Please help me decide.

So my summer goal was to buy new furniture. I have been using my grandmother's couch and mom's unwanted tables for 5 years and never loved them. But they were free and in good shape. So I shopped for several weeks and changed my mind many times. My mom and I both take a very long time to make a decorating decision and need lots of help. So I finally decided on this couch and matching love seat from Ashley Furniture. Please ignore the front stripped pillows, I will replace them. They will be delivered August 11th !!!!!!!

So now I need to decide on a rug to go with it because we have wood floors. This is where you come in. PLEASE HELP ME!!!!! I want to use the chocolate pillows that come with the couch and have found two rugs that I like. I also have a wall in a room close by that is painted green.

I know that brown and blue were/are very popular and now brown and green are popular. I love both. This is choice 1. However, I have only seen this rug online.

So choice 2 comes from Target. It looks black, but it is brown. I have seen it.

Please vote. Any if you have any suggestions on other pillows, that would help too. School is starting soon and I will not have time or energy to run all over town looking at pillows.

And, if you know anyone who wants to buy a coffee table and two great end tables, let me know.

Summer is my favorite time of year.

Warning: This is long


End of School

So I know I have not posted in a long time. The end of school was busy and there was not much that was worth writing about. I will miss all my kids. I will also miss being a kindergarten teacher. I LOVED that I was the one to teach them to read and write. I LOVED watching them make friends and mature. I loved all the little furniture and knowing how special kindergarten was to their families. However, it has been a hard three years and I am ready to move on.

My room had to be all packed up and moved down to the second grade hall. That was a HARD long job. We also had to use our staff development day as a snow day in January, so we didn't get an extra day after school was out. Everything had to be done by Friday at 4:00. We watched a lot of videos an did many things the last week that did not require any of my help so that I could pack. I was very tired everyday.

I am very excited to go back to second grade. I taught it for two years and loved it.I am going to lots of workshops this summer to get ready for the transition.


CMA Music Festival

As many of you know, I took a vacation right after school was out. Last summer I saw the CMA Music Festival (formally FanFair) on TV and decided that I was going next year to celebrate my recovery from surgery. It was easy to convince Katie, my roommate, to come with me because she is a big country music fan like me. I got all the tickets for Nashville in January and looked forward to it all year.

It was absolutely wonderful!!!!! During the day there some smaller names I kinda knew performing on a riverfront stage and lots of names that I didn't know performing on other stages around downtown. There were also activities for families and an area to meet the artist and get info on all kids of things. Night performances were the biggest past of the event. Everyone (50,000+) went to the Tennessee Titian's stadium and watched 6-8 big name performers. Everyone had about 30 minutes to play then another performer came on. We had the same GREAT seats every night. We were right in the center an a little up. There were huge screens to watch everything.



So now you are wondering, so who all did you see? Who was the best? Well I will tell you how each day went. Get ready, its kinda long


Thursday


We were scheduled to fly out at 7:45am but because of big rain storms we sat in the airport until 4:00. Ugggg. Long day

We arrived in Nashville at 7:30pm and drove straight to the big nightly concert. We had planned to eat lunch with my dad who was there on business and then spend the afternoon at small concerts.

We walked in right after the first performer started - Brooks and Dunn. They were great.

Then Reba sang 3 songs before the lightning arrived in Nashville.

They called a delay and everyone went under the stands.

After waiting a hour an still no rain, we left at 10:30 and made it back to the hotel right before the rain hit.

We figured they would not restart the concert after midnight, but we were wrong.



We missed seeing Darius Rucker, Julianne Hough (sad), Dierks Bentley, Rascal Flatts (very sad) an Brad Paisley ( the most sad about)

That night lasted until 2:30am . Wow, glad I went home.

Friday

We started the day around 11:00. First we took the shuttle to the riverfront stage and saw John Anderson and Jamie O'Neil. Then went to another stage and saw Kate & Kacey (2nd plane in Can You Duet) and Julie Roberts.

