December 14, 2012 will be a day I and most of America will never forget. Why did someone feel he needed to take the innocent lives of 20 first graders and 6 staff members, along with his mother? It is something I will never understand.
I am so glad to hear the experts state that our schools are safer now than they ever were. I feel that safety every day I am at school. We have doors locked at all times and guests must "buzz the door" in order to enter the building, report directly to the office, and their ID checked through security software. Cameras are on at all times. We have fire safety drills every month, along with intruder and dangerous weather drills throughout the year. I do think this week's event will cause all staff and students to take the drills more seriously.
I know when I report to work on Monday, I will be looking at the building differently and thinking things through as I walk through classrooms, praying we will never be put in that situation. As our family watched the news this weekend, Kole asked me "Mom, would you put yourself in front of a shooter to protect students?" Again, I pray that I'm never in that situation, but if I was, I would live our mission statement: "Absolutely, Positively, Kids First."
It is a time for our country to put a stop to violence in our country! Too many lives are being lost senselessly.
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Sunday, November 4, 2012
What a Great Weekend
I had been looking forward to this weekend last weekend! I have always loved watching our kids play in their sports. Sometimes it isn't easy being their cheerleader when things aren't going as they had hoped. When Ky decided she'd be playing water polo at A&M, I was thrilled knowing I'd be able to see her play often.
Saturday she played goalie first quarter of the first game, but no balls scored. WHOOP! She then played a variety of positions, scoring one goal in the first game and two goals in the second game. After the second game we took her and her roommate Rachel out for dinner before heading home. It was good to meet Rachel. I can see why the two get along so well. Roommates make all the difference at college since she becomes her family away from home. We got back to Houston at around 9:00, but got to set our clocks back an hour.
Sunday morning we left around 8:00 for her 10:00 game. Easy win against Rice. We knew the fourth game would be the toughest as Texas State won the conference last spring. Let's just say Texas State definitely outweighed the Aggies and it seemed like some of the bigger girls were always up against Ky. But I must say Ky's FEISTINESS kept her even with the competition. She NEVER gave up, even when 5 shots in a row didn't go in. Although watching her swim the ball down the length of the pool and score was exciting, it was really exciting seeing her play so tough defensively. She would do anything to get the ball for the Aggies, even sacrificing her body against two opponents and be submerged for what seemed like an eternity because there literally was no way out. Aggies did go on to win, 12-9.
Love being so close to Ky that we can watch her play at anytime. Looking forward to the spring season and hoping she gets to play some games in the midwest so her Iowa family can cheer her on as well.
Saturday she played goalie first quarter of the first game, but no balls scored. WHOOP! She then played a variety of positions, scoring one goal in the first game and two goals in the second game. After the second game we took her and her roommate Rachel out for dinner before heading home. It was good to meet Rachel. I can see why the two get along so well. Roommates make all the difference at college since she becomes her family away from home. We got back to Houston at around 9:00, but got to set our clocks back an hour.
Sunday morning we left around 8:00 for her 10:00 game. Easy win against Rice. We knew the fourth game would be the toughest as Texas State won the conference last spring. Let's just say Texas State definitely outweighed the Aggies and it seemed like some of the bigger girls were always up against Ky. But I must say Ky's FEISTINESS kept her even with the competition. She NEVER gave up, even when 5 shots in a row didn't go in. Although watching her swim the ball down the length of the pool and score was exciting, it was really exciting seeing her play so tough defensively. She would do anything to get the ball for the Aggies, even sacrificing her body against two opponents and be submerged for what seemed like an eternity because there literally was no way out. Aggies did go on to win, 12-9.
Love being so close to Ky that we can watch her play at anytime. Looking forward to the spring season and hoping she gets to play some games in the midwest so her Iowa family can cheer her on as well.
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Courage
How would you define courage? Is courage something you find within yourself or something others try to help you seek? Personally, I think it is something that others have to encourage you to discover and when you do you then begin to find it in yourself. But just how long does that take?
10 days ago, Kole had to search for COURAGE. If at first you don't succeed, try and try again. The third time might be a charm, but you have to find the courage to give it a try. Kole probably would have called me the COURAGE NAZI if he would've thought about it! But courage paid off for him!
