The Life of ADB

Another Eventful Memorial Day...

2009-05-29T17:58:00.004-05:00

On Memorial Day, I headed back to the lake with some friends. Not to worry, I didn't tube or ski due to the fact that I still have my "pretty" boot on, but I did take my boot off so I wouldn't get a boot tan line and I relaxed and soaked up some rays =) We had a great day at the lake and almost made the day accident free...wellll that is until the very end. It just seems like my group of friends and going to the lake on this day...welll just doesn't work out! Remember last year at this very exact time my group of friends headed to the lake only to get pulled over by a cop for riding in the back of the boat to the lake and not to mention the incident of us breaking the side glass window of the boat when it slammed against the dock! Well, this year is no different...we have another story. Everyone had tubed except me(really stinks that I still have this boot on...I so love the lake and tubing) and now it was Jonathan's turn so Jessica took over driving the boat. We were all having a fun time watching Jessica throw Jonathan around on the tube when out of nowhere can this "invisible" tree stump and our boat went air born for a while!!!! We were all okay but the boat got broke so that ended our day and we had to call to be rescued!!!
our rescuers!!!
playing some frisbee...
Melissa, Kylee, and I...we had a cute pic of the 3 of us last Memorial Day so we had to capture the moment again =)

Jenni, Jessica, and I...this pic was actually the best out of 3 tries!!!

I had another GREAT Memorial Day with friends!!!

Adios, Au, Revior,Chow...Denae!!!

2009-05-24T15:43:00.008-05:00

My friend Denae is headed to Ethiopia this summer to do mission work so I through her a send off party. The party theme was culture international attire. Everyone was to dress in their best culture international attire! the crew
Denae and I...plus Jonathan in the background

Jenni, Denae, Jessica, and I...we all were in the same BSF small group this year.

game time
more game time...we're all about the games!
We will miss you Denae but have a GREAT summer serving the Lord in Africa! I can't wait to hear all about it!!!

Beadazzled!

2009-05-20T16:37:00.005-05:00

Well...as of yesterday afternoon...I'm now sporting the "beadazzled" boot trend. I told my students that when I had about a week left they could decorate my big, black, ugly boot and turn it into a "pretty" boot...that's what they call it now...the "pretty boot"... and didn't they do a great job!!! I've gotten so many compliments already and my teacher friend and twinkie is so jealous that hers is the "ugly boot" and mine is the "pretty boot"! She told me that she was going to out do my new boot look....I guess we will just have to wait and see about that!

I go back to get my foot x-rayed on Friday and do a follow up appointment with the Dr. on Thursday of next week. Please pray that my foot has healed so I can get my "pretty boot" off very soon!!!

My Twinkie...

2009-05-12T17:25:00.004-05:00

That's right folks...this is the newest trend...at least at Westcreek Elementary!! One of my co-workers wants to be just like me...at least that's what she says =)

Her story is actually very similar to mine....the same week we both hurt our foot and we both chose to go ahead and compete the following Sat.(Michelle competed in a Tae Kwon Doe match...way cooler than me just running a 10K), but still the outcome was the same...both stress fractures!! Aren't we cute though =)

Take Me Out to the Ball Park...

2009-05-02T12:36:00.012-05:00

Last night a group of us headed out to the ball park to watch the Rangers take on the White Sox. Even though the Rangers lost 4-3, we still had a fun night watching the game, eating ball park food, hanging out with friends, and watching the fireworks!!!

the fans

Denae and I

these girls are getting their groove on...

The Latest Trend...

