Wow...
So I helped ref a dodgeball tourney this weekend.
I had no idea how serious people take kids throwing balls at other kids.
I leaned over to the other refs and said "This ain't your mamma's dodgeball"
I remember playing the game at the local neighborhood park against a chain link baseball fence.
It was fun and there were no adults yelling from the sidelines what to do. We had to problem solve on our own and if we got hit, we left the field.
It was fun and to be honest, I don't know if we won or lost on most days...I do know it was always girls vs. boys and the boys always felt bad, but the girls never cried...it was more like a flirting match...and lots of laughing!
The tourney this weekend was a lot of fun and people watching was the best...and it did my heart so good to see the 100's of honest kids...
but in life, as in dodgeball there were a few bad apples (98% of them being adults) and as I watched them acting a fool, let's just say, again, lots of laughing!
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Time Flies!
Why does time fly when you are having fun?
Not sure, but I love it and I love having fun!
My "bestie" as Darbie calls all her best friends at school, came over today to help me put away Christmas decorations, after we went to her house to break down boxes from her move.
For some reason this company of friends, (Darbie had Lexi over, too) helped the time fly...we got the boxes done at April's in 30 minutes or less and we got our house decorations done in less than an hour. AND to top it off it was fun...
We all laughed and told stories and just got the chores done with ease...
So as they say "A spoon full of sugar helps the medicine go down" and "Whistle while you work"!!! It's good advise! Thanks, Walt!
Not sure, but I love it and I love having fun!
My "bestie" as Darbie calls all her best friends at school, came over today to help me put away Christmas decorations, after we went to her house to break down boxes from her move.
For some reason this company of friends, (Darbie had Lexi over, too) helped the time fly...we got the boxes done at April's in 30 minutes or less and we got our house decorations done in less than an hour. AND to top it off it was fun...
We all laughed and told stories and just got the chores done with ease...
So as they say "A spoon full of sugar helps the medicine go down" and "Whistle while you work"!!! It's good advise! Thanks, Walt!
Friday, January 8, 2010
My Heart
It is getting close to Valentine's Day, so I changed my blog background and put love songs on the page for all to enjoy. So of course this leads me to my heart...what is in it?
I have felt my heart stir lately for a change or addition to my life. I think I want to add my photography buisness to my life. I have had a friend, Tricia, light a fire under me to get the buisness started.
So I am going to look into this...I'll keep you posted.
I have felt my heart stir lately for a change or addition to my life. I think I want to add my photography buisness to my life. I have had a friend, Tricia, light a fire under me to get the buisness started.
So I am going to look into this...I'll keep you posted.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Bonding with Colton...
My friend's son is staying with me today so we went on a walk and here is some of what we saw...
Then he gasped and shouted in his two year old voice "a flower, dodie! Take a pitcher!" ( I tried to spell it like he sounded:
And the sun was crying out for some attention, so we gave it some:
and there is nothing like a country mailbox:
and a basketball goal for the road...
What a fun walk! Looks like taking the camera with us was a good idea!
Then he gasped and shouted in his two year old voice "a flower, dodie! Take a pitcher!" ( I tried to spell it like he sounded:
And the sun was crying out for some attention, so we gave it some:
and there is nothing like a country mailbox:
and a basketball goal for the road...
What a fun walk! Looks like taking the camera with us was a good idea!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Stella and Dot
I am so excited!!!
I just became a stylist for Stella and Dot jewelry.
You can check out my website at www.stelladot.com/jodie
It is such cute stuff and I am so excited to turn my old outfits into fresh new ones with just a few accessories...
If you still need a few last minute deals go to my website...you have until Thursday to shop and they even gift wrap...just use your credit card so they can ship it to you fast.
I can't wait to tell you the story of how I decided to do this, but alas, it is way past my bedtime so I must retire...take a look at the S and D website and then I will be back later to give you my story.
Good night all...
I just became a stylist for Stella and Dot jewelry.
You can check out my website at www.stelladot.com/jodie
It is such cute stuff and I am so excited to turn my old outfits into fresh new ones with just a few accessories...
