Merry Thanksgiving, Happy Christmas, Jolly Holidays

I can't believe it has been over two weeks since my last post. Although, I noticed that when I posted something totally unrelated to Twilight, I only got one comment. Hmmmmmmm. Oh, well. So . . . the movie came out last Friday and, admittedly/shamefully, I was out those school doors by 3:19. I was impressed by the movie, however, it must be noted that I went in with a certain level of expectation of disappointment. I had seen the trailers, and knowing that movies are never as good as their books, I felt reasonably assured of some disappointment. The production company is not a major in the industry and naturally had a limited budget. Overall, though, I think the movie was well done and I look forward to seeing the next one when it comes out.

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving! I spent the better part of today Christmas shopping - by myself. In the past, I have always done the big "day after Thanksgiving" shop-a-thon with my mother. She would pick me up or we would meet at her house in Tulsa around 4 AM and finish up sometime in the afternoon. I couldn't find anyone around here willing to do that with me! It is making me miss my mom that much more during these holidays. We have recently decided to head back to OK during the Christmas/New Year holiday. My dad is flying into Louisville on Dec. 22 and will spend a few days here with us. Then, on Dec. 26, we will all drive back to OK together. On Jan. 2, the fam will head back to KY to get a start on a new semester. We all return to school on Jan. 5. Mark is taking a J term (a one month long, condensed class) - and he has chosen Greek! It will be a FUN month for us (is the sarcasm coming through in the text?)!

The boys are doing well in school. Both are making good improvements - although I still miss homeschooling. I don't know if we will ever get back to it, but given the choice of feeding them or homeschooling them, we went with putting food in their bellies! The students in my kindergarten class are doing exceptionally well! All of them are making excellent progress - some first grade readers, lots of kids starting to read little three letter words, and even my less experienced students are now getting nearly all their letters and letter sounds. It is so amazing to watch their transformations! We are indeed "fearfully and wonderfully made."

Return of the Mini-Van Mom

That's right people - I'm driving a mini-van again and loving it. And no, Michelle, it does not make me feel old! We got a really good deal on a 2000 Toyota Sienna. There was a family on campus trying to sell their van before leaving to head home to Korea (today). We really needed more space, especially for traveling to Dry Ridge once a week, and any trips back to Oklahoma we might be able to make. (Don't get excited, okies, we don't have plans anytime soon!) We are planning on selling the Avalon, so we should be able to recoup all the money we spent on the van - hopefully a little extra. Like I said, it was a really good deal. The boys love it. It has one of those automatic side doors, so they get to pretend they are using "the force" to open and close it! Mark and I already like it because it has captain's seats for the boys - quite a nice space between them now!

On a somewhat different note, we are still in the process of deciding whether to move into the parsonage in Dry Ridge this coming summer. (Actually, the parsonage is in Jonesville, and Dry Ridge is the closest town.) We love it here in Wilmore, but we really long to be closer to our churches - and when you're a poor seminary family, it seems almost stupid to pass up free housing (including utilities). I, of course, would have to quit my job, but I could try to get a job in Grant County. A member of our congregation teaches 3rd grade there and I'm sure she could help me out. My mentor teacher this year also knows the Grant County Superintendent and offered to help me get on there if we ever decided to move. So those are all positives. It is a very small area. It would take us about 20-25 minutes to get to the nearest anything. And our neighbors are a little worrisome - very rough around the edges - and we think the church has had problems with them. Obviously, right now, we are leaning heavily toward moving. Both Mark and I can really see our family there. Please be in prayer for us as we consider what God would have us to do.

O.C.D.

OBSESSIVE CULLEN DISORDER! The Cullen's are the vampire family from the Twilight series I have been reading. Believe it or not, I have already started re-reading the first book, Twilight, again. After reading all four books so quickly, they more or less become one long continuous story in my head. With the movie coming out in less than 2 weeks (which is based only on the first book), I wanted that story fresh in my head. For those of you who are familiar with the books, they now have one of those quizzes to see which character from the book you are. Mark took it before me (even though he hasn't read the book) and he is Carlisle Cullen. My friend and I thought this was humorous. Then I took the quiz and . . . I'm Esme (who is Carlisle's wife in the book). So at least we are still married in the land of fiction!!!! This post also comes with a promise that the next post will NOT be about Twilight. I will attempt to write something about family and our lives here in Wilmore. Happy Reading.

P.S.

For those who had asked:

Duh, yes I am going to see the movie! In fact, I need to go to www.cafepress.com and order a twilight t-shirt for this special occassion.

Breaking Dawn

That has been the story of my life over these last 6 days! Who would've thought this die hard non-fiction follower would fall so hard for the fictional world of Edward Cullen and Isabella (Bella) Swan. Remarkably, I finished the fourth and final book last night (er . . . EARLY this morning - hence the "breaking dawn" reference to the title of the last book). That's right, people - over 2500 pages of remarkable story telling in just 6 days. I've surprised even myself, not to mention irritated my husband, and neglected my children! All for the sake of a vampire love story. I know it sounds cheesy, but I urge you to just read the first book. If you don't like it, it is written in such a way that (a normal person) could simply put it down and not worry about finishing the rest. Why anyone would decide that is beyond me, but hey, to each her own.