And now, someone else very dear to me I hope finds COURAGE to have a difficult conversation with someone important in their life. I know how difficult the conversation would be, but it is time to get some answers and not keep on wondering. It could be painful and I think that's why the conversation maybe doesn't want to happen, but on the other hand, the conversation may go another direction! Regardless, COURAGE must be felt to have that conversation. The best part of COURAGE is that we are never alone!
For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. (Isaiah 41:13)
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. (Deuteronomy 31:6)
10 days ago, Kole had to search for COURAGE. If at first you don't succeed, try and try again. The third time might be a charm, but you have to find the courage to give it a try. Kole probably would have called me the COURAGE NAZI if he would've thought about it! But courage paid off for him!
And now, someone else very dear to me I hope finds COURAGE to have a difficult conversation with someone important in their life. I know how difficult the conversation would be, but it is time to get some answers and not keep on wondering. It could be painful and I think that's why the conversation maybe doesn't want to happen, but on the other hand, the conversation may go another direction! Regardless, COURAGE must be felt to have that conversation. The best part of COURAGE is that we are never alone!
For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. (Isaiah 41:13)
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. (Deuteronomy 31:6)
Sunday, September 23, 2012
MIA
OMG! I can't believe this blog has been MIA for 10 weeks! I may not know where all the last 10 weeks went, but I'm pretty confident I know where the last 5 weeks went!
5 weeks ago Kylie moved back to College Station. She was more than ready to see all her friends, anticipated some good classes, begin water polo again, anxiously meet her new roommate and hoped it all worked out, and get 3rd semester under her belt! Although she had a slight "bump in the road", all is well know! Her roommate Rachel is more than she could've imagined, loves water polo and the new teammates as well (still despises cleaning Kyle Field for water polo, but it is a means to an end!), she's surprisingly enjoying her biology and calculus which she was most concerned about, spending time with water polo and CHO friends, and realizing knowing a lot about education already maybe isn't always a good thing! We enjoy the times she does come home, but also know how important it is for her to stay at A&M and have a social life there!
4 weeks ago Kole began his sophomore year at Falls. He knows someone in every class, and YES baseball is his favorite class again this year. Although Algebra II is giving him a few challenges right now, all his other classes are going great and he has a plan for algebra! His algebra teacher is one of Ky's all-time favorite teachers, so I'm wondering if he's involving her in the plan. Hmmm--I'm letting his take responsibility! In 3.5 weeks he'll be 16 and all of us can't wait! He's more than ready to drive the CRAP MOBILE solo! Baseball still keeps him very busy, 2 practices/week, tournaments begin this next weekend, 1 week night game/week, and stays after to lift weights M-TH. He still maintains the ball fields at Sandlot. And we're all looking forward to when he can drive there on his own to work the fields and for practice. Our chauferring days are nearing an end! I probably should be sad, but I'm not!
Kev is back in the grind also. He's been easily frustrated this year with how the fans have ruined sports! Too many parents are ruining the joy of athletics for their children. Yes, he's counting down the days to retirement! He keeps busy with Kole's ball also, so I'll be anxious to see if he will begin concentrating on golf at night when he no longer is driving Kole around. He still calls his dad every day and I know he worries about him constantly. Most days Gene is doing great, but when he sounds sad, it has an effect on Kev as well.
I loved my job last year, but I love it even more this year since I know what I'm doing! Some of my special friends have moved to other campuses this year, but 2 of them have returned. One has matured so much and I'm so excited to see how the rest of this year pans out for him. He has some amazing teachers who see his true side when he isn't frustrated and see why I worked so hard with hiim last year. One of my other friends has had a calmer, but still a rough start. He too is a cool kid who has so much potential. It will be a growing year for both the student and myself. And yes, we do have some new friends, but nearly as physical as last year. I go in at 6:00 each morning and try to leave by 5:30 at the latest each day not bringing anything home. Up until 2 weeks ago, I had still been working out 6 days a week, sometimes twice a day. However, the last 4 mile run I did aggravated my hip and my body said it needed rest. Well, today I went running again. Uff-dah, 2 weeks off is not a good thing! However, I'll be up at 4:30 tomorrow getting back into my routine.