If you still need a few last minute deals go to my website...you have until Thursday to shop and they even gift wrap...just use your credit card so they can ship it to you fast.
I can't wait to tell you the story of how I decided to do this, but alas, it is way past my bedtime so I must retire...take a look at the S and D website and then I will be back later to give you my story.
Good night all...
Monday, December 14, 2009
Sweet Find
I was thumbing through my photos on the computer and I found a folder with Darbie's name as the title.
I looked through the photos and found the following photo saved:
The reason I call this a "sweet find" is because this is the code we use with each other to say I love you. As a mom, finding this on the computer and the fact that your daughter saved it, well that's a sweet find!
I looked through the photos and found the following photo saved:
The reason I call this a "sweet find" is because this is the code we use with each other to say I love you. As a mom, finding this on the computer and the fact that your daughter saved it, well that's a sweet find!
Christmas Journey and Gloria
Well this weekend was a shot of Christmas Joy!!!
Friday night was the Christmas Journey. We traveled on a hayride through scenes of Jesus' life starting with the angel coming to Mary to the stone rolling away and all the celebration that took place after Jesus rose.
It makes me think of the ole hymn we sang in church "Up from the grave He arose"...
Then Saturday it was Christmas shopping and lunch with the fam...
Sunday we topped off the weekend with the choir concert "Gloria"
Talk about in the spirit of Christmas...I know it is so simple to say, but...
I LOVE CHRISTMAS!!!!
Friday, December 11, 2009
Short Story
This will be a short post as it is way too late to be awake.
Why have I been drawn back to my blog...to post things that I am not even sure anyone is reading?
There is something healing about writing, even if there is nothing to write about.
We had a benchmark writing assessment in class today and I realized that I think you write more in school than any other time in your life.
That was until I thought about the countless journals I have stacked up in my closet, under my bed, on the bookshelf etc. I have always been a verbal processor, it just might be that the verbal is actually written.
Try it, you may just like it.
Why have I been drawn back to my blog...to post things that I am not even sure anyone is reading?
There is something healing about writing, even if there is nothing to write about.
We had a benchmark writing assessment in class today and I realized that I think you write more in school than any other time in your life.
That was until I thought about the countless journals I have stacked up in my closet, under my bed, on the bookshelf etc. I have always been a verbal processor, it just might be that the verbal is actually written.
Try it, you may just like it.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Overwhelmed at Christmas
I am overwhelmed at this time.
Oh sure there is the normal stress of Christmas time such as putting up the lights, decorating the Christmas tree, shopping for everyone on the list, trips to the post office and so on, but that's not what overwhelms me this Christmas.
This Christmas, I am overwhelmed with joy.
"Joyful, Joyful, Lord, We Adore Thee" continues to play as if stuck repeating on the mp3 player in my head.
The spirit fills me as I write this blog.
I love Christmas. What can I say?
It's the day my best friend's birthday is celebrated. It's the day we celebrate the birth of my savior, your savior. It's the day a wretch like me received sight.
The lights on houses in my neighborhood shine and a smile appears across my face. It's my year to decorate the tree so PINK ornaments adorn the branches of the tree bringing me happiness. Songs of jingling bells and baby Jesus play on the radio and make my spirit soar.
IT'S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR is more than just a song in my house!
I feel like I should put on the dresses from "White Christmas" and go twirling around singing about snow and other such wonderful things of this season. I guess in my head that IS what I am doing.
It took me awhile to get started on my Christmas joy this year for some reason, but now that it's here, there is no stopping me.
I feel like I want to climb in Santa's sleigh and scream out "Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night"!!!
Oh sure there is the normal stress of Christmas time such as putting up the lights, decorating the Christmas tree, shopping for everyone on the list, trips to the post office and so on, but that's not what overwhelms me this Christmas.
This Christmas, I am overwhelmed with joy.
"Joyful, Joyful, Lord, We Adore Thee" continues to play as if stuck repeating on the mp3 player in my head.
The spirit fills me as I write this blog.
I love Christmas. What can I say?
It's the day my best friend's birthday is celebrated. It's the day we celebrate the birth of my savior, your savior. It's the day a wretch like me received sight.
