I'm back in ALABAMA!

+WOW!  It has been so long since I've blogged on here...I'm surprised I still have one.  Since my account is still active I thought I would try to update it! So much has happened since hte last time I've blogged!

Most recently...I've moved back to Alabama!! I'm living in Northport and working at Peco Foods in Tuscaloosa.  It has been eight years since I left Alabama, and I must say moving back has been a little harder than what I expected.  After you spend such a long time somewhere you develop great friendships with people, which make it so hard to leave.  I have enjoyed being closer to my family, but there's not a day that goes by that I don't miss my friends from LA.  I know once I get completely settled in then I'll develop friendships here, but it has been hard.  I believe that God brought me back to Alabama because I needed to completely close some doors, and let Him show me the other doors He has opened for me.  It has been great to reconnect with som eof my friends from college, and can't wait to reconnect with more!

This past April I went on a cruise with my mom and two of her sisters...we had a blast!! I would love to go on another cruise soon!! This is a picture from our trip...wish I was there now!! It was heaven!!

I enjoyed every minute of the trip...I think some of my favorite times were just relaxing and laying out on the ship! 

Hopefully, I will be better about blogging and staying up to date!! Guess we will see :)

Merry Christmas!

It's hard to believe it is Christmas time again, and it is hard to believe that I haven't updated this in over a year. Okay so maybe that isn't so hard to believe. Lately it seems that things outside of work and/or church are few and far between.

Today is CHRISTMAS!!! YAY!! I always love this time of year, and I'm looking forward to tomorrow when my sister, brother-in-law, nephew, and nieces get here. We must celebrate Lydia's 2nd birthday, as well as Christmas. Today is being spent at "home" with my parents...we are watching "A Christmas Story" right now. I love that movie and it is a tradition at our house that we watch it at least once on Christmas day. This morning started off nice when I looked outside and saw that it was snowing! Sadly it wasn't sticking to the ground, but the flakes were huge and pretty. I can't remember another Christmas when it snowed.

Since it has been so long since I've updated here is a quick snapshot of my 2009...

1. In March it was announced that my company (Pilgrim's Pride) would be closing the facitlity at which I worked.
2. May 8, 2009 was my last day at Pilgrim's Pride
3. May 23, 2009 Foster Farms (a poultry company based out of Livingston, CA) bought the Farmerville facility
4. June 8, 2009 I went back to work at the facility, but as a Foster Farm employee
5. At the end of June I went to California for the first time ever! I was there for four days...I was able to visit San Francisco and see the Golden Gate bridge! We flew into Sacramento, and we saw the state capital.
6. In August I went back to CA for a management dinner with the company, and Jay Leno was the surprise entertainment.
7. In November once again I went to CA for work...this time I flew into Fresno.
8. I spent Thanksgiving at my sister's...then after THE ALABAMA-AUBURN game we drove to my parents' house.
9. Last week I came home from work to find out my beloved dog had been run over and killed
10. Now I'm in Alabama for Christmas and will return to Louisiana on Sunday.

Hopefully I will be able to get my blog updated more...I enjoy readying all of my friends' and always feel guilty that I never take the time to update mine! We will see how 2010 goes!

WOW...I still have a blog...

Since it has been about a year and a half since I last posted an update I thought I would use my time wisely while I'm at working waiting for time to go home :). Honestly there hasn't been a whole lot going on...I eat, sleep, work, and that is about it. I did take a cake decorating class or actually 3 classes this fall. They were a lot of fun, and I will probably take the last course in January.

I'm looking forward to Christmas...mainly because it is a few days away from work. I will be heading to Alabama tomorrow afternoon and coming back to Louisiana Saturday afternoon. This will be the longest I've been home in a while. Usually it is for a weekend every now and then. I hate the drive...it seems like forever especially when you are by yourself.

Hopefully I will be able to update my blog a little more. Merry Christmas!

Paitence...

I hate waiting sometimes...Right now I'm waiting to hear back from my job interview on Thursday. I just want to know did I get the job did I not get the job...either way...I hate waiting. Today I received some news that I pretty much knew about already...don't really know how I'm supposed to feel about that...I am supposed to be numb, hurt, angry, or what...I don't really know. In the words of Scarlett O'Hara..."oh well, I won't think about that today...I'll worry about it tomorrow" I guess time will tell!