Then we went back to clean up before the big show. This was a great night of performers.

We both wore our boots with our dresses .

Luke Bryan
Little Big Town (A little disappointing)

Rodney Atkins (very fun)

Jake Owen (Katie thinks he looks like Mathew McConaughey)


Zac Brown Band (Lots of fun)
Lady Antembellum (wow, I loved)


Jason Aldean
Surprise performer Kid Rock and Martina (wow) Katie was very excited.



Saturday

We started at the riverfront stage and saw Bill Anderson and Emerson Drive. ( They were great)
Then we headed over to the acoustic stage and saw John Arthur Martinez. He is from Texas an played a lot of great original songs. Watch for him an go see him if you get the chance.

That night we saw lots of great performers. I was super excited about this night for one reason.

Josh Turner - My favorite. I turn into a 15 year old girl at a Jonas Brothers Concert.



Jamey Johnson


Lee Ann Womack - so beautiful and graceful.

Wynonna and a few songs with mom Naomi. (wow, what legends. The stadium was very excited)

Trace Adkins (He is not my favorite but he had a lot of energy and put on a good show)
Martina McBride was so fun and put on such an energetic show.


Sunday

We spent the entire afternoon at the riverfront stage and enjoyed the sunshine.
Joe Nichols
Jessica Harp (half of The Wreckers)She is very skinny
Eli Young Band - great
Darryl Worley
Joey + Rory - adorable and so much fun. They are very sweet to each other.

That night was the best concert
Jack Ingram - great
Montgomery Gentry
Miranda Lambert- My new favorite, she was very fun and energetic

John Rich with Cowboy Troy - this act seem to have a lot of show and silliness. John Rich came out in a full fur coat and then a midget was dancing at one time. Kinda all just weird.

Taylor Swift was very 19 and kinda dramatic. She did a lot of skipping and hair flinging. If I was 16 I would love her.

Kenney Chesney closed the show and sang all of his hits. I don't quite get all the hype about him, but he has some fun songs.

We ha so much fun and loved our seats and the people around us. Everyone was so nice and there was never a time when I felt like things were out of control.

I will say that we saw lots of different kinds of people. Lots of old, young kids, and all sizes of people in not a lot of clothing. I guess when some are on vacation they don't mind if everything hangs out.

Monday we did a little shopping then headed home.

What a day.

So on Friday I found TWO yellow puddles on the bathroom floor. One was accidental and one on purpose. I also saw one naked child sitting on the flool of the bathrrom next to her mess and another naked child flashing the class while all the girls scream in shock of what they are seeing for the first time. I have to laugh at days like these because I had already tried to be mad when calling three parents at lunch. Only 29 days left.

Kindergarten Story.

Well I promised a few kindergarten stories so I thought I would share a good one. There will not be any nudity or harsh language in this story, so sorry to disappoint.

So everyday I model writing for the kids. I usually write about something I did or fun thing I can share about. So Saturday night I had dinner and did a little shopping with another teacher and her husband. The kids know Amy because she stops by the room often.

Well every writing starts with a picture to help us remember what we are writing about. So I start out by drawing a picture of me. The kids know me by the stick figure and long hair. Then I draw Amy with her baby belly. This is a stick figure with a bump. The kids easily identify her. I then tell them that her husband came with us and drew a stick figure with boy spikey hair. Notice that all of the people I draw are sicks. Not much details b/c I am not that good.

So as soon as I draw Eric, one of my sweet angels, shouts "Ewww he is handsome!!!"

I had to laugh and then let her tell Amy all about it a few minutes later. I think there was so much interest in this picture because I seldom draw or write about boys.

I will try to share a few more kinder stories before the end of the year. They make me laugh.



On another school note, I will be moving to second grade next year. I taught second for two years and enjoy them a lot. I am very excited for a new adventure. I am not excited to move all my stuff.