The lights on houses in my neighborhood shine and a smile appears across my face. It's my year to decorate the tree so PINK ornaments adorn the branches of the tree bringing me happiness. Songs of jingling bells and baby Jesus play on the radio and make my spirit soar.
IT'S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR is more than just a song in my house!
I feel like I should put on the dresses from "White Christmas" and go twirling around singing about snow and other such wonderful things of this season. I guess in my head that IS what I am doing.
It took me awhile to get started on my Christmas joy this year for some reason, but now that it's here, there is no stopping me.
I feel like I want to climb in Santa's sleigh and scream out "Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night"!!!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Thanksgiving!
Thanks and giving...
two amazing words alone and together they can be taken for granted by me.
So today, or tonight I should say, I will say that I am giving thanks for so many things in my wonderful life and here are just a few of my blessings:
1. Jesus Christ, as my savior and the fact that He wants to be my friend too.
2. Wisdom
3. My amazing parents...if you know them in person, you know I am blessed!
4. My daughter, she rocks this world and she is more of a blessing to me than I can even describe.
5. My sister and her family...my niece and nephew...oh how I love all of them!
6. My extended family...not many families can say how close they are to their cousins, aunts and uncles but I can and it is so wonderful to have so many people think you are great, no one can make you feel like they do!
7. My house...how does a single mother who lives on a teacher salary have this home? It's all God! It is a cute little house too by the way...love it
8. My car...God blesses my parents and they give. They say they can't outgive God, I have seen them try...and they can't...it's fun to watch them try...hee hee...
9. a clean house and a mowed lawn...wow
10. Thanksgiving break...a week off to rest and remember your blessings!
Again, I repeat, this is a small part of the millions of blessings God has blessed me with. I read a book over this summer about the Prayer of Jabez. It says not to be afraid to ask God for all the blessings He has for us.
I remember one time at church a pastor teaching me the lesson of blessings...that wouldn't it be a shame to get to heaven and God opens a closet with blessings and He says these are all yours all you had to do was ask for them.
I find it hard to ask God for more blessings because He has given me so much. However, flip that coin around and I realize that God wants to bless me. He loves me so much, He wants to shower me with blessings.
It blows me away to think that God wants a relationship with me, wants to be my friend and my savior, wants to bless me. It overwhelms me.
I am blessed because of HIM!
I love Him and I hope and pray that you know Him as your savior first and quickly after, as your friend. It's the best relationship you will ever experience. It's a blessing. You will be thankful...I am everyday!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
two amazing words alone and together they can be taken for granted by me.
So today, or tonight I should say, I will say that I am giving thanks for so many things in my wonderful life and here are just a few of my blessings:
1. Jesus Christ, as my savior and the fact that He wants to be my friend too.
2. Wisdom
3. My amazing parents...if you know them in person, you know I am blessed!
4. My daughter, she rocks this world and she is more of a blessing to me than I can even describe.
5. My sister and her family...my niece and nephew...oh how I love all of them!
6. My extended family...not many families can say how close they are to their cousins, aunts and uncles but I can and it is so wonderful to have so many people think you are great, no one can make you feel like they do!
7. My house...how does a single mother who lives on a teacher salary have this home? It's all God! It is a cute little house too by the way...love it
8. My car...God blesses my parents and they give. They say they can't outgive God, I have seen them try...and they can't...it's fun to watch them try...hee hee...
9. a clean house and a mowed lawn...wow
10. Thanksgiving break...a week off to rest and remember your blessings!
Again, I repeat, this is a small part of the millions of blessings God has blessed me with. I read a book over this summer about the Prayer of Jabez. It says not to be afraid to ask God for all the blessings He has for us.
I remember one time at church a pastor teaching me the lesson of blessings...that wouldn't it be a shame to get to heaven and God opens a closet with blessings and He says these are all yours all you had to do was ask for them.
I find it hard to ask God for more blessings because He has given me so much. However, flip that coin around and I realize that God wants to bless me. He loves me so much, He wants to shower me with blessings.
It blows me away to think that God wants a relationship with me, wants to be my friend and my savior, wants to bless me. It overwhelms me.
I am blessed because of HIM!
