Memorial Day Fun

Happy Memorial Day!!!!


A huge thank you for all of the brave men and women who serve our country and for those who have lost their lives defending this great country!!! I am truly blessed to live in a nation that stands for liberty, justice, and freedom! Thank you soldiers:)


This weekend we spent most of our time at a close friend's lake house. I absolutely love Lake Travis, and the weather was beautiful. It was a great weekend to be on the lake.























































Can every weekend be a three day weekend? I love that tomorrow is already Tuesday. More love for the fact that I only have to go to work for 3.5 more days:)

the final countdown

58 more papers to grade in my teaching career


4.5 more days of school


6 days until our 3 year anniversary


7 days until I redeem my reserved Chick-Fil-A spicy chicken sandwich


19 more days until Philly!!!!!!


27 more days until Denver!!!!!

Busy, Busy, Busy!

I love this time of the year. Things work related start to slow down (7.5 more days, whoo!), and life gets super busy. Randy and I've been going and going. All of the summer sports leagues have started (or continuing). Monday night was church softball. Wednesday night was basketball. Thursday night was city league softball. In addition other fun things have been happening.


The Weimar Wildcats baseball team is still in the play-offs. My alma mater is going strong. One of my favorite players is the star pitcher. Dylan is a sophomore, and I was so proud to watch him pitch on Thursday night when they played in Manor. I've known Dylan since he was six months old when I first started babysitting him. He was the cutest little thing with this precious curly hair. He used to get so mad at me when I'd even just pat his head. "Penny leave my hair alone!" hahaha

Well over the years (16 to be exact---geez I'm getting old) our families have grown extremely close. I adore his parents and younger brothers. John Michael, the middle son was a ring bearer in our wedding and is my parents' godson. Basically I think of the three boys as my little brothers. I was honored to cheer Dylan on last Thursday. Even my mom came up to watch her baby pitch. (Kevin and I used to complain Dylan got more Christmas presents than we did. We were such brats.) My mom adores Dylan and was just glowing in the stands.













Friday, Derryk and Rands went down to Giddings to watch the foundation for the next house be poured. Aren't these pictures fascinating? Nothing like concrete. (Side note: Randy loves these pictures. He would!) I know they're boring. They are doing the framing this weekend, so stay tuned all my "Home Improvement" lovers.






































Lastly, we finished off our crazy week by going to Longview for a wedding. Man, what a long and boring trip. Randy about killed me. I whined; I moved around in my seat ALOT!; I graded papers; I read magazines; I sang to him; I counted cars. Wow, I was bored! We drove close to 5 hours to help celebrate Tommy's wedding to the lovely Melissa!!! In the words of Dave, "Tommy is good people." I agree. I love Tommy! He is a LaGrange guy and fellow Longhorn. Randy and him even had a class together in college. In fact, my first college party ever attended was at Tommy's apartment. It was a beautiful wedding, and we were glad we got to be apart of their special day!

Randy is 6 foot tall. He said after the picture, "Man I felt like I was 4 foot tall next to Tommy and Layne."


There are more wedding pictures on my facebook. This uploading thing is for the birds. Nighty night!

I follow the rules!

I am a rule follower. It's a little annoying to others that I obsess about knowing ALL of the rules/expectations and then following them. "Uptight" probably is a better descriptor than "care-free" when it comes to rules.

On the bottle of my thyroid medicine it says, "Do not eat for thirty minutes after taking medicine." Well, I watch the clock. 30 exactly, not 29 minutes, nope if it says 30, they really mean 30! I'll wait until that minute hand reaches the 12 before I eat my breakfast. If there's a "No right turn on red" sign, just forget it. You can honk all you want at me. But hello I'm not going to get a ticket just so you can arrive somewhere 5 minutes faster. Chill out! I'll go on green, and p.s. thanks for the dirty look when you speed past me.

Even as a kid, I tried to follow all of the rules. I remember crying when I figured out that I missed a step on an assignment, or when my mom got pulled over by a cop for speeding. I've always obsessed about being in accordance with rules and procedures.

Speaking of my mom, she doesn't necessarily follow the rules. It drives me crazy. If there is an available shoulder to pass a line of cars, we'll off-road it. I just about die every time she tries to take back things at stores. If there's a sign saying, "No receipt, no exchange," she just ignores it. She puts on the charm, and before you know it we're walking out with cash in hand for an item they carried 6 months ago.

Well today one of my biggest fears happened while I was waiting in line to check out at HEB. I never have under 10 items in my basket. If you do, I'd like to shake your hand, and then ask how you do that. So I'm in line behind the family carts waiting patiently for my turn at the check-out. This worker comes up to me and says, "Ma'am, you can go to the express check-out. There's no line."


