Snapshots

Ok, not realized it's been 6 months since I've last blogged. It's been an intense 6 months. Heck, it's been an intense year!

Here are some snapshots, although I'm not at liberty to share all:

On October 8, 2010 my Grandma Virginia, my dad's mom, went to be with the Lord (just shy of two months after my Aunt Eva, her daughter-in-law, took the same journey). 

She was 93. 

She was an amazingly strong woman of God who prayed without ceasing until the day she came face-to-face with her Creator.

My Uncle Robert, my mom's brother, lost his battle to brain cancer on December 18, 2010. 

Since he lived with her before getting sick, for over a year I would take my grandma to visit him or take her shopping or bring her to our house so she wouldn't be alone. 

My uncle took his last breath just moments after his momma arrived at his assisted-living facility to visit him late that Saturday night. 

He sang with the most amazing, deep bass voice, and as we sang "It Is Well With My Soul" at his memorial service the absence of that voice struck me. But I undoubtedly knew, and still know, he's using that voice and joining with the angels in singing praises to his God.

Out of nowhere, the holidays snuck up on us. Our immediate family opted for a smaller celebration in Waco rather than our large family get together in Houston. Certain absences were strongly felt and, with the losses of the year, our joy was a bit strained at times. But God is good and we did our best to rally for the monkeys.

My poor daddy has had various health scares as well. Thankfully, he's able to utilize resources at the VA and has received loads of treatment that would have otherwise been beyond our resources.

As for me, I've continued working two part-time jobs subbing and tutoring. 

In early March I took a long-term sub position teaching Kindergarten. Thankfully, that opened new opportunities and just today I was offered a position for next year teaching 2nd grade! PTL!

For weeks the news has been reporting about all the budget cuts and layoffs in local school districts. I'm so blessed to actually get a job at this time. 

Truth be told, I was more than a little worried!

Ok, I'll try to be a better blogger. I lost my voice for a bit, but I feel it slowly returning . . .

For the Monkeys! Finally!!!

If ever your child's missing,

check the toy box first . . .

"Aunt Debbie, can you make my hair different?"

I may have missed my calling as a hairdresser!

I've been trying to get this video for MONTHS so I can post it, but my bro finally got off his keester and posted it himself. So, for your viewing pleasure, I present to you my niece, Abigail:

Meet Felicity?

Felicity is the one on the left; Abby is on the right.

Although I haven't completely decided "Felicity" is her name. My mom doesn't even think she should be a she, but I don't know if you can just change the sex of your car like that. It feels . . . wrong . . .

Here's Daniel showing off his hard work:



He earned $2, but I may give him $3. However, he was more successful in getting everyone wet than washing off the dirt. Abby was successful in slapping everyone with her soap-soaked rag. Nathan was a big help too but got busy drawing inside when it came time to taking pics.

So, you finally get to meet my new car. I need to take pics of the inside so you can meet my guard tiger and doggy who sit on the front console. I've bonded with them more than I've bonded with my car. I miss Earl, though. Poor guy. I gave him a wash, too.

Anywho, feel free to submit any name suggestions!

I need to go pay my little workers now. Daniel will have $8 now. I asked him how much money he wants. He said, "Enough to go to London." Both he and Nathan are determined to go to England to visit Ms. Debs! She should feel loved!

Look what Brandi & I are cooking up!

Why? Just 'cause!

It would have been 61 years today

We miss you, Grandpa!

The Niece

Abigail at six months.
She's TEN months already! and her hair is growing out cute and curly! I'll try to post a recent pic soon. 

The Second Nephew

Grandma introduces Daniel to his new baby sister . . . and he isn't too happy about it! 

The First Nephew

Our delivery boy... 

Sunday morning

Last Sunday morning my nephew Nathan was in the church's Christmas program. It was so cute because he was a sheep! All the four and five year olds went up on stage to sing about four songs and there were two nativity scenes complete with Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, a cow and a sheep. The cow and sheep on Nathan's side of the stage were in their own little world, talking to each other and playing with the hay. The program in general was adorable.

My sister-in-law took Nathan to church early in my car and I rode with my brother and the other two kids. We were running late, especially after I asked Eric if he had remembered the camera after we were already halfway there. Unfortunately we forgot Abigail's diaper bag as well but didn't realize it until we were actually at church. She didn't have her pacey either. Then she lost a sock somewhere between the van and the church. Poor thing. At least it wasn't a very cold morning. I felt sorry for the preschool workers who had to deal with her wailing. I know she cried because when I went to pick her up she was dead aleep and there were still tears on her cheeks. I found the contrast between she and the little boy that got dropped off just before her rather humorous. You could tell the little boy was the first child because both his parents dropped him off, he was all bundled up complete with hat and socks and shoes, AND he had his diaper bag complete with pacey and sippy cup. Poor Abby. It's easier to forget things the more kids you have. This reminds me of the time we went out to eat and Nathan made it all the way to the restaurant without any shoes and without anyone noticing. But that's another story.