I've been trying to read a lot also, so blogging had been MIA. I've loved taking the last 15 minutes to compose this, so hopefully it won't be another 10 weeks before I put my fingers to the keyboard!
5 weeks ago Kylie moved back to College Station. She was more than ready to see all her friends, anticipated some good classes, begin water polo again, anxiously meet her new roommate and hoped it all worked out, and get 3rd semester under her belt! Although she had a slight "bump in the road", all is well know! Her roommate Rachel is more than she could've imagined, loves water polo and the new teammates as well (still despises cleaning Kyle Field for water polo, but it is a means to an end!), she's surprisingly enjoying her biology and calculus which she was most concerned about, spending time with water polo and CHO friends, and realizing knowing a lot about education already maybe isn't always a good thing! We enjoy the times she does come home, but also know how important it is for her to stay at A&M and have a social life there!
4 weeks ago Kole began his sophomore year at Falls. He knows someone in every class, and YES baseball is his favorite class again this year. Although Algebra II is giving him a few challenges right now, all his other classes are going great and he has a plan for algebra! His algebra teacher is one of Ky's all-time favorite teachers, so I'm wondering if he's involving her in the plan. Hmmm--I'm letting his take responsibility! In 3.5 weeks he'll be 16 and all of us can't wait! He's more than ready to drive the CRAP MOBILE solo! Baseball still keeps him very busy, 2 practices/week, tournaments begin this next weekend, 1 week night game/week, and stays after to lift weights M-TH. He still maintains the ball fields at Sandlot. And we're all looking forward to when he can drive there on his own to work the fields and for practice. Our chauferring days are nearing an end! I probably should be sad, but I'm not!
Kev is back in the grind also. He's been easily frustrated this year with how the fans have ruined sports! Too many parents are ruining the joy of athletics for their children. Yes, he's counting down the days to retirement! He keeps busy with Kole's ball also, so I'll be anxious to see if he will begin concentrating on golf at night when he no longer is driving Kole around. He still calls his dad every day and I know he worries about him constantly. Most days Gene is doing great, but when he sounds sad, it has an effect on Kev as well.
I loved my job last year, but I love it even more this year since I know what I'm doing! Some of my special friends have moved to other campuses this year, but 2 of them have returned. One has matured so much and I'm so excited to see how the rest of this year pans out for him. He has some amazing teachers who see his true side when he isn't frustrated and see why I worked so hard with hiim last year. One of my other friends has had a calmer, but still a rough start. He too is a cool kid who has so much potential. It will be a growing year for both the student and myself. And yes, we do have some new friends, but nearly as physical as last year. I go in at 6:00 each morning and try to leave by 5:30 at the latest each day not bringing anything home. Up until 2 weeks ago, I had still been working out 6 days a week, sometimes twice a day. However, the last 4 mile run I did aggravated my hip and my body said it needed rest. Well, today I went running again. Uff-dah, 2 weeks off is not a good thing! However, I'll be up at 4:30 tomorrow getting back into my routine.
I've been trying to read a lot also, so blogging had been MIA. I've loved taking the last 15 minutes to compose this, so hopefully it won't be another 10 weeks before I put my fingers to the keyboard!
Monday, July 16, 2012
Love Surprising Kevin!
When it comes to giving each other gifts, Kevin and I rarely do. (Oh, wait, he did give me a bug zapper for our anniversary--long story--and it was a mutual gift, really!) It's always been our priority to spend our money on our children, rather than us. In some of my quieter moments this summer, I really had the time to reflect on my past few years. I know I am blessed beyond what I deserve--great kids and a most supportive husband. So I wanted to do something for Kev to show him how much I appreciate all he's done to help me achieve my goals.