2009-05-01T11:25:00.003-05:00

Well...for those of you who don't see me on a regular basis...this is the new "in style" trend! Yes these days I'm sporting a big, black, ugly boot!!! It really is the latest trend =)

Now, here comes the full story: friends please learn from my mistake so this DOESN'T happen to you!!! I hurt my foot a week before the Zoo Run(a run that I've always wanted to do since moving to Ft. Worth). So I stayed off my foot for the rest of the week and it was feeling a bit better(the smart decision); however, on Sat. April 18th, I decided to take 3 Aleves and run 6.4 miles on my already hurt foot(not a smart decision). The result is I have a stress fracture and have to wear this boot for 3 weeks!!! Now, some of you are probably asking yourselves why in the world would I have run on an already hurt foot and finished the race when I was in pain while running? Hmmm.....I have been asking myself those very same questions...the only answers that I have come up with are that I'm very competitive and not so smart!!

Oink, Oink, Oink...

2009-04-30T23:57:00.002-05:00

NO SCHOOL FOR MY UNTIL MAY 11TH...WAHOOOO!!! FWISD closed the district due to the Swine Flu....so far only 4 cases have been reported. I'm keeping my fingers crossed in hopes that we won't have to make this up and still be in school come mid June! Maybe with all my free time I can update my blog....hmmm....I guess we will just have to wait to see if that happens!

Headed to Baton Rouge!!!!

2009-03-16T23:47:00.003-05:00

Sooooooooooo very sorry that I haven't updated on the life of adb!!!!!

Just wanted to let you faithful followers(if I still have any), that have so patiently been waiting for an update, know that I'm on Spring Break and I'm headed to Baton Rouge to spend some time with one of my bf Elizabeth and her 2 girls Carly and Bree. I'M SUPER EXCITED!!!! Hopefully, once I get back on Friday, then I will have some time to update my blog, but if you want to see all our FUN adventures while in Baton Rouge check out The Fischpond!

It's Official...It's a Snow Day...or maybe better said an Ice Day!!!

2009-01-27T22:43:00.008-06:00

NO SCHOOL FOR ME TOMORROW!!! I can't believe that FWISD already announced the closing of school for tmrw. That never happens! Hmmm....I wonder what I'm going to do on my day off...sleep in, go to the gym for a work out(I'm training to run a 10k for the Cowtown), maybe cook dinner. Mostly, I think that I'll just RELAX AND ENJOY IT!!!

Preteen WAVE Retreat

2009-01-21T20:41:00.007-06:00

Friends and family,

Please begin praying for the Preteen WAVE Retreat. The Retreat is this Friday(23) and Saturday(24) at Mount Lebanon. Travis is taking around 26 boys and girls that are in grades 4th-6th. There will be 273 preteens, 18 churches, and 70 adults in attendance. This retreat is to teach our kiddos how to be disciples in Christ. Also, please pray for me as I will be teaching 3 breakout sessions: 1)What Does It Mean to Be a Disciple of Christ? 2)Understand the Spiritual Battle 3)Unwrapping Your Spiritual Gift or Gifts.

Please lift up the following in prayer:
For wisdom as a finalize the messages for WAVE Worship.
For David Gentiles our camp worship leader as he prays about how the Lord will lead him.
For the leadership who will be leading breakout throughout WAVE. For the filling of the Holy Spirit and for wisdom to discern the His leadership as they teach.
For the 10/40 Journey of Prayer that the Lord would touch all of our hearts with a passion to reach the world.
For the Saturday evening cross service as we call preteen to surrender their lives to God and His mission for their lives.
Please pray that we would have good weather for the weekend.
And most of all that the name of Jesus Christ would be glorified amongst us.

I can't wait to see what God has in store for this weekend!!! Thanks for your prayers!!!

SIMON IS 1 TODAY!!!

2009-01-21T07:06:00.004-06:00

HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY SI!!! YOU ARE GETTING SO BIG! BEEDA LOVES YOU SO MUCH!!!

HUGS AND KISSES!!!

It's been a happening year!

2009-01-18T22:39:00.010-06:00

So here's what's been happening in 09:

Pool Sharks: Fun times playing pool with good friends!

Ames, Simon, and I went to the Rodeo Parade downtown.
This was one of the longest parades ever...so many cowboys and bands! Simon loved it and was so good!!

isn't she so cute...