Sunday's Comin'

I love Easter. Each year we have a family reunion close to Rising Star, where my grandparents grew up. Our Easter is different that others. We still have a church service, but it is usually in the middle of the cow pasture and we use hymnals that are much older than me I think. We then have a hug BBQ meal and everyone bring something yummy to share. All the kids then hunt eggs and one of the older cousins is convinced to put on the very hot, old bunny costume. Luckily, I am too short for it and have never been asked. I love to see all the family. There are usually more people there that I don't know than do know. This year we may be inside due to wet weather and much of the family I am close to won't be there.

If you don't have a Easter service to go to, my home church, First Baptist Allen, is going to have a wonderful Easter service on "The God of Second Chances". Service times are 7:30, 9:00 and 10:30. God's love for us is so real and amazing, please don't miss this day to celebrate.

Also, our wonderful pastor showed this video this past Sunday. If you weren't there, please check it out. It is very powerful.

http://www.ignitermedia.com/products/iv/singles/20/Sundays-Comin

I hope you have an Easter that is filled with joy, love and Jesus!!!

Whoo Hooo

So I mentioned a few weeks ago that it was one of my goals to run a mile without stopping. I did it tonight at the gym!!!!!! Whoo Hooo ! Ya know how sometimes at the gym you just can't get going no matter what you do, then other days you can do way more than ever. Today was a great gym day. I am gong to work on running outside as well, but will take this as a success.

Also, each time I go camping one of my favorite things is climbing "Harry's Mountain" It's not a real mountain, but it is a big steep hill with lots of rocks, thorny bushes and other dangerous terrain. In the past when i have climbed it I am in the last group to get to the top and usually have to take a break or two to rest. This time I made a goal to get to the top without resting. It was very hard but I pushed myself and made it. I think I almost ran up and the boys even let me be first on top. I was huffing and puffing and almost collapsed onto some catus.

All that to say... hooray for the new heart.
(Too bad they won't let me give blood, then I would be like Super Woman)

Happy Day

I love Sundays. I often find myself loving life Sunday afternoons. So I decided to list things that make me happy. I didn't experience all of these things today, but some of them. You might have to remind me of some of these things Thursday afternoon when I am usually very exausted.

Coffee
Morning church
Sweet old men that greet you and always shake your hand
Watching a child be baptized
The handbell choir
Surprise Donuts
A beautiful hymn
Lunch with friends
Sunshine and a breeze
A wonderful nap on a full stomach
Chocolate
Chocolate with peanut butter
Chocolate cake
Chocolate ice cream
Chocolate with chocolate
Sonic Cherry Vanilla Coke
Work that is done
Taking about boys (hehe)
A workout that is good and DONE
Ice Cream
A good pedicure
Great Country Music
Watching a girly movie
Movie theater popcorn
DVR
Pretty dresses
Blogs

There are many more but in order to have a happy Monday, I need to go to bed. I hope you have a happy day too.

Camping

Twice a year my Sunday School class goes camping in Brownwood. Now you might not think of me as the camping type, but I have been trained well. The first few times I actually stayed in a hotel and showered. Now I am very good at sleeping in a tent and not complaining at all about being dirty.

This time I took off Friday and left at 5am to go with the group. It was very worth it. I got to shop for the food, set up tents, find firewood, rode around a lot in the truck, and did plenty of sitting by the fire. That night the wind was very strong bringing in the big cold front. It actually got down to 34 and we heard all of it. Not a very restful sleep.

Saturday we got up and ate a very tasty breakfast made on the fire. The best part if breakfast was my "toad in a hole". I had never had a fried egg in bread before. It was a little messy, but good. We then saw more of the ranch and found a hidden spot out of the wind for lunch. I got to ride the 4-wheeler with lots of exciting bumps and fast turns. Saturday evening I did a little fishing an then had a great dinner of taco soup. The afternoon was very warm and pleasant and had no idea that it was going to get down to 24 that night. Wow it was cold.