Nathan and Daniel loved the songs Nathan had to learn. They were singing "Baby Jesus, we love you" all week. Of course my brother always has to change words to songs. It progressed to "Baby Daniel, we love you," "Baby Nathan, we love you," and "Baby Abigail, we love you." Then the boys pick up where their daddy left off (my brother may have even started it) and sang "Baby Elmo, we love you," "Baby Barney, we love you," "Baby video, we love you," "Baby pizza, we love you." The list goes on and on. Their Christmas song is a far cry from the Christmas song Eric's bestfriend's daughter made up (Jared posted it last Monday over on The Thinklings). I'm not surprised.

FINALLY

My parents FINALLY found a house in Houston! Actually, it's in Katy, but that's close enough. I'm excited to finally get settled in somewhere. I have literally been living out of a suitcase for seven months. SEVEN MONTHS! Even though I had my own room in England for three months and have had my own room here for two months I never settled in. Especially since I've been traveling to Houston and Waco for the past couple of months. But I will finally have my own room and my own closet to fill with my own clothes. Praise the Lord!

My brother Eric is trying to get me to go work at Allstate Insurance. That's where he worked two years ago and he really enjoyed it. His boss loved him and said he'd hire him back anytime. Eric said he'll call and put in a good word for me if I want. I think I may try it just to try it. At this point, I need all the help I can get in finding a job somewhere - anywhere. I had originally planned to apply for an alternative teaching program in Pasadena, but wasn't able to meet the December 3rd deadline. Considering we'll be living in Katy I'm not too disappointed about that anymore.

Living with Mom and Dad is getting easier. I'm sure it will be even better after I get a job. But my secret is out: they know I know how to cook, so I've been doing a lot of it lately. I don't mind; I've always loved cooking for people.

Anywho, I just wanted to share the wonderful news. My transition out of college is finally starting to settle. It's about time!

No worries . . .

. . . I'm still alive!

This blogging thing is fun but it sure takes time and energy. Oddly, I've had an abundance of both recently, but get preoccupied. Here's what I've been up to:

*My brother and his family came to visit two weeks ago. Eric is a free-lance photographer and he was hired to shoot a convention in town. He brought along wife Brandi and their three children. Brandi's mom also came down since it was her weekend to visit them. Needless to say we had a very full house. We had a very loud house as well.
Brandi stayed in town with Eric one night, so mom and I took the kids home. Mom has no night vision so I had to drive home. As I was strapping the boys in mom just had to say, "You know there are people your age who would have this number of kids already." I just shot her a dirty look and said I know and that's crazy.
While we were in town we took the boys on a boat ride in the river. It was pricey, but they had a lot of fun. Daniel, age 3, doesn't speak much. Let me rephrase that: he talks a lot, you just can't understand half of what he says. When we first took off his eyes got real big and he held onto his chair and cried, "Wheeee." It was cute.

*The weekend after my brother's visit we headed over to Houston. We had a ghetto garage sale in my grandma's ghetto neighborhood. Seriously. If I didn't practically grow up in that neighborhood I wouldn't want to go there. Last month there was a police raid on the house across the street. And by the looks of things, there are still some dodgey dealings going on over there.
We were in Houston for a week. Once again I found myself cramped in a small house with five other family members. I can't wait until we move! However, we didn't even get to look at any houses while we were in town. That was frustrating because I can only do so much since my parents are the ones in charge.
I did visit a church that wasn't half bad. It's in Pasadena and is pastored by someone we grew up with. It's a multi-cultural, Baptist-affiliated-but-has-a-non-denominational-feel church. I liked it more than I thought I would. I love the pastor, Sammy, and his wife, Julie, especially since I've known Sammy for nearly 15 years. My friend Elena and I had dinner with them the night before and it was loads of fun. I still want to check out a few other churches. I feel there would be a lot pressure if I went to Sammy's church since so many of the members know my family.

*I'm finally applying for jobs!!! Well, I'm at least working on an application. Elena is living with her cousin who is the head kindergarten teacher at her school. Apparently they have a few openings for teachers next year and the school district is the only district in the region that pays for the alternative certification program. The drawbacks: 1.)The deadline is December 3rd - that's only 10 days away! And I haven't even taken my TASP since Baylor's a private university. 2.)It's Pasadena ISD which is nowhere near where we might be living. We're talking about a two hour total commute everyday! 3.)There's tough competition and I'm not completely prepared to compete.
I'm hoping this is the door I've been praying for God to open. Starting salary is $37,000!! For a teacher! I'll have to sign a three year contract, which will be tough considering I had planned to return to England by June of '06. But it may be good in the long run because that will prevent me from running off before I've done all I can to get debt free. Damn student loans! Damn credit cards!