Dinosaur Valley Hiking:(pics are out of order-sorry)
After hiking all day we headed to eat some really good BBQ at Hammonds...they also have really good cobbler-yummy!!!

1...2...3...JUMP!!!

we're so crazy...we all gave into peer pressure and jumped into the river...brr it was FREEZING!!!

i love this pic...so peaceful

a little helping hand from a friend

don't i look terrified...we were hanging off the cliff...well actually i was sitting on top of a rock and Nicole and Melissa were so close to the edge!

so beautiful!

the hiking crew
Blades of Glory: fun times ice skating at the Park's Mall!Well friends...you should be so proud...I believe that my blog is up to date and that makes 2 new posts for me in 2 days-wahoo!!

Finally....the moment...that so many of you have been waiting patiently for: AN UPDATE!!!

2009-01-17T15:53:00.027-06:00

Sorry that it's taken me so long to update...no I haven't fallen off the face of the Earth...my life has just been CRAZY, BUSY and it's been hard for me to find the time and when I do have time I'm so tired that I haven't wanted to set at my computer waiting on pics to download! Actually, if you want to know the truth...I've become addicted to fb!!! Friends it's so true...I waste many hours a night on fb...I told Rach that she is going to have to take my computer away from me! Anyways, I'll do my best to give you a quick summary of what went on in my life in the month of December...so here goes

All 26 of us bringing in the new year: HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Ames, Simon, and I(I love this pic of the 3 of us!)

Matt and Jonathan getting a little bit of Wii action!

Games...we're all about the games!!!

Getting my Simon fix: I got to babysit Si on New Years Eve day. We had the best time! Isn't he the cutest baby boy EVER!! Beeda loves you so much!!!

Also,while I was in OK I got to spend some quality time with Terri and Abbigail! I loved feeding Abbigail her lunch and getting carrots all over the place!!

Abbigail opening her Curious George Christmas gift! I think the monkey was a HUGE success this year with Carly, Simon, and Abbigail!! Beeda loves you guys!!!

The day after Christmas I drove to Edmond OK to see one of my bf's from college. She was home visiting family. John, Ashlee, and Kaylee live in Japan. It's was so much fun to spend some time with them!!!

Kaylee swinging around outside...isn't she adorable!!

Christmas visiting my family in OK: I went to church with Ryan and Charity. I really enjoyed going to church with them and here is a pic of Charity and I in front of the Christmas tree(it was decorated up with purple...I want a purple tree someday!).

The crew: Zachary, Emily, Dylon, Allisia, and Cameron. We had a house full of little cousins running around!

I scored a GPS navigation system...way to go mom and dad!!!

My mom scored some more bears to add to her collection.

Ryan and Charity scored really nice coats and my dad got this awesome sign that reads Brent's Train Station(he loved it!).

Christmas with the girls: Yates, Kyna, and I(we missed you Ames and Mels)

Our Christmas Program...and yes it was as CRAZY as ever!!!

My little bunch of Santa Claus rockers!
Christmas in Granbury: Melissa and I walked the park looking at all the beautiful lights!

Mavs game with Yates: it's a tradition: she always gets me a ticket to the game for my b-day!

So friends...there you have it...a summary of what went on in the life of ADB in December! I hope that it was worth the wait!!! I'll try my best to get a new post summarizing what's been going on in the new year.

A TIME OF THANKSGIVING!

2008-11-28T16:18:00.007-06:00

Day 18: TODAY I AM SO THANKFUL FOR THANKSGIVING AND BEING SURROUNDED BY FAMILY AND LOTS OF GOOD FOOD...AND FOOTBALL-GO COWBOYS!!!

Day 17: Today I am so THANKFUL FOR THE TIME I HAD WITH MY WONDERFUL FAMILY ON VACATION IN BROKEN BOW!

Day 16: Today I am so THANKFUL TO BE SURROUNDED BY GOD'S BEAUTIFUL CREATION: NATURE! It is breath taking here!!

