Living Above the Line

Well, today marks my official last day off for the summer. Tomorrow I head back to MCE and get ready for a new school year. I went to an inservice today entitled "Quantum Learning". It was all about how to understand our brain and how children learn best based on brain research. I guess I have to admit I wasn't thrilled to be at an inservice on my last day of summer vacation, however, as the morning went on until lunch I realized there was more here than just learning about the brain. I sat and listened to this woman talk about living "above" the line. She took some time talking about this and how we as adults can use them in our own personal life as well as the classroom. Above the line meant joy, power, and freedom. Below the line was denial, justifying inappropriate actions, and having a don't care attitude. The line itself represented "choice". We choose how to respond to life, either with a bad attitude, or a realization that even if we don't like the situation we're in, this was it, and we are to make the very most of every opportunity, even if we don't agree or like it. Or even if it is hard. We accept it, we choose to have a good attitude, we choose to not go around and talk negative to others or about others. I could literally feel my heart beating and an anxious feeling come over me. I knew the Holy Spirit was speaking to me. I began to realize this whole Quantum Learning idea was Jesus. He is our example of how to live "above" the line. I turned to my friend and co-worker and said this is all about HIM, without the speaker actually saying it because we're in a public school system. There was much more to this inservice than what I've just shared and I am so very glad I went to it. I know I will be blessed this year because the Lord has gone before me and prepared my way for a great year. Regardless of how difficult it may be at times, I have to take ownership of my attitude and my actions and not blame it on anyone or anything else. And most of all I have to make sure I resemble living "above" the line for my students and my family as Jesus did for us.

Be Aware!

Last year I was leaving K-mart parking lot and this man urged me to listen to his sob story. It went like this: "I'm so sorry, but I cannot get a hold of my wife on my cell phone and I am completely out of gas. I've never done this before and I am so embarrassed. Would you please give me a couple of dollars so I can make it home? I am really sorry, I can't believe this. I am so very embarrassed to ask you for money." He acted really sad, so I think I had a dollar or two on me and I gave them to him. Well, quite coincidentally, I had the very same guy do the exact same to me today at Target in Rivergate! (This is a year later!) He was driving a different car (blue or gray mini van) and he gave the exact same spill! I just looked at him and said "Have you ever done this before because that is the exact same story I heard not too long ago!?" When I quickly pulled off I realized it was the exact same guy! He has dark brown hair, dark complected, white guy who looks slim. I got home and called Target security and they said he probably goes around to different parking lots and that's how he makes his living. Just be on the lookout for this guy or anyone else that has a story like this. Security said he will more than likely only target young females. So, be on the lookout, please!

Children's Consignment Sale

For anyone that may be interested or just likes to check out consignment sales, my friend Alison's sister, Brea, owns the Encores and More North Children's Consignment coming next weekend. It will be located in Rivergate this time. I went to the spring sale this past year in Hendersonville and it was extremely huge! If you're a new mom, child under 18 mo., you can go to the pre-sale next Friday night at 8:00pm. Leshia and I will be meeting up there if anyone else wants to meet us. For more info., go to Encores and More North website.

I didn't do it!

Isabella has found a new toy to play with, the toilet and toilet paper. She loves to unroll it, tear it, and eat it. I caught her in the act this morning and got some on video. She cracks me up with her head shaking. I guess she's heard the word no quite a bit lately. :)

Here's a few pictures we took of her this afternoon. She loves books, bubbles (see last picture closely), food (especially pasta!) and her pink phone. What a girlie girl!

Cheerio Mess!

Look familiar Anna? As soon as I turned around and saw this scene I immediately remembered Sadie with the Doritos. :) Ithought I'd give her the box of cheerios to take a few o's in and out of the box, but she had another idea. Poured them all over the floor. It's a little crazy making dinner these days. If she's not on my hip she's right under my feet. I've found I can do just about anything one handed. Do the laundry, vacuum, take dishes out of dishwasher, make the bed, and the list could go on and on. Maybe I just need to do that all the time, or risk a cheerio mess like this one...................

1 year pictures

Isabella had her 1 year pictures taken today. She did so good! This picture session was the only one where she was fully rested and ready to go! It was still pretty tough getting her to smile though. We tried to make silly noises, clap, and shake things to get her to smile, but she just looked at us like we were crazy. This first picture was taken with Tessa too. It was the only we got of the two girls together. Tessa wanted to play with the legos in the waiting area instead of getting her picture taken. But that's ok, we'll try again next time. After the photo session we went to eat at Red Robbins with Gigi, Aunt Benda, and cousin Tessa. It's our monthly outing with the girls. They love it there.

Isabella and her Gigi.

This was at Red Robbin. Their expressions are exactly the same. Too cute.

Recipes

I would prefer to microwave than to cook, however, when I think back at some of my favorite foods I always think of mom's vegetable soup, roast with veggies, and her yummy lasagna. I want Isabella to grow up thinking her mom can really cook (even though she can't :) So, with that said I figured I'd rather learn how to make a few really good meals that would be memorable than a bunch of not so good ones that people would want to forget. If anybody has a good beef stroganoff recipe (with rice) and don't mind sharing that would be great! Also, I like simple, the less ingredients the better. If you have any others you would like to share that's super yummy, fill me in! I know Peter would sure appreciate it. :) So far I know how to cook a good chicken pot pie, taco ring, and meatloaf. Thanks!

I usually don't bake that much because of this experience:
I tried to make a caramel pie last year when I was pregnant. I remember spending hours on it and I just knew it was going to be the best pie ever! Little did I know I used the wrong kind of milk ,condensed milk instead of evaported milk I think and ruined the whole thing. Since I was pregnant you can imagine how that went over. I cried the whole afternoon. Peter thought I was crazy. Anyway, so you can see I would love your feedback. Thanks friends and family!

BTW, Mom is doing well, she left the hospital the other night and had an MRI done today. Hopefully everything will be much better from here on out.