VBS!

Enjoy your week!!!!

An update & You know what...

Update on grandma: Nothing really new yet. My mom and sister are with her this weekend as my dad/brother leave for a week to attend Boy Scout camp in NM. Dad is a tad, OKAY REALLY, worn out and I am hoping he will get sleep tonight as well as that 12 hour bus ride tomorrow night. My grandfather is the concern right now too as grandma takes care of him. Right now...they are in the best of hands and I hope/pray that they continue to be.
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Okay...now onto some thoughts that I have...please bare w/me as it has been an emotional roller coaster these past couple of days.

** My cousins had a knock-down-drag-out w/words at the hospital the other day and my dad basically said...My mother is sick and I don't need this right now. They had nerve.

** My not nice cousin, you know from grad weekend, told my 2nd cousin that gma is doing great and trying. Well she had 1/2 of it right. Gma is trying but not doing great. LIFE IS NOT all ROSEY! UHHHH...come on...tell the truth!

** I cried on the highway today. It was actually good as it let me get out some of my emotions w/o causing a scene. The lack of sleep, emotional roller coaster kind of gave me a rough time, but by the end of the day; I was much better!

** I am waiting for the day for the phone not to ring at 11pm. Seriously...when that happens...life will be grand! It's okay if it's family, but no one else ;)

Thank you all for your love, prayers, and support. It truly means the world to my family!

Prayers needed & a heck of a day

LONG post ahead...you have been warned!

This morning at 3:30....the phone rings. Now when someone calls you that early a few ideas run through your mind. Something bad has happened, someone has died, or there was an accident. Well it was the first one, even though we all thought someone had died. My grandmother slipped and fell on her right hip. The ambulance showed up at my grandparents home at 3:40am to take her to the hospital. My grandpa rode along.

At 6:30, we get another call. Apparently my grandparents had called a few people and not called them back. So it was one of our good friends checking in and driving to the hospital to check on Grandma and Popsie. Around this time, my dad starts packing his bag to head to Houston. Then the phone rings again at 7:30...grandparents are in the ER and friend is with them. Dad leaves for Houston shortly after.

Several times throughout the day, we have been updated by either mom calling dad or vice versa. It has been one of those phone ringing off the hook days.

At 11ish, Grandma is taken into surgery and when I call dad at 12:30, she was still in surgery. I am not for sure how long the surgery lasted but I do know that Grandma woke up in a BUNCH of pain and they could not give her anything until the anesthesia wore off. Grandma had a total right hip replacement after breaking her hip. They were going to do screws, but decided not too.

My dad sent the cousins and friends home after Grandma woke up b/c she was a little out of it and needed to rest. Please pray for my family and my grandparents as they go through this upset right now. Grandma is supposed to be in the hospital till Saturday and then do 2 months of therapy...tentatively.

Here's the kicker: My brother and dad are headed out of town on Saturday night to head to the Boy Scout camp in New Mexico. They don't return until next Saturday or Sunday. OH DEAR! My brother is supposed to be packed by tomorrow evening for Boy Scout inspection, so mom, sister, and I are working on the packing part for both brother and dad. My mom is on stand-by in case she needs to go help my grandparents as well.

Thank you in advanced for your prayers!!!!

From a distance

From a distance, I watch my brother grow up

From a distance, my sister and I will talk in the fall

From a distance, I gain new friends

From a distance, I receive sweet comments daily

From a distance, I watch the effects of war

From a distance, I receive emails daily

From a distance, I receive FREE THERAPY

From a distance, I pray for those who are in need

From a distance, I watch sports on TV

From a distance, HE provides & hears prayers

From a distance, HE watches over me each & every day

Sweet&Sour

Just a little update on how the weekend went before my NMM goes up tomorrow morning! This weekend has challenged my heart, made me smile, made me cry, and made me laugh.

My sister graduated and that was sweet (plus I cried). I got TONS of picts and that was so sweet :) I got to chill w/family friends & I also got to hang with my cousin from MO and that was AMAZING!

The sour notes of the weekend included my other older cousin telling me that children's ministers are lazy & the children's departments in a church do nothing. Mind you, she works as a youth pastor's assistant! Oh and it gets better...she told me my internship (you know, summer job) is stupid. Let's just say I got that fumed in ten minutes and my Nonni definitely got a venting phone call the moment I could escape.

While on the cousin note...she wants to argue, but uh...when I come back and defend my view, she gets irritated and says I am wrong and rolls her eyes...come on...I am supposed to be the younger one here ;)

Another sour note included the constant comments and nit-picking! We had 1o people in my house this weekend (about 50 for the party) and everyone was un-shy about making their snide little comments.