Day 15: Today I am so THANKFUL FOR A TIME OF REST AND RELAXATION ! I am on vacation with my family in Broken Bow. It is so relaxing and peaceful here and I'm getting caught up on my rest.

Day 14: Today I am so THANKFUL to God for creating me and bringing me into the world on November 23. Today I'm celebrating 30 years of life! WOW!!! A BIG THANKS GOES OUT TO MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS FOR MAKING MY B-DAY SO SPECIAL!!!

11, 12, & 13...

2008-11-22T11:18:00.008-06:00

Day 13: TODAY I AM SO THANKFUL THAT I AM HEADED TO OK TO SPEND SOME QUALITY TIME WITH MY FAMILY. Tomorrow we are headed to Broken Bow, OK for a family vacation. We are renting a cabin along the lake. I can't wait to RELAX and enjoy nature!!

Day 12: Part One: One of my bf's Yates(2nd grade teacher I work with)surprised me Friday morning at school with a sign on my door, flowers, a sack full of my favorite candies, a bear, and a b-day balloon! I AM SO THANKFUL FOR OUR FRIENDSHIP AND HOW YOU MADE ME FEEL SO SPECIAL!!!
Day 12: Part Two: TODAY I AM SO THANKFUL FOR MY LITTLE TRIBE OF INDIANS AND THANKSGIVING BREAK(I get a week off)!Bailey Tribe

Day 11: TODAY I AM SO THANKFUL FOR FELLOWSHIP WITH OTHER BELIEVERS!Thursday night Rach and I had a LG(Life Group reunion)Thanksgiving dinner.

Days 9 and 10

2008-11-19T20:12:00.006-06:00

Day 10: TODAY I AM SO THANKFUL FOR GOD'S LOVE!!!

Day 9: I AM SO THANKFUL FOR ONE OF MY BF'S AND HOW SHE HAS MADE MY 30TH BIRTHDAY SPECIAL!!!

Look at ALL my gifts...I can't wait to open each one!!!

One of my bf's Ames surprised me Monday morning before work with a small gift and card and yesterday she brought me breakfast before work(a tradition that's been going on for years). She also brought me a bag full of gifts and cards-one for each day until Sunday-my 30th b-day. This has given me something to look forward to everyday when I wake up-SO FUN AND THOUGHTFUL!! Thanks Ames for making this week SPECIAL for me! I love you and God has blessed me so much with our friendship!!!

BEST FRIENDS FOREVER!!!

Bee Thankful!

2008-11-17T20:00:00.003-06:00

Today I am so thankful: I AM THANKFUL THAT I'M NOT ALLERGIC TO BEE STINGS!

So here's the story: I was on recess duty today minding my own business, watching the kiddos, and talking with another teacher. Then, along comes this bee and it is swarming around the side of my head near my sunglasses. I shoe-d it away with my hand. I thought that the bee had totally gone away because I no longer saw it. Well, about 2 seconds later I FELT THIS HORRIBLE STING! The sneaky little bee totally crawled into my hair and stung me behind my ear-OUCH!! I had to go see nurse Nelms and she took very good care of me. The bee's stinger was still in my ear and she had to remove it. She asked me if I wanted to keep it, but I said NO and laughed. I'm so thankful that it just stung for about an hour and that the whole side of my face didn't swell up or my ear fall off =) Poor little bee...no more buzzing around for him!!

FYI if you ever get stung by a bee put a penny on it...it takes the sting away...it really works!

Days 6 and 7

2008-11-16T20:20:00.007-06:00

Day 7: Today I am so thankful for THE BOYS AND GIRLS THAT MAKE UP THE L.I.T. PROGRAM AT TRAVIS! This morning we had our first Kidz Jam and it went AWESOME!! It's so cool to see God using 5th and 6th graders to minister to other kids!! More pics to come.

Day 6: I AM SO THANKFUL FOR THE WONDERFUL FRIENDS GOD HAS BLESSED ME WITH!!!