The next day we had a yummy breakfast. Sunday we did some more hiking and packed up to head home. The car ride is always fun as well. It also feels great to get a hot shower when we get home.

Here are a few more pictures of the weekend.

There were not many bluebonnets this year. This is one of the few.

Much of the food was cooked under this. Kyle worked hard at loading my backpack with rocks.

After climbing Harry's Mountain, always carve our initials in the catus and look for it the next time we come.

Group picture.

We had a great time. Thanks to the Whites for being such great host.

Spring Break

I desperately needed a spring break this year. The kids at school get very wild when they know a break is coming. Open house was also right before spring break so we were very stressed. I didn't go anywhere or do anything that exciting for the break, but did enjoy several different
activities. My mom came up one day for a little shopping and I enjoyed the beautiful weather everyday. I went "running" several days in the park and sat outside to do some reading. However, I did get too much sun on my legs. I love the warm sunshine and hope that it sticks around for a while.

All last weekend I watched Baylor play some great basketball. I am so proud of of Bears. I went down to Waco Wednesday night to watch the Men play the first round of the NIT tournament. It was a very exciting game. I can't wait to watch both play again this weekend. I also have about 7 free Lady Bear t-shirts to give away. Let me know if you want one.


One night I got to go over the Chris and Alison's for leftovers and playing the Wii. That was a very fun night. Jamie and Alison were great teachers.

Pamper, Potatoes, & Pie

So about two weeks ago I help host a baby shower for our Sunday School leader Jeff and his wife Darla. Because we have a very close group we decided to do a c0-ed shower. We called it "Pamper, Potatoes, & Pie”. We had a baked potato bars with lots of toppings, salad, and several desserts. I also made my first diaper cake.

I also planned a few games in order to keep the fun alive. When everyone arrived they picked a pink or blue cup depending on what they thought the baby is going to be. Each person also wrote a name suggestions on the cup. That was a fun conservation started. After everyone had a drink, I passed out ice cubes with tiny babies in the middle. The first person with the baby out of ice shouted "My water broke!!" and won a prize. It was a very fun game, although didn't last as long as I thought it would. Another game I put together was called "What did you eat!?!!" I melted different candy bars in diapers and everyone guessed what it was. Many people were very good at this game. I didn't have enough prizes but we had lots of laughs.

Thanks for everyone that helped make this night so much fun.

Peer Pressure Worked

Alright, Alright. After much peer pressure, I have decided to start blogging again. I can’t guarantee any breaking news or witty comments, but I will do my best to make my boring life seem kinda exciting. I am going to TRY not to only talk about one subject. If you start to get board – please let me know. As a little disclaimer, I am not the best speller or typist, and I think the G on my keyboard gets stuck . So good luck decoding my thoughts.

Health update: Since this blog started to keep you updated on my heart condition I will let you know that I am doing great. The doctors released me in October to do anything. I will see the doctor again in June for a check-up. I am not as tired as I was before and I can exercise a little more than before. One of my goals was to do an aerobics class without having to walkout in the middle. I have taken several classes and survived them all. Another goal is to become a “runner”. I try to “run” a few times a week. I more run/walk. I sometimes run on a treadmill and sometimes outside. Let me just tell you that outside is a lot harder. So when I started, I said I would want to run a mile without stopping. After a few months of this, thinking I was improving, wow, a mile is a long way outside. I am going to keep working on it and remember that my body still works different than others. Alright I am now board of this topic, moving on.

So I went to the dentist today. If you know me well or have been around me a lot the past two years you know that I HATE going to the dentist. I like my dentist a lot and LOVE my dental hygienist, Kathy . It is my own anxiety that makes me cry almost every time. I have found a Christian office that “caters to cowards”. That basically means they won’t tell me my fears are silly and even better, they will sedate me if I can’t take it. Let me just tell you how I love to be sedated. Although it cost more than I would spend on a good pair of shoes and the whole day is lost, I don’t remember any of the procedure, and that is worth it to me. My dentist even made sure that the next time I come I get sedated if it is not just a cleaning. He reminded me that everyone remembers how bad it was one time. I know I am crazy.