Church Etiquette

I was looking up a church's website and came across this etiquette lesson. I found it amusing! Hope you do as well

Church Etiquette

You should you never enter a church down the center aisle. If you see chairs or benches on the side walls at church, they are generally reserved for the elderly or ill. It's confusing to know when to sit and when to stand in church. If in doubt, you should stand. If you arrive at church late you should enter, but stand to the back and be as quiet as possible. When sitting, it is generally considered too casual to cross your legs in most churches. For Sunday services most churches prefer you dress nicely, not formally, with clothing appropriate for "meeting God". If you attend a new church and aren't sure how to "do" things, observe and follow the lead of other church members.

"Eloi, Eloi, Lama Sabachthani?"

Translation....My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?

Easter weekend is upon us and we just got out of school for Easter break. This afternoon was Family Day for the junior high and high school...My vocal kids sang and other students spoke about what God is doing in their lives! It was awesome. Toward the end of the program one of my students sang the song "Why" and the rest of the group acted the song out....powerful! Very powerful. This picture was taken on Tuesday night when we had our Easter program.

This past week I've really been thinking about exactly why Jesus died on the cross for me....why He would do such a thing...why God would send Him....its simple....one word....LOVE.

God loved me so much that He sent His Son....to be beaten....and to die....for me.

And what am I doing to show my appreciation for Him? What am I doing to show my love for Him? NOT ENOUGH that's for sure.

Take the time this weekend to reflect on your life....ask yourself the question..."Am I doing everything I can to show my love for my Father?" "Am I living the way in which He would want me to live?"

Short Update

Spring Break is over....:( I had a good time away from my normal schedule of school. It was nice to be able to sleep late and run errands during school hours and not late in the afternoon! This week went by way too fast though...I didn't get everything accomplished that I had wanted to do but I did get a lot done. So that is a plus. I was able to see a few friends that I haven't seen in a while and catch up with them so that was fun!

However, it was a difficult week....spiritually. We have been praying for revival for our junior high and high school students and have been seeing some fruits from the prayer and work we've been doing, but this past week was tough....very tough...I don't know if it was just being out
normal routine or what...


Today is back to regular routine....but only 9 weeks of school left!!! I'm so excited!! :) Alright well, I know it is not much of an update but I wanted to let all my avid readers know what was going on!

Alas...

....and did my Savior bleed....

I love that hymn and to be quite honest I have no idea of why it popped into my head just then. I was getting ready to type an update and that song started going through my head. hmmm.

There isn't a whole lot to update on right now. Things here are busy as usualy but good. I am recovering from the stomach virus---ugh! It has not been fun but I'm managing. Right now I'm trying to regain my energy of course that becomes difficult to do whenever one must continue to work. I'm ready for the weekend; however, my weekend is going to be a busy one! This Saturday is our Rummage Sale for the youth at church and since I'm in charge of fundraising for the youth I get the joy of being there at 6:00 a.m. on Saturday morning! I'm so excited...can't you tell! Once it is finished it will be the usual Saturday cleaning and getting ready for the next weekend whenever David's work's crawfish boil is at my house...I love crawfish season! :) After that will be a long week at school because we get out for Spring Break the next weekend!!! I'm so excited! I don't really have plans for spring break other than relaxing!!!!

Well....I must go now...my algebra class is coming in and it is time for me to teach once again....

Hope all is doing well!!

Abba Father

Abba Father...
"Above all else guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life." ~Proverbs 4:23

Last night as I was reading this verse the the next few that followed it something stuck out to me. Why is the heart so important? A wellspring is the source of water which is needed for human life--our heart is the source of us. Yes, our heart is needed for our physical life, but it is our main source of integellience for our spiritual life. Our heart is easily corrupted and therefore needs to be heavily guarded. The things of the world can easily penetrate our heart and filter into our lives sometimes without us even realizing what is really going on--other times we knowingly let that stuff in.