Last night my roommate Rach through me an early 30th b-day roller skating party. It was sooo much fun! Growing up this was a favorite hang out-to go to Roller Express! I even won the limbo and red light green light-yes I've still got it(not bad for an almost 30 yr. old)! More pics to come.

Day 5 Update

2008-11-15T11:21:00.003-06:00

I am so thankful for:

THE AMAZING 6TH GRADE GIRLS THAT ARE APART OF MY LIFE!

Last night I was invited to the 6th grade girls slumber party at Ashley's house. I've gotten to know these amazing girls through the L.I.T.(Leaders In Training)program at church. It is TRULY AMAZING to see how God is at work in their lives and how they are growing in their walk with the Lord!

OBEDIENCE

2008-11-15T09:11:00.005-06:00

E-this post is for you since you asked me(no told me)to explain it! So here goes, this is me being totally honest with a few of my closest friends and some strangers who visit from time to time. My hope is that God will use my words to speak to you in whatever circumstances you might be facing.

THE LIFE OF OBEDIENCE LEADS TO AN ABUNDANT LIFE!

Here's the part where I'm going to try and do my best to explain so bear with me. The past couple of weeks, no months, have been STRESSFUL and very CRAZY for me. School is very stressful for me this year because I'm having to teach a K-1 bridge class(I have kindergartens along with 5 first graders), which means I'm trying my best to teach two curriculums to my wonderful, hardworking, students. These days I'm lucky if I leave the school by 5 or 5:30, which makes for a very long day. Another part of my life that has been stressful is in my personal life. One of my hearts deepest desires is to be a wife and mother. I really thought that I had surrendered this area of singleness over to the Lord a long time ago and I felt pretty content with where God had me, but over the last month God has opened my eyes to the fact that I keep taking my singleness back. I've let the thought of marriage and motherhood become an idol in my life. Thinking that being a wife and a mommy will make my life complete and whole, fulfilling God's purpose for my life and that is a sin.

This year in BSF(Bible Study Fellowship) we are studying the life of Moses. This has been an AMAZING study and God has really used this study to challenge me and grow my faith. A couple of weeks ago, God brought it to my attention how much I was complaining about where he has me in my own life. I've been studying about how God brought the Israelites out of slavery and out from under the hand of Pharaoh, protected them from the plagues, and provided manna and quail for them in the desert yet the Israelites doubted God's plan and complained every step along the way. God opened my eyes and made me realize that that's exactly what I had been doing in my own life. I have been complaining about where he has me and doubting that his plan is the best plan for my life. I was complaining about my job and the fact that I don't even have a boyfriend and how I'm getting ready to turn the BIG 30 in about a week and how in my perfect plan for my life I should already me married and have at least one kiddo by now. Recently, God has brought me to a point where I'm so tired about complaining about where he has me. My hearts desire is to put my trust in him and surrender EVERY area of my life to him and TRUST in his perfect plan for my life. The last couple of weeks God has given me 2 verses to meditate on and they have brought me so much peace, comfort, and encouragement.

"Be still, and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10
I need to be quiet on the inside even when circumstances around me are crazy. I can do this because of who God is. He is the mighty God who's in control of everything.

"Be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee." Hebrews 13:5
I don't need to compare what I have to what others have. I need to be satisfied and happy with what God has given me. I need to remember that God will never leave me and that is better than anything else I could have.

The hard part has been applying these verses to my life. The past couple of weeks have been some of the sweetest times before the Lord, but also some of the hardest times. I'm really trying to surrender my job to the Lord and remember my passion for teaching and working with kids. I'm also trying to surrender my singleness to God. I'm praying that I will truly see my time of singleness as a blessing and a time in which God is preparing me for something greater. My hearts desire is to be content and know that the greatest thing I could ever have I already have and that is Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior! So for me, I'm trying to be obedient to what God is calling me to do right now and that includes being devoted to him with all my heart and soul, to family and friends, being the best teacher I can be, and serving him through the ministries he has placