Random Thoughts....

Section 705

2010-10-31T23:05:00.000-05:00

I have always spoken of the fun we have as a family at MSU games. We have had season tickets now for 4 years- through both the good and the bad. This year has been unusually good (and I will admit that we are NOT used to it!) and it has been tons of fun!

It is a great time for us to be with Danny's parents and extended family. We have joked about it, but there is some truth. If we are going to see our family, then it helps to be at an MSU event. Danny and I were both State fans LONG before we met and we both get it honestly. My dad is an alum and his grandfather was a huge fan.

We love our section- after 4 seasons, you get to know those around you. So word has spread that Danny is a pastor, but Sat night they were reminded greatly. At the beginning of the game Danny starts "preaching" to our fans (and those that could hear in Section 704) that since we couldn't use our cowbells we should YELL! His father was also yelling about it (see in the past I could simply ring my bell while Danny was yelling at everyone and it would appear that I was being a supportive wife but the bell allowed me to tune him out...APPARENTLY SEC doesn't understand, but I digress...). So, off we go YELLING (with our bells resting) and wouldn't you know it? Josh Boyd had a sack.... Pretty sure, it was the Davis men in Section 705 that did that! Trust me, the yelling never stopped.

Honestly, Danny is correct- we should encourage each other- not just in sports, but in life. Keep doing good, and keep others doing good. Most of the time I enjoy doing that... but when I am discouraged, I know that Danny is there to ring his cowbell for me-- at the appropriate time, of course!

oops...

2010-08-14T17:25:00.000-05:00

Ok- so I didn't think about the technical issue of the previous post, but I have SHAMELESSLY cut and pasted my friend's post. ALL OF THE CREDIT GOES TO HER!

"The Blessing"

by Ellen Batinga Bishop on Thursday, August 12, 2010 at 7:06pm

All of the New Caney elementary staff watched a video today called "The Blessing" by Eric Cupp. It made such an impact on me today that I really looked at teaching in a different light.
The five elements of the blessing
1) Meaningful touch-Students need to know that they are loved, otherwise they begin to doubt their validity.
2) Spoken message-Praise students verbally or write something positive down and give it to them.
3) Attacking high honor-Get to know all of your students by finding out what their interests are and what they like and dislike.
4) Picturing a special future-give your students hope
5) Active commitment-show your students you care, not by just telling them verbally.

After our session, the new teachers were taken on a drive around the area surrounding our school. Our principal wanted us to see where the population of our students lived. I was floored, on our drive I saw families living in beaten down RV parks, trailers with roofs that were about to cave in or junk piled high in the front yard. It made an impression on me. How many of us as educators, look at some of our students and think "I don't like this kid" or "There is no way this kid is going to make it through high school." We never know what kind of situation our students come from. Sometimes we as teacher's are the only light they have. They look at us to feel worth. If you are a new teacher or a veteran, look at your students this new school year and strive to be their blessing. I encourage you to have a blessing journal this year and write down what you have done that would be considered a blessing to a student's life. When you start to feel frustrated or stressed out, look at your journal to help you remember why you are in education. Remember, we never know what kind of impact we can make on a child's life.

__________
Good stuff, huh? Ellen is the best...

BACK TO SCHOOL

2010-08-13T16:47:00.000-05:00

I have taught a full week of school this week. Things have gone well. My friend, Ellen, is teaching her first year (and she will be SUPER!) this year. She wrote this note and I am really excited about what she wrote. Here it is (and I hope this link works):

http://www.facebook.com/#!/note.php?note_id=416604131853

I teach in a Title 1 school and really like it. This is a good reminder that I should enjoy my kids. "They don't care what you know until they know that you care" was a common quote from Dr. V in my WCU days... It is especially true in Title 1. I have found that my kids need to feel emotionally safe before I can teach them new things.