For me the realization was there has been a time in my life where my heart was very guarded. All that mattered to me was what God wanted me to do, where He would have me go, and listening to Him. Even though there were so many things of the world going around me my heart was so guarded that my eyes were fixed on Him. Slowly, I let my heart down and the things of the world started filtering in and my eyes shifted. For the past couple of months I have often thought about the time when my heart was guarded and I so strong in the Lord--and last night when my world was "crumpling" I did what a lot of people and cried out to God. My answer came in Proverbs 4:23--"Above all else guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life." I have to get back to my first love--my one true love--even if that means cutting some ties with some. I must follow God's will for my life and not my own will.

"Abba Father, my defender,
You are holy, I surrender,
For in my weakness you protect me
And when my heart strays you You correct me.
I cry Abba Father, I love you, Daddy
Abba Father, I love you, I love you
Abba Father, I love you, Daddy
Abba Father, I love you, I love you--Daddy."

Home Sweet Home

Hello all! I am typing this from my sister's house in Ashville, Alabama! I'm so excited to be back in Alabama. Just seeing the sign "Welcome to Alabama" brought a smile to my face! I always want to move back especially when I go to or through Birmingham! :) But whenever I get back to LA I can't imagine leaving.

Things are going well for the most part. However, somethings have changed drastically in just a week's time. So much that it is hard for me to believe. I have found myself asking "What am I supposed to do?....walk away or stand my ground and fight..." I still am not sure...

Its Summer Time!!!

Hello all!! I am finally going to update!! School is out!! YEA!!!! However, summer school starts on Monday....but it won't be soo bad...less days a week, less kids, less hours a day, less kids, and more money!!

Things here have been going well just busy! I got back from Six Flags over Texas late Wednesday night. We took the students who had made A's every nine weeks there...it was fun...tiring...but fun :) I rode all of the roller coasters of course! :)

As far some "Details" well things are very good.... :)

Thanks to all who sent cards, presents, and/or birthday wishes!! I felt loved!! I love my friends!!! And I miss ya'll!!! When is our next girls' weekend?

I will be in Alabama the weekend of the 17th...for my sister's baby shower (Molly Claire)! I would love to spend tim withe some friends!!

Okay I must be going now....it is time for me to go fry in a tanning bed! I hope everyone had a great week!!

Love ya'll!!

May Day!

Well since it had been a month since I updated I thought I would let everyone know how things are going! Things here are busy with school.....we don't have much longer...we get out of school on the 25th and I'm so excited! I will be teaching summer school though but I will have a little bit of a break between the two and summer school is only from 9:00-1:00, Monday through Thursday during the month of June. That isn't too bad! Plus it is a little extra money for me! For all of you who want "details" I promise to send an e-mail soon....life is a bit crazy right now. Things are going very well though :) !

This weekend was crazy. Saturday it rained all day and I didn't do anything....that actually felt nice! Then yesterday between church a group of us from my Sunday School class went four wheeler riding or as they like to call it here...mud hawgin. We had a lot of fun....of course I was covered in mud...covered! But it was great fun. Nothing too exciting going on in my life right now....just trying to not kill some kids :) This week should be good....it is teacher appreciation week :)! Well it is time for me to go to my room and get ready for the day!!

Stayin' Alive

Hello to all! I hope everyone is doing well. Things here are pretty much the same as usual just extremely tired....I got used to sleeping late during spring break and 6:00 in the morning is kicking my butt right now. We are in the middle of parent-teacher conferences so those are always fun-yeah right! But I am surviving! I know some of you want "details" and the "details" are things are going well! Really well and that makes me happy!

I must get back to my world of school....I hope everyone has a wonderful day!

Sweet Home Alabama

Hello to all! It is so good to be back in Alabama! I arrived in B'ham on Monday around 5ish. I went to Melissa's apartment to go out and celebrate the future Dr. Mandy McMichael. We had a good time I was able to see mls and her baby as well as other JC friends I haven't seen in FOREVER! Of course after the meal Christy Davis and I had to go ride so she could smoke...just like old times...right Christy?!?! :) Love ya girl! Then on Tuesday off to JC...I must admit I had mixed emotions going back...I hadn't been back in 3 years but it was very good. I was able to see people who have been and still are influential in my life plus the best reason for going....to hear MANDY PREACH! She was amazing as she talked about light and darkness! Good job Mandy! When I left JC I headed to Ashville, AL to see my sister and nephew! Then today I met a good friend for lunch and came to my parents house with my nephew. I will be here until Friday around lunch time where I will head back "home" to my puppy!