Ummm, ummmm that would be breaking the cardinal rule of grocery store checking-out.
"Do not get in the express line if you are over 10 items." Even if I have 11 items, I'll wait in the family lines.

Well I pretend I don't hear her. She can't obviously see because I'm close to 40 items, so I can pretend I can't hear. We're even.

"Ma'am there's no wait at the express check-out."

Flashback moment to shopping at HEB with my mom>>>> You know how when you're standing 5 deep in the line, and a cashier opens up a new line. The cashier will say, "I can help who ever is next." Well my mom always assumes this is her. Everyone knows the next person up to the register should get first dibs with the new cashier. Not my mom. I have explained this over and over. She just replies with, "Penny, I have lots of things to do besides wait in line." The other people clearly don't as I duck my head and follow her lead. I know they want to abandon their groceries to follow us out in the parking lot just to ram their carts in our car.

Back to the story....
Me: "But ma'am I don't have 10 items."
HEB worker: "But I'm the manager."

Me: "Yes ma'am!"

Dangit! How could I argue with the manager. She calls the shot; no one hears her; and now I'm the idiot who can't count.

I immediately turn as red as my sweet smelling strawberries which are probably item number 48. And what do you know, there's a lady who comes up right behind me with 4 items. Bless her. She probably has her car running with a dog or an elderly person waiting on her. And here I am against my will unloading and unloading and unloading my cart. Blasted manager. I tell the clerk in a really loud voice, "I'm sorry I don't have ten items, but the manager told me to come to this line."

Great, now I can't count and I'm pathetic.
The clerk was like, "whatever you liar." Can you imagine how many times they hear that line in a given week? Note to self: Don't mention to mom. She'll start using that one.

What a stressful ending to my joyous trip to HEB.

And you can guess correctly, I declined help out to my car.

And I know they don't use that line in the express line. I should have stuck around to see if they offered the lady with 4 items help out. Doubt it!

supermarket sweep!

I love the grocery store. I love the scales in the produce department. I love the free samples (especially in the cheese section). I love pulling all those yellow HEB coupons off the shelves. I love buying cajun sesame sticks in bulk. I love the self-check outs.


What do I hate?

I hate not knowing if things taste good. Especially if it's an expensive item. I hate throwing food away, so if I buy it, someone is going to eat it!
So this post is my top recommendations for my new favorite snack. Go ahead and buy it! I've taken the chance factor out for you!






















This goes great on the pretzel crisps. I bought the garlic and herb type.





Happy snacking!

Irritation

I am irritable. I can admit it. No, I'm not pregnant. Just irritated. It's clearly nearing the end of the school year because my patience is long gone.

Today I walked to the office and picked up a nice thick stack of office referrals and kids I'm not afraid to use them. In fact, I used some today. You get one warning, and you're gone. Can you tell that I'm irritated yet? I'm done with the moaning, groaning, griping, and whining.


I mean even little things bug me now. Before I could just let it go, but not now.

"Are we playing games today?"
"Are we doing anything fun today?"

Umm hello everyday is fun! Your teacher is the definition of fun.

Games? You mean like Monopoly? Yah that's right let's just sit around and play "Guess Who?" and "Mall Madness" until the cows come home (or in this case the bell rings). I don't know but in fifth grade they must have played games like the whole last month of school because my kids looked shocked (like mouths open) when I said, "We work and learn at school. And we're going to do that until the last week of school."

Games? Really?

Now don't think I'm a worksheet pusher. Man I hate worksheets and book work. We rarely do that. In fact just to show you the level on fun-o-meter we had a monster draw-off. It was very well related to the curriculum because we read a poem about monsters. After the kids were done making annotations and we discussed the theme, they drew their best monster. We had a competition and the kids got to vote on the best monster. Consider this a game if you will.

Well the fun can't be accomplished without irritating Mrs. Lueders. The "monster" in the poem represented "hate" in our hearts. The monster could be seen as being prejudiced, racists, or judgmental. This was a perfect guidance lesson in disguise so since I'm going to be a counselor in 11.5 more days, I jumped all over this. I asked if we could relate to this. I said, "Please don't raise your hands. I don't want a confession, but has anyone in here ever been judged because you look or act different." Then I proceeded to discuss this, and I then added "Without raising your hands, has anyone in here passed judgment against someone."

Here comes the irritation part....

Some students were shaking their heads "NO!" So I added, "Just be honest with yourselves. Has anyone ever looked at someone and thought "Wow, they don't look like me or I'm not picking them for my team in gym because they're not athletic enough."