For quite awhile Kev's been talking about getting an iPad. When Kole got his (paid for it himself from money he's been saving), Kevin was very interested. He kept asking me when I was going to get mine and I really hadn't decided yet what size I needed. I knew I didn't really NEED one since everything I would do on an iPad I could do on my phone, but it would be sooo much easier on my old eyes and for work on an iPad. I finally decided that I would get my iPad when I reached my goal weight. Kev said he'd get one too when I reached my goal weight--yes you read that correctly!
I hope to reach my goal weight by SEPT but I know how hard those last few pounds are! With Kevin being so busy in the fall with football and no experience with Apple products, I knew he needed "play" time to learn about everything the iPad could do and ask Kole and me all his questions. So, when he decided to run some errands on SUN, I decided to go run an errand too! When I got home with the bag, he said, "So, you got yourself an iPad. Good for you!" SURPRISE! "Nope, it's all yours!" and then I went on to explain how much I appreciate all his support and this was one way to say thank you. He was so surprised! (And he's figured it out much quicker than I thought!)
Although I hate being surprised, I love surprising others!
For quite awhile Kev's been talking about getting an iPad. When Kole got his (paid for it himself from money he's been saving), Kevin was very interested. He kept asking me when I was going to get mine and I really hadn't decided yet what size I needed. I knew I didn't really NEED one since everything I would do on an iPad I could do on my phone, but it would be sooo much easier on my old eyes and for work on an iPad. I finally decided that I would get my iPad when I reached my goal weight. Kev said he'd get one too when I reached my goal weight--yes you read that correctly!
I hope to reach my goal weight by SEPT but I know how hard those last few pounds are! With Kevin being so busy in the fall with football and no experience with Apple products, I knew he needed "play" time to learn about everything the iPad could do and ask Kole and me all his questions. So, when he decided to run some errands on SUN, I decided to go run an errand too! When I got home with the bag, he said, "So, you got yourself an iPad. Good for you!" SURPRISE! "Nope, it's all yours!" and then I went on to explain how much I appreciate all his support and this was one way to say thank you. He was so surprised! (And he's figured it out much quicker than I thought!)
Although I hate being surprised, I love surprising others!
Good-Bye PAID Boot Camp
When I started Boot Camp end of November/beginning of December, I never thought I'd stick it out this long. Oh, I knew I wanted to, but thought I'd give in to "the rest of my life" and let those responsibilities overtake my desire to become a fit person. I think it was a combination (no other responsibilities at 4:20 in the AM, great instructor, and beginning boot camp with a friend) that kept me going. Then, having Kole join me this summer has been extra-special!
While we were in Destin, even though workouts were posted, I couldn't workout due to bronchitis. So when I declared myself cough-free, I couldn't wait to start working out again. The only problem was that our instructor was on vacation. He posted a workout the first day, but that was it. I knew missing one week was tough enough and didn't want to miss two weeks, so I really analyzed some apps I had downloaded and told myself to "run every day".
Well, for 10 days in a row, I've done it! It helps that the last 10 days I didn't need to be up at any certain time, but I was usually up and ready to go at 7:30 the latest. I start with a run, do a bootcamp app workout, and then end by taking KJ for a walk. I've burned anywhere between 350-600 calories each workout and am wringing wet! I drink tons of water and KJ has a salt lick fest from all my sweat. I've chosen to do all my exercising outside. Kev even went and bought me a fan for outside--what a coach!
So, when I stepped back and looked at what was going on, I realized that I'm now self-motivated enough that I don't need to attend Boot Camp for that reason. The apps are my instructor, although they definitely don't have Brian's sense of humor! Although I don't workout with a friend, Kole has committed to working out 4 days a week (Kev is his app instructor) and Kev has started running again, so our family is getting fit together! YAHOO!!!
I couldn't justify spending the monthly amount anymore, so I called to cancel our membership. I think it was meant to be as they were going to debit our account the next day for the next month--timing or what?!
I will be forever greatful for my Boot Camp experience! I feel so much better and really try to pay attention to what I eat now. I know I couldn't have gotten to this point on my own. However, I do feel I can move forward on my own. I have several apps I can rotate through so I challenge new muscles and don't become bored with similar routines. I CAN DO THIS!!!