So today when I went just for a cleaning I didn’t cry. Be proud. I rewarded myself afterwards with a big cherry vanilla sonic coke. Actually I always get a sonic coke after.

So the rest of my spring break I will be anxious free of the dentist. Look for more post soon – it will be non health related I promise. I will also work on getting more pictures in. I know that's what you all love.

Nothing New

So someone mentioned to me that I need to update the blog. There has not been much new to actually report on.

I am still feeling great. I am usually tired at the end of the day, but after a good nights sleep I am ready to go again. I will see my doctor again November 7th and do another 24 hour monitor to check to make sure everything is still working correctly.

If you want to see the x-ray of the wires on my brestbone let me know. It's kinda cool. My scar is starting to fade very slowly. I wish it were a little faster, but it dose not botther me. One person was surprised that I was not concerned about hiding my red scar. I have had a previous scar my whole life and therefore, I think I would look strange WITHOUT it. It is part of me.

School is going great. It was overwhelming the first week jumping into the middle of everything. I love my kids but still feel like I am getting to know them. Everyday is different and exciting. Let me know if you need any cute kindergarten stories.

I will not post again until I have any new heart updates. My regular life is not eventful or exciting enough for all the world to read.

Thank you for all the thoughts, prayers, gifts, concerns, and kind words. I know this recovery would not have been this easy if I had not had all the support from everyone.

First Days of School

My first day back was great. All the kids knew who I was ans were very excited to meet me. I mostly watched Ms. Smith (my sub) teach most of the day so I could figure out her little routines. Around 9:30 I was very overwhelmed, but felt better by the end of the day. All the kids kept waving to me, telling me they new my name, and giving me random hugs. They are all real cute and so small. I always forget how little they come.
It was also so great to see my kiddos from last year. I got lots of hugs at recess. I was very tired when I got home that evening and stayed on the couch all night fighting to keep my eyes open.
Friday was very busy. I woke up making lots of list and never stopped moving. I taught most of the day and Ms. Smith helped answer more questions. I was glad she stayed to help the transition. I stayed extra late to get little things done and brought several projects home. Monday I will get a chance to put in more of my routines. Dulcy is going to come to help me. What a blessing.

My energy level was very good both days. I even ended up doing a little cardio activity Friday. Its not a kindergarten day if I'm not running somewhere and jumping up and down with the kids.

Its good to be back. Thank you all for the encouragement and prayers. I could not have done it without you.

" My grace is sufficient for you for my power is made perfect in weakness.'' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weakness so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why for Christ's sake, I delight in weakness, in insult, in hardship, in persecution, in difficulties. For when I am weak I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12: 9-10

I MADE IT!!!

I was FINALLY able to see my doctor today. He released me to work and do anything else I feel like doing. I can start working out and lifting things. YEA!!!!!! Apparently, I have done so well because I was motivated to get back to life. I think it had a lot to do with all the wonderful encouragement and prayers. Thank you friends.

I hope to go back to work latter this week. Please pray that it is smooth transition for the kids and that I will have the energy to do my job well.

Still Waiting

My surgeon's office called and had to move my follow up appointment to Monday. There was an emergency surgery he had to do today and could not meet. It is possible that the Monday appointment will have to be moved as well. I will just have to wait. Oh Well.

I will update after we do get to meet with him.

Better Than We Expected News!!!!!

Today I saw the rhythm specialist. He told us that my irregular heart beat has GREATLY improved. Before the surgery I had done a 24 hour heart monitor. The test showed the in the upper chamber I had several hundred EXTRA beats and in the lower chamber 6000 EXTRA beats. When we did the same test a few weeks ago, I had only 15 extra in the upper and only 4 in the lower. Wow!!! We were blown away by the difference. He even said that he sees normal people with a couple hundred extra beats. The goal of course is no extra beats, but have a few is normal.