Thanks Ellen! She is so special to me and her family is LIKE family to us... wish we lived closer :).

jennifer

MHS Concert Choir list

2010-06-11T22:11:00.000-05:00

Above is my SUPER INCREDIBLE WONDERFUL freshmen choir.. Meridian's Freshmen Singers- I should tell of the great things they do... but the intention of this post is to list the kids that Mrs. Mc has put on the 2010-2011 Concert choir list. This list is NOT FINAL- In the end, you sign up for a choir class when you register in July. Mrs. Mc just has to approve of your name by you going through an "audition" - which really is not hard at all. So, if you name is NOT on the list- don't worry- you can still audition and get your friends to audition as well.

Ladies and Gentlemen... the 2010-2011 MHS Concert choir!

Kyshari Dubose

Delmonte Barrett (you will need to do an audition- in the fall will be fine :) )

Tanner Goldman (you will need to do an audition- in the fall will be fine :) )

Diana Hopson

Angela Fowler

Raejean Spears

Ariel Grady

Monica Monroe

Tabetha Pike

Miracle Jemison

Tanisha Burrage

Aleah Coleman

Janise Knighton

Keandria Gray

Amber Hawk

Keyana Hudson

Elvia Devora

Antonia Owens

Quenda Williams

Tocarra Hubbard

Alexis Wilson

Felicia Jones

Macresha Preston

Jalia McGriggs

Dikierria Stewart

Alexis Kelly

Emma Reeves

Ruby Grady

Jalisa Blair

Samantha Pike

Atalya Sears

Antoinette Lloyd

Hannah Starnes

Denzel Turner

Christian Ryle

Jaqurius Warren

Tashun Parker

Artis Ricks

Anthony Boudreaux

Kamayi Cole

Alex Ricks

Renardo Foy

Amber Walk

Christina Gaddis

Kaila Smith

Mandy McCool

Tia Washington

Shandrianna Rogers

Cornesha Lewis

Madison Embrey

Cameron Marsh

Jonathan Leslie

Braxton Boyd

Aaron Donald

Shakari McDuffie

Billy Walker

Khalila Gray

McKenzie Griffin

Nae'toria Williams

Tashiya Ward

Michelle O'Hehir

Brittany Johnson

Bobby McCarter

Kierra Barrett

Tiffany Smith

Essence Jones

Spread the word...Congrats! Looks like we will have a great year! Enjoy your summer!

Mrs. Davis

My Take on Charlie Brown

2010-05-20T21:29:00.000-05:00

Some of you may already know this, but I am doing Your'e a Good Man Charlie Brown (Revised) at my high school. Today we performed for over 400 elementary kids (SO MUCH FUN!) and we will do it tomorrow as well. Then we will have three community performances. The cast has done well and I am really proud of them. But, typical of most "ARTISTS", life imitates art and art imitates life....

I have said it before but my 4yo daughter is completely LUCY! Every rehearsal reminds me of it. My Queen had a moment this week! Poor hubby has had to deal with 7yo son and her all week when I kept coming home late from musical practices. Turns out that while he was helping our son make a rocket for school, she was CUTTING HER HAIR!!!! Ugh! After the usual reprimands, she looks in the mirror and says "I look like Dora!" AAAHHHHH!!!!

There are lots of scenes that remind me of life from this musical- I am constantly CHASING RABBITS in my long list of things to do; my attempt at making ART, ART, ART without large pay :); and honestly, trying to "not make a scene" like Charlie Brown!

But nevertheless I love the work. And I love the challenge. And I love the patient family....

I LOVE MY JOB!

2010-02-25T22:08:00.000-06:00

Tonight was a super affirmation of what I do. If you aren't familiar with my work, I teach 9th Girls choir, 9th Men's choir, Piano Lab, AP Theory, and assist MHS Concert Choir. I really do enjoy my work, but sometimes I forget WHY....

I went to the MS Junior college/community college festival which happened to be held in my town. I went with a friend who shares my love for good choral music and one of my current seniors who is looking for a good school. I got to hear 5 choirs and they sounded well. But the greatest part? 13 WERE MY FORMER STUDENTS!!!! If you have ANY connection with music, you know the incredible bond you create when you make music together. I was SO THRILLED to see them continue singing at the college level. Even if they never major in music, I know they learned a lifelong gift. Now I admit, I want MORE STUDENTS to sing at the college level :)- but what a SUPER moment today was!

Each student has a unique story and incredible memories. We went on several trips- District and State festivals, Atlanta, recruiting, everywhere! These students were in football, basketball, soccer, weightlifting, band, honor society, and church events. One student I had since he was in EIGHTH grade!!

Each face looked alive when they sang. Each voice supported and strengthened their ensembles. Each set of eyes were bright and focused on their director. I TEARED UP!!

Singers- you make me proud! Never stop singing-- for it is the ONE gift that is a glimpse of heaven!

Now really, how many math teachers get teared up when their kids get an A in College Algebra?!?!? Music is so MUCH more fun (not to mention how complex sight-reading is... but I digress!)!!!

SNOW!

2010-02-12T13:51:00.000-06:00

It has snowed here in MS for several hours now- NON-STOP! We are loving it! But I am learning some things about continual snow- and a glimpse of what our life would be like if I lived further north :)!

* Satellite can stop if there is too much snow on it
* Tree limbs can fall with too much snow
* It really is possible to make hard snowballs
* Snowmen look funny with pine straw (ha!)
* It IS possible to make a snow angel (but it makes you cold- according to Connor)
* You need a place to hang wet coats, gloves, hats, etc. after play time in the snow
* Fed Ex and Mail really DO come in Snow!

It is fun for now... But I am not sure how I would like living like this for weeks at a time...

Why I love my husband.... and E-mealz!

2010-01-25T20:39:00.000-06:00

At the risk of sounding like a commercial, I have found a new love! We have decided to go with E-Mealz for the last several weeks. If you are not familiar with it, it is a SUPER program. Once a week I get a recipe plan and shopping plan. It helps us to prepare 7 meals for the week. For 15.00 a quarter, I get new meals, organization in the kitchen, and family time around the dinner table.

But this is why I love my husband. I have had some late nights with after-school practices for honor choir auditions. Since hubby knew what was in the plans for dinner, I have come home to him beginning or even making (YIPPEE!) dinner for the family. HOW WONDERFUL!!

Eating dinner at home more often has been super- the kids have learned better table manners, we have conversations (even more than in restaurants) , and we have been wiser with our money. It is so motivating to have a plan and see the plan work. Thanks E-Mealz!

Haley ROCKS!!!

2009-09-23T21:02:00.000-05:00

Who is Haley, you ask? A really cool kid in our church youth group. Like most other church groups tonight we had a "Saw You at the Pole" Rally for our Association. When we got there we found out that we had to provide a kid from our group to lead in prayer. Oh no- we didn't know that. So Kim, one of our leaders, turned around to our crew and said "Anyone willing to lead in prayer?" And do you know that NO ONE was willing to lead..... not our older youth, not our youth who have been discipled, not even our youth who help teach. Of course I should sat that the sanctuary was FULL of teenagers- at least 600. So Haley said "I will". This is really cool cause Haley is in the SEVENTH GRADE!!! She did an AMAZING job!!! I was so proud. And several of our youth complimented her.

You know, Haley was also willing to go to GA Camp alone. Sometimes we have to make important diecisions alone. I think that since she has learned this already, she is really ready for major life decisions.

Major shout out, Haley- YOU ARE THE BEST!!!

"Lessons" with Connor

2009-09-21T21:10:00.000-05:00

So I have begun "teaching" Connor some piano lessons. I chose to teach him myself because of a few reasons. One, I can teach him whenever it is convenient for me; two, I wasn't sure any of the local teachers were ready for a TYPICAL 1st grade boy; third, most teachers think 1st grade is too early to start. So we are moving slowly, but methodically.

