kyle and emily

2010-11 Review

2011-06-07T00:11:00.014-05:00

Well....I've all but stopped being a blogger! :) If there is anyone left out there, then here's a review of what has been going on in our lives the past school year.

First off, I cannot truly put into words how much I have grown as a person through teaching this year. I have been more passionate about impacting my students and showing them who God is than ever before. This is my first group to have had since 6th grade, so I have become extremely attached to a lot of them. And, a handful that I have grown close to over the past 3 years happen to be a group that do not have the best "life" circumstances and have made another part of the world such a reality to me. This year has been full of joy, tears, laughter, and pain. Someday I will be a better parent because of these kiddos! I am so excited to see what this group becomes.

I can remember being so freaked out when all my job stuff went crazy after my first year here. God has been sooooo good and I have been so blessed to have 2 very awesome groups of kids the past 2 years! They are both such fun groups to get to keep up with in HS! And I'm already becoming attached to my group of 6th graders this year!

Ok...here we go!

Found my first gray hair!! (prob had to do with the tears & pain mentioned earlier..) and ran my first ever half marathon! And a 2nd with Jodee! Got to see our good friends, the Beals', too!

Had our 2nd Freedom Weekend with the youth! Where some students got paint in their braces...and some awesome derby cars were built!

This group put the BEST childhood pic of Kyle & their shirts...ane he used to want to be a bus driver so... hahaha :)

Mike & Valinda visited over Easter, so we took them to a Cards game on fireworks night! We had to wait like 3 hours through a rain/tornado delay (the one that hit the airport just a few miles away)...and we were there til after midnight...but it was AWESOME!

(this was at like 6:30...SUPER DARK...right before storm hit!)

My dear PawPaw passed away the weekend after Easter. He was so dear to us and will be greatly missed.

I received Happy Mother's Day from three very special kiddos! It makes my heart warm to have these students in my life!

(she's one of my 8th graders from last year...all grown up and at the HS now!)

(he's also a kiddo from last year...he made this pic after Kyle & I went and watched one of his playoff basketball games...he goes to the private school in Alton)

(one of my 8th graders this year)

Kyle got to umpire at Busch Stadium! We went for the Cardinals game and afterwards Alton played a fundraiser game against another team. Because I'm such an awesome wife and got Kyle hooked up with umping in Alton, they asked him to do this game. (bc they think he's like the best ump ever...)

And last, but certainly not least, some of my faves from this school year!

Carlos' first ever dunk in a game! So glad I happened to catch it! The PE teachers made him a huge banner of this with everything black & white except him!

Such a special group of athletes!

Seriously...look how much taller than me these 8th graders are! 3 of my faves!

Our two children this year...gotta keep em in line!

2 of my all time favorite girls!

The Poindexter Cousins! They always made me laugh!

He's gonna be a famous rapper one day! And I already have a CD with some of his first tracks and signature on it!

Two of my girls from last year...they wanted to wear Kyle's clothes one night at youth!

Our twin boys that are moving to Vegas!! :( Middle School State Championship Wrestler on the left! (and 6th place in state on right!)

This is what I walked around the corner to in class one day....I don't even know what you do with that?!??! "tanning..."

Introducing Kevin & Emily Parker!!

2010-09-07T22:24:00.010-05:00

This is really overdue but I'm officially introducing Kevin & Emily Parker on my blog!

Kyle and I made a trip to Texas in mid-July to be a part of one of the most beautiful, amazing weddings ever! Kevin & Emily were married on July 17th in New Mexico and it was PERFECT! The possibilities are endless with two Emily Parkers in the world!!! :) I'm so thankful to have such a wonderful brother & sister in law!

It's impossible to only pick a few pictures, but I did the best I could! :)

Some of the decor:

After the wedding, we went to Lake Texoma with Kyle's parents and grandparents to spend the week on a little vacation. It was wonderfullll!!

We had a great time trying out the new tube!! :)

Go Valinda!! Celebrating her birthday with wakeboarding! (and skiing...and tubing...)

ANDDDDDD before leaving I got to meet LILLEE GRACE who born on July 20th!!! She's perfect. It was so good to get to spend some time with Jodee and her precious little girl.

This was taken the day before she was born!! (before we left for the wedding in NM!)

LifePoint Baptism

2010-08-11T23:57:00.002-05:00

In between Chicago and trip #2 to Texas LifePoint had their annual Baptism & Celebration. This year we rented out a small water park and it was a HUGE success. We had 5 kids and 4 adults this year decide they wanted to take the step in their faith and be baptized. As always, they are all incredible stories! The 5 kids were extra special to my heart because I help out with Lifekidz (K-5th) on Sunday mornings. They were all reallyyyy excited about this day & it has been cool watching them mature! I'm excited to see them all the way through the youth!

Here is a short video summing up the evening! It's worth watching at least the 1st minute just to celebrate with those who were baptized! Most of you will recognize the 1st kid, Dawson, b/c he's been in many of my previous posts...I LOVE his reaction!

Miller Trip - St Louis/Chicago

2010-08-05T16:14:00.017-05:00

As mentioned in my previous post, my side of the family flew up for a week at the end of June - beginning of July. It's always fun to hang out with family and it was even more fun taking them to Chicago for the first time! And there's wayyy too many pics here :)

We started out the week with a Cardinals game.
We were really close to Matt Holliday. :)

We had an extra ticket so we took one of our youth, Haley. She is seriously the biggest Cards fan EVER. I PROMISE you she knows more than you about them. :) We love her.

Me & my beautiful sis...can I have that shirt???

Love these peeps...my momma's first Cards game!

Then, for Mother's day, Brooke, Kyle and I gave my mom a ticket to see Wicked. It's such an awesome show & it was just as good the 2nd time around! We also brought along on my good friends, Jaime Klee!

Did I mention the Fox Theatre is BEAUTIFUL?!?!

Next we boarded on the EARLY train to Chicago. We love traveling there by train & Chicago is a blast! Here are a some of my faves from there... you can click here to see more pictures of Chicago. (and the summer!)
Gotta have deep dish pizza! Best in the world!

Famous Silver Bean

This would be my hangout if I lived in Chi-town!

Waiting for our River Tour

View from John Hancock

Another view from John Hancock Building

Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier

Public Transportation Fun!

John Hancock & Navy Pier

Night View from John Hancock

Gotta love historical Wrigley Field...even if you do NOT love the Cubs!

We returned to St Louis just in time to celebrate the 4th! A guy and good friend from church surprised us with 4 tickets to the Cardinals game that he was not going to be able to use. They were AWESOME seats so of course we accepted. (Brooke had gone to Columbia so we didn't have to leave her behind!)

Pujols is a beast!

Favorite Cards pitcher - Wainwright...so glad he was pitching!

Molina is the best catcher in the league!

Our view of Holliday this game...he had just made an awesome catch!

We stayed downtown to watch fireworks from the arch. They were amazing as always!

Oh...and we found the best ribs in St Louis. :)

Texas & Florida

2010-07-15T00:49:00.005-05:00

I love being able to travel in the summer! It seems like every year it is packed with fun adventures and this summer has been no different.

I started out the summer in mid-June making a trip to Texas. Kevin & Emily had their wedding shower on June 12th and one of my childhood friends, Jeff Pair, got married on the 19th...so I stayed the whole week to attend both! It was a great trip b/c I was able to see a lot of Kyle's family, visit my grandpa in Breckenridge & all my family in the Abilene area, catch up with my friends Elizabeth, Jodee, Laci, and Brandi and see several other family friends at the wedding!
The two best Emily Parker's EVER!! (well will be after the 17th!)

Valinda and her girls

My mom, sis, and me

Em's Family

Valinda's Family

Misty & Emily

Kevin & Emily <3

High school friends Blake and Jonathan

The groom - best childhood friend everrr!! Jeffrey Pair!

Our parents group! They had so much fun catching up!!

I made it home in time to do laundry & re-pack to head to Panama City Beach for BigStuf Camp 2010! We took about 35 students and had a great time! They put on one of the best camps I have ever been to. You can click on the Driven blog (over to the right) to see more pics from camp.
They always have an awesome stage...this doesn't do it justice:

Our group (minus 2 that left early)

My room was awesome! (by the way...we stayed in condos that were AMAZING!! - go to Driven blog to see what they looked like!)

After camp, my family flew up for a week! We saw lots of baseball and took a quick trip to Chicago! I haven't finished going through pictures but they are coming soon!

Now we are headed back to Texas for Kevin and Emily's wedding and a lake trip with Kyle's family! AND to meet Jodee's little girl, Lillee Grace, to be born on July 20th if not sooner!! I'm soooo excited!! Pics to follow!

Hope my two readers are enjoying the warm weather!!

SUMMMMMEEEEERRRRR

2010-06-07T23:10:00.006-05:00

I'm in love with summer.

Kyle and I had a great Memorial Day weekend by making our first trip to the lake with the James family. I just enjoyed a little boat time while Kyle had to go out and pick on all the kids!
Kyle & Griffin

Kyle being a pain & sprayin water

Girls vs. Boys

Dawson making sure we know who won!

I'm even more in love with this summer because for the first time in three summers I am not totally stressed about my job. Even though I'm not going on a cruise or to Vegas this year (tear) it is sooooo nice not being worried about what the next year holds. I had a WONDERFUL year of teaching and can't believe I've already been in it for 3 years! I'm hoping next year that I will CHOOSE to have a great year even if I don't have great classes!

It was really hard saying goodbye to my 8th graders. There were some great mentor-like relationships built this year. It's been fun to encourage them and have "real-life" talks with them that will help guide them in high school. I cannot describe in words the joy I have felt from meeting some of their parents & them being so thankful for the positive impact (hopefully!) we have made. Teaching is tough, but it's so rewarding!

Love this kid. Even wished me a Happy Mother's Day for bein like a mom to him. *tear*

Our boys. Intramurals will never be the same.

Hannah and Addison. Addy is my special kid...can't wait to watch her grow up!

Don't I look like I fit right in with these ganstas?! (talent show day)

Look how much Keshon & Rasheen changed from 6th to 8th!! Love these boys!!

They are on opposite sides in this one:

Texan Talk

2010-06-07T22:34:00.000-05:00

I have been made fun of more this year for my Texas talk than any other year! Even though many people here use "y'all", I apparently use it "different" than others. I still get told I say "hill" and "male" funny...but the 2 new ones for this year are "field" and "goal". Apparently I say "field" more like "feld". And apparently you are supposed to say (in basketball instructions) "go shoot at that hoop" not "goal".

One of the first things Kyle and I noticed was that everyone here always puts the emphasis on the 2nd word in 2 word things...like in Six Flags and Taco Bell. In Texas we. For the first time, one of our youth noticed and made fun of Kyle for emphasizing the first word. Crazy how different we can be!

Next weekend I am going to Texas and I will be made fun of for talking like a northerner...and adapting words like "soda" and "salsa" and "you guys"! Everyone will also notice how I say my O's different, like in "stop", and think St Louis has corrupted me. I don't know where that came from...its more a Wisconsin thing...and I even get made fun of here for that lingo! (and I was told in college I sounded like I was from WI - and I was all Texan then!)

There is no point in this blog really. It doesn't bother me a bit, I actually like when people from either side bring it up & tell me it sounds funny b/c I think it's such an interesting thing that people can talk so different in regions that aren't really that far from each other...and I'm like a mutt - I can be labeled so many different things! :) So there is your random, pointless blog post for the day.

Parker Happenings

2010-05-06T22:10:00.012-05:00

Now that I think about it - quite a bit has gone on in the past couple of months!

- I visited Indianapolis for the first time for a conference and loved it - such a neat place! Peyton & I were going to go out for dinner but he was out of town during my visit...oh well, there's always next time. Anyway, I definitely want to go back & see all the sites & watch a Colts game. (I was by myself so didn't do much)

- Driven Youth had their first annual Freedom Weekend. (Disciple Now) It went really well! Kyle did an AWESOME job planning and organizing everything. We had Runks (from Levelland, TX) come speak and he did an amazing job as well. He's hilarious and always has a powerful message. For me personally, his messages have been a tool in some major turning points in my own life.

A few of the derby car teams:

- Mike, Valinda, Kevin, Emily, and my parents all flew up in March for the Midwest Regional. We love, love, love having visitors (especially family!) and had a great time! Adding the Sweet 16 and Elite 8 was a special bonus! We are so lucky to have such great families!

Magic!!

- I mentioned in a blog about 2 years ago (click here) about one of my good friends from HS, Caleb Campbell, being draftd in the NFL. The army changed their policy the day after he arrived at spring training camp & had him return. Well 2 years later, he has served his time & officially signed a contract with the Detroit Lions once again. You can follow him on twitter: LTCampbellLions I am super proud of his perseverance and accomplishments!

Check out who he's stretching with!

(for you non-football fans, that's Ndamukong Suh from Nebraska - the 2nd overall pick this year)

- I am seeing the goodness of God's plan in my job more now than ever. I just about thought the world had ended when I found out I couldn't get my IL stuff in time to teach math my 2nd year. Then, I got a PE job at the same school and felt better...til I started & my students were INSANE...and I was clear across campus (we have a big middle school) from everyone I knew. I cried just about every night for 2 weeks before school started this year...freakin out about having to teach PE and not understanding why a job in another district hadn't opened up. Now, I am thankful I stayed put. My classes have been much better. I love knowing so many more kids & therefore can enjoy sporting events. I've gotten to know some great teachers & administrators. And I've become so attached to many of my 8th graders that I've had for 2 years. I feel like I fit now. Most importantly, being 3 years in Alton saved me from getting cut and if I would've moved anywhere else I would be jobless right now. Praise God!

Last Friday was our 8th grade dance. I know none of you really care, but these kids feel like my own...so I'm going to post pictures & show them off. :)

Teacher friends:

Love these boys: (and worried like heck who is goin to take care of them/keep them out of trouble next year!)

I want my daughter to be just like this girl: LOVE HER!!!

The say she looks like she could be my kid...maybe it's b/c she is always at my side!

I want to take the 2 boys beside me home! (below..NOT above! haha)

- And last but not least...I'm pretty sure I bought too many flowers this year with my yard sale money. Check back in a month and I might be the house known as "flower power!" Ok. That's it.

Margin

2010-05-01T23:47:00.004-05:00

HOLY SMOKES! I didn't blog in March or April...wow. I know my hundreds of readers have been disappointed - but seriously, after this I'm probably down to NONE - they're tired of checking! You may find it surprising, but I just haven't had a lot to say...I guess it's spring fever.

We started a new series at LifePoint last week called: MARGIN. Bob speaks on this type of thing at least once a year & several smaller times throughout the year. I always love it because as they say, "If Satan can't make you bad, he'll make you busy." Since I graduated college, busyness has become my biggest struggle. It's not something I'm proud of. I truly am improving as I become honest with myself about how bad the problem is, but it's a daily battle. And I'm not just talking about having a lot in my schedule....I'm talking about a personality trait...a bad one. Like freakin out trying to prepare my house before family comes (like Martha did in Luke 10:38-42) and even when my schedule is clear I'm thinking of the millions of things on my to do list or project list or house list or my "when I get time" list.

Although I wish I had more "Mary tendencies" I am also learning to appreciate my "Martha-like" personality. This thorn has caused me to learn just how truly dependent I am on God. I have been blessed with a husband who is willing to call me out and with friends that are like me to work with & encourage - especially Laci and Martha (my real friend Martha!) - who both told me "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World" was a must read. I HIGHLY recommend this book if you struggle with similar busyness/worry/full schedules. I feel like it was written by someone in my head knowing my every though I fight the battle each day. I wake up asking God to reign in me, to be my one thing. I pray that I would focus on fellowship with Him & not worry about my to do lists. Sometimes I lose, usually because I beat myself. But, my goal is to win the war. Which is why I love doing a series at LifePoint on it once in awhile. It encourages me, keeps me accountable, and motivates me.