I love Him and I hope and pray that you know Him as your savior first and quickly after, as your friend. It's the best relationship you will ever experience. It's a blessing. You will be thankful...I am everyday!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Saturday, November 21, 2009
God's Handywork!
My Birthday Flowers from My Dad
Morning Dew on Charlotte's Home
Bennie and My Birthday Flowers
As my cousin would say when he was a baby: "A Bee! A Bee!"
Friday, November 20, 2009
Team Jakeward!
I'm not a fanatical fan of the Twilight series, although I know and respect many.
I've seen the first movie and have not read any of the books. That was all my knowledge base on Edward, Jacob and Bella. Well, that and the many conversations I heard as my co-workers talked and discussed their lives as if they were real, living, breathing people...or vampires and werewolves...either way, I enjoyed the conversations and loved seeing the passion of reading coming back into the lives of those around me.
Then last night we get a call from some friends who secured tickets to the premier of "New Moon" at midnight in Plano and could Darbie and I go with them? Of course we can. Darbie is a huge fan of the series and I am a huge fan of making memories with the ones you love, so "Let's go!"
It was crazy, fans everywhere with homemade t-shirts, boxed meals, books, computers etc. Needless to say, it was not their first rodeo!
The two adults in our party sat on one side of the theater while Darbie and her friend sat on the opposite side. He and her talked for hours while we waited for the movie to start. Darbie started to look like the sandman was sprinkling dust on her until the show started. Then her and all the other fans were engaged.
As I watched the movie, I slowly started to get sucked into Forks, or is it Fort, Washington? I don't know, but wherever these kids live, I was there with them. What an amazing movie. It made a fan out of this 40 year old woman!
As I sat there watching, I decided I am so Team Jacob!!!
Darbie and I had a long discussion about which team we were. She didn't understand why I was Team Jacob as she is full on Team Edward. The answer was simply this:
"Darbie, when I was your age, I sooooo would have been Team Edward. But now having had the experiences of my life and having gotten to know myself better, I am soooo Team Jacob."
She then asked me in her much wiser in her head than her chronological age way, "Why would you have been Team Edward at 14 and what made you change your mind? I mean, what is it about Edward that you would have liked at my age?"
I sat for a second trying to come up with words that fit the way I felt. I knew the answer but didn't know how to put it to words. We call that processing time. Darbie says I need one of those monitors on my forehead that the credit card machines have that flash "Still Processing". So after some thought I stated this as my wisest answer I could put to words:
"When I was 14, I would have loved the way Edward looks at Bella. I would have wanted someone to look at me that way. When I was 14, I would have been so attracted to the passion and basically the obsession the two of them share.
Now 25 years later, I just want protection. The way Jacob treated Bella, with the attention, protection and safety. He loves her deeply and he loves her as his best friend. They share passion, but it is secondary."
It is a dream...at least to me.
I am sure Darbie didn't understand how the more boring list was so attractive to me, someday she will...so for now she will love the vampire and I will love the werewolf and there will be one for each of us.
I've seen the first movie and have not read any of the books. That was all my knowledge base on Edward, Jacob and Bella. Well, that and the many conversations I heard as my co-workers talked and discussed their lives as if they were real, living, breathing people...or vampires and werewolves...either way, I enjoyed the conversations and loved seeing the passion of reading coming back into the lives of those around me.
Then last night we get a call from some friends who secured tickets to the premier of "New Moon" at midnight in Plano and could Darbie and I go with them? Of course we can. Darbie is a huge fan of the series and I am a huge fan of making memories with the ones you love, so "Let's go!"
It was crazy, fans everywhere with homemade t-shirts, boxed meals, books, computers etc. Needless to say, it was not their first rodeo!
The two adults in our party sat on one side of the theater while Darbie and her friend sat on the opposite side. He and her talked for hours while we waited for the movie to start. Darbie started to look like the sandman was sprinkling dust on her until the show started. Then her and all the other fans were engaged.
As I watched the movie, I slowly started to get sucked into Forks, or is it Fort, Washington? I don't know, but wherever these kids live, I was there with them. What an amazing movie. It made a fan out of this 40 year old woman!
As I sat there watching, I decided I am so Team Jacob!!!
Darbie and I had a long discussion about which team we were. She didn't understand why I was Team Jacob as she is full on Team Edward. The answer was simply this:
"Darbie, when I was your age, I sooooo would have been Team Edward. But now having had the experiences of my life and having gotten to know myself better, I am soooo Team Jacob."
She then asked me in her much wiser in her head than her chronological age way, "Why would you have been Team Edward at 14 and what made you change your mind? I mean, what is it about Edward that you would have liked at my age?"
I sat for a second trying to come up with words that fit the way I felt. I knew the answer but didn't know how to put it to words. We call that processing time. Darbie says I need one of those monitors on my forehead that the credit card machines have that flash "Still Processing". So after some thought I stated this as my wisest answer I could put to words:
"When I was 14, I would have loved the way Edward looks at Bella. I would have wanted someone to look at me that way. When I was 14, I would have been so attracted to the passion and basically the obsession the two of them share.
Now 25 years later, I just want protection. The way Jacob treated Bella, with the attention, protection and safety. He loves her deeply and he loves her as his best friend. They share passion, but it is secondary."
It is a dream...at least to me.
I am sure Darbie didn't understand how the more boring list was so attractive to me, someday she will...so for now she will love the vampire and I will love the werewolf and there will be one for each of us.
Monday, October 19, 2009
a quick post
It's been awhile since my last blog...so here is a list to catch you up to speed:
1. Darbie is almost 14 years old, birthday party this weekend!
2. I'm still teaching 4th grade.
3. Bennie still lives with us and purrs much of the day.
4. Darbie plays volleyball for her school team.
5. Darbie is in her school one act play!
6. I'm in an amazing Bible study with amazing women!
7. I got a new washing machine and dryer...it's the little things that make life great!
8. My cousin is getting married in a couple weeks and I am reading a beautiful poem...love is in the air!
9. My Texas Rangers lost too many games to make it to post season, however, they won more games this season than they lost and gave me and Darbie a wonderful season of great memories!
10. Small town football is even more fun than you think!
11. Darbie babysits if anyone needs a responsible and good sitter.
12. So You Think You Can Dance has a fall show this season, making Fall TV a favorite in our house!
13. For my friends who are having a hard time right now, you know who you are...I am so praying for you all!
14. We started going to a new church in town and LOVE it!
15. Found a new doctor that is amazing and reminds me of old school doctors...not that I have ever met an old school doctor...but think Gunsmoke and the character "Doc".
16. I'm going to start taking more photographs of nature as a hobby. It brings me joy and peace.
17. I want "Beatles Rock Band" for Christmas.
18. Darbie is going to start dancing again when volleyball is over.
19. My house is slowly but surely getting organized each day!
20. God is so good and never will leave us or abandon us! Isn't that a great feeling? Jesus promised he would never leave us...I feel secure in His love and pray Darbie does too!
Hope that catches you up to speed...hope to post some photos of nature soon!
1. Darbie is almost 14 years old, birthday party this weekend!
2. I'm still teaching 4th grade.
3. Bennie still lives with us and purrs much of the day.
4. Darbie plays volleyball for her school team.
5. Darbie is in her school one act play!
6. I'm in an amazing Bible study with amazing women!
7. I got a new washing machine and dryer...it's the little things that make life great!
8. My cousin is getting married in a couple weeks and I am reading a beautiful poem...love is in the air!
9. My Texas Rangers lost too many games to make it to post season, however, they won more games this season than they lost and gave me and Darbie a wonderful season of great memories!
10. Small town football is even more fun than you think!
11. Darbie babysits if anyone needs a responsible and good sitter.
12. So You Think You Can Dance has a fall show this season, making Fall TV a favorite in our house!
13. For my friends who are having a hard time right now, you know who you are...I am so praying for you all!
14. We started going to a new church in town and LOVE it!
15. Found a new doctor that is amazing and reminds me of old school doctors...not that I have ever met an old school doctor...but think Gunsmoke and the character "Doc".