He asked that I do another 24 hour monitor again in a few months just to make sure everything stays normal. There is no need to consider a pacemaker or devices or test at this time. I still might need one down the road, but not now. THE SURGERY WORKED!!!!!!

I will see my surgeon on Friday to see how I am healing and hope to get a short timeline of lifting restrictions. I am ready to get back to real life.

Good News

My Dr. called today with the results of my 24 hour heart monitor test. He said that my rhythms are "improving". He said he talked with the rhythm specialist and they are encouraged. I will see the specialist next week to get the details.

From what we understand from talking to him today, we will monitor my rhythms for a while and look for more improvements.

I will get to go back to Allen this weekend. Right now I am planning to stay. We will see what the doctors say and then make a plan to transition back into real life. WHOOOHOOOO!!!

I Love Current Events

I have discovered that I am addicted to current events. During my recovery time I have watched soooo much TV. First there was the Olympics. I was glued to the TV from 7pm till after 11pm every night. I felt it was un-American to watch anything else on TV. Then there was the Democratic National Convention. I loved hearing what everyone had to say and listen to all the opinions. Again my schedule revolved around this event. Finally this week I have been glued to hurricane coverage. I was ready for "The Big One". Yesterday I watched CNN for over 5 hours just on Gustav. I kept waiting for Anderson Cooper to blow away. I even considered waking up early to watch the coverage of the storm. Now I am gearing up for the Republican Convention. I know when everyone is going to speak and what to be looking for during each speech.

Aside from all the TV I have been watching, we have been doing other things. I have been watching my mom learn to play golf. That's interesting! Yesterday we went to San Marcus to see my brother and the Texas State campus. I have also helped a little bit with the Fair and Rodeo decorations by painting a few signs and boots. We are also working on the SECOND 1000 pc. puzzle.

I am still feeling great. I am also sleeping better now. Thank you for all the prayers.

First Check Up

I saw my doctor for the first time since being at home today. He said the new valve looks great and that everything I have been feeling is normal. He answered a lot of my questions as well. He also stressed that I don't need to over do things and to limit my activity. This is a little different than what the surgeon said. Before I left I had a 24 hour heart monitor put on again. This will be the information that that rhythm specialist looks at in a few weeks to tell us if I need any other surgeries. I will go back in two months.

I have felt a lot better that past few days. Sleeping has still been difficult because of my back pain. I think it is now time to start getting off the pain meds.

I am now back in Waco until the second week in September. I see the rhythm specialist Sept. 10 and my surgeon Sept. 12. I hope at that point I will be release to drive and go back to work soon after.

I know there will be more good days and bad days to come. All the cards, notes and kind words everyone has sent has been so wonderful and brightens each day. I am so blessed to have such great friends. Thank you!!!

Recovery Going Well

I am now in Waco recovering here. I miss all my Allen friends and do wish I was starting back to school this week. We will be back in Allen Saturday the 23th through Tuesday the 26th because I have my first follow up appointment Tuesday.

Many people who have heart surgery need cardiac therapy afterwards, but since I am young my doctors told me I could do it on my own. I have been getting up in the mornings and walking a little and then walking a little in the evenings too. We even have a treadmill here I get to use for those rainy days.

My pain has gone up and down a lot. There were several days that I was not having any pain, but my skin was very dry and itchy from the tape. The tape has now started to fall off a little and I am back to having a some pain. I am tyring to slowly get off Tylenol, but not sure yet if I am ready. Sleeping has been hard every night because once I do finally fall asleep, I have to get up every few hours. I think I sleep the best during my daytime naps.

School starts Monday and I am very sad I am not there. I was praying for a good sub to take my class. I am so glad to have gotten such a great teacher to be there in my place. The first few weeks are always tough, so please pray for her as school starts. I know she will do a fantastic job. What an answered prayer!!!