So, here's a few points (or a lot) from Week 1 of MARGIN that stuck out to me. I hope they encourage someone out there!!

Margin - the amount available beyond what is necessary; the difference between what you have and what you need

We need margin in time and money, emotionally and physically.

Most of us live at an unbiblical pace of life.

THE BEST THINGS IN LIFE HAPPEN IN THE MARGINS!!

We get so consumed by good things that we miss out on great things.

If you constantly forget things...
If you can't remember where you're going...
If you have to write everything down...
If you frequently double book things...
You are too busy.

If you say, "Everyone else is doing it" or "Everyone else's kids are doing it and I don't want mine to miss out" then read ROMANS 12:2 (wide is the path to destruction - you will destroy your family by being involved in so much stuff!)

As margin decreases - your stress increases & your relational intimacy decreases. (amen - been there, seen this, burned the tshirt)

Don't wear busy as a badge of honor. Don't brag about it & try to one up others - it ain't cool.

We stay busy and involved in way too many things because we don't trust that God is going to be enough without those things.

We'd be furious if someone broke into our house & stole something. We'd find out who did it & get it back. We are robbed everyday & don't do a thing about it. When we say, "Oh I'm sooo busy" we should be convicted because we are making the choice to let Satan rob us & we are breaking God's heart.

If you don't go to LifePoint here's the challenge Bob gave us for this week:
1 - Sit still & listen 5 minutes a day.
2 - No phones out during meals.
3 - Don't say "I'm busy" to anyone.

Work on creating margin!

Proud Teacher

2010-02-20T18:23:00.003-06:00

Many of you know that last year I was willing to beat my head against the wall everyday rather than teach another year of PE. Luckily, this year I've learned that it was the batch of students I had more than PE itself that made the year soooo miserable! :) For the most part, I have a great bunch of students this year. It makes it sooo much more fun when I can participate with the kids. I've also really got to know some of the students since I've had them 2 years in a row now....and a majority of them play on the boys 8th grade basketball team. I am sooooo proud of them for winning 3rd in the state this year! (All you Texans...yes, I know it is a little ridiculous we have playoffs in middle school!)

I decided to brave the fan bus to attend the 3rd place game so we could have extra support. We took about 60 students...and let's just say the ride back was the craziest thing I've ever been a part of! One of those things you hear about but you never think it will actually happen to you!! Well, I made it. I almost committed murder...or at least assaulted some people....but I kept myself under control. Anyway, it was soooo worth supporting these guys:

Mrs. Nicolet & I with our faves....their true colors:

Wil making his *almost* half-court shot at end of 3rd quarter...I always yell at him for practicing this shot in my Intramurals class instead of other shots...so he was sure to let me know it paid off!

My all-time favorite student Keshon!!

My favorite 7th grader, LaVonte, who refused to move out of my way to take a team picture until I took one with him

Our fans that kept me sane on our bus ride home!

Daniel Fast

2010-02-09T13:58:00.003-06:00

On January 31st Kyle & I completed a 21-day fast. (along with many other fellow LifePointers) We had decided to do the Daniel Fast - click for more info. It was one of the hardest & most rewarding things we have every done. Here are a few things that I learned through the process:

1 - My life is radically better when I depend fully on God in all areas - big & small.
2 - Eating out and caffeine had a much larger grip on my life than I realized.
3 - The power of fellowship with Jesus & him being my "one thing". (I've been reading "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World" and it discusses when Jesus tells Martha that she is worried about many things but there is only "one thing" needed - fellowship with Jesus - Luke 10:41)
4 - God desires for me to have a much simpler life. (this ties in greatly with #3)
5 - I've had a greater sensitivity to God & His desires for my life and things I need to work on.
6 - I am so incredibly blessed.
7 - God is in control. The bigger the problem, the greater the chance for Him to be glorified.
8 - I have been more attuned to the waging war within me. (Romans 7:18-20)
For example: During the fast I was seeking God with a greater intent & making healthier eating choices all in one. Our lives were blessed spiritually, physically, and financially. I'm hearing the battle of, "You can just stop & grab something quick on your way home so you can have more time to clean" and "It won't take that long to just fix something good & healthy...you will save money...and you can clean what you can...it's not going anywhere." Of course, this is just one example...I'm hearing it all throughout my day in all sorts of crazy situations!
9 - and finally....beans definitely live up to their reputation when eaten daily!!!

Read the below post to learn more on the purpose of fasting. (or click here)

Clean House - Purpose of Fasting

2010-02-09T13:00:00.000-06:00

During our 21-day fast Bob sent out daily devotions. I copy & pasted this one because I love the way it describes the purpose & importance of fasting.

Romans 8:5-6

5 For those who live according to the flesh, set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

Have you ever looked up at your ceiling fan blades or in the deep recesses of your couch cushions and noticed the filth that builds up over time? Even though we might clean on a regular basis, there are times when we need to go…a little deeper. We realize that what appeared to be clean on the surface was in all actuality, quite filthy.

The same thing can happen spiritually. As we go about our daily lives, there are things that can build up over time. Even if we regularly worship, pray and read our Bible, the different pressures and cares of this world can quietly build up, and end up consuming our lives. Without even realizing it, we can lose our peace, our joy, and our passion for the things of God. Our service to God, which used to fill us with life and excitement, becomes a duty that we must fulfill.

Fasting is the deep cleaning that helps us take our mind off of the things of this world and instead have a refreshed focus on the things of the Spirit. It is an incredibly effective way to get into the nooks and crannies of our soul and bring all those dusty old habits, broken mindsets and rusty attitudes out into the light of God’s truth. In fasting and prayer, our service to God returns to something we want to do rather than something we have to do.

As you pray and fast today, ask God to show you any areas where you could use a refreshed spiritual focus. Like David, in Psalm 51:10-12, pray that God will cleanse your heart, renew your spirit, and restore the joy of your salvation.

Pray with confidence, knowing that He wants to fill you with His life and peace.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

2010-01-16T22:33:00.005-06:00

I know...I'm a tad late! :) Actually my adapter to put pics on my computer broke. So I finally bought a new one so I could get all my pictures off!!

Kyle & I spent 10 days in Texas over Christmas and it was WONDERFUL!!! (minus the too much snow at the beginning!) Kyle and I received way too much...our family ridiculously spoils us...and we are soooo very blessed to have them in our lives!

We started out in Breckenridge with my grandpa. NORMALLY we spend Christmas Eve at Possum Kingdom lake with my mom's side of the family BUT this year the snow & ice prevented this. I was really bummed but I am very thankful we still got to hang out with my grandpa. (who is now 96 and still looking great!)

Luckily I found a holly bush on my search outside for something to use as our Christmas tree!

My reaction to opening my SNUGGIE!!

And even more excited....TWO SNUGGIES!!!

Awww me & Brooke....(please note unnamed object in background)

Christmas Day was spent in Abilene with my dad's side of the family. We had a wonderful time, fabulous food, and enjoyed totally spicing up my cousin's room with zebra print stuff! :)

Watching my fab cousins open their gifts: (Seth doesn't appreciate the zebra print decor quite as much as Ashton....or me....or Valinda....)

Things grownups get excited about for Christmas:

On the 26th we met up with Kyle's family and headed to Colorado for some awesome skiing! I haven't been that sore in a lonnnngggg time but it is sooo worth all the hurting! We stayed in a cabin at South Fork & skied at Wolf Creek...the snow was GREAT and the scenery was BEAUTIFUL!
All of us (minus David, Misty & Ryan) up on the slopes:

Right out the back window of our cabin:

David feeding one of the deer out of his hand:

Mike feeding the big buck: (How cool is that?!?!)

AND the NEWEST addition to the PARKER FAMILY!!! CASH!!! Isn't he ADORABLE?!?!!

A Few Good Men Tech Style

2009-12-30T17:07:00.002-06:00

Ok, ok...as Griffin would say, "I know this is bad...but isn't it a little funny?"

My dad found this on one of his coaches message boards...

Gerald Meyers (Tech AD): *Coach Leach, did you order the Code Shed?*
Kent Hance: You *don’t* have to answer that question!
Coach Leach: I’ll answer the question!
[to Meyers]
Coach Leach: You want answers?
Meyers: I think I’m entitled.
Coach Leach: *You want answers?*
Meyers: *I want the truth!*
Coach Leach: *You can’t handle the truth!*
[pauses]
Coach Leach: Son, we live in a world that has sidelines, and those sidelines have to be guarded by pirates with swords. Whose gonna do it? You? You, Meyers? I have a greater responsibility than you could possibly fathom. You weep for James, and you curse the Pirates. You have that luxury. You have the luxury of not knowing what I know. That James’s small shed, while tragic, probably saved games. And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, saves games. You don’t want the truth because deep down in places you don’t talk about at parties with your fat little girlfriends, you want me on those sidelines, you need me on those sidelines. We use words like honor, code, loyalty. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent defending something. You use them as a punchline. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very bowl games that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said thank you, and went on your way, Otherwise, I suggest you pick up a sword, and stand a post. Either way, I don’t give a d**n what you think you are entitled to.
Meyers: Did you order the Code Shed?
Coach Leach: I did the job I…
Meyers: *Did you order the Code Shed?*
Coach Leach: *You’re dern right I did!*

The Desert Song

2009-12-08T21:41:00.004-06:00

There are a lot of people I know going through deserts and fires. Some of them are walking in the middle of the Red Sea...not sure yet if the water is going to remain held back or come crashing down on them. I was talking to a dear friend tonight, who happens to be one of these people, and she was sharing with me how this song has strengthened her trust in God. So here are the lyrics...I hope it can help someone in the same way it did her.

The Desert Song - Hillsong

This is my prayer in the desert
And all that's within me feels dry
This is my prayer in the hunger in me
My God is a God who provides

And this is my prayer in the fire
In weakness or trial or pain
There is a faith proved
Of more worth than gold
So refine me Lord through the flames

And I will bring praise
I will bring praise
No weapon forged against me shall remain

I will rejoice
I will declare
God is my victory and He is here

And this is my prayer in the battle
And triumph is still on it's way
I am a conqueror and co-heir with Christ
So firm on His promise I'll stand

All of my life
In every season
You are still God
I have a reason to sing
I have a reason to worship

This is my prayer in the harvest
When favor and providence flow
I know I'm filled to be empited again
The seed I've recieved I will sow

And another verse that has been on my mind a lot since singing "Everlasting God" on Sunday:
Isaiah 40:28-31
Don't you know that the Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth? He never grows faint or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to those who are tired and worn out; he offers strength to the weak. Even youths will become exhausted, and young men will give up. But those who wait on the Lord will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

NEEEWWW YOOOOOOORRRRRRKKK

2009-11-20T21:55:00.005-06:00

*insert Alicia Key's voice*

Last weekend was the weekend. The girls weekend. The Ramos family (Kyle's mom's side) girls weekend. In NEEEWWW YOOOOOOORRRRRRKKK.

Kyle's cousin, Meghan, lives there. So, she took us all in and was a WONDERFUL host!! We saw some of the popular sights & got to experience some special other things! And the top 5 highlights were.... (in no particular order)

1. Hanging out with the girls - I'm so blessed to have married into such a wonderful family!!

2. CBS Control Room - Meghan works in there for The Early Show so she took us in the studio to watch the live filming & then to the control room....and THAT is where the action is at! Her guy, Michael, is the director & it was one of the coolest things I've ever seen!! Next time you watch live TV pay attention to how much the camera angle changes...then picture someone standing behind a podium sounding like an auctioneer going nonstop "Camera 2 ready...camera 2 go. Camera 4 ready...camera 4 go...roll the internet video..." while other people are watching monitors...talking on headsets...screaming "15 seconds...wrap it up! say thank you!" And we missed the good part when they lost some film they needed....*insert explicits* I really can't explain it & give it justice...those people are awesome! I will not get angry during 5 minute commercial breaks ever again! (during live tv that is...haha) Oh...and we talked to Harry Smith for like 10 minutes...no big deal.

This picture doesn't really do justice!

3. The view - One word.....BREATHTAKING. Meghan's view from her apartment will leave you speechless! Their apartment is in Hoboken, NJ...which is just on the other side of the Hudson River from NYC. Her wall of windows displays the entire NYC skyline..from uptown to downtown. A-MAZING.
Uptown: (Empire State Building)

Downtown at Night: (where the WTC was)

That's right: Cruise ships leave right out their window...

Uptown during the day:

4. Wicked - FABULOUS!! I will never watch the Wizard of Oz the same way again. It was witty & brilliant! HIGHLY recommend! I'm considering getting tickets to see it again when it comes to St. Louis.

5. Carlo's Bake Shop - home of the "Cake Boss". That's right...he's located right in the heart of Hoboken & we had some wonderful treats from there! :) And the camera crew was upstairs filming!

2 Events Made Honorable Mention:
**Granny & Nannie and the Obama condoms. hahahahahahahahahaha

**Man getting hit by cab. (don't worry...it was his fault & he was ok enough to get up & cuss out the driver)

I'm going to live in New York or Chicago (or both) for at least a year. The end.

Put that in your pipe & smoke it!

2009-11-12T18:02:00.003-06:00

I officially broke my record this morning....$52 of groceries for $8.12. That's right...eight dollars and twelve cents!! AAAAANNNNNDDDD I got $5 back for my next trip! Here's what I got:

I know what you're saying. "But Emily, there is so much there I don't need or wouldn't normally buy."

Let me explain. I am so stocked up on groceries (not ever going over $40 & staying around $25 the last few weeks) that all I really "needed" for next week was the water, bananas, Sweet-n-Low, and shredded cheese. These items would've cost me $7.78 if I would've bought them on their own....on sale. So why not spend $0.34 more & get all this plus $5 back?!?! Plus they had the 3lbs frozen chicken & 5lbs ham on sale for $5...great time to stock up! (plus I had a $1Q for the ham)

Here's how I did it. I try to only go to Shop-n-Save when they are doing their $10 off $50 Thursdays. (happens frequently) On average I spend about $22-$26 for $50 worth of groceries. Last week I spent $23 & got back a $15Q that expires on 11/17. Well, this Thursday was my only option to pair it with the $10off$50. I also had a $5 off $50Q in the Entertainment book.

So...I immediately was able to take off $30 & I had about $14 in Q. The Pillsbury items were the ones that gave me the $5 back...and I'm going bake them & put the items in our youth snack bar to try to prevent mine & Kyle's own fatness...:)

No blogging in October?!?!!

2009-11-03T20:52:00.004-06:00

What happened to me?! I know all 3 of my readers are excited to finally see a post! I was told once that if I was consistent I'd have more readers...ha!

So here's an update of what's been going on in the lives of Kyle & Emily...

I am having a MUCH better year in middle school PE. My classes are soooo much better & I don't have NEAR as many "in your face", mouthy kids. This time last year I had already had to move students out of my class, call an ambulance, cursed at a student during a fight breakup, and been told "You WILL listen when I call your name Mrs. Parker" (and that was just one of many...) I don't dread going everyday and the year is already FLYING by compared to last.

Two weekends ago Kyle's family flew in to hang out. We had a great time shopping (well Valinda & I) and going to the Rams vs. Colts game. We loved, loved, loved watching Peyton!! Of course, they killed the Rams.

Texas Tech Red Raider Danny Amendola!

Valinda also got the EXCITING opportunity to shop a great deal at CVS with me. I got all this for $3.52 and got $10 back!!! (My total was $52 after sales but before coupons & it went down to $1.37 before tax!) Don't worry...I paid her with some deo for suffering through my coupons.

Another awesome deal I got last week...for $0.07 and $5 back!! (even w/o using gift cards I had already earned it would've only been $5.73!)

My parents came this past weekend to hang out. We had a wonderful time with them as well! (and more shopping!) Kyle took the youth to play Demolition Ball in St Louis & on our way over to hang out with them I stopped off at Target to show my dad that you CAN try on purses. :) Thanks to him for finding a full length mirror to assist me! And to my mom for helping me decide black or brown. The average American spends $24 on a Halloween costume....mine & Kyle's costume is now being carried around my shoulder! I forgot to get pictures!