*I saw the new Bridget Jones movie Friday! I know, I know, a good Christian girl shouldn't be watching such smut, but I've been waiting for this movie for over a year and a half! My roommate, Kelley, introduced me to the first Bridget Jones movie two years ago. I remember when it came out in the theater I didn't think I would ever watch it. It just looked bad. I was such a prude! I felt an immediate affinity to Bridget upon my indoctrination. I am Bridget! Well, except for the fact that I'm not a chain-smoking, nymphomanical alcoholic.
Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason wasn't as great as the first. The soundtrack wasn't as memorable, for one. You can't beat Bridget lonely, depressed and drunk singing All by Myself or the famous fight between Mark Darcy (Colin Firth) and Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant) while the techno version of It's Raining Men plays in the background. They're such wonderfully ignoble fighters. It's fun when their paths cross again in The Edge of Reason. The only thing I like about the musical choice for the movie was that they played Beyonce's Crazy in Love. That was very appropriate for Bridget because she was not only in love, she was CRAZY!
Since I read the book, I kept comparing it to the movie. Without the book, the movie is great for Bridget fans. But there are such wonderful story lines in the book! Mr. Darcy's 22 year-old stick insect co-worker doesn't play the role you expect her to. The way that story line is resolved in the movie was interesting, to say the least. Surprisingly interesting. Of course, not like the literary version at all!
Bridget's circle of friends also play a bigger role in Fielding's books. The girls have a falling out when Jude takes back her loser boyfriend, Richard, and agrees to marry him.
I guess what I like best about the books is that they mirror Jane Austen novels. I knew the first one was loosely based on Pride and Prejudice, but it was fun discovering Beyond the Edge of Reason's connection to Persuasion, especially since I finished reading it just two days before I read BtEoR. So it's disappointing wanting to see that parallel portrayed on the big screen and it not be there.
Anywho, didn't mean for this post to turn into a movie review of Bridget Jones. Sorry. But I would recommend that you Bridget fans watch the movie to discover Bridget and Mark's fate.
The funniest thing about my Bridget movie experience was that I was carded when I bought my ticket! What's even funnier was I didn't realize I had been carded until I was driving home! As I bought my ticket my friend Jessica called and I was telling her how to get to the movie theater. When the lady asked for my ID I assumed she wanted my student ID (I know, it's horrible that I still use it even though I'm not a student!). When she asked for my license I pulled it out without a second thought. Silly Debbie! I don't know if I should be offended or flattered that the woman thought I wasn't even 18. Since I'm not flat out offended is evidence that I'm getting old. Oi! What's crazy is I think the girl who sold me my ticket was younger than me!

*It's time for this post to end. And I must go pack. Back to Waco and another house full of family members for Turkey Day. Yay! Mmmm...I made my famous Honey Bread today. It takes four hours to prepare, but it's well worth the wait. I haven't had homemade bread in AGES! My parents and I nearly polished off a loaf tonight. Luckily, we have two more loaves for Thursday. Mmmm...

A 5 year-old's thought process

Nathan: Where's Mommy?
Debbie: She went to vote.
Nathan: Okay.
Twenty minutes later...
Nathan: Hi Mommy!!!
Brandi: Hi monkey!
Nathan: Did you have fun on the boat?
Brandi: What???
Debbie: I told him you went to vote.
Brandi: Oh...No Nathan, I didn't go on a boat. I went to vote.
Nathan: Oh . . . Did you have fun with Vote?
Brandi: Yes, I had fun voting.
Nathan: Okay.

Still in Waco

I'm sitting at a computer in the Bill Daniel Student Center at Baylor. I'm illegally parked in the student parking garage, boldly displaying my expired sticker. Feels like old times!
I came to campus to meet a professor but soon learned she was double-booked and had to reschedule for tomorrow. But it's nice hanging out here, even though I feel old! Either I've aged or the students have gotten younger. And it's only been five months! Crazy!!
Things were insane at my brother's house this weekend. My friend Becca came in town for homecoming. Eric(Bird) and Brandi decided at the last minute to have a garage sale, so my mom also came with me to help watch the kids and get things ready for the sale. Brandi's mom came up from Houston for the same reason. So there were six adults and three children (5, 3, and 8 months). If that wasn't crazy enough, when Becca and I came home from the game on Saturday my dad's car was in the driveway! He got bored at home all alone and decided to drive the three hours to Waco. Silly man! I don't know how we did it, but we all survived and the kids loved having the grandparents around to spoil them.
Before the madness began, the family all got together Thursday night to watch the final Astros game. We're proud the Astros made it so far but very sad they lost. Maybe next year. Everytime the 'Stros hit a run we would celebrate and the kids thought it was the funniest thing. They would run around the livingroom yelling "YAY!" for the next ten minutes. It annoyed Brandi that everytime a St. Louis player scored or made an amazing catch Bird, Sha, and I said we hated him. She's too tender-hearted for the game.
Overall, I've had a good time and am looking forward to my next three days in town. Since Dad came up, he was able to take Mom home with him this afternoon, so that means I can stay longer. The weekend was full of homecoming stuff, so I'm glad to have extra time to hang out with those I didn't get to see. But I know I'm just prolonging the inevitable. I desperately need to start actively looking for a job!