They are mostly going well. But since we teach them into the night (7ish) I know he is tired and so am I :). So, I should preface this by saying the circumstances were not the most conducive to a good piano lesson. Nevertheless, I was a bit surprised at what happened tonight. I try to give him three songs to "practice" two times each day and then play them for pass-off on Mondays. He was struggling with a song and he started crying. I continued to help him keep going and continue trying. He was overwhelmed when he was making mistakes. This is where I was surprised. See, I am more of a coach than a teacher, so I tend to REALLY push my students HARD to do the best they can (remember, Mom IS Japanese, so it is in me!). I got really annoyed at Connor and wanted to push him hard. But I tried to hold back a bit but keep on encouraging him. Instead of stopping, I just asked him to play it again and agin until he got it.

Of course in two tries he got it. It really wasn't that big a deal , but to him it was SO HARD. Hmmm... normally people say that sports teach the concept of "never giving up". I haven't thought of music teaching that same technique. So, now I will call our lessons- "life lessons" :)- and I didn't even think I would be so frustrated with him... a lesson for me as well.

He did well- we brought Dad and Anna in to hear it and he did it perfectly. He was proud of himself for not giving up. It was tempting so let him stop, but making him stick with it helped him to learn that he could do it. I guess I will be the mother that is demanding and pushy. But I will try to do it with a smile :)!

can't sleep.....

2009-09-16T22:40:00.000-05:00

So, cruise was wonderful (WOW!!!), school has started well for Connor, Anna, and I, and life is back in our routine. But right now, I can't sleep. Nothing is wrong. Danny is on another trip to the DR, and that has gone well. Four people have met Dad. I think I am just more high strung, quite frankly, because I am the "single parent" this week. I have to be sure and get the kids up and ready, get all of the MANY details together for school and work, and answer calls from friends and family (of course, they are calling to check on me). Nevertheless, it is as if I can't really relax.

So, last night it led me to my typical random thoughts. Dad grants sleep to those He loves... and most of the time I rest well- but it was a case of letting circumstances take over my rest. Hmm... wonder if those who can't sleep also struggle with letting go of things they can't control? It is a bit over-simplifying of things, I realize.

Letting go is so important. Many who try to control things actually make it worse. Most know it, but I am reminded of the old thought....

Dad, Grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
Courage to change the things I can,
and Wisdom to know the difference.

Some days I get it better than others.....

WE DID IT!!!

2009-08-08T22:20:00.000-05:00

Today was graduation day and I am so thrilled WE survived! I have mentioned it before, but Danny has to stay with the kids 5 weeks this summer and last summer while I was gone working on this degree. So, not only did I get a PHT (putting hubby through) while he was in Seminary, he now has a PWT. What a super guy!

This program is unique. It caters to working teachers so our class is full of REALLY non-traditional masters students. Most of us are working and have worked for quite a while. It made the program really unique. These are the friends I will see again at contests and conventions. There is a great bond among us and it was certainly a group effort (can we say late night studies and silly conversations with room/suitemates!?!?).

By the way, want to know how super Danny is? We have been married for 11 years and have not celebrated any anniversary since the 2nd. So we are going on a Masters/anniversary cruise WITHOUT kids!! Have I mentioned our parents are great for keeping the kids?!?!

Life is grand........

Awkward.....

2009-07-16T20:38:00.000-05:00

This is really funny. We had a big "wedding planning meeting" today and tomorrow we are taking the church youth group to Mississippi Baptist Youth Night. Since we needed a sitter for both, Danny's parents offerend to take Connor and Anna for a couple of days. We have been "kid-free" since Wed lunch and right now we act lost. I actually was able to clean the house and it is STILL clean. I even finished a conversation on the phone without any interruption. And my laundry is done. And I got to do Farmtown without other hands wanting to "help". I didn't know thouse things could happen.

Don't get me wrong- I love my time with Danny, but I didn't realize how slow life is without young children around...... So now we are not sure what to do -- well, mostly :)

We're Comp FREE!!!

2009-07-13T10:47:00.000-05:00

I am thrilled that I have finished my comps for the master's program!!! My very patient husband has put up with several weeks of the kids while I focused on classes. I get to graduate August 8- YIPPEE!!

Connor and Anna have had a relaxing summer so far. Connor had a super time at CRS(highly recommended) and Anna has taken over our home with countless tea parties and other social events with Tigger, Snow White, and Elmo. Who knew they were all so close :) ?

I finished grad school just in time to help with our church's Vacation Bible School. We are a small church, but had about 30 workers and 45 kids each night. It was really cool to see so many adults (expecially dads) helping with VBS. I had the 1st and 2ns graders and this was a reminder why I prefer teaching high schoolers!- Lots of energy!

Now I have about 6 weeks before I have to go back to school. Meridian PSD had opted to start much later than normal (aug 24) but we teach until June 15. For now I like the plan (ask me again in June!). It is nice to enjoy a little of summer.

Connor at CRS

2009-06-15T23:44:00.000-05:00

So, this is really a big summer for our son Connor who is 7. Right now he is at Camp of the Rising Son (www.campoftherisingson.com) in French Camp, MS. I worked at this camp for 7 summers during my high school and college years. I had no idea how hard it would be for me to take him to camp. Of course he didn't know it. But after I left him, I felt nervous for him. Who would help him get to activities? Who would make sure he is not left out? Is he going to brush his teeth?

Crazy, I know. I used to make fun of "those" camp mothers..... Now I am one. I am really proud of myself- I haven't called to check up on him yet! Honesly, camp will be a good experience for him. He naturally is a follower but has incredible leadership skills. This will be a great way to help him bring that out.

If you want to read details reagarding his football camp, go to Danny's blog- http://buzzardroostus.wordpress.com/. It was tons of fun for him (and Dad!).

Meanwhile, Anna- our precious Anna. She is so incredibly verbal that I often forget that she is only three. Dad is at home with her while I am still taking courses in Hattiesburg. Poor Dad!

2009-06-10T22:49:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow our son Connor will go to MSU for the Little Bully football camp. Doesn't that sound fun!?! I am currently at Carey for some grad work (will finish June 30 and walk Aug 8!!) in Hattiesburg so I won't get to see him in action until Friday afternoon. Now I know that a 7 year old is a bit young to go to football camp but I can't believe that I could have taken him to this camp when he was 5!! It will be a neat thing for him.

But the craziest thing is that he gets to go to Camp of the Rising Son this summer as well. It is a SUPER camp in French Camp, MS that lets the kids play in the woods and enjoy Lake Anne with canoes, sailing, fishing, etc. It also has tons of great surprises for the kids all week. This is especially good for me because I was a staffer there for 7 summers during my high school and college years. I am really excited about him going there. Check them out at http://www.campoftherisingson.com/. What a great camp!

Meanwhile Anna is in a wild 3-year old phase- at least I hope it is a phase :)! I am pretty sure she is our strong-willed one. Just like her dad ..... hee, hee!

2009-04-23T22:26:00.000-05:00

I am writing this while my husband is on a trip to the Dominican Republic. He works with a local pastor to help Believers grow. Our association has partnered with them and have provided several groups there to help with the Work. It dawned on us that this was his 5th trip in 2 years. I have not been able to go, mostly because of work and grad school. It really doesn't bother me, except when I am feeling really selfish from 6-7 in the morning. Currently we have to leave at 6:45 in order to get every to their "places" for the day on time (I am SO GLAD my school is moving to a later time in the fall!!!).

What it does remind me is to encourage my single parent friends. I find myself not relaxed when Danny is gone because I have to keep thinking on to the next step or thing that we have to do. Where is Connor's homework folder? Has Anna gotten her room cleaned up? What items are on my list of things to do? etc..... I have these thoughts on any normal week, but I am a bit tense when Danny is gone because it is MY job to make it all happen.

This is a good reminder also to be grateful for Danny. He is a super dad and a wonderful help around the home. It is obvious when he is gone!