Now I'm gonna go take care of Kyle...who has an ear infection...and as the doctor told him "It's swollen as s&#%!"

KMart

2009-09-30T21:41:00.003-05:00

I had no intention of posting a pic anytime soon...but I had some extra time during my planning period yesterday & I decided to run over to KMart & see if the rumor I had heard was true - doubling any Q $2 or less...and it was!! I threw together some high dollar Q and came up with this:

TOTAL COST = $5.68 ($7.07 after tax)

**Special note to those who know how many boxes of cereal I currently have:
I made $0.50 on this cereal!! (and I'm giving away 2 boxes of it)

The most expensive item was the Clean & Clear moisturizer - it was $1.59. (everything else was FREE - $1)

EVEN BETTER!!! Today I unexpectedly found a $5 rebate (here) if you purchase 3 of any items by SC Johnson. Well, I got the 2 ziplocs & glade candles...so I get $5 back!! (and this rebate can be redeemed 3 times...I already have 4 receipts that I can use!!)

Family & Couponing

2009-09-28T20:19:00.002-05:00

My parents and sister came to visit last weekend and we had a wonderful time!! Kyle & I are sooo blessed with 2 wonderful families!! My parents even got to experience Walgreens with me on Sunday AM. They were such good sports & helped me to do 3 transactions! :) I even think they learned why it's worth getting made fun of to use so many coupons!!!

Couponing really has been taking up a lot of my time. (this is nothing to new to most of you...haha) It seems so silly and truly is a small area that is preventing me from having margin, but nonetheless, it is one of the things.

I wanted to start posting the deals I get and where to get the coupons. (for the 2 people that may care! ha) But, I know that in my effort to create margin in my life this is one of the things I have to say no to even though I would enjoy doing it. I am NOT going to stop couponing because financially it has helped us tremendously. But, I have been overcomplicating the process in hopes of sharing with everyone...and that has ended.

Maybe I'll put a pic from time to time....share exceptionally great deals....or brag from time to time... (like how last week I got my grocery bill from $50 to $24) but for now...if you want to start filling up your pantry & toiletries closet on a CHEAP budget....here are the sites I use:

Coupon Sites:
RedPlum
Smart Source
Coupons.com

Blog Sites:
STL Mommy
DealFindingChik
Momsbyheart.net
My Frugal Adventures

I use the Sunday papers and online coupons. The blogs do great match-ups with various stores.

Info if online brick coupons aren't printing: here

And if you made it this far and still think I'm crazy...I'm ok with that! :)

Clashing Colors

2009-09-24T18:22:00.002-05:00

We are in a "What Not to Wear" series at LifePoint and this last Sunday we talked about "Clashing Colors" and being too busy. I probably need to hear this message every week since I seem to always find myself in the same place - doing & focusing on a lot of "stuff" and not "being" in the current moment focusing on who and what is going on.

The biggest bonus of being a teacher is having summers off. This is WONDERFUL but for someone like me (routine-oriented, slightly OCD about things), going from basically no job to a full-time job is very difficult. I end up feeling very overwhelmed & busy...and I don't even have to grade papers!! (also my excuse for not blogging more often) This message was pretty much a slap in the face for me to wake up! I wish I could say I've already made all the changes needed....but I can't...but I can say I'm working on it...here are my notes below:

"What would it look like if we still accomplished good things in a less stressful environment?"

That question has stuck with me all week! It would look AMAZING! I'm not sure yet how I get to that point...but I'm working on it by trying to create margin in my life.

Margin is the space between your load and your limit. If you will have a meltdown if someone asks you to do one more thing...you have no margin. Having no margin is cheating God and every relationship around you. If you have no time & you aren't getting any rest...you are not being the person God created you to be. It stresses every relationship you have. You end up accomplishing less by trying to do more.

Think about your garage..or that one drawer. It is always working towards disorder. You have to be intentional at keeping it in order. Your life works just like this...you HAVE to be intentional at keeping it in order.

Benefits of margin:
1 - Peace of Mind
2 - Better Health
3 - Stronger Relationships
4 - Available for God to Use You

We constantly add, add, add and never take anything away. You have to cut a bush back to get it to flourish. We are the same way. We have to say no (even to some stuff we like) so we can cut the "stuff" in our lives back so that we can flourish.

So...what are you going to do to create margin in your life? Please feel free to leave any tips!! :)

Deals!

2009-09-09T22:24:00.006-05:00

Ok...I had decided not to post anymore about coupons b/c I had more important things. BUT I am starting to see the snowball effect and I seriously felt guilty walking out of Target yesterday and not sharing. So...I'm posting them so you can see how awesome it can be & some information so IF you are interested you can use the same resources. If you could care less...come back another day for a different post!! :)

The most common question I get: "Do you really need that?" or "Would you normally buy that?" There are some things I wouldn't normally get & things I don't currently need...but for FREE or around $1 or <...I can't say no! And I haven't been over $40 a week yet!

Walgreens - Deals this Week!! Total - $3.33 (before Q = $22.20)

**used $11RR from previous purchases
**Glade Sense & Spray: $4Q here
-->$5.99 - $4Q = $1.99 & get $2RR (FREE!!)
**Trident: $1/2 here
**Sunday paper Q for soup (and they were on sale..I got both for $0.98)
**Airwick scented oils - Sunday paper or $1/2 here
-->On sale 2/$5
**Airwick Warmer $1.50 when you buy 2 refill oils here
-->Free warmer Q was attached at some stores
**Scrubbing Bubbles Shower Cleaner click here for $5Q - $7 seems to be gone :(
-->$9.99 - $7Q = $2.99 & get $3RR (FREE or $2)
(I had a BOGO free on the shower cleaner refills & they were on sale for $3.99...I went back & got these to have later for the cleaner..this Q was with the $7 one that is gone..there is a $1Q now)
Reeses were simply filler items to use Q
Check the blog links below for more Walgreens deals this week!

Target - Deals this Week!! Total - $1.18 (before Q = $25.43)

**used $5 gift card
**Fiber One - 5/$1Q on General Mills cereal here & used Q from coupons.com
-->all 5 boxes were $4.75. I used my $5 GC but got another one. (FREE - only reason I bought)
-->The regular kind had Q for BOGOfree on the yogurt I eat on the back!
**Glade Scented Tin $1.50Q found in tin (currently $1.66)
**Glade Tin Refills: Free w/ candle purchase Q here - use zip 90210
**SoftSoap Nutri Serums: $1Q -same link as above
-->sale @ my Target - $2.99 (found Target $1Q on floor to make $0.99)
**Renu FreshLens - $2Q here
-->Travel size - $1.52 (FREE! - under $2 @ WalMart too - I clicked back and printed 4x)
**Cinnabon: $1Q here & $0.50Q here
-->$2 - $1Q - $0.50Q = $0.50

Target 9/4 - Total = $3.34 (before Q = $25.34)

**$22 in Q - all from Sunday paper

WalMart 9/4 - Total = $1.58 (before Q = $10.58)

**2/$1Q - Klondike (sign up & print here - makes free)
**$3Q - Glade Soy Candle (click here & use area code 90210..may not be available anymore - makes free)
**$4Q - Air Wick from Sunday paper or find Q here

Saturday: Target, Walgreens, Shop-n-Save - Total = $12.57 (before Q= $49.61)

**Used $15 in Register Rewards from previous purchases
**I got back $16 in gift cards or RR to use next time! (so I actually made $3.50 this trip!)
**Glade Sense & Spray $4Q here
-->$5 at Walmart or Walgreens deal above - click the back button for 2Q)
**Wonderbread $0.55Q here
**Glade Scented Tin $1.50Q found in tin (currently $1.66)
**Glade Tin Refills: Free w/ candle purchase Q here - use zip 90210
**All: $1Q here
-->travel size @ Target is $0.85-$1.02
**used Kellogg's coupons from coupons.com and paired with $0.50Q from HotCouponWorld. + Target had a special last week on buy 4 Kelloggs products get $5 gift card back.
**Toothbrushes & Toothpaste were in Walgreens ad last week - they have offers sometimes were you get the item & the same amount back in RR. (which was the case here)
**Skittles were free but Q has expired

Coupon Sites:
RedPlum
Smart Source
Coupons.com

Blog Sites:
STL Mommy
DealFindingChik
Momsbyheart.net
Couponclippinmamma

ALWAYS CLICK THE BACK BUTTON WHEN PRINTING - IT WILL USUALLY LET YOU PRINT TWICE...SOMETIMES MORE! (on the Q other than the coupon sites above)

If you do decide to try these deals, you might ask me first how each store works. (especially Walgreens - or check out stlmommy.com..she has 101s on all the stores I use)

Big Announcement!!!

2009-08-31T19:02:00.004-05:00

WOOHOO! Introducing my soon-to-be-sister-in-law:

My brother-in-law, Kevin, proposed to his girlfriend, Emily last night! YEAH!!! That's right...there is going to be another Emily Parker. So excited!!

Congrats you guys!

Also, I have become slightly obsessed with coupon & deal searching. Kyle & I have been on a grocery budget to help with LifePoint's Revolution campaign for awhile. But, I've recently been inspired by our friend/photographer, Lissa Anglin, to look for good deals.

I got all this + an 8 pack of individual wrapped Reeses (that I left at school) for $1.56 today at K-Mart. (well actually for $6.56, but I had a $5 coupon that printed after going yesterday)

The mascara, Reeses, and bowl cleaner were all FREE. (they are having double coupons)

Yesterday at KMart I got all this for $33. (was supposed to be $28 but I had a slightly less than brilliant cashier that didn't know how to use my $5off$50 coupon...but I did get a $5 & $3Q for next purchase!) It may seem like I still spent a lot, but look at the items that were purchased!

Earlier in the week I got this for $20 at WalGreens...plus I got $7 back in register rewards. ($5 on a gift card thanks to my less than brilliant cashier...I had to get the manager to get 5 of my $ back :))

The two previous weeks I've got this in my $40 budget.

This one included a $10 Kellogg rebate & the Snapple & 1 DP were free. (my total went from $64 to $27 at Shop-n-Save that day!)

I got a $10 off immediately at S&S (for spending $50), I got a $20 rebate from Kraft, and a $5 off my next purchase coupon as well! Plus with $5 meat deals, I basically got about 10 lbs of meat for $15.

I'm having to be creative with some of my purchases to eat healthier & stay within WW points..but it's working!
I'm learning that shopping at WalMart really isn't always cheaper!!

Three Years

2009-08-23T20:45:00.003-05:00

This is belated but with school starting for me it has been slightly crazy! On August 12th, Kyle and I celebrated our 3rd anniversary!! It feels like just yesterday we had a wedding and at the same time it feels like we have just always been together!

I don't say often enough how much Kyle means to me and how blessed I am to have him as my husband. He has made me a better person and is a wonderful best friend. I respect him and the decisions he has helped us make in our lives. It has been incredible going on this journey with him! I love that dude.

Since our anniversary was on a Wednesday (promotion Wed at that) we celebrated by going to youth! :) It was an exciting night because all our new 6th graders joined us! (we have 10 moving up!!) On Thursday we stayed in downtown St Louis at the Hilton (thanks to priceline!), ate a little Texas Roadhouse, and hung out! Then, on Saturday we went on a River Boat dinner cruise down the Mississippi with Chad & Emily Imboden!

Our "official" anniversary picture at youth:

Us at the Downtown Hilton:

Sort of an arch view room: (pretty good considering we did Priceline!)

Going on the dinner cruise:

Our friends, Chad & Emily: (and my hair cutter girl!)

Good News

2009-08-08T10:27:00.003-05:00

Here is some more of the Rob Bell book that I wanted to post: Good News.
(again lengthy, but good stuff)

Another truth about the church we're embracing is that the gospel is good news, especially for those who don't believe it.

Imagine Person X becomes a Christian...Let's say she starts living out Jesus' teachings, actually taking him seriously that she can become a compelling force for good in the world. She is becoming more generous, more compassionate, more forgiving, more loving. Is she becoming a better or worse neighbor? If we are her neighbors, we're thrilled about her new faith. We find ourselves more and more grateful for a neighbor like this...The good news of Jesus is good news for Person X. It's good news for Person X's neighbors...It's good news for people who don't believe in Jesus...And if it is good news for the whole street, then it's good news for the whole world.

If the gospel isn't good news for everybody, then it isn't good news for anybody.

And this is because the most powerful things happen when the church surrenders its desire to convert people and convince them to join. It is when the church gives itself away in radical acts of service and compassion, expecting nothing in return, that the way of Jesus is most vividly put on display. To do this, the church must stop thinking about everybody primarily in categories of in or out, saved or not, believe or nonbeliever. Besides the fact that these terms are offensive to those who are the "un" and "non", they work against Jesus' teachings about how we are to treat each other. Jesus commanded us to love our neighbor, and our neighbor can be anybody. We are all created in the image of God, and we are all sacred, valuable creations of God. Everybody matters. To treat people differently based on who believes what is to fail to respect the image of God in everyone. As the book of James says, "God shows no favoritism." (James 2:1-13) So we don't either.

Oftentimes the Christian community has sent the message that we love people & build relationships in order to convert them to the Christian faith. So there is an agenda. And when there is an agenda, it isn't really love, is it? It's something else. We have to rediscover love, period. Love that loves because it is what Jesus teaches us to do. We have to surrender our agendas. Because some people aren't going to become Christians like us no matter how hard we push. The just aren't. At some point we have to commit them to God, trusting that God loves them more than we ever could.

And one thing to keep in mind is that we never arrive...The way of Jesus is a journey, not a destination. On a journey, the scenery changes. A lot. We can prepare for some things but not all. We make mistakes, figure it out as we go along, and try new things. Failures are really just opportunities to learn.

Serving Others

2009-08-03T21:59:00.003-05:00

I opened up a book I read a couple of years ago, "Velvet Elvis" by Rob Bell, to look at some of the stuff I highlighted. I opened up right to an excerpt that I think describes exactly our goal at LifePoint. It's a little lengthy, but good stuff!

Serving Others
I am learning that the church is at its best when it gives itself away. And this is because blessing is always instrumental. Let me explain. In Genesis 12, God tells a man named Abram that he's going to bless him, and through him, he is going to bless the whole world. This is the birth of the Jewish people, whom God wants to use to reach everybody. This blessing is instrumental in nature. God wants to use Abraham, to flow through him, to have him be the conduit through whom God can bless everybody else. Abraham is just a vessel. God doesn't choose people just so they'll feel good about themselves or secure in their standing with God or whatever else. God choose people to be used to bless other people. Elected, predestined, chosen - whatever words people use for this reality, the point is never the person elected or chosen or predestined. The point is the person serving others, making their lives better.

The second significant idea in Genesis 12 is that Abraham's calling is universal. It is for everybody. All kinds of people all over the place are going to be blessed by God through Abraham. God has no boundaries. God blesses everybody. People who don't believe in God. People who are opposed to God. People who do violent, evil things. God's intentions are to bless everybody. Jesus continues this idea in many of his teachings. In the book of Luke he says, "I am among you as one who serves." He not only refers to himself as a servant, sent to serve others, but he teaches his disciples that the greatest in his kingdom are the ones who serve. For Jesus, everything is upside down. The best and greatest and most important are the ones who humble themselves, set their needs and desires aside, and selflessly serve others.

So what is a group of people living this way called? That's the church. The church doesn't exist for itself; it exists to serve the world. It is not ultimately about the church; it's about all the people God wants to bless through the church. When the church loses sight of this, it loses its heart. This is especially true today in the world we live in where so many people are hostile to the church, many for good reason. We reclaim the church as a blessing machine not only because that is what Jesus intended from the beginning but also because serving people is the only way their perceptions of church are ever going to change. This is why it is so toxic for the gospel when Christians picket and boycott and complain about how bad the world is. This behavior doesn't help. It makes it worse. It isn't the kind of voice Jesus wants his followers to have in the world. Why blame the dark for being dark? It is far more helpful to ask why the light isn't as bright as it could be.