16. I'm going to start taking more photographs of nature as a hobby. It brings me joy and peace.
17. I want "Beatles Rock Band" for Christmas.
18. Darbie is going to start dancing again when volleyball is over.
19. My house is slowly but surely getting organized each day!
20. God is so good and never will leave us or abandon us! Isn't that a great feeling? Jesus promised he would never leave us...I feel secure in His love and pray Darbie does too!
Hope that catches you up to speed...hope to post some photos of nature soon!
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Mr. Darcy!
Why is it, when you have had a busy week and you have done much to make the world a better place and you are so tired you have your jammies on at 8:30 and you are over 8 years old, you want to watch Mr. Darcy?
I can't wait to turn on my dvd, crawl up on my couch, put on my "snuggie" (pink of course) and watch the amazing Collin Firth play every girls dream, Mr. Darcy...but I so love the other Mr. Darcy too. That's why they both get a spot on my blog tonight!
ahhh, Mr. Darcy.........sigh!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Soaring Woman!
So I have a friend who is far too young to be battling breast cancer, but she is.
So I found an award I wanted to nominate her for...but the contest was over...
So I want to post my short essay on her in my corner of the world...
I love you, Karen!
Karen is a woman worthy of your consideration for the Women That Soar Award. Karen is an amazing soul, a devoted teacher, wonderful wife and loving mother. She has dedicated her life to making others around her soar, and now it is her turn. She always has a smile on her face and brings out the best in those around her. She continues to do this amazing feat even while in the midst of battling breast cancer. At her young age, she is attacking her cancer with the same passion she mothers her 3 year old daughter, loves her Police officer husband and reaches her at-risk elementary students with daily. When you say you are looking for someone who "has made significant impact on guiding and empowering our youth" you are describing my dear friend, the superb, Karen!
So I found an award I wanted to nominate her for...but the contest was over...
So I want to post my short essay on her in my corner of the world...
I love you, Karen!
Karen is a woman worthy of your consideration for the Women That Soar Award. Karen is an amazing soul, a devoted teacher, wonderful wife and loving mother. She has dedicated her life to making others around her soar, and now it is her turn. She always has a smile on her face and brings out the best in those around her. She continues to do this amazing feat even while in the midst of battling breast cancer. At her young age, she is attacking her cancer with the same passion she mothers her 3 year old daughter, loves her Police officer husband and reaches her at-risk elementary students with daily. When you say you are looking for someone who "has made significant impact on guiding and empowering our youth" you are describing my dear friend, the superb, Karen!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
P.S.
I just thought of something else that happened since the last blog!
I TURNED 40 YEARS OLD!!!
Woo Hoo...
I TURNED 40 YEARS OLD!!!
Woo Hoo...
I'm back...
So it's been awhile since my last post. I swore I would not be that person who starts a blog and then only posts every couple months...be careful what you say.
So since my last post, school has begun.
I am still a 4th grade teacher. Darbs is still in middle school.
Our life consists of volleyball, watching "Monk" on T.V., Cheering on the amazing Texas Rangers, taking naps when I can and trying to inspire people.
God gives you a gift everyday...just look for it!
Let me know what yours was today...
Blessings!
So since my last post, school has begun.
I am still a 4th grade teacher. Darbs is still in middle school.
Our life consists of volleyball, watching "Monk" on T.V., Cheering on the amazing Texas Rangers, taking naps when I can and trying to inspire people.
God gives you a gift everyday...just look for it!
Let me know what yours was today...
Blessings!
Monday, August 3, 2009
Unplugged!!!
So when I asked Darbie to unplug from the techno world, I got some resistance.
Turn off your phone and step away from the computer so you can have some alone time...I promise you need it more than you know!
I rolled my eyes myself as these words came out of my mouth...It does sound so motherly, doesn't it? But it's true...sometimes our mothers do know what is best for us even when we don't---you see, when I walked back through the living room this is what I saw:
=)
Turn off your phone and step away from the computer so you can have some alone time...I promise you need it more than you know!
I rolled my eyes myself as these words came out of my mouth...It does sound so motherly, doesn't it? But it's true...sometimes our mothers do know what is best for us even when we don't---you see, when I walked back through the living room this is what I saw:
=)
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