The work in the DR is doing well. Great things are happening there. We have also noticed that whenever those folks come back home from the DR they have a renewed sense of focus on Dad's work. This may be the best lesson ever!

Choir director's weekend

2009-04-18T18:02:00.000-05:00

I have just returned home from the MS All-state honor choir and music educator's convention. It was held in Jackson. I thought it went really well. The funny thing was that we had 5 directors and 2 students on a bus that took us from Meridian to Jackson (about 90 miles). It took us there Thursday, dropped us off and came back today to get us after the convention. We looked funny gitting off the big bus :)!

The boys that went with us were the honor choir members- One was for Junior high and the other was for High school. The high school kid was the first MHS'er to go in a few years- we were especially proud of him! It was also nice to reconnect with other directors and compare ideas.

But now, I am at home alone. Danny has the kids at Super Bulldog weekend and I hated that I missed it. Connor even played with the MSU girl's soccer team!

contests, contests, contests

2009-03-03T22:30:00.000-06:00

So, I have had a tough couple of months. I did solo contest and honor choir (for both HS and JH) then almost immediately had district (for both HS and JH) along with musical auditions in between. I am going to blame it on distracted teaching, but my results were not what I have usually produced. And, to my surprise, I am a bit depressed about it. I really do know that I teach more than contests, but I was reminded this year how much I depend on them. Oh well, my pride needs to be challenged every now and then....

I am also reading Ruby Payne's book Framework for Understanding Poverty. This book has been a HUGE help to me in understanding my kids at the Junior High. It is a super book! Has anyone dealt with kids in poverty? Any advice? HELP!!!!!

SUPER CAST!!!

2009-02-10T22:13:00.000-06:00

So, can I just say that the musical auditions AND the call backs went REALLY well? And I should apologize aobut the theatre teacher... she was SO organized for these two events! Things are looking good so far.

On a personal note, I have an incredible husband. He has been patient with long after-school practices for honor choir, solo contest, and now musical. Not to mention the stress of my grad classes. I am really gateful. Wonder how I should thank him.......

MUSICAL!!

2009-01-28T21:31:00.000-06:00

I have been putting off the inevitable, but this semester I am doing the musical at MHS (well, sort of- there is a super theatre director I will work with but I think I am going to have to be the organizer ...). I loved the musicals I did in TX but I wasn't in charge. In MS I feel more pressure to make it work! My high school hasn't done a musical since the 80's (some say the 70's).

So we are doing SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE! Anyone remember those cartoons? It is a small cast and easy plot. Music is, of course, very fun! Auditions are next week..... hope kids come.

Meanwhile, Connor has won 2nd place in the Kindergarten Science Fair! I am so proud!

a moment to breathe...

2008-12-13T20:56:00.000-06:00

hmm.... I may not be as good at blogging as I thought... :)
Life is good here- My Meridian High Wildcats became state champs, beating the 98-winning streak South Panola, MSU has a new coach, and I am close to Christmas break! Right now, Danny is in the Dominican Republic on a mission trip with students from the Meridian CC BSU. He thinks they are a super group of young adults who are really open to serving our Lord. It should be a super week. For Connor and Anna it is not so unusual having Dad gone. They handle it well and I think they understand why he is gone. I am enjoying a nice calm in between 10 performances for the month of December with my school choirs (AAHHH!!!- what were WE thinking!!!???!). Today we stayed at home and played in the house all day. I did some grad work, but even the kids stayed in their pj's all day. We don't get to do that often but today it was a nice break. Maybe this is what the holidays are REALLY about- rest with family!

grad school

2008-10-27T23:37:00.000-05:00

YIPPEE!! I just finished my requirements for the grad course I am taking! It is such a relief! I am now half-way through the program. I am in the greatest music ed program at William carey with some of the best people! Most of us are teaching (or have taught) and we compare ideas and work together- it has been really good. But I am SO GLAD to be finishede with this class.... now on to the next class :).
So, life here is good - my parents (mimi and happy) have graciously agreed to stay with us for a couple of days. Danny has responsibilities in Jackson with the Mississippi Baptist Convention and I had this class. That meant that poor mom and dad had to get the kids and get connor ready for a soccer game.... they had a good taste of being a part of our world!
Now I can relax for a few days and then my next syllabus will be sent to me... but for now I am happy!