Still one kid was shaking his/her head no. I couldn't believe it. I was growing with irritation, so then I did a self-confession and continued to say, "We all can be guilty of this. It's not one of my proudest moments but it does happen, and that's why this poem is encouraging us to stay open-minded and be willing to learn about differences."


She/he is still shaking their head no.

Well the only thing I could decide was that their new name must be Jesus.

And didn't I say, "We don't need a confession?"

Irritated....I'm all over that this week!

Cousin It!

I must get to New York and soon!

The reason....


Addams Family on Broadway!

Oh my goodness! Apparently, it's "Two snaps up."


Wow, I loved watching this show on our country cable when I was growing up. See I just don't think people appreciate the classics. Randy and I watched completely different tv shows when we were little. The reason, cable! What was Nickelodeon? I never saw "Salute your Shorts" or "Doug." We only got 5 stations out on the farm which is why I can hold conversations with people about the following masterpieces.....


1) Punky Brewster
2) Mama's Family (oh you know, with Iola and Vincent and Naomi---great great show)
3) Silver Spoons
4) Charles in Charge (Because I want, I want Charles in charge of me!) Not going to lie, I still sing this tune in the shower sometimes
5) Growing Pains
6) Addam's Family (Uncle Fester with the lightbulb in his mouth, my brother and I even played the Addam's Family Nintendo game. We had a Nintendo; we weren't that country. I won't mention that the shooting ducks game was my fave:)
7) Moesha
8) Dr. Quinn Medicine Women (man I hated Saturday nights, terrible show...everytime I see her open hearts diamond jewelry collection, I cringe.)
9)Step by Step
10) Full House
11) Coach
12) Doogie Howser (who else had a mad crush on Doogie? anyone? anyone at all?)
13) Empty Nest
14) Wonder Years
15) Who's the Boss?
16) Mr. Belevedere
17) and who could forget little Webster!

Who needed that silly Clarissa Explains It All or MTV? Okay maybe I could have used just a tad more Doug in my life. That Patty Mayonnaise just cracks me up!

Wait, wasn't this post supposed to be about a new Broadway?

Were you looking for a counselor?

Oh wait, no need to look any further! You found one!

It's ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


I officially accepted a new job today!

I will be a guidance counselor in Leander ISD! Whoot Whoot!

Thank you Lord! I'm singing your praises everywhere I go! I know you had this job in mind for me! Thank you for providing me with such a rewarding opportunity! I now have the song "Unfailing Love" permanently ingrained in my brain as well as quotes related to this theme of giving things to You... "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and He will give you the desires of your heart." And many, many, many, many more thanks for letting me retire my red pens.....man I hate grading!

Let's recap it!

Bachelors degree- check (hook'em love always)
teaching certificate- check but with lots of groans due to constant reflections and observations
Master's degree- 49 hours done, internship to go....Fall 2010 will be my official date
2 years teaching requirement- check, check with an Allelulia added for effect
Counseling deficiency plan in place- 17 days and counting
Counseling job for 2010-2011- YIPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE SKIPPEEEEEEEEEEEE!




P.S. HOORAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Fun Puns!

I love puns. If I could speak in puns all day long I would! Hello, my name is Penny. Nothing works better than when I'm exhausted, and I cleverly spit out, "Man I'm spent." hahahahah or "I'm not worth two cents." oh my gosh, that's such a scream. My momma knew what she was doing when she named me! I was born to love puns!


Before TAKS test, all of the teachers wore laminated jokes on our backs so the kids could get a little chuckle before the test. I told my friend, "Hey the joke's on you." hahahaha Get it!!!! hahahahaha jokes on us, literally and ahhhahahahahahaha if I have to explain it, it's not as funny!


"Before a mother knows the sex of her baby it's a hidden agender."
this is from the pun of the day website....they were celebrating mother's day!

Are you not groaning/rolling eyes/laughing yet? Try this one....

"Have you heard about that online origami store? It folded."

Whooo whooo breathe in and out!

Well this year's O. Henry Pun-Off is on Saturday, May 22nd. I so wanted to go! Unfortunately we will be out of town, but if you go please don't tell me how amazing it was! I couldn't handle the disappointment. Here's the website for all of you quirky Austinites....(look at the website address:)

www.punpunpun.com

Mixed emotions!

Right now I could guess you say I'm kinda blah! I just survived one of the most hectic weeks of my life....hence no blog posts.


I had 4 job interviews in one week. Yes, 4! I've been praying for job interviews, and boy was God listening. I've been interviewing for school counseling positions. I feel so overwhelmed, hopeful, and discouraged all at the same time. I've been waiting two years for this opportunity. Why am I a complete emotional wreck? It's painful to wait when you want something so badly!