The following section was great too...I'll post soon! :)

ATL

2009-07-28T21:00:00.005-05:00

I think I made my final trip of the summer this past weekend! It's been a lot of fun, but I'm ready for some down time before school starts. blah...school. Kyle and I drove to Atlanta for Jeff Graves' wedding! Kyle grew up with the Graves' family & I got to know them well in college. Jeff married an awesome, beautiful girl, Jenny. We were excited to be a part of their big day and it was great to hang out with some old friends & meet all the people that Jeff has gotten to know so well while in that area. Here are a few pics from the big day:

The groomsmen all wore black Converses:

Shawn, Jeff, and Kyle...college buds! (Kyle had already changed for our all night drive home)

The wives...me, Jenny, and Rachel!

Lone Star State

2009-07-26T23:07:00.005-05:00

My trip to Texas this summer was crazy and all over the place, but I got to see alot of my favorite people...which made it WAY worth it! I flew into Dallas because it was cheap and allowed me to spend some great time with Nate & Laci and Mike & Jen! I hitched a ride with the Beals' to Brandi's wedding in Amarillo! She was a gorgeous bride!!

What better way to calm yourself before your wedding than play the Wii?!?!

I was able to stay a few days after the wedding to hang out with my family and go see my grandpa, uncle, aunt, and cousins all in the Abilene area, which was a special treat! In between all that I was able to squeeze in some brief visits with Elizabeth & her family (including her sis, Valerie, & her new baby, Annie!), Kyle's parents & some Plainview friends, and Jodee - who so lovingly allowed our special lunch to be at Chicken Express!! :) I am so lucky to have such great friends & family!!

I didn't go picture crazy (if you can believe it) and I'm kinda bummed! But, my sister and I did decide to take some pics on an old truck that is on my grandpa's land. Here are some of my faves!

Parker Family

2009-07-22T22:27:00.010-05:00

After returning from camp Kyle's family came to hang out with us for a week. Mike, Valinda, Kevin, and Emily (Kevin's girlfriend) came up first & we went to Chicago for a few days. I LOVE Chicago...it is never enough time there! Then, on the 4th we came back to meet David, Misty, and Ryan (Kyle's uncle, aunt, and cousin) to celebrate & hang out a few days! They are all wonderful and we had such a great time!

It was hard for me to narrow the pictures down since we did so much! So, here's a glimpse at what we did:
The boys waiting for the train:

Chicago-style deep dish...the BEST pizza...

Cubs vs. Brewers....awesome, exciting game! (a little hard on a Cardinals fan!)

Eatin' at Eds! (very sarcastic place....)

The famous "Silver Bean"...super cool!

Our reflection in the bean:

One of the awesome views from the Hancock building:

Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier..sad day, it wasn't running when we were there!

Our hotel was close to the firework show they did on the 3rd & 4th so Valinda & I walked down...this is as far as we made it! The street was packed!

Once we got back we headed over to the arch in St Louis to watch fireworks on the 4th. Valinda is INSANE and bought us all this lovely gear! :)

Played some golf...even me...it was scary!

Em & I went to Union Station...very cool place! Google the "whispering arch"

St Louis has a great, free zoo...so we went there! This is my "appropriate" picture of the rhinos (the other one being them mating...that's a special experience to witness)

The monkey took that stick and tried to beat us through the glass.

Our last hoorah was the City Museum in St Louis. I've heard tons of great things but this was my first time to go. It was AWESOME!! Basically a huge warehouse and all this junk has been donated. You can climb through and explore...it is GREAT for kids and "big kids"! Definitely a must if you are ever in the area!!!

Part of the 7 story slide inside the cave area and the huge organ:

The rooftop. Yes, that bus is hanging over the edge!

Ryan driving the bus!

Some views of all the stuff you can climb through outside:

Kyle & Kevin having some brotherly fun!

Emily climbing through a tunnel

About to slide down one of the many slides

What day is it??

2009-07-21T00:01:00.004-05:00

Oh. my. goodness. Is it seriously July 21st?!?! Where has summer gone?!?! It has been a total whirlwind and flown by! Vegas, almost Texas, Florida, Chicago, family time, Texas, weddings, more family time! It has been a lot of fun. I am definitely learning some good, tough lessons about being more of a "Mary" instead of a "Martha".

Tons of pictures to come!!

Youth camp was awesome. I think our kids were impacted tremendously and I'm excited to see what happens in Driven youth in the upcoming year. The theme was "TIME" and it had a huge impact on my life as well. (I'm sure I'll be blogging more about that later) Below are some pictures. And you can go to Driven Youth Blog to read more about stuff from camp and see many more pictures!!

The view from our room:

The stage was awesome!

BigStuf Camp 2009

2009-06-28T21:26:00.001-05:00

Here is a highlight video from camp that I stole from bob's blog.

ESPY Awards

2009-06-27T13:51:00.005-05:00

My friend, Jeremy Campbell, that I previously blogged about after he won the gold medal & set the world record in the Pentathlon at the Paralympics has been nominated for an ESPY award! Please help him out by going and voting for him!!

(For you Tulians, Jeremy is the son of Gregg Campbell - Kay Sturgess' brother & Nancy Hamilton's son)

Go to:
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Youth Camp

2009-06-25T12:42:00.003-05:00

We are in Panama City, Florida having an awesome time at youth camp! Check out the youth blog for updates and pictures.

http://lpyouth.blogspot.com

I've got lots of other stuff to talk about but I've been so impressed with BigStuf camps. I am sold on them! I feel like they are so much in line with the church planting mentality and everything that LifePoint is about. Their entire structure and programming fits us perfectly!

This is just one tiny thing that is in line with what LifePoint is about, but they emphasize global impact to the kids. Yesterday we heard from the Daraja Choir and I cannot even begin to tell you how the effected our students. Go check out the blog so you can see some of the student responses!!!

Vegas & Missouri

2009-06-15T22:14:00.006-05:00

My first two rounds of traveling are complete. We are currently flying back from Vegas. (that's right...we got the plane trying out wifi!!) Vegas is always a lot of fun and we got to spend some great time with mine and Kyle's families! Unfortunately, we did not win millions but I got some great stuff shopping and we got to enjoy DRY heat for a few days!

Since I already have a ton of pictures of the strip & downtown I never made time to take more. (although I needed to with my new camera!)
Our awesome cabana to relax by the pool:

Inside the Mirage:

The weekend before Vegas I made a trip to Missouri to hang out with Brooke one last time before she moves. I should've found more time in our crazy busy lives to visit more often. We went on campus to take some pictures for her to have. It is such a beautiful campus!!

And of course...we had to end with this since it was sooooo stinkin humid!

Lifekidz

2009-06-07T22:25:00.006-05:00

First of all, I'm soooooooooooooo excited that school is out for the summer! I learned more this year on classroom management than my first year, college classes, & any lesson on patience I've had combined!

Now on to LIFEKIDZ! Lifekidz is for K-5th grades on Sunday mornings in our very own theater. It's awesome-ness has made me go from plugging a hole to really, really, really enjoying my Sundays there and being exciting about helping prep it! The kids used to stay in the main service until after the music, but going into the theater we changed that to help with security reasons and to also give the Lifekidz their very own worship time. I'd say it's been a huge success giving us more time with them! Just ask Dawson James...he refuses to come to church without his tennis shoes because sandals interfere with his Lifekidz dancing!

I think our biggest success has been the addition of Lifegroups to our time. We have had such positive feedback. The kids LOVE splitting into their age-appropriate groups and getting to share stuff! They have REALLY opened up and we have been blown away by the things that are on their minds & their desire to discuss things! These kids have real "life stuff" going on and they want to talk about it!

We had one young girl that refused to come in without a parent for several weeks. The first week we did Lifegroups she was able to connect with another girl her age & it was the last week her mom came in!

So, if you are a volunteer at LifePoint or somewhere else...just remember...you're job is so important! You are making a bigger difference than you realize and you are needed fully on board! Keep up the good work!

Also, check out Bob's blog & find the perspective videos to see what goes on every Sunday!

Memorial Weekend

2009-05-27T18:05:00.006-05:00

We kicked off Friday with a cool opportunity to hear about church history & culture in Australia. Bob & Martha met and became very close with Will & Nerida through a church planting coaching network in Atlanta, GA. Will & Nerida are from Australia and have been doing a year residency in America for church planting ideas so they can head back and impact Brisbane in a huge way! The Robbins' had them up for the weekend & they invited the leadership team over to hang out and get to know them. It was really cool hearing about church planting from another point of view...and helped me to realize how much easier we really have it to share Jesus with others, yet we still make excuses. All I gotta say is...Brisbane, get ready!

Saturday we spent the day at the lake with the James' family! Here are my 3 favorite "Griffinisms" of the day, followed by too many pictures:

Griffin: "Emily, can I have a towel?"
Me: "Sure, Griff!" (hand towel from behind/underneath me & place over Griffin's head completely covering him)
Griffin: "This towel smells like poop!"
Me: "It shouldn't smell like poo! It's clean!"
Griffin: "Yeah, but you were sittin on it!"

During this arrangement on the tubes:

Griffin: "Kyle's a weiner!!"
Kyle: "I'm gonna splash you!!"
Griffin: "No I didn't say that! I said 'Kyle's a winner!' Griffin and Ashley suck! Kyle rocks! Griffin and Ashley suck! Kyle rocks!"

After Kyle hit a wave and came down saying "Ohhhhhhh..."
Griffin: "Kyle, did you get your tenders?"

The End:

Prayer

2009-05-23T23:33:00.004-05:00

Bob wrapped up our "Backseat Jesus" series with a lesson on prayer last week. He talked about how prayer is not an action....it's a lifestyle. It isn't a set time or a set place. We think we can handle the day in & day out stuff, but in reality God wants our time of prayer to be in our time of action throughout our day.

1 Thessalonians 5:17
Prayer continually.

I still remember the first time someone taught me this lesson while I was at youth camp. It was one of the biggest "AHA" moments I've ever had! It has probably helped me to calm myself & keep my job on several occasions this year! Unfortunately, I tend to still think I can handle a lot of daily things & I am far from mastering the prayer lifestyle. But, one of the things I love about LifePoint & Bob's leadership is that he always gives us an example of how we can apply it to our lives. Bob talked about how we can use everyday things as prompts for us to pray about stuff as we are going through our day. It has been a huge help for me & I highly suggest using them or creating your own!

pillow - rest and peace in God
loufa (sp? you know the washy thingy) - thanks for being continually washed with the grace of God
coffee cup (or any daily thing purchased) - thanks for being blessed to be able to buy stuff
computer - work & that my gifts would be used to change the world
ambulance/firetruck - overall healing in your life
garage door opener - family; making the most of time and having energy & wisdom

One of things I changed was the computer to prompt me to pray for our work with the youth. I added:
school building - my job and using it to change the world
Chi iron - inner beauty; self-confidence

What are some daily life prayer prompt ideas you have??

James' Boys & Dump People

2009-05-05T19:43:00.005-05:00

There is something about Dawson asking, "Emily, do you have your mac with you?" that cracks me up. I guess I think he should say computer or something...he's too young to talk so techy. One of Dawson & Griffin's favorite things to do is to take pics on the macs. It is also very enjoyable for me to hear their nonstop giggling. Here are some of our recent takes:

And the scary one:

Also, a former pastor of my hometown is running a marathon on his blog today to raise money for starving families in Honduras. Check it out and help out! We don't think twice about spending $5 on a meal and McDonald's, so surely we can at least give that!

treymorgan.net

SparkPeople

2009-04-25T20:53:00.003-05:00

Want an awesome, FREE site to help you become healthier and fit???? Check it out:

SparkPeople

If you are willing to take a little time to track your eating and exercising, this site can help you become aware of your health & help you reach goals.

It reminds me a lot of the weight watchers online site minus the whole points thing. And it's FREEEEEEEEE! It is a little bit difficult to navigate at first, but once you figure out the main sections you'll be good! If you want to go all out, you can use the community section to connect with other people using the site.

Features:
- Enter height, weight, and goal weight (gain or lose)
- Tools to give you goal date if you enter lbs to gain/lose & how many per week or give you goal weight if you give date & weekly lbs
- Site auto sets calories, fat grams, protein, etc. you should have each day/week (adjustable)
- Site auto sets how many calories you need to burn a week (adjustable)
- Meal tracker with pre-set meals or enter your own
- Exercise tracker
- Exercise plans (cardio and strength training)
- Recipes & recipe box (printable shopping list too!)
- Recipe builder...you put in your own recipe & it calculates nutrition info
- Tracks your weekly weight and measurements (you can choose what to measure...even a printable measuring tape!)

Your health is worth the time! I suggest using it atleast for a little bit to learn what you are really putting in & working out!

Slacker

2009-04-23T20:31:00.004-05:00

So I've totally been slacking on the blogging world. I know my millions of readers will lose interest if I don't keep it up so I better get with it and find something of interest to blog about! :)

Kyle and I had an awesome Easter! Both of our families came up and we had a HUGE slumber party. LifePoint was awesome...had a great turn out! We started Lifegroups with our LifeKidz this past week and it went really, really well. I think our kids are going to benefit greatly from their own small group time!

We are praising God that baby Sam is all better! 16 days in the hospital is a LONG time...especially when 12 of those you have a breathing tube in. I don't know how Jeff & Jaime still have their sanity...they are definitely exceptional parents! Kyle & I went over with Doug & Vange to see them last Sunday and it was so good to see Sammy full of energy! He went absolutely CRAZY over the ice cream. He looks all calm in the picture...he was attacking that thing!!

He also licked every last bit of cheese off of Doug's empty mac & cheese container. Priceless!

Ice cream and mac & cheese...my kind of kid!!

Just a Parker Update

2009-04-01T21:36:00.001-05:00

Here's a Parker update from the past couple of weeks:

1 - One of our very good family friends, Katie Chapman, came to visit us in St. Louis. She came up to check things out and ride home with Brooke for her spring break. We took her to the arch although our indecisiveness made us miss the last tram up! :) I know everyone here thinks it's no big deal...but it's a pretty cool thing for us peeps that aren't used to seeing it everyday!

2 - LifePoint has had 2 successful weeks now in the theater. We had a great crowd our first week in and set up and break down all went smoothly! There were no train wrecks so we were very thankful! The volunteers did an AWESOME job. We had tons of time left!! Week 2 was awesome too. I am amazed at how quickly they can get it all up and down...they make it look so easy! Our people rock!!! Here is a video I stole off of Bob's blog from this past week showing an overview of what the theater looks like for us:

a week @ the movies from bob robbins on Vimeo.

3 - My sister got a job at Amarillo River Road and I am super proud of her. I am expecting God to do some cool things in and through her in Amarillo! She is going to be an awesome HS math teacher! I'm also jealous at the fact I can't find an opening anywhere for middle school math up here...and she interviews one day and has a job the next! LUCKY!

LifePoint

2009-03-21T16:47:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow is our kickoff at Showplace 12!!!

Bob and the leadership team have put so much hard work into planning and preparing for this big move. Greg and Jeff have worked their butts off to get all the lighting, sound, and tech stuff ready to go. And there have been so many other people up at the church all week preparing. It has been awesome to see so many people committed to giving their time to make this happen. I wish I had a lot more pics of what our main room in our building has looked like this week with all the tech stuff. Those guys are amazing!

Our awesome new trailer:

All kinds of tech stuff....this doesn't even do justice showing all the stuff Greg and his crew has worked on this week:

I am pumped about these for LifeKidz!!! I've always wanted one for my house!! :) Maybe I'll steal it during the week! haha

Kids say the darndest things

2009-03-08T22:18:00.011-05:00

Or maybe I should title this "Griffin says the darndest things"
Griffin is the cutest, sweetest, most perfect and innocent kid I know. ha. He should never be told no but drinks too much nasty Carnation. But he is funny!
Doug had posted #3 on twitter the other day and it reminded me of some of his funnies.

#1
Me - "I'm going to throw you in the trash can"
G - "I'm going to throw your head through the window"
Me - "I'm going to throw your ninja turtles at you"
G - "Well, I'm going to throw GOD at you"
He won.

#2
Upon getting in trouble..."I know it was bad...but wasn't it kinda funny???"

#3
During a nightly prayer with his father: "God, thanks that when we sing at church it gets kinda loud."

#4
Me - "Griffin, did you know I was at your house last night?"
G - "For real life?!"
Me - "yep...and me and your mom whooped Kyle in a game. You should go tell him he is a loser...it would be funny."
G - "That would be stupid."
Me - "funny"
G - "stupid"
Repeat x3.
Me - "funny, funny, funny"
G - "it would be infinity and beyond stupid."
He won again. So we changed the subject.

Me - "I was going to come see you, but you were in bed whining to your mom"
G - "Did you know I got a new bed?"
Me - "A for real life bed?"
G - "Yep!"
Me - "I'm going to come sleep in it next time I'm there"
G - "You can look at it...but you can't sleep in it...you will break it"
I think he called me fat.

#5
G - "DARN IT CRAP!"
Vange (mom) - "Griffin, you cannot say that"
G (w/ gritted teeth) - "but this stupid thing won't work and I'm soooooo mad so I can"

#6
At a wedding shower for our friends Chad and Emily Imboden. They kept referring to "Emily" during a little game thing we did. Griffin looked at me when they said Emily..
G - "That's you! You're getting married?"
Me - "No silly. That's Chad's Emily. I'm already married."
G - "To who?"
Me - "You know who I'm married to. Dawson, who am I married to?"
D - "KYLE!"
G - "oh yeah, he's fat."
Me - "hahahahahhahahahaha"
Vange - "Griffin, don't say that. Kyle isn't fat."
G - "nope, but my dad is. And so am I."
He's got all kinds of fat jokes.

I was looking for a couple of pics on his sister's, Ashli, myspace and I found these of him and Dawson. I'm not quite sure how I've never seen them before....but I gotta share!!! hahahaha

FBC Maryville

2009-03-08T20:27:00.005-05:00

It makes me soooo angry and heart broken at the senseless events that occurred this morning. For my Texas readers that may not know....one of our local pastors, Fred Winters, was shot and killed during their first service at First Baptist Maryville. (Maryville is between Glen Carbon and Troy..a couple of miles from our church) A couple of others were injured as well. Not all the details are known but please keep the families involved and church in your thoughts and prayers. I cannot even imagine the road they have before them and the brokenness that is going on. I liked Bob's thoughts.

From bob thoughts - Fred Winters and First Baptist Maryville
There is an ancient Hebrew practice called "shiva." The Hebrew word "shiva" actually means "seven." I'm not sure exactly how it was used but part of it was used during the mourning process. You would just be with someone who had lost a loved one. You didn't have to say anything you just had to be with them. Even if only symbolicly, would you join me in just being with Winter's family and their church family. You don't have to have the right words or the right prayer but just be with them. Let's not worry about saying the right things or doing the right things let's just be with them and let them know that they are not alone.

Battle of the Sexes

2009-03-02T22:04:00.008-06:00

So what will you be getting yourself into if you come to youth at LifePoint?!?!?!

ok..it only happens once every few months...and I would say this is pretty small scale for what might occur in the future...but here are the pics from the 3rd Battle of the Sexes of the Driven Youth Ministry.

(Such a great event to photograph and I forgot my memory card for my good camera)

Sleeping Bag Relays:

Catching hot dogs:

Blowing Cheerios on a string:

Bubble Gum castles:

Alphabet Spaghetti O Riddles

Last, but certainly not least...First to finish ketchup + M&Ms

Due to Haley B (girl in white) the event finished early...puking on the table kind of did everybody in

And the winners are...

Blog Comments

2009-02-28T23:06:00.003-06:00

Every once in awhile someone leaves a comment...and it just needs a whole blog for a reply. Last week was such a case. Here's the comment:

Blogger emmy said...

(Martha talking!)We were so glad you could go! I am a little surprised that there was no mention on On The Border! You and I practically inhaled the chips and salsa! It was fun!

February 27, 2009 6:43 PM

If you were to ask Kyle or me what we miss most about Texas, not including family or friends, our reply would be the trees. haha kidding...it would be TEX-MEX!!! We dearly love it. Bob and Martha feel the same way. Martha and I are a little dramatic when we get it...hence the inhaling of the chips and salsa.

I was so excited to discover an On the Border in the Atlanta area during my online search a few days before going. In fact, I was already writing up a blog for it in my head before leaving. I wanted something witty...fun...to declare my love. Something that would help everyone understand that Tex-Mex is God's chosen food. So I thought of manna. I began to come up with an acronym. All I got was:
Mex Always Never Never Authentic.
It was lame. I had double negatives. And I technically needed Tex in there. So I was mad and realized I couldn't convey how heavenly it was to eat there.

That is why I didn't mention it. :)

In case anyone is wondering...the holy of holies in the tex-mex circle is still:

Churchplanters.com

2009-02-26T20:24:00.007-06:00

I made my first trip to Georgia this past week!

Kyle, me, Bob, Martha, Doug, Vange, Dan, and Carolyn had an awesome opportunity to attend the Churchplanters.com Conference. Thanks, Bob, for taking us with you!!

The conference was great. I learned the following things:
- Our leadership team is already on track with a lot of good things
- Bob is an awesome pastor...his heart and the time he has put into LifePoint was
affirmed for me throughout the conference
- Cool ideas to apply to the youth to connect
- I plan to much and need to put more of my heart in
- Kyle and I are here for something BIG
- The 65,000 unchurched people in this area better get ready

The conference made me excited, focused, and motivated! It took me through a different perspective and I am ready to see the revolution at LifePoint!

And of course...crazy memories must be made!
I originally wasn't going but ended up being able to a couple of weeks out...so we were a little packed into the van. Our first morning Doug decided to ride in the back storage area....and eat his cereal.

For lunch, Bob took us to this Ferguson's Meat Market. It was A-MAZING!!!! For $3.99 we got a ton of awesome food! It's one of those places only the locals know about...thank goodness Bob has been spending some time in Georgia! Since it is a grocery mart and no tables...we just hung out in the van!

(apparently mine had some drugs or something in it)

Nan

2009-02-22T00:32:00.004-06:00

This blog is dedicated to our Nan, Doralene "Doshie" Parker.

Many of you know that Kyle and I spent the last two weekends in Oklahoma. In mid-January we found out that Mike's mom had been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor and was given 6-8 weeks. Kyle and I were able to visit her 2 weekends ago. The next Tuesday morning (Feb. 10th) she passed away. We headed back down Wednesday after I got out of school and celebrated her life Friday.

I never could have fathomed the impact that someone could have on my life in 4 years. The love, compassion, and welcoming heart that Nan possessed is indescribable. She has battled cancer off and on since 1996. Her faith and strength has taught me so much about walking through the valleys. We are able to rejoice in the fact we know she is in a better place and her suffering is over.

On our drive home from our first visit all I could think about was something Bob spoke about several weeks ago at church. It was about that common phrase we hear during such times:
"God will never give you more than you can handle."
It provides comfort, but it is not in the Bible. God's Word promises to not tempt us beyond what we can handle. But, at times He does give us more than we can handle. Such times allow us to grow in incredible new ways, relying fully on Him, placing all our trust in His plan, and gaining strength from Him to deal with things we cannot on our own. God's plan is much bigger than just our growth, but it is an added bonus.

Seeing Nan that first weekend was one of the most difficult things I've done in a long time. And I know it was even harder on Kyle and his side of the family since they have known her their whole lives. It was definitely more than we could handle on our own strength. Nan's battle was definitely more than she could handle on her own strength. Even though I would much rather have Nan here with us, I am grateful in hindsight for getting to witness Nan and her family find their strength in God. I am grateful for the experience to grow in my own understanding of what it means to truly depend on God.

I am also grateful for my family, immediate and extended, and the realization that they have all learned dependency on God in similar situations, through the passing on of my aunts, cousin, and grandparents and their battles with cancer, diabetes, heart issues, Parkinson's, and strokes.

God is good.

Thanks Nan. For making me a part of your family. For teaching me more about faith. For introducing me to chocolate gravy. For calling me Emmy. For loving me as your own. I hope you and Pa are enjoying a nice jog before school! (haha...a little laugh for the fam)

Valinda, Nan, Me, and Misty in Vegas last summer.

Cinema Church

2009-02-07T23:01:00.005-06:00

Last Sunday the announcement was made:

That's right...LifePoint is going to start meeting at the movies! It's going to be hard work, but the results are going to be worth every bit of it! This move has not been a spur of the moment decision...our leaders have put a lot of thought, discussion, and prayer into this decision. Bob has done tons of research. This move is going to help us solve some space issues. And it is going to be super duper cool!

We also launched a spiritual and stewardship initiative called REVOLUTION. Bob is encouraging us to spend 40 days in prayer, scripture, and fasting to discover how God desires us to be involved. (of our time, talents, and treasures) I'm excited to see how God will push Kyle and me in our faith. God's plans and desires for our life are so much greater than we can fathom!

A special shout-out to Steve Walton. This man will do absolutely anything...I mean ANYTHING. He works as hard as anyone I've ever met. His servant-heart has blessed the people of LifePoint. Here is handing out tickets on Sunday:

And Brooke got to come hang out for the weekend. Great times!

Cold Weather

2009-01-30T20:43:00.015-06:00

It all started by having a Thursday/Friday off of school due to the wind chill. That's right...no school because the windchill was like -20. (this is new for us Texans!) The very following Thursday...it was in the 60s. Craziness!

Sunday we took the youth to Winter Jam in St. Charles. The kids had an awesome time but it was stinkin cold! It is first come, first serve on seats...so we headed over right after lunch and stood outside for a few hours. We were actually pretty lucky...it snowed/sleeted off and on all morning and right as we were going in, but while we were standing there was not much wind and no precip. Several different people played but Tobymac was definitely the hit of the night. Our kids love him and his band puts on a great show!

My attempt to get the cold breaths...not so great!

Screaming...what they do best! :)

Tobymac

And FINALLY this week we had a good snow! We had a little snow/sleet on Monday night then Tuesday night we added about 6 inches on! Staying home Tuesday and Wednesday was nice and it was even more fun to go sledding with the James' crew! We went last Monday right as the big snow was hitting and again on Tuesday. I could use a snow like this once a week until summer! :)
He's cute.

Kyle and Haley. He's a dork!

Ashli and Haley K

Our house on Tuesday night when we finally made it home from hanging out at the James' house. I love all the snow!!!

Griffin attacking Haley!

These boys are so darn cute!

CAN'T WAIT FOR THIS SUNDAY!!!!!!!!!

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

2009-01-21T22:19:00.005-06:00

Last week was a week of news...of good...of bad...and of ugly.

The Good: Our dear friend, Jeff Graves, got engaged to his girlfriend, Jenny! We are so excited for him and can't wait to witness him take this special step in his life.

The Bad: One of my sweetest students, Nate, and his family lost everything in a fire. The good thing is that both parents are employed. The bad thing is that they were renting and didn't have renter's insurance so they really lost everything. We are taking donations: monetary, clothes...good used or new, food, house stuff, etc. if anyone is interested in helping out. I have all the clothing sizes if anyone is interested. (he also has 2 younger brothers)
,
The Ugly: A very special and loved person, our Nan, Doralene Parker, got an ugly report from her doctor. She has fought and bravely battled cancer more than once and it has now spread into her brain and is inoperable. I cannot express in appropriate words what I think about cancer...so I will not attempt to. I'll just say it really sucks...and I hate seeing someone deal with the pain and crap that comes with it.

Think Geek

2009-01-12T20:10:00.005-06:00

One of my students had this shirt on the other day:

It detects Wi-Fi signals and their strength. I wasn't quite sure what to think of it so I had to look it up online for myself. I found the "Think Geek" website that has several different interactive shirts including a T-Qualizer shirt and an Electronic Drum Kit shirt. Check em out and buy you one! Crazy what they think up now-a-days!

http://www.thinkgeek.com/tshirts-apparel/interactive/

Joker

2009-01-04T17:04:00.003-06:00

This is Kyle....after him, Aaron, and Ashli were defeated by me, Vange, and Haley in Joker 5 times in a row.

We may have to let them win tonight just so they will keep playing with us.

Christmas Recap

2009-01-02T14:30:00.013-06:00

Well, Christmas break is coming to an end all too quickly. :(

I left on December 19th to head to Texas and returned on New Years Eve. Kyle joined me in Oklahoma for a week. Here is a photo recap of our Christmas celebrations. Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

My family in Abilene:

My mom excited that she finally scored on my dad:

When you grow up and get married you get excited about things like an electric flour sifter!!

Of course Valinda set up Christmas in our hotel in OKC:

Opening our mini Chis:

Mike & Valinda had awesome hats:

Kyle taught the kids to make silly faces:

Valinda's sister and her family traveled from Maryland this year:

We also visited Mike's family in eastern Oklahoma:

My trip ended up with me getting to see some great friends and attending round 2 of the Trans Siberian Orchestra. Mike gave my mom, sis, me, and Jodee tickets to attend with them and it was AWESOME. I was head on to the stage this time and it made the light show and everything 100 times better! So glad I got to go TWICE and see it from two angles! Awesome! :)

Milly!!

2008-12-29T23:20:00.004-06:00

I finally got to meet Emily Kay Blankenship!

I was so excited for my family to have supper and hang out with the Blankenships' on Sunday evening. I previously posted about Emily when she was born on April 1. The Blankenships' are such a special family and I am truly blessed to know them. They have had a major impact on my life and seeing them is always a treat. I also love that they call her Milly for short...too cute!

And here are a few more pics from the Blankenships' with their other 2 cuties...Hannah and Ben

Mac

2008-12-23T23:39:00.004-06:00

We got macs!!!!

more Christmas updates to come soon

Christmas Festivities

2008-12-16T20:52:00.007-06:00

On Saturday Kyle and I ran over to St. Louis so I could do a little more Christmas shopping before State Beauty's Christmas party. There was a beautiful sunset and I was able to get a decent picture. (too bad I didn't have my new camera yet!!)

On Sunday, LifePoint had its Christmas party at the YMCA. We had a great time and it was a great success! It's exciting to see the families that have really plugged in! I've been dying to take this picture because Kyle adores these kids and the little ones are so cute when they walk into church and spot Kyle! (again, too bad I didn't have my new camera yet!!)

Monday we had a snow day at school and Kyle and I did our Christmas! It was a great day and I am sooooooooo excited about my new camera!!!!

It came with some extras and I know I'm a dork but I love the mini tripod. I was even MORE excited when I realized it can clip to my pocket! I know...I'm sad.

Merry Christmas to ME!

2008-12-15T21:53:00.003-06:00

WOOOHOOOOO!!! I got a new camera for Christmas from Kyle!!! :) We did our Christmas tonight because we didn't want to haul the gifts on an airplane.

Here's the camera he got me:

This is just a quick post...more pics to come tomorrow!! (when I get the software on the computer!) I'm sooooo excited!!! Of course, I'm a photographers worst nightmare...got a good camera...and clueless how to use all the good stuff on it!! Hopefully this summer I can really figure it out!

Also, Kyle loves to figure out his presents before he gets them. (which he has on all his from me) I love for them to be a surprise. I had NO clue I was getting a camera...and he already had it BEFORE I wrote my previous blog making the camera comment. (he knows me good) So, a couple of days ago I made a comment about starting to save my money up to get the camera Lissa mentioned in my blog comment. Then I said, "I would really like a fancy camera with all the different lense options...but that will be way down the road!" So, Kyle has thought I figured him out this whole time...and he won't admit it but he couldn't stand it...Which makes me smile!!

Lissa: you may become a frequent email buddy! :)

Big XII...Thanksgiving...Christmas

2008-12-08T18:19:00.011-06:00

My parents decided to wait to visit until the weekend after Thanksgiving so we could go to the Big XII Football Championship game. So, Saturday we drove over to Kansas City and watched Missouri get their butts kicked by OU. I had my Tech football shirt on closest to my heart....I wore Mizzou clothes for the rest....I wanted OU to win (I know, I know...Kyle is rubbing off)....I can't stand the MIZ-ZOU chant or the Boomer Sooner song the band insists on playing every break between plays...so you figure it out! Anyway, we had a great time!!

On Sunday we celebrated Thanksgiving at LottaWata Creek...and it's a lotta food! Then, Kyle opened his presents from my family since he won't get to visit Texas when I go to see them.

P.S. I need a new camera! It's wishful thinking right now...but all you camera people out there....what's a reasonable (affordable!) camera that you would suggest.

Thanksgiving Break

2008-12-01T20:06:00.004-06:00

This Thanksgiving was the first Thanksgiving that Kyle and I did not spend it with one of our families. It was somewhat relaxing not traveling, but we definitely missed the tradition. We slept in and then cooked us a nice, tasty breakfast. I made chocolate gravy (Kyle's family's speciality) and Kyle made PERFECT white gravy. Then, that evening we went over to the Imbodens' house (one of the church founders) to hang out with their family and the Robbins' family. We are definitely lucky to have such wonderful people here to take us in! :)

We continued our festivities on Friday by going to the Trans Siberian Orchestra in St. Louis. The first half was...well, ok...with the exception of a few rockin' songs. The second half....A-MAZING!!!! They are awesome. Go watch someone moving their hands/arms on fast foward in your VCR and that is exactly what they looked like!! To tell you how much they rock out...the main guitarist was sitting on a stool all night because he is recovering from his shattered knee/torn ACL that he blew out 3 weeks ago rockin' on stage. They say he never missed a note when it happened!! Along with their incredible talents they have the most amazing light show we've ever seen! They are definitely worth the money if they are near you!!
I couldn't find a great live clip on youtube...although there were tons...so I went with this to remind you of their most popular song:

And finally, Saturday and Sunday I got all my Christmas decorations up! (not that I have many) The dogs like their stockings alot.

Hope everyone had a HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

WOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOO

2008-11-26T10:38:00.005-06:00

Yesterday I completed my linear algebra class which means I got my life back!!! My brain has never been pushed to the max like it was with that Greek they call math!! I came home screaming, jumping around, and hitting Kyle yelling "I'M DONE! I'M DONE!!!" The final consisted of 10 questions. It took me 2 HOURS and 10 minutes to finish!! And I am not a slow test taker. One problem took me about an hour...and not because I didn't know what to do...just because the entire thing fills up about 2 pages and it involved a lot of calculations with square roots...and did I mention no calculator was allowed?! Anyway, this huge stress has been lifted and I'm almost done with my math endorsement all together!! And I'm back to bloggin!

So here's what's been going on in the past month with Kyle and me:

Halloween weekend Kyle's parents came to see us and it was the peak weekend for the fall leaves! They were sooooooo beautiful this year.

I finally went to a football game! I visited Brooke in Columbia and we froze our butts off at Mizzou vs. Kansas St.

Kyle made his preaching debut at LifePoint in our Warriors series...talking about the Distracted Warrior. He did an awesome job! I was so proud of him! I think God is doing some awesome, big stuff in the men of our church through this series! (and women) You can watch last weeks message below:

You can click here to view LifePoint live on Sundays or watch previous weeks.

Poker Update

2008-10-23T22:46:00.001-05:00

I am FINALLY posting the pictures of the finished poker table. I know it is two weeks overdue and you are all anxious but my math classes have been consuming me!! I have to say...I am thoroughly impressed with their work. The first game was officially held on Monday, October 13. Kyle had about 10 guys over and my mom and I made some awesome goodies! :) Kyle won the first game and Bob won the second...I'm not sure what that says when the pastors are taking people down in poker...haha.

I wish I would've taken the pics while everyone was there...but I waited until the end of the night.

Poker and Big XII

2008-10-11T12:58:00.004-05:00

I can't wait to be done taking classes so I can come home and just relax after school..and BLOG!

Kyle has been working vigorously on building a new poker table and somehow sucked Aaron into helping him. My parents are visiting this weekend (yay!) so he has intentions to finish it by Monday so he can have a tournament while my dad is here. (he also plans to sucker my mom into helping with the upholstery tomorrow)

Jo pretty much thinks he is crazy and that he needs to get out of his house.

I've been pulling weeds today...and took a break to watch OU vs. Texas. I love football. And I'm super excited about the Big XII this year. I guess it is natural to be a Big XII fan, being from Texas and all, but we are dominating the polls!! 3 of the top 5 are from Big XII...with TTU right behind at #7.

1. Oklahoma
2. Missouri (3 in the AP)
5. Texas
7. Texas Tech
16. Kansas
17. Oklahoma State

It's going to be an exciting year!!!

We have been keeping busy doing all kinds of crazy stuff every weekend! Last weekend we had a Lock-In for the youth! We had about 60 kids show up which was AWESOME!! (I only stayed til about 2:15) Last night we went to a trivia night for our soccer girls...which is a great fundraiser idea that we had never heard of until moving here. And tonight is the 2nd annual chili-cookoff at LifePoint! I'm super excited!

Random Thought

2008-09-27T13:08:00.003-05:00

This is just a random sidenote in the life of the Parkers. (mainly I am home alone...for the 2nd occurrence of this incident...and have no one to prove me right so I just feel the need to share)

Our next door neighbors...or someone on this street...smokes weed. I was picking our common, yard weeds in the backyard a couple of weeks ago and I continued to have a whiff of it here and there. My neighbors had a lot of people over and were in their screened in porch...so my assumption was it was leaking out of there.

Today I'm sitting here at the computer...searching for how to use vector space axioms (YUCK) and the smell comes through our windows. So, I go to the backyard and...knock me down, blow me over, call me high. Definitely not just whiffs today. Maybe, just maybe, sitting in my house getting high from 2nd hand weed smoking will help me understand these stupid math problems. :)

National Stay at Home Week

2008-09-23T22:37:00.005-05:00

Did you know it was National Stay at Home Week? I think it should be National Stay at Home and Do Nothing Week. I'm having no problem being at home...but I feel like all I'm doing is stupid math work and studying for stupid tests. And now, as you can see, I'm writing some stupid random blog just so I don't have to study for the stupid tests or do stupid math work. (I think one of my rules in PE is to come in with a positive attitude...ha)

It is also the season premieres for a lot of TV shows including some of my favorites: CSI: Vegas & NY, Criminal Minds, and Grey's Anatomy. Yes, I think I am pathetic for watching Grey's...it is just as bad as the soap operas...but yet, I'm so excited for it! I just knew that it wouldn't be a simple process for Derek and Meredith to get back together. geez...

Meanwhile, Kyle and I have had some exciting weekends. Two weekends ago my Aunt Wanda and Uncle Jerry visited us from Texas! We had a great time with them and got to show them a few things of St. Louis. Then, this past weekend we flew to Dallas, TX for Kyle to marry a good friend of ours, Hillary. It was a beautiful wedding and Kyle did a great job! He also learned to not let me type his notes...I forgot to change a "her" to "his" when I copied and pasted...only a minor stumble. :) We also had a little extra time on Saturday to hang out with Kyle's family at Lake Texoma and ejoy Mike's awesome new boat a little more. It is the best layout boat ever.

Slavery

2008-09-13T16:33:00.004-05:00

I am so excited for our new series "Hostage" at LifePoint. I'm almost certain it is going to go hand in hand with the devo book I'm reading, Breaking Free, by Beth Moore. Meanwhile, here are some thoughts that I've read recently from the book.

Galatians 5:1
So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.

God’s primary purpose is to set us free from eternal destruction. (to get us out of the danger zone) But saved people can still be in bondage. (not just explicit sins…but attitudes, past hurts, etc…Beth Moore defines bondage as anything that hinders the abundant and effective Spirit-filled life God planned for us) Christ is our Savior – One that keeps on saving.

At one time in my life I had a screwed up idea that since I was a “Christian”, I shouldn’t be struggling with temptations. I thought once you were saved it should disappear. Finally, thanks to the prompting of a guy named Douglas Runkels, I realized that it doesn’t just go away. Instead, we gain a relationship with the One that has supernatural power to help us overcome the temptations. And that DAILY I have to rely on His power.

Luke 9:23
Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me."

I remember one of my teachers in grade school teaching us about slavery. She told us that when the slaves were granted freedom that a lot of them stayed on the plantations and continued to do the same things because they had no idea what to do with their freedom. I remember thinking that was the stupidest thing I had ever heard. FIGURE IT OUT! Right? But how true is it in our world today? So many saved people stay in the same bondage because they don’t know what to do with the freedom. It’s a big, scary, unfamiliar world out there. But, if we will just step out and allow God to guide us…the benefits are indescribable.

Beth Moore describes 5 benefits we should be experiencing as children of God.
1. To know God and believe Him
2. To glorify God
3. To find satisfaction in God
4. To experience God's peace
5. To enjoy God's presence
Are you experiencing all the benefits? Or is there something (even small) still holding you captive?

Gold and Glasses

2008-09-11T21:42:00.007-05:00

WOOHOOO!!!!! Check out the new gold medalist of the pentathlon and new world record holder.
Long Jump - 2nd w/ 6.4m
Discus - 1st w/ 52.3m
Shot Put - 1st w/ 14.4m
100m - 1st w/ 11.56s
400m - 1st w/ 56.39s

BEIJING, China - After falling just 16 points shy of the world record in the men's pentathlon (P44) at the Paralympic Trials in June, Jeremy Campbell (Chula Vista, Calif./Perryton, Texas) came to Beijing with a plan to break it once and for all. Tonight he succeeded - winning gold and setting a new world record with 4,662 points (4,447, previous WR).

"I've been working so hard and was nervous this morning," said an elated Campbell. "To say that I broke the world record at my first Paralympics - there aren't words to describe what I am feeling right now."

This was definitely a bright ray of sunlight on my crazy day today!! The glasses part is referring to the fact I had a bullying issue right after my class that resulted in a student having his glasses shattered and the arm of it sticking in the side of his head and a major amount of blood on the ground. Any day you have to call the ambulance to your class is NOT a good day. I'm definitely learning how to deal with emotions that I have never had to deal with. Being completely transparent...I cannot explain to you the anger I feel towards the student(s) responsible. I cannot explain to you the hurt that I feel for the victim. I cannot explain to you the picture I have stuck in my head of what I saw as I came back into the gym. But I know that God is good. He has me where I am for a reason. And I am learning huge lessons right now...especially in forgiveness and love. Even in the midst of everything I know God is taking care of me. He is our eternal Rock.

Olympic Village

2008-09-07T17:57:00.005-05:00

So what happens to the Olympic village when it's all over? I'm not 100% sure, but I know just a couple of weeks later over 4,000 more athletes from around the world gather to compete in the Paralympics. This competition is for those amazing athletes that have overcome huge obstacles in their lives to compete at a very intense level. What an inspiration!!

You may remember a mention in a previous blog about a good family friend of mine, Caleb Campbell. (drafted by the Lions...which by the way, if you keep up with sports period you know that the Army changed their policy and Caleb was called back to WestPoint the day before training camp) His younger brother, Jeremy, is just as much or more talented in his athletic ability. Jeremy has had a prosthetic leg since a baby but has never let it hold him back. He was an all-district athlete in basketball, football, and track for 3 years. He had the opportunity as a 17-year old to move to Seattle and begin training, but chose to stay with his family until graduation. (when he moved to CA to train full time) So now at 21 years old, he is competing in the pentathlon and discus in Beijing. In the trials he won first in the pentathlon and was 16 points off the world record. I'm super proud of him and had to brag about him to all of you! :)

For you Tulians, Jeremy & Caleb's father, Gregg Campbell, is the son of the late Nancy Hamilton and brother to the late Kay Sturgess.

visit universalsports.com to see broadcasts! (track & field starts Tuesday)

Labor Day and School

2008-09-04T21:04:00.003-05:00

Kyle and I flew out Friday afternoon and spent the entire weekend with his family and the Brumleys' at Lake Texoma. It was a-mazing. It didn't hurt that Mike got a brand new pontoon boat that is perfect for laying out and relaxing!! (unfortunately I forgot to take my camera) I also learned to wakeboard...woohoo! (my back is still feeling the effects of that...I feel old) It felt like summer should still be here. It was SOOO hard going back to school on Tuesday...so I decided next year we just don't need to start until after Labor Day.

As far as school goes...my move to PE has been good so far. The planning and preparing is 100x easier than math. The classroom management is 80x harder than math. I'm just ready to get through the period of "learning" the students and get into a routine! I dislike that beginning stage. I have still been keeping myself plenty busy with college classes and other stuff...but I plan on posting an update from the book Breaking Free by Beth Moore soon! :)

Gas Prices

2008-08-24T21:09:00.004-05:00

I was a part of one of the coolest things I've ever done in a church. LifePointers spent their morning at the MotoMart in Edwardsville buying down gas by 25 and 50 cents. Gas prices are such a stress now-a-days and it was awesome to get to surprise the community with a blessing! I have to admit...going and talking to the people is so out of my comfort zone and I didn't do so well at it but it was cool to see how our own people were so willing to help and receive nothing in return. Giving is so fun!

What are some random acts of kindness you can do this week?

Working Hard

2008-08-18T23:11:00.005-05:00

This is my parents working their rears off in our yard. I can't even explain how much better our yard looks after all their limb trimming, tearing down dog houses, weed pulling, and much more. Also, our house looks finished with the curtains my mom hung for me! Thank you guys so much.

And here is Kyle and I helping them work...

Emily's Print Shop

2008-08-15T15:48:00.002-05:00

My parents flew into town on Wednesday morning and my mom brought me this lovely typed up item she found. This is what I did as a YOUNG child...

NOTICE

IF YOU HAVE HAD EXPERIENCE WITH A COMPUTER AND NEED OR WANT A JOB, TALK TO EMILY MILLER, THE OWNER.YOU WILL GET PAID TEN DOLLARS EACH WEEK UNLESS YOU DON'T WORK HARD.IF YOU GET EMPLOYE OF THE MONTH YOU WILL GET TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS.YOU ALSO GET TO PLAY GAMES ON THE COMPUTER.

THANKS
EMILY'S PRINT SHOP

2 Years

2008-08-13T23:51:00.007-05:00

Kyle and I celebrated our 2 year wedding anniversary yesterday! We spent the evening in St. Louis and stayed at an awesome bed and breakfast, the Fleur-de-Lys Mansion. I've never been to a bed and breakfast so I was unaware of how amazing they can be! Complimentary homemade cookies, snacks, and drinks everywhere...a private spa area with a hot tub for your use, delicious food...I was ready to move in! Best of all, I got to spend the evening with Kyle. It has been an incredible 2 years and I feel so blessed to have married such an amazing man of God that is committed to me and our marriage.

Here are a few of my favorite images from our wedding...taken by Lissa Anglin. (click here to see her website)

Texas

2008-08-01T18:41:00.004-05:00

A few weeks ago I visited the great land of Texas. Brooke and I loaded up and made our 12 hour trip!! It was so good to see family, friends, Chicken Express, and Leal's. I didn't get near enough pictures...but I DID get these. And they are AWESOME!

My first stop in Texas was at my grandpa's in Breckenridge. I walked around the corner to find him putting on his newly bought shoes....haha! I was so amazed...and I made sure he knew he was the hippest 95 year old man I've ever met. He simply wanted lighter shoes than his boots...but he has no idea!

We also just happened to be visiting the week of Tulia's (my hometown) picnic and reunions. (basically town's anniversary) This summer was my 5th year reunion from HS!!! I know for some of you that seems like nothing...but HOLY COW I can't believe I've already been out 5 years. I felt so old seeing the kids that are in HS now. It also meant I got to hang out/go to our annual ranch rodeo with one of my very best friends, Elizabeth. She is one of those very special people I didn't spend enough time with when I lived there.

Baptism

2008-07-29T13:31:00.006-05:00

Sunday was an extra special day. Three of our youth made the decision to express their love and commitment to Jesus through baptism. It is always so exciting to witness such a celebration! This was a special day for Kyle, as well, because it was his first time to be the "dunker" and have the honor of experiencing such an incredible step with his youth!

Sam

Abby

Kelsie

My prayer for their spiritual journey is that they would truly understand that it is a journey. And that, as a church, we would always make the dominant understanding of our faith that of a journey and not a destination.

"One of the illusions of faith is that at some point we get it all mapped out and things get smooth and predictable. It is not true. The way of Jesus is a journey, not a destination. On a journey, the scenery changes. A lot. We can prepare for some things but not all. We make mistakes, figure it out as we go along, and try new things. Failures are really just opportunities to learn." - Rob Bell, Velvet Elvis

Chicago

2008-07-22T11:11:00.009-05:00

A couple of weeks ago Kyle and I had some very special friends of ours, Nate & Laci Bridges, fly up and hang out at our new home and make a quick trip to Chicago with us. It was so good to spend time with them! There is a ton to do in Chicago but here is my pictures list of some of our favorites, firsts, and fun times!

1. Beginning our first journey with Amtrak.

2. Our first time walking in the rain like dumb tourists for hours.

3. Eating Chicago’s famous deep dish pizza at Giadorno’s

4. Seeing Chicago from the John Hancock building.

5. Eating at Ed Debevic’s and laughing at their mock sarcasm.

6. Walking through Millenium Park and the silver bean.

7. MJ.

8. All the cool water life at Shedd Aquarium.

9. Hanging out at Navy Pier & riding the ferris wheel and swings.

10. Seeing Chicago at night.

Vegas & Cruise...Finally!!

2008-07-09T23:44:00.006-05:00

I'm finally blogging about our recent trip to Vegas and our cruise. Here's a simple list of what I enjoyed most and great memories made! (in no particular order)

1. Spending time with amazing people. (Kyle's family and LifePoint pastors & wives)
2. Access to ice cream and cheese + fries 24 hours.
3. Eating at the top of the stratosphere. (BEST STEAK EVER)
4. Watching an awesome Cirque de Soleil show.
5. Picking up a green marble. (aka jellyfish)
6. Surviving Kyle's driving in a 2-seater speedboat in the ocean.
7. Room craziness....Dan & Carolyn walking into an unmade bed....someone else having a key to our cruise room and walking in.
8. Laying out in the silence.
9. Finding great deals at the outlets in Vegas.
10. Did I mention hanging out with awesome people?
11. Being blessed with 2 amazing vacations.

Blessed

2008-07-06T11:52:00.003-05:00

During the music at church today I was overwhelmed at how blessed Kyle and I are to be a part of LifePoint. As I looked around at various people I couldn't help to get excited about how many opportunities I saw for God to show His brilliance. Opportunities for Him to take a dead situation and bring life...vibrant life. Opportunities for Him to use people and their talents to change the world. Opportunities for Him to change mediocracy into passion. His plans are so much bigger than I can begin to imagine...and having Him whisper to my soul, "Just think of what I can do through..." brought emotions and excitement I cannot even describe.

Vacation Time

2008-06-25T18:14:00.000-05:00

If you were to ask me where I would recommend you to vacation...I would tell you the location doesn't matter but you should DEFINITELY do it on a cruise ship!

But, before we get to that...Kyle and I head off to Vegas this evening to meet up with his family for a few days. We love going to Vegas and we love even more getting to hang out with his family! I'm planning to win enough (since I play so big..ha) to pay off all our bills AND build our church the most amazing building ever. That's a lot of stinkin pennies and nickels I'll be winning!

Ok..back to the cruise.

I have been lucky (no...spoiled) to have gone on cruises the past 3 summers. So, as you would expect, I was completely depressed that we would not be cruising this summer. BUT, we were sooooo very blessed by a guy in our church that works for a travel company that gave away free cruises for pastors. STAFF RETREAT TO THE CARIBBEAN!! Bob, Martha, Dan, Carolyn, Kyle, and I are packing it up and heading to Miami to set sail on a 4-day western caribbean cruise to Key West and Cozumel on the Fascination of the Seas. (Carnival) I always said I would never go on one less than 7 days....but when it's free...oh and did I mention our free upgrade to a balcony suite?!? Nope...not complaining.

Here is me reminiscing about how great my cruises have been:

Summer 2005...Miller family trip with the Chapmans...Rhapsody of the Seas

Best excursion(s): Swimming with stingrays in Grand Cayman & Climbing Dunns River Falls in Jamaica

Summer 2006...Honeymoon with Kyle...Freedom of the Seas (in it's first season...the BIGGEST and the BEST available)

Best excursion: Xcarat in Cozumel (floating down the river)

Summer 2007...Parker family vacation....Liberty of the Seas (brand new..identical to Freedom)

Best excursion: 4-wheelers in rain forest of San Juan, Puerto Rico

And last, but not least....my next cruise:
Kyle and I heard about Royal Caribbean's Genesis Project to come out in 2009 when we were on our honeymoon. It's finally in the making and is scheduled to launch late next year. I'm definitely going to start saving up!!! Click below and check it out!!!! (you will be amazed at what the boats can pack!!)
Oasis of the Seas

That all being said...I will be away from blogging until we return on the 4th. :)

Flooding

2008-06-24T21:01:00.012-05:00

Brooke was in town on Saturday, so we headed to downtown St. Louis to take some (ok...too many) pics of how much the water has risen. The first two pics are of the same bridge, first one in August...second one now.

Meanwhile, we have been enjoying having a pool in our backyard very much!!

And when we don't, the stupid ducks do.

One Church

2008-06-17T23:53:00.000-05:00

We are currently participating, along with over 1600 other churches in over 20 different countries, in a series called One Prayer at LifePoint. Today we heard from Craig Groeschel, the pastor of LifeChurch.tv and the guy that launched the idea for this series. (he also is the author of a one of the best books I've ever read: Confessions of a Pastor

The idea of one prayer is that the church would be unified...with our focus on the ONE. First, and foremost, we have to understand that the church DOES NOT exist for US. We should not have a consumer attitude when we attend church. The church exists for the world and to bring God glory!!

Groeschel gave a great example of how the kids in the backseat fight over important stuff on long trips...who sits in the middle, which song to play on the radio, who crossed which line, etc. The church is no different! We fight in our church and amongst other churches over the same type of important stuff. What style of music, what clothes to wear, which version of the Bible to use, etc.

What would happen if the church came together with these 3 common ones?
ONE enemy - satan...not other churches, religions
ONE heart - to serve and love people
ONE purpose - to make His name known & bring Him ALL the glory

Groeschel also highlights that if TODAY the church would be unified...this is what we could do in a week:
Monday - eliminate starvation
Tuesday - give everyone access to clean drinking water
Wednesday - meet all medical needs
Thursday - eliminate poverty
Friday - meet the needs of all orphans
Saturday - have the whole world not only know the name of Jesus, but SEE it
Sunday - praise our Lord like never before

Now...if you think those sound far-fetched, let me give you a statistic that David Nasser told us last week at camp. (given to him from World Vision)

If less than 7% of churched people would step up and decide they have an extra room to open up for a child....there would be no parent-less child left.

Dad Day

2008-06-15T16:58:00.005-05:00

This is sort of a repeat of a blog from May...but since Kyle and I can't spend Father's Day with our dads, we decided to dedicate a blog to them.

Kyle and I are blessed to have such incredible men that raised us and continue to be such a huge part of our life.

I remember in marriage counseling being told that we (humans) usually marry people that in some way remind us of our fathers/mothers and I was asked what about Kyle reminded me of my dad. I don't do good at answering questions on the spot, but I was searching for something deep...and all I could think of, and say, was: "They both have smart mouths." haha I still remember when we were driving around town one evening looking at Christmas lights or something (before gas was $4 a gallon)and asking my dad to drive by the house real quick so I could get a pillow. As soon as we turned on our street I swear he hit 60mph as we flew by our house. That is the kind of junk you get from him ALL the time...but I love it. Later in our counseling I went back to the question and talked about how level-headed my dad is. He never spouted off something without thinking fully through the situation. This quality made him an outstanding administrator. (athletic director) He always remains calm and makes logical decisions. Kyle and I greatly respect and admire my dad. I deeply value his opinion and always call on him for tough decisions. I know I can always expect my dad to support and love me no matter what I may be doing or going through. His love for Kyle, me and his family is unwavering and shown in so many ways.

Mike always has the same type of jokes, play on words, and smart comebacks like my dad, which makes him just as entertaining. He is the only person I know that knows so much about cars, yet has run out of gas in a new Tahoe TWICE. But, there is no question over Mike's love for his family. He would do absolutely anything for them. And there has never been a moment that I have been around him and not felt like I was 100% part of that family. I am so grateful that he treats me like his own. He, also, is a man that Kyle and I greatly respect and admire. His words and opinions weigh deeply on decisions we make. His willingness to fight for what is right has been shown time and time again. It wasn't but a year ago that he devoted hour after hour on the phone fighting to get us another wonderful cruise. (click here for insane cruise story) Again, we never have to doubt his love or support in our lives.

We know that being far away from you guys hasn't been easy on either end, but we are so grateful that you have allowed us to walk down the path God has called us to and cheered us on. Your support has been shown in various ways and words cannot describe how much it means to us. We love you both and can't wait to see you!

Youth Camp

2008-06-12T23:14:00.006-05:00

This post is quite belated....but between waiting on Kyle to get me camp pics and my stupid class I'm taking, it is finally here!!

We spent last week at Windermere Conference Center at the Lake of the Ozarks for StudentLife camp. It was beautiful and the kids had an awesome time!! A total of 21kids and 5 brave sponsers went. It was neat seeing the kids come together and join forces with one another and allow their lives to be changed. The speaker, David Nasser, and the band, Steve Fee Band, were awesome as well!

For me personally, it continued to stir up this desire to break free & live in the dream zone. It tapped into a different aspect of living in the dream zone that seems so simple, yet, I had not considered it.

It's about God being my everything. About losing myself for the glory of God. This has been so cliche for a long time in my life, but it's changing me in a way I can't describe. I'm being prompted to be generous and selfless in ways I've never imagined. I'm starting to deeply understand how loving God and loving people can really change the world. I'm really beginning to understand exactly what it looks like to give up my comfort to love God, love people, and change the world. It's not about what I want. In the past I've put a limit on these words to not push my comfort away too far. Now I'm understanding that God is calling me to rise above that. His glory is found in me losing myself to love others. My prayer is I wouldn't become content. I wouldn't lose sight of loving God and loving people in big ways.

Older and Uglier

2008-06-02T00:57:00.003-05:00

So, it is officially June 2, but I have not gone to bed yet, so I am still counting it as June 1.

My grandpa is the coolest old guy I know. And today (June 1) he turned NINETY-FIVE. The title is in honor of his reply to me EVERY time I ask him how he is doing. (even though I disagree with him) If I could give him a magic pill to remove all his arthritis then he might come visit me...meanwhile, I cannot wait to go to Texas so I can visit him!! Here are a few pics we took last summer before moving to Illinois that give evidence of what an awesome man he STILL is at 95:

Side note: Kyle and I are headed with 21 students and 3 other leaders to the Lake of the Ozarks for youth camp tomorrow! Actually we are leaving today...in about 6.5 hours. We are crazy...I know. :)

Mikey Marshall

2008-05-26T00:38:00.004-05:00

My dad doesn't know it, but he is actually posting on my blog today! :) He recently sent me (along with several others) this email about one of this former basketball players, Mikey Marshall. I thought I would share it for the Texas panhandle people that might remember Mikey. (plus I'm proud of my dad since he was his HS coach and all)

Many of you as well as many others often ask what Mikey is doing or how he is doing. I am glad to report that from what I have found and heard, he had a great year in Japan.

The team he played on won their league championship this year. This was Mikey's first year with the team but it was their third straight year to win the championship. Evidently he was a big part of their success from the stats that follow.

He led the team in scoring, assist, steals and free throw attempts. He was second in rebounds, blocks, minutes, dunks, and 3 point %.

His averages:
19.5 pts.
9.2 rebounds
4.8 assist
2.1 steals
36.8 minutes (40 minute games)
35.2% on 3 pointers
48.7% on 2 pointers
77.7% on FT's
43 dunks in 44 games

I guess it can be said he is representing Tulia pretty well. But then we always knew he could. (Must be the great high school coaching he had.)

Oh by the way, my understanding is that he was also named the PLAYER OF THE YEAR IN JAPAN.

Other stuff about Mikey...he is married to a beautiful woman, Jill, and they have 2 children: a girl, Mecailin (1 year) and a boy, Camdon (1 month).

American Idol

2008-05-22T15:19:00.003-05:00

I am sooooo excited David Cook won!!!

This is the first year that I have REALLY REALLY been into American Idol. I'm not sure why I got into it so much more this year, but it happened. I started off the season with Brooke White and Michael Johns as my 2 favorites. (even though I didn't think they would win) I didn't really like David Cook in the beginning...then he had 3 weeks in a row that won me over. I loved his arrangements. Don't get me wrong, Archuleta has great vocals...but I'd much rather go to a Cook concert. And I sorta got tired of hearing, "Awww...he's just so cute." I even had to break down and vote. (I've never done this) My 12 millions votes were the winning ones!! haha Not really, I think I got through maybe 7 times.

WARNING: This story may reveal God's greatness

2008-05-21T11:00:00.005-05:00

This post is a follow up to help you understand why the song meant so much to me. I knew someday this post would come, but I would have NEVER guessed it would be only a few days later.

To make a long, complicated, frustrating story short...in late April I found out that I was going to have to take 18 hours this summer to continue teaching math at the middle school. (basically they made a huge mistake) I had already signed a contract so if I couldn't get it done then I was going to be a permanent sub until I completed everything and a job came open, or I had to find another job. Finding teaching jobs here is NOTHING like finding them in Texas.

I had been trying to trust God but seemed to spend most of my time freaking out.
Sunday: Spent my day begging God to help me surrender it FULLY to Him.
Monday: It felt 110% in God's hands and I heard encouraging words from our regional office of education about the options.
Tuesday: My boss called me in and told me a PE teacher quit the day before at the middle school and they were moving me into that position!!!!!!!!

You tell me that is not a God thing, and I'll kick you in your teeth. (or punch you in the throat if you prefer the Pastor Bob method)

I am in total awe and praise of God's work. If I hadn't gone through all the junk, I would have never had an opportunity at the PE position. They would NEVER allow a math teacher to move to PE without tenure because the math position is harder to fill.

Part 2 - What If Questions

When I first found out I wasn't quite as excited as I am now. I was asking too many what if questions. (mainly because I am very comfortable where I am)
What if the administrators in that part of the MS or horrible?
What if I don't like the other PE teachers? Or their just weird?
What if she quit because the program is horrible?
What if I have to teach field hockey and completely screw it up?
And yesterday I realized I was asking all the wrong what-if questions. They needed to be...
What if I meet incredible, godly people?
What if I find someone searching for a church home or an unspeakable joy?
What if I love it even more?
What if I get to wear sweats EVERYDAY?

Whatever situation you're in, whatever change you're going through...ask the right "what if" questions.
AND PRAISE GOD for His plan that is bigger than us!!

Whatever You're Doing

2008-05-16T23:07:00.003-05:00

A little over a month ago I heard a new song by Sanctus Real called "Whatever You're Doing". At the time I thought, wow, that is a cool song...it sorta describes this breaking free journey to get to the Dream Zone. In the past few weeks it has become so much more real to me than I could have ever imagined at the time. I find myself constantly repeating the chorus in my head. The harder I pursue the journey, the harder it seems I am attacked. Not that I'm surprised...but gosh it's still hard. God will be victorious.