So there you have it! A short & condensed weekend for ya. YES more details will come later, but I am EXHAUSTED and have not gotten a good night's sleep since Thursday! Company leaves mid-morning on Monday too. I am SO READY for live to get back to normal!

It's just a Wednesday

I had this really LONG post I was going to put up, but I accidentally deleted it or blogger did. So here is what I remember!

The library: a place where I spend 20+ hours a week in. Lately, the football boys have been there and have just given me a dose of comic relief that I need. I am so appreciative of those smiles, nods, and waves; more than they will ever know :) I also take the little girl I babysit there and we have a blast looking out the third floor windows at the boys, trees, birds, and so much more. M is a joy to work with!

Third floor Newsroom: For the past three days, the elevator has been broken; this means that I have to happily climb the three flights of stairs with arms full. I defiantly feel those 8+ times that I did this yesterday...today. I spend a bunch of time up there editing and it is, for the most part, peaceful!

Projects: I believe, really I do, that Elementary/Special Ed school needs to be renamed to project after project school. I am just above water right now and found out that I have THREE projects due next week with TWO on Friday, May 1st. Golly gee people! Finals are the week after that and then I have a weekend. After that I am in May-mester till May 29th. Looking at this right now seems like a bunch. But, as Mama Gen would say, CHIN UP! I am taking this advice too :)

Life in general: I am doing a neighborhood 5K on Saturday and a youth service project on Sunday. Plus homework, projects, and more uh projects!

I have been amazed at life's blessings around me and am extremely grateful for them all. Hope you are having a great Wednesday!

Random musings

This week has been interesting to say the least...

** This morning started off by me oversleeping and then I felt rushed all day long.

** Tomorrow morning I have to get up at 7:30 because I am renewing my CPR and First Aid certification from 8:30-12:30.

** I might actually be caving about a roommate for an apartment next semester since a 2 cheap bedroom is much easier than a one bedroom. We shall see and I will let you know what happens :) Still looking for an apt too!

** I looked at my final schedule already and on a M and W, I have three finals back to back...seriously!

** Where in the world did this ridiculous COLD COLD COLD front come from? Seriously...spring was starting to sound good and then BAM!

** Who in the world thinks that it is okay to give a test with stuff we have not covered? Geez!

** Hopefully next week will not be as bad as this week was... :)

** Stellan's heart troubles have been on my mind all week long and my "faith issues" seem to have lifted off my shoulders. HE is in CONTROL

Enjoy your weekend

Thankful Thursday & a few other things

Top 5:

** Being able to say that God is my Heavenly Father

** Being able to say I have a great support group

** Being able to say that dad's party on Saturday will be a BLAST

** Being able to say that I have friends who are there to listen

** Being able to say that I am letting things go :)*********************************************************

Now onto the other things. Tuesday night I had a class where this professor repeatedly picked on me and told me I "needed work" and was "color blind" because I could not see the streaks of color that I used. The tears flowed with those comments and I am at my wits with her. I feel that because I have an IEP for my Dyslexia and Dysgraphia she feels the need to give me more attention, but this is in a NEGATIVE way. Even the classmates around me feel she is being too harsh. I have tried to be nice and just deep breath, but when you tell me I am "stupid," what do you expect me to do? This professor is making me second guess myself and making me feel absolutely horrible about myself. Granted, I have dyslexia and may not understand everything, but give me a break. She is going way too far!

Oh yea and on Tuesday, she told the class, here are some assignments (9) to do over Spring Break! Hello, is SB not supposed to be relaxing and enjoyable? I will be taking the assignments home to work on with my mom, who has art talent. I am not mad that I have Dyslexia or Dysgraphia because they are just a natural part of me that will never go away, but I am mad at this professor who is taking her way with me way too far. If you could please pray for me over the next few weeks that this situation does get better sooner than later...please. I am at my wits end with this professor and your prayers, I am hoping, will help pacify this situation a little.

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Monday I spent 2 hours at the police department. My tailgate on my truck was stole. Meaning that someone at night, took the entire back piece off my truck. I filed a police report and just frustrated with the whole situation. Not the best way to start off my Monday at all people.

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This week has been one of the toughest of all during my college career. I am so ready for Friday's classes (4) to be over with and for me to go home for 9 days. I am so ready to sleep in my own bed at home. I am so ready to see my family. I am so ready for dad's big birthday bash on Saturday with over 100+ people. I am so ready to be home. I am sorry if this is a debby downer a little, but this is my life and I am laying it out for ya. Hope you are having a MUCH better week than me as well!

Have a great Thursday!!!!

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.
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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.
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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 :)
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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
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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!!!!