Sunday, February 22, 2009

Just some photos

Cupcake Art during Christmas break


It was a lot of work....





What it was suppose to look like:






Feb 2: SNOW DAY NUMBER 2 (This was actually more snow than we had the first snow day)


My goodness! I am snowed in! How do I cross the yard?

Here is my reaction to having the day off of work:




Christmas Part 2! :) I didn't take too many photos.. I will take more next time. I just remembered to take out my camera right after every one went to bed! It's so busy when everyone is up.. but that's a great thing! :) This is what Santa made a special trip for:





New piece of furniture. Thanks to Mom. This will be where Paul's chess set from India will go. :)







Pictures of chess set:




The end of pictures for now.......

Friday, February 13, 2009

Can't Sleep

It's almost 12AM and I'm wired. My alarm is set for 5:40 AM. My doctor put me on a steroid medicine for a sinus infection that won't go away and it's made it hard to sleep. Plus, I had some yummy rich chocolates that Paul left me for Valentine's Day. In other words, too much caffeine, but that's ok. I have a lot to think about tonight. I'm not going to let it frustrate me. If I don't sleep, I don't sleep! :)

Well, I found out Tuesday that all the first year teachers at my school are getting laid off. We have to re-apply next year. We will be put in with the 1000's of other teachers who are trying to get jobs. That's rather frustrating... When I found out about this, I was just really really angry. Mostly about the fact that we are put at the bottom of the list. Now, I have a new attitude about it. I feel like there was as reason for this, especially after the events of today and yesterday. So, I'm going to start the application process this weekend. All of this in the mist of: work for two graduate courses and lesson planning.

It's pretty funny to say this now because I was pretty angry earlier today and well... most of this week, but the best part about this week is that it's been a spiritually stormy week.. that's for sure! Plus, there have been some other issues which I cannot discuss (I have no freedom of speech in regards to the issues.).

Thankfully, when it comes to prayer we have an endless amount of free speech. This is something no human can take away. When it comes to communicating with the Lord, He's the only one who can truly carry our burdens and understand our situation, unlike anyone else. That's where my burdens are now.... I am free.

If anything this week has done, it has strengthened my relationship with the Jesus. So, I felt like sharing.. Maybe this is why I can't sleep tonight.

Here are just some passages I have thought about a bit lately (They make more sense to me, but hopefully some one out there can find peace it them).


"Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do." Luke 23:34


"But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.... " Matthew 5: 44

"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. " Romans 12: 21

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding , will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4: 6

"Yet I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands;..." Isaiah 49: 16


"To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1

"He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, But whoever walks wisely will be delivered. " Proverbs 28: 26

"Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place, No evil shall befall you, Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; For He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in all your ways. " Psalms 91: 9-11

" He shall cover you with His feathers, An under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler." Psalms 91: 4


Another thing to be thankful for is that Paul and I have found a very nice little church. I was sick Sunday, so I didn't get to go, but I have been going to the 8:30 AM service and to Sunday School at 9:15AM which is really good for me. :) I really need to make it there this Sunday. That way I don't miss out on the fellowship.


Well, those are my thoughts for the evening.. I'm going to bed now.. :)

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Merry Christmas


Merry Christmas everyone!


Jojo says Merry Christmas!!! He can now run and play the eskimo way..




The tree with presents:





The beanie babies would like to say Merry Christmas to Iza and Olivia. They are looking forward to their return. :) Mom and I went through all those bags that were in the attic. I found a whole bunch of my old beanie babies. See if Iza can identify all the animals.













Tuesday, November 11, 2008

hmm... Christmas Early?

Paul and I went to Target.. which is never a good idea! We always spend way to much money there... It's not just my fault either! However, I love Target.

We found ourselves upgrading one thing... each year, as I continue brainwashing Paul into the whole Christmas thing...

Christmas 2005




Christmas 2006




Christmas 2007



This was the same tree as '06 just in our new house.


Now, Paul is more into this holiday than me. He opted for the 9ft tree. I was willing to go with the 7 1/2 foot tree. However, not having had a Christmas tree most of his life, he wanted something extra special.

Let me introduce you to Christmas 2008







We are going for a blue and silver theme.

Friskie is slowly destroying the tree.. he wants to climb it. Ugh!



Saturday, November 8, 2008

Crowders Mountain

Paul and I decided to go hiking at Crowders Mountain today. (I decided to put off my work until tomorrow... I needed a day off.) We had both heard of Crowders Mountain, but we didn't know it was so close. It is located between Charlotte and the Appalachian Mountains. It is right near Kings Mountain. Kings Mountain is very historic, but it's not a real hiking adventure. The trails are all paved and it's more like a hill than a mountain. However, Crowders Mountain was a lot of fun! We were surprised at how rocking and natural the trails were. So far, Crowders Mountain is not that big of a tourist trap.




After arriving at Crowders Mountain, we decided to take the Pinnacle Trail which was about 2 miles to the Pinnacle and 2 miles back to the car. The trail was very rocky. It really felt like hiking. I liked the fact that there weren't ropes or fences everywhere preventing people from going off the trail. It's no fun if you can't explore a little.

The 2 miles to the top were rough.. it was very steep. However, the view from the top was well worth it. When you reach the end of the trail, there is sign that says "Trail Ends Here", but there is a huge boulder right behind the sign. You are suppose to climb the boulder to get on top of the mountain, so it was a fun rock climbing adventure. The top of Crowders was flat so you got a 360 view from the top. It didn't have trees covering the top like most mountains do, so the view was amazing! There were no fences or gaurd rails to take away from the natural beauty or protect people from falling off, so you have to use common sense. It was neat to see Charlotte off in the distance. It was nice seeing God's Creation from such height. Unlike when you are in the Appalachians, there aren't millions of Mountains to look at, but what looks like a never ending sea of land... That was off in the eastward direction as was Charlotte. In the westward direction, you could see the Appalachian Mountains miles away...





















Now.. the stairs here weren't natural, but most of the trail was just rocks... Humans need help going up steep hills.








Here is the end of the trail...


View from the top..




Westward View









Climbing up more of the ridge






360 Degree View....


































Depending on how brave you were you could go further on top of the cliff. Paul and I ventured to the end of the cliff top, so we were able to see some awesome sights and enjoy the warm sun.








We saw hawks or eagles (not sure) flying around the mountain probably looking for fresh meat...
If you click on the photo below, you can see Charlotte way off in the distance.


It was a nice mini-vacation. :) If family or friends come visit, we will take you.. it's free! (No fees to park or hike just yet! :) )

Thursday, October 2, 2008

It's Ivy's Birthday

Happy Birthday Ivy!

I hope you have a wonderful day!

I love you!