Whatever You're Doing
It's time for healing time to move on
It's time to fix what's been broken too long
Time make right what has been wrong
It's time to find my way to where I belong
There's a wave that's crashing over me
And all I can do is surrender

(Chorus)
Whatever You're doing inside of me
It feels like chaos but somehow there's peace
It's hard to surrender to what I can't see
but I'm giving in to something Heavenly

Time for a milestone
Time to begin again
Reevaluate who I really am
Am I doing everything to follow Your will
Or just climbing aimlessly over these hills
So show me what it is You want from me
I give everything I surrender...
To...

(Chorus)

Time to face up
Clean this old house
Time to breathe in and let everything out
That I've wanted to say for so many years
Time to release all my held back tears

Whatever You're doing inside of me
It feels like chaos but I believe
You're up to something bigger than me
Larger than life something Heavenly

Whatever You're doing inside of me
It feels like chaos but now I can see
This something bigger than me
Larger than life something Heavenly
Something Heavenly

It's time to face up
Clean this old house
Time breathe in and let everything out

Mother's Day

2008-05-11T22:54:00.005-05:00

Since Kyle and I can't spend Mother's Day with our moms, I thought I could dedicate a blog to them. (and, of course, it would ruin my reputation to have a card arrive on time)

I hereby dedicate this blogarooney to Nece Miller & Valinda Parker!!!
It's official.

Getting married has made me appreciate this holiday more than I ever thought.
Here are the top 3 reasons why.

1 - My mom worked her butt off to make our lives comfortable. I completely took advantage of having someone basically do everything for me. Laundry, clean, cook, drive me places, wait on me when I took my precious time, support me, love me, and actually still LIKE me despite receiving no thanks or help from me. Now that I have a house and a husband...I realize just how hard this work is. Kyle is definitely more appreciative and helpful than I was as a kid, but there is still hard work involved! (and we don't even have kids yet) So thanks Mom...you are super woman...and you deserve to beat me for all those times I needed a shirt the next AM and told you at 10pm. :)

2 - Besides marrying a super, duper, wonderful husband, I also inherited an amazing second Mom. I could not ask for a more accepting, loving, and supporting mother-in-law. She has taken me in like I am her own and spoiled me way too much. She has instilled into Kyle the same values, beliefs, and importance for family that I received growing up. So thanks Mom...you are an indescribable blessing in my life.

3 - Getting married brings on new challenges as we pursue our journey as one. We cannot even imagine how difficult it has been for our moms to have us move away. For that, we are grateful and greatly respect them. So thanks Moms...we deeply miss spending time with both of you, but we thank you for allowing us to pursue the path we know is right.

We love you both and can't wait to see you!!!

April Update

2008-05-06T22:24:00.005-05:00

Here is a Parker update from the month of April. We seemed to have crammed all the excitement into the last week since all of these events occured on and after April 24.

1 - Kyle made his speaking debut at LifePoint on the 26th.
Him and Bob did a tag-team thing...did a great job! They did get a little ADD
with their jokes....haha!
2 - My parents came to visit. I hadn't seen them since Christmas...and that is the
longest I have ever gone!!! We had a great time!
3 - I got to visit Brooke, in Columbia, with the parentals, which was fun as well!!
This included me seeing Blue Man Group for the 3rd time...they are awesome!!
(Kyle and I saw them in St.Louis a few weeks ago with great LifePointers and we
saw them in Vegas with his family)

4 - A good friend of mine from HS got drafted to the NFL. (Caleb Campbell) He was
pick #218, but he was the most popular late-round pick due to a controversy over
whether or not West Point people should be allowed to serve the military duty in
recruiting. You can click his name below to read a story & see 2 videos.
(scroll down, look left)
Caleb
5 - Weed pulling is never-ending.
6 - I'm learning what Bob means when he says that God doesn't call us to be
comfortable. It isn't always the easiest thing to follow His will and journey
to great things. Long story, but I get to take 15-18 hours of class this summer.
7 - This is from May (last Sunday)....we had a guitar player, Brandon, get
SHOCKED at LifePoint during 2nd service. He is okay...but it was still crazy &
scary!
You can read more about in his words and Bob's words by clicking on their names
below.
Bob
Brandon

Jesus, Life Coach

2008-04-26T10:47:00.004-05:00

My dad bought me a devo book called this (Jesus, Life Coach) for Christmas a few years ago. This week I've been thinking about how true that title is.

He isn't a coach that is negative & yells all the time.
He isn't a coach that believes we are just out there to have fun.
He is a coach that encourages, gives positive feedback, and provides us with constructive criticism. This helps us to not only become better people, but to have fun along the way as well.

I experienced God's coaching in a tremendous way this week. Champions never have an easy path to their victory. It requires hard work, commitment, and determination. But, in the end it is always worth it. The path to becoming a champion is much easier if you have a coach pushing you to your max, yet encouraging & giving you confidence along the way.

This week was one of those weeks that God encouraged me that Kyle and I are on the right track, but His challenge was still obvious.

Genesis 12:1
Then the Lord told Abram, "Leave your country, your relatives, and your father's house, and go to the land that I will show you."

Check: we have done this. We have left everything familiar to go where we felt God was calling us to go. If you back track a little you see the story of Abram's father, Terah. Terah had been called by God to go exactly where he was calling Abram to go now. But, here is Terah's story:

Genesis 11:31-32
"Terah took his family and left Ur to go to the land of Canaan. But they stopped instead at the village of Haran and settled there. Terah lived for 205 years and died while still at Haran."

Challenge: Don't settle. We are on the track, we are doing good stuff, but the great stuff is our goal. If we choose to stop, and settle for less than God's best, we will die. Maybe not physically, but emotionally and spiritually.

Drained Moses

2008-04-22T22:40:00.004-05:00

Guess what?!?! Moses got caught in the Drained Zone! In a sick, morbid way it makes me feel better that the guy God gave the 10 commandments to struggled. It also freaks me out, because holy burning bushes Moses, if I overcome it like he did what will God use me for?!?! (credit to Kyle for phrase)
See Exodus 18:14-24 for this story. Moses was doing good stuff. He was just trying to do way too much on his own, so he wasn't able to be GREAT. Finally, he focused on what God wanted him to do instead of what he & others thought he needed to do.

For all the non-LifePointers, here are the notes I promised from Bob's lesson on how to get out of the drained zone...it's only a Sunday behind. :)

Bob's given remarkable visuals using plates. First, it was the plate spinning. For this lesson Bob demonstrated how we pile on more & more plates (even good stuff) and try to carry the heavy load. Eventually the load is too much and we drop the entire stack and....BOOM!

We should only have 4 plates to carry:
1 - Relationship with Jesus
Most would agree, yet, it's the first thing to go when we are crunched for time
2 - Relationship with Spouse
3 - Relationship with Kids
4 - Purpose
Your career might be a part of this. Basically, stay away from the "someday" disease & get passionate now

No spouse? No kids? That's even less plates you should be carrying!!

If you don't know your purpose, God is being merciful. You probably have too many plates and if He added that plate you would be devasted by the load.

If Moses had not prioritized, who would we be reading about?
Once we get our priorities straight, we wait for what's next.
God is preparing us for what He has prepared for us.
Challenge:

What do we need to give up to hear God?

Real freedom takes real work!

Earthquake!!

2008-04-18T12:26:00.002-05:00

So this is for the Texans....everyone here is probably tired of hearing it! :)

This morning I woke up to this funny feeling....our house was shaking and my insides felt like I was on an old wooden roller coaster. (like the Texas Giant!!) I thought to myself...it feels like an earthquake. So I looked at Kyle...then the dogs....not a flinch. It stopped as quickly as it started so I told myself I was an idiot...it must be thunder or something and went back to sleep.

About 7:00am Valinda called and told me we DID have an earthquake!!

I've always wondered what one would feel like. I'm glad I got to experience one! It was kind of cool! Of course I am very thankful it wasn't bad enough to do major damage or anything, and I for sure don't want anyone hurt.

As for the earthquake...it happened about 130 miles from St. Louis (on the Illinois/Indiana border) and recorded a magnitude of 5.2 at 4:36 this morning.

Clouds

2008-04-12T22:19:00.002-05:00

Ok...Be warned...I may be reaching a little in this analogy.

The other day we were walking out of El Torero with the James' family. This is a pleasure we enjoy at least once a week. Kyle was carrying their youngest boy, Griffin, on his shoulders. When we got outside Kyle told him to reach up and touch the clouds. He replied with, "I can't. I would have to sit on God's shoulders to touch them."

I've really been thinking about how true that statement is. I know...a 4 year old has jacked up my brain.

We really can't live to our full potential and touch the clouds unless we are allowing God to carry us.

Dream Zone

2008-04-08T19:38:00.005-05:00

I cannot express in words how blown away I am at God's pursuit.

Bob's lesson on Sunday put labels to what I talked about in my last post. That being said, it was a good day for me to have some clarification to where I am right now. It was a bad day because I do not like at all where I am. It was an exciting day because I see God pursuing and working and building.

Bob's Reminder: You can't get to where God wants you to be unless you're willing to admit where you are at now.

I referred in my last post to the up and downs of my passion and mediocracy. I have said for a long time that God wants to break those cycles in our lives, but I haven't truly lived that out in my own life. Deep down I have focused on having great days instead of a great life.

Bob's Reminder: Living in the dream zone (see below) has nothing to do with our circumstances.
Bob's Reminder: God wants us to THRIVE not SURVIVE.

So, he set up a little chart thingy to describe the 3 zones. (scale 10-100)
10-20 = Danger Zone
20 - 50 = Drained Zone
50 - 100 = Dream Zone

Dream Zone:
This is not referring to me being the next American Idol, although we all know I could be.
This is about giving up our dreams for God's incredible dreams for us.
This is the zone I have dipped into here and there. This is the zone I'm determined to live in.
This is going all-in. This is breaking free.

John 10:10b My purpose is to give life in all its fullness.

Danger Zone:
Living with unconfessed sin. Goal is to not get caught.

Drained Zone:
You feel stress, tired, and frustrated a lot of the time. You live life like an energy drink - get fired up & then crash. (to see a visual of this come to my classroom after lunch)
We believe the lie that it will eventually get better. "Once I get through this, I will have more time."
Goal is plate spinning. You keep trying to add more plates. If you continue to add & spin eventually you are left with one option: dropping plates.

Bob's Reminder: You don't always get to choose which plate falls....and shatters. (see LifePoint video for this visual)

Unfortunately, this is where most church people reside. This is where I camp out too much and too often.

If you find the Drained Zone sounding too familiar, 2 things:
1 - Bob is talking about how to move out of this zone next week. Be there or check back for an update!
2 - The book Breaking Free goes so hand in hand with this. Let me know if you want a copy!
From opening prayer in book: "We know, God, that You desire to have the fullness of our lives so You can cause us to live in the victory Your Son died for us to have."

Pulling Weeds

2008-04-05T20:57:00.004-05:00

I used to say that I never wanted to be important, famous, rich, or great. They are the people always kidnapped, killed, or targeted.

As I have gone along my journey with Christ I realize that He hasn't called us to play it safe or be comfortable. But, He has promised us strength, protection, and companionship for the journey.

This a truth that keeps confronting me and has fired up a passion in me to find this freedom. Problem: I get fired up for a few days and then fall back into mediocracy.

In January we did a poker-parallel series called "All In". One of Bob's messages was specifically titled "Playing It Safe Is Risky". Bob challenged us to ask ourselves what in our lives were keeping us from going all in. That was one of those confrontational times for me. As I searched myself to figure out what my hold-back was, I felt a book calling my name. Breaking Free by Beth Moore is a book I previously read and loved dearly. Problem: I didn't let it penetrate into my entire life. I decided that if I truly wanted to go all-in, I had to truly break free from all the lies and bondage in my path. This book is a great tool to help me. I've been filling my life for way too long with good stuff instead of great, life-changing stuff. Luckily, God never stops pursuing me.

Last Sunday we started a series called Stuck. Again that fire was lighted. Bob has a strong conviction to get through to us that God really wants to use us to change the world. His 4 main points last Sunday were:
1. God's pursuit is bigger than our circumstances.
2. God's plan is bigger than my imagination.
3. God's power is bigger than my excuses.
4. God's promise is bigger than my problem.

So, I had to write this today to put some accountability out there. If I stay silent I'll fall right back into mediocracy. I know for me to change the world I've got to be proactive at getting my poop in a group. (special thanks to Chad Imboden for my new favorite phrase) I plan to share some of my journey with all of you and would appreciate any input along the way. (or chewing out if I start to slack)

If you are actually still reading you are asking, Why is the title Pulling Weeds? Well, since I am working on pulling the weeds in my life to change the world, I don't have time to pull the weeds in my yard to change my curb apeal. I am accepting volunteers! You have your own life weeds that need pulling? Well, come start with a baby step...a hands-on example. Then take a bigger step into your life.

Emily Kay Blankenship

2008-04-01T16:36:00.004-05:00

So I totally feel like I'm bragging when I talk about this...but I'm pretty proud so whatever.

Emily Kay Blankenship was born this morning!!! Don't have all the details of time, weight, etc...but I did get a great pic of her screaming her lungs out at about 6:45 this morning.

Background Knowledge: Emily's parents are Jason & Kristen Blankenship. Jason (Coach B) was my basketball coach my senior year and they became very good friends of ours. And I was shocked and honored when he called me in January to see if it was okay for them to name their future daughter Emily! They may be a little crazy.

Kyle's comment this AM..."Great...another Emily."
I think it's a great reason to visit Texas!!!

Easter

2008-03-27T22:59:00.004-05:00

LifePoint met at Lincoln Middle School on Easter Sunday so we could have a joint service! It was awesome seeing everyone together! I also found it refreshing to see how hard everyone worked all week & weekend to make it happen. I am proud to call LifePoint my home! Here are a couple of pics from worship:

I decided to post a few other random pics. Kyle made my day today by pointing out that we have some flowers popping up in our front yard. This is what most of it looks like right now: (it hasn't had love since before last summer when the others were still here....lots of work to be done soon!)

Here are the pretty flowers:

No purpose for this photo...it's just funny. It's a has-been if you read Doug's blog. Kyle & the James' dog, Twinkie, playing tug-o-straw.

House Guests!!!

2008-03-23T15:37:00.006-05:00

I remember back in my young days of HS when I thought that if two people loved each other it didn't really matter what their families were like. After experiences & revelations I realized that for me...that is SO not true. Luckily, I love Kyle's family just as much as mine and enjoy any time that we get to hang out with them. Last weekend Mike, Valinda, and Kevin all flew in from TX and David, Misty, and Ryan (uncle, aunt, cousin) drove in from OK. We had a great time with them...the time just went by WAY too fast. We also did some things in St.Louis we had never done before! (toured the brewery...went up in the arch...) I thought I'd post some pics of our adventures.
The best part of the brewery was seeing the horses & dalmations: (plus the dalmation loved us because we smelled like JoJo & Mariah) P.S. The brewery was soooo amazing clean everywhere!!

I thought it was neat you could see the bottom of the arch from the top.

Busch Stadium from the arch.

Us all squeezing into the little egg-like tram. (Kyle took the pic but he actually fit in there too!) Apparently Ryan and I had the same "special" chocolate gravy that morning.

Thanks to the help of some really great guys (Greg James, Kyle, Jeff Klee) my boxes were completed for our living room wall. They did an awesome job and they worked VERY hard to get them up before the guests came in!! I know previously I said I was going to nail boards to make them....but when I went to get help from Greg about what I needed to do...HE LAUGHED AT ME. Can you believe that? He told me to just let him handle it. So thanks guys!!

My Week

2008-03-04T21:51:00.003-06:00

Monday = celebrate Casimir Pulaski (some Polish guy that is important in Illinois)
Tuesday = snow day
Wednesday = snow day

Some days being a teacher isn't so bad. Bonus house time is great!