NO WAY!?!?!?

2008-10-11T16:58:00.000-05:00

Could it be? MSU AND MHS won the same weekend? Can't believe it.... but our house is wonderfully happy today. I was amazed at myself this weekend. I think I am becoming more sports-minded than I thought. Case in point.... we have season tickets to Miss State games. I could not go today because Lamplighters (my HS schowchoir) had a performance this morning. Danny and Connor went and Anna stayed with me. We did the performance this morning and then when it was game time I had my radio tuned to Jack Crystal (our faithful announcer) and my internet logged into MSULiveStats. I don't think I would have done that 5 years ago..... Being a MSU fan is so tough, but the few victories we have a so sweet! Go Dawgs!

YIPPEE!!!

2008-10-10T22:52:00.000-05:00

WE DID IT!!!! GO CATS!!!!!! Oak Grove may have Farve and McNair's kids, but tonight we won!!!!! love my cats.......hope my dawgs go well.....

Football

2008-10-10T17:00:00.000-05:00

I have always liked football but recently I have grown to really like it! Tonight Meridian (where I work) and Oak Grove are playing- it is a new rivalry for Meridian, but our kids are SERIOUS about it. Connor has his Wildcat jersey (we've got to get Anna's outfit together) and we are going to tailgate with some friends (I know- tailgating at a high school game? we are SERIOUS!!). The better part is that I get to see many of my choir students in action. I have some in the band, some in ROTC, and some on the team (no cheerleaders this year- working on that!). I always forget what a big deal it is to them to see me there as well. For example, one of my basses stopped me in the parking lot today. "Coming to cheer me on, right?" he said. "Of course- can't wait!" I replied and he smiled and walked away. See in his situation, there may not be any family coming. Wonder if they have seen him play? But we will be his family tonight...

I guess that is another aspect of teaching--we are their family too. By the way, Anna is VERY excited to see Wally, the wildcat. GO CATS!!!

Calm Day

2008-10-04T19:03:00.000-05:00

Today is a bit unusual. Danny's parents came up from Laurel (an hour drive) and watched Connor play a soccer game. Then we went to the mall and then to our house to grill out. It was fun. Connor and Anna played in the back yard with the kids from the Children's home (they call Danny's parents "mom" and "dad"-- we get unusual looks around town sometime). And now we are sitting at our house watching football with our windows open.... Time has slowed down for us and it is so nice. I am quite sure this is the calm before the storm of life :)! But I really should be doing homework or grading some homework... maybe tomorrow....

could it be?

2008-10-02T22:50:00.000-05:00

I am not sure exactly what is happening, but I am really blogging.... Hmm, maybe it's because I am not sleeing as well lately. But don't be deceived. Work is super (mostly) home life is wonderful (most of the time), and I am not stressed. But somehow, I have found myself actually staring this. Not sure if anyone will read it, but this will be a good way to journal life.

Who am I? I am MS-born and bred, with a short stint in Fort Worth, TX while my husband, Danny, was working on his Masters at SWBTS. I am the assistant choir director at Meridian High School and direct the KGJHS choir as well. I have two precious children- Connor (6- in Kindergarten) and Anna (3 next month). Danny serves as pastor of Mt. Olive Baptist here in Meridian- a wonderful church! We have been here 5 years.

Maybe I should mention that my mom is from Kitakyushu, Japan and my dad is from Eupora, where he and mom still live. It was a great "mayberry-style" childhood- with soy sauce, stir-fry, and cornbread close by! Sometimes my looks and accent throw people off.

Let's see how often I do this.... I am new to this so I will gladly take any advice.....