My Master's degree has been waiting ever so patiently to be put to use. The law says in order for me to be a guidance counselor, I must teach two years. Well in 19 school days, that requirement will be fulfilled. Yes, I'm still counting down.

I've enjoyed the journey; if I don't find a counseling job this journey will continue. So I haven't retired my red pens yet. My prayer hasn't changed (Lord lead me where you want me) although my eating levels, sleeping pattern, and mood has drastically changed. Interviewing is such an emotional roller coaster.

"Ooooh I should have said that. Wow, I loved that impressed look they had when I said that. Did I use my hands too much when I talked? Why didn't I elaborate more on that? Oh my goodness, can they see the sweat starting to form under my arms? Why am I sweating? I used two applications of deodorant. Is the stone faced interview common? Why don't people smile more?"

Oh my goodness, I've been driving myself insane! I've cried twice in one week! Once after an interview and the other time singing a Chris Tomlin song in my car. God's love is unfailing. I know it's His timing, but man do I want it to be mine:) Struggling with letting go is not an easy concept.

Hopefully I'll hear something this week. Hopefully it's the perfect fit for me. Hopefully, I will move forward bold and confidently. Hopefully, I'll start sleeping better at night. Hopefully, I'll get over my cold (9 days and counting). Hopefully, Randy will treat me to that Tiffany's bracelet I've been eyeing since I laid those dreaded grass squares when they built that first house.


Speaking of houses (because if I don't change the subject soon, I'll throw up all of my dinner) we have started on the second one! When I say "we" I do mean "me" as well! If you don't remember from facebook, here's last summer's project.















Randy and his friend Derryk (along with Derryk's dad) started a house building business. They built their first house, and it was a success. They closed on it last month which has started the next house. Total the boys have four lots. One is sold! The second will happen soon! In fact, we spent Saturday raking and leveling the ground so the foundation can be poured. The other two lots are waiting in the wing! What does all this have to do with me? Well, nothing yet because I've yet to see that bracelet. Leslie and I are the design wives behind the projects. We picked out everything!!!! We decided tonight on the brick color for the second house. It's exciting to play design stars. HGTV will be on more often now at home. I love getting to house dream with Leslie even if we won't live there. More pictures and progress to come, but I figured a bunch of dirt wouldn't be interesting. Stay tuned!


Oh and for those of you interested, Mopac did NOT tell me "Happy Mother's Day" today! Little turd! (this is for you Kara...) Since I'm not a mom of anything two legged (sigh.....) you'd think my four legged child would show a little bit of appreciation. Sheesh!

I love my Mom!!!!

Mother's day is on Sunday!!!! I love mother's day! Because it's all about the most amazing person in the world.....mi madre! She is my best friend. She was even my matron of honor in our wedding. Yah because she's that much fun. Not to mention incredibly supportive, selfless, encouraging, etc., etc....

I'm so excited to spend time with her this weekend.


Switching gears....I love reading church signs. They are so witty! One of my all time favorites is, "Give Satan an inch, he'll become ruler." Wow someone was wearing their clever pants that day!

Back to the topic....I drove by one of the church signs today on the way to work and it said, "No gift that you can give on Mother's Day will compare to the gift your mother gave you." So true!!!!

So thanks Mom for EVERYTHING! I love you with all my heart.


I've been digging through some computer files looking for pictures. I need some new ones of mom and me. Maybe we'll do that this weekend.












I hope to be half as beautiful as she is when I grow up.

Life is definitely happening!

This week will be insanely busy!


We are taking the sixth graders to UT on Tuesday for various activities. Yes, 260 11-2 years old on campus..... Some will see the Harry Ransom Center (where they will need to point to things with their elbows and not hands, yah I'm sure that'll go over swell,) the trophy room, the history museum, the Capitol, oh my I'm exhausted just thinking about it. I'll need to pack my extra bag of patience that day. Especially since I'm so protected over my beloved UT. Grrr I'm already stressed to the max. I wrote the campus tours (whoo whoo for working at the freshman admissions center). So that makes me a little apprehensive that people will get lost. I hope that won't be my fault, eek. Let's be honest, campus kinda feels like a foreign city if you're not familiar with it.

I know, I know. Wow, get over it Penny. You're giving your blog fans ulcers just listening to you.

I could definitely use some prayers this week. Lots of things are happening in addition to the field trip.

"Trust in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart."

I'm trusting you Lord. Lead me.....PLEASE! Be patient with me Lord. I need lots of directions and prompting. P.S. I'm glad You're in control because I have no idea what I'm doing or where I'm headed sometime. I'm thankful You do!