Fiction or Non-Fiction . . . That Was The Question

until about 11:30pm last night. I was lying on the couch at the parsonage, and the 11:00 news had just wrapped up. I needed a distraction before bed. I had thought ahead while packing and remembered to bring a copy of TWILIGHT that my dear friend had loaned to me. I thought to myself, "I'll read the first chapter really quick; just to see if it is going to be any good." Bad idea. See, once I get into a book, really into it, I can't put it down. This book had me from the first chapter and the next thing I know it is, wait for it, 6:30 in the morning! I did manage to get in about 1 hour of sleep before I had to get up for church. I then, shamefully, continued to read the book on the way to our first church service. Then if that is not bad enough, I nearly finished the book during the entire 1 1/2 hour drive back to Wilmore! Totally awesome book. I can't wait for the movie to come out. NOVEMBER 21st!!! Strong story line, great character development. Ahhhh, young vampire love!

Some People Have No Class

What a day! I wasn't in my classroom today, but I was definitely at work. That's right, folks. The two words that evoke the most mixed emotions in the teaching profession - PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT. I personally love professional development - because I love learning. On the other hand, I'm what my family calls a control freak, OCD, anal retentive, etc. (and that's just my husband), so leaving a sub in charge is very difficult for me. Additionally, one can never be completely sure that the PD will be worth your time. This one, thankfully, was well worth the time and money (well, the school district's money). Wonderful presenter, awesome location, and highly relevant material. It's one of those conferences I come away from excited to get back to school and implement what I learned. Alas, I will have to wait. I will not have students tomorrow, and the rest of the week is already planned out - and of course, Halloween is Friday so you can imagine the interest level of the kiddos! My new found wealth of knowledge will have to be contained until next week! (I hope my brain doesn't explode before then.)

So Many Tomes, So Little Time

OK. So anybody who knows me well, knows how much I like to read. I'm typically engrossed in up to 5 books at any one time - usually stacked on my nightstand, but occasionally sliding around in my car somewhere. (Yes, I'm one of those people who can read while riding in a car!) Mostly I prefer reading non-fiction, but on occasion have found a fiction book or series worthy of my time. Quickly, I'll share with you what I have recently read or am currently reading. Then I'll wrap up with some thoughts on what I am considering reading next and open it up to suggestions.

Just finished reading:
The Hiding Place: The Triumphant True Story of Corrie Ten Boom. An extraordinary story of a courageous christian woman who not only survived unimaginable horrors at the hands of Nazi's, but managed to spread Christ's message to see lives transformed forever.

Currently reading:
Men Are Like Waffles, Women Are Life Spaghetti by Bill and Pam Farrel. Absolutely hilarious - made more so because you will see yourself and your spouse everywhere in this book. A relationship help book that doesn't read like one!
Out of the Salt Shaker & into the World by Rebecca Manley Pippert. You don't have to be scared to share the goods news. A profoundly inspiring book with immediate real-life applications on how to make evangelism a way of life.
Tortured for Christ by Pastor Richard Wurmbrand. Another great story depicting the experiences of a Romanian pastor who spent 14 years in Communist prisons. This book is free from Voice of the Martyrs (VOM).
don't waste your life by John Piper. (Todd, I hope you can appreciate that I chose to read a Calvinist!) This book warns against getting caught up in a life that counts for nothing and reminds us that God made each us to "live with a single passion: to joyfully display his supreme excellence in all the spheres of life." Wonderfully written. Here is a great quote from the book: "Only one life, 'twill soon be past; Only what's done for Christ will last."
Christmas Out of the Advent Box by Benjamin R. Husted and family. This is actually a reread from about a year ago. This book is an invaluable resource for how to share the real reason and joy of the season (not just the day). Wonderful ideas and scriptures for EVERY day of the advent season. Truly a remarkable book and a must read for all families.

Now that I'm ending my long (and amazingly incomplete) list, I'm considering beginning the Twilight series. If anyone out there has any recommendations for quality fiction, let me know. I have a feeling that after I complete all these, I just might be ready for a break from reality!

Where Have All the Weekends Gone

I can't believe the weekend is almost over! Like usual, I had to spend at least a few hours of the weekend working at school. Although, I can blame it on the fact that I won't be there Monday, instead of the fact that I'm somewhat of a perfectionist. Other than a few hours at the "office", we did some housework and had some friends over for a casual dinner. Of course, with their son and our two boys being present, the evening wouldn't have been complete without a Star Wars movie!
Mark is preparing for services tomorrow. The boys and I (or I should just say "I" since they didn't actually have anything to do with the decision) will not be traveling to Dry Ridge tomorrow. We have a busy week coming up and we'll be there all next weekend.
Speaking of next weekend - it's almost Halloween! The boys are so excited. If you've visited Mark's blog, then you've seen pics of the boys. Ethan is going to be Boba Fett and Logan is Darth Vadar. I'm taking the easy (comfortable) road, and will be dressed in scrubs as a nurse or a vet. Hopefully next weekend I will have some great pics to post (just as soon as Mark teaches me how to do that!).

Making The Grade

Well, the first quarter has ended for me and the boys. All in all, we had a very successful beginning to the school year. I'm having a wonderful time teaching at the Jessamine Early Learning Village. Though very challenging, you won't find a better group of people to work with. For the first time in any teaching position, I feel valued as a teacher and am enjoying the professionalism that abounds at JELV.

The boys just received their first grade cards and we are so proud! As a reminder - Ethan is in first grade at Wilmore Elementary and Logan is in Kindergarten at JELV. At this young age, letter grades are not used. Students are given either a 1, 2, 3, or 4.

1 Novice - needs additional time and help
2 Apprentice - making progress, but requires much support
3 Proficient - meets expectations with little support
4 Distinguished - meets expectations independently; may exceed expectations

Logan received mostly 3's and 4's with just a couple of 1's (mostly related to his handwriting, which we already knew he needed help with). Ethan received mostly 3's with a couple of 4's. Overall, they both did exceptionally well!

Since this is my first post, I will keep it short for now. God bless!