I love SPRING BREAK! :) if you can't already tell! Well....I must go get ready for church.

ITS A GIRL!!!!!!!!

I'm so excited!! I just found my sister is having a GIRL!!!!! They don't have a name yet but the nursery is going to be done in pink and green and I get to buy little girl stuff!!! :) :) :)

Okay Okay...I'll post something!

Hello to all! This one is for Ashley and Mandy! I am so sorry I haven't posted in a while...I know ya'll have missed me terribly! Things here have been crazy...crazy...plus I've been spending most of my nights and early mornings with someone...and if you are lucky enough I'll fill you in on the details whenever I see you next week! I'm excited though! Spring Break starts this Friday!!!!!! YEA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Alabama here I come! Maybe then I'll have some pics of brady to post...I haven't gotten any new ones lately....shocking I know...but I haven't seen him since Christmas! Long time! Well...I can't type long right now because I am at school and I have got to get a few things ready for today!! I'm so excited about today....my 8th graers ae dissecting owl pellets!!! We are going to have fun!! I hope you all have a wonderful day!!

Love to you all!
Mandy :)

Greetings from NC

I hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend! I am in North Carolina with Melissa to visit Mandy and Chad!! We are having a great girls' weekend...except for one thing...we miss you Ash!

I am so thankful for time away from "home"! Time with such dear friends makes me miss Alabama even more! It also makes me want to move back....maybe one day!

Things in my world have been difficult! But thus is life and I am clinging to..."and this too shall pass!" Things will get better soon...they must right?!?! Okay! enough ramblings from me....too much to do...too little time!

Monday

Hello to all....yes I am still alive. I know it has been a while since I last posted and I am sorry...please forgive me. Things have changed a bit since then. I have moved to Farmerville, LA where I teach since my last post and in the move I no longer have internet access at home. I have it at school but rarely have the time to get on anymore. Things are going okay I guess...I am really looking forward to our girls' weekend in 11 days! I am so excited!!!! :) I hope ya'll are too! I am also looking forward to spring break. I will spend most of it in Alabama so hopefully I will be able to spend some time with my friends! I can't type much longer because break is almost over and I must get back to my classroom! I love you all and miss you more!

The end is near....

I thought I would update in the new year. So far 2006 has been eventful! But that is okay. Yes the end is finally near...things are progressing and part of me is rejoicing but part of me is crushed. I never in my life thought this would happen....never and now it is slapping me in my face. I continue to quote Romans 8:28....I'm clinging to Prov. 3:5-6....I am laying at the feet of Jesus with my soul laid bare...and I know that "this too shall pass" Praise God.

School is going well....midterms are next week so I have been making out review sheets and midterms...fun stuff or not. But at least this week and next week are "pre-planned" and I know exactly what we are doing. :)

Anyway. I hope everyone is having a great 2006 so far!

Held...

I love this song....



Two months is too little.
They let him go.
They had no sudden healing.
To think that providence would Take a child from his mother while she prays I
s appalling.

Who told us we’d be rescued?
What has changed and why should we be saved from nightmares?
We’re asking why this happens To us who have died to live?
It’s unfair.

Chorus:
This is what it means to be held.
How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive.
This is what it is to be loved.
And to know that the promise was
When everything fell we’d be held.

This hand is bitterness.
We want to taste it, let the hatred NUMB our sorrow.
The wise hands opens slowly to lilies of the valley and tomorrow. (

(Chorus)
This is what it means to be held.
How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive.
This is what it is to be loved.
And to know that the promise was
When everything fell we’d be held.

Bridge:
If hope is born of suffering.
If this is only the beginning.
Can we not wait for one hour watching for our Savior?

(Chorus)
This is what it means to be held.
How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive.
This is what it is to be loved.
And to know that the promise was
When everything fell we’d be held.