While we were in Destin, even though workouts were posted, I couldn't workout due to bronchitis. So when I declared myself cough-free, I couldn't wait to start working out again. The only problem was that our instructor was on vacation. He posted a workout the first day, but that was it. I knew missing one week was tough enough and didn't want to miss two weeks, so I really analyzed some apps I had downloaded and told myself to "run every day".
Well, for 10 days in a row, I've done it! It helps that the last 10 days I didn't need to be up at any certain time, but I was usually up and ready to go at 7:30 the latest. I start with a run, do a bootcamp app workout, and then end by taking KJ for a walk. I've burned anywhere between 350-600 calories each workout and am wringing wet! I drink tons of water and KJ has a salt lick fest from all my sweat. I've chosen to do all my exercising outside. Kev even went and bought me a fan for outside--what a coach!
So, when I stepped back and looked at what was going on, I realized that I'm now self-motivated enough that I don't need to attend Boot Camp for that reason. The apps are my instructor, although they definitely don't have Brian's sense of humor! Although I don't workout with a friend, Kole has committed to working out 4 days a week (Kev is his app instructor) and Kev has started running again, so our family is getting fit together! YAHOO!!!
I couldn't justify spending the monthly amount anymore, so I called to cancel our membership. I think it was meant to be as they were going to debit our account the next day for the next month--timing or what?!
I will be forever greatful for my Boot Camp experience! I feel so much better and really try to pay attention to what I eat now. I know I couldn't have gotten to this point on my own. However, I do feel I can move forward on my own. I have several apps I can rotate through so I challenge new muscles and don't become bored with similar routines. I CAN DO THIS!!!
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Destin--Days 4 & 5
Thursday was to be our last full day at Destin. We got up and watched the dolphins again--never get tired of that! We then spent the morning on the beach. I read and just absorbed the moment. Just sitting and hearing the waves was totally relaxing for me. I didn't need an agenda when that was present. We ate lunch and then cooled off in the condo for a bit before heading to putt-putt. It was plenty hot for that activity! We then went in a shop so Kole could look for a souvenier--he didn't find anything to spend his money on. We then went to the Donut Hole for dinner. It was a cafe and bakery, open 24 hours. We got lots of food for our money! We then headed back to the condo. We were going to go back down to the beach, but there was a wedding being set-up right outside our condo--so we were beach guests instead. I still don't get why the bride chose a gown with a long train--dragging that through all the sand--YUCK!!! Once the wedding festivities were over, the boys went for one last swim. We then started cleaning up the condo for our FRI departure.
Kev was up at 6:00 to gas up and get Krispy Kreme doughnuts for breakfast. It was raining, so we were unable to take a final beach walk or see dolphins. We were on the road by 7:10. Unbelievably, no one slept on the way home! Ky and I read, Kole played games, and Kev just kept on driving! We were in Houston by 5:00 and went and got KJ--loved seeing her tail wagging away!
Once we got home, we unpacked while Ky went to the pool to see Dennis. Went and got a few groceries and made a lasagna. Never thought I'd get tired of eating out, but it was good to eat homecooked food! I was in bed by 8:30, hoping when I woke up on SAT my symptoms of bronchitis would be gone--NOPE! Guess it's back to the DR on Monday.
I do know we'll be going back to Destin. I so wanted to run on white beaches and since that didn't happen this time, there will have to be a next time!
Kev was up at 6:00 to gas up and get Krispy Kreme doughnuts for breakfast. It was raining, so we were unable to take a final beach walk or see dolphins. We were on the road by 7:10. Unbelievably, no one slept on the way home! Ky and I read, Kole played games, and Kev just kept on driving! We were in Houston by 5:00 and went and got KJ--loved seeing her tail wagging away!
Once we got home, we unpacked while Ky went to the pool to see Dennis. Went and got a few groceries and made a lasagna. Never thought I'd get tired of eating out, but it was good to eat homecooked food! I was in bed by 8:30, hoping when I woke up on SAT my symptoms of bronchitis would be gone--NOPE! Guess it's back to the DR on Monday.
I do know we'll be going back to Destin. I so wanted to run on white beaches and since that didn't happen this time, there will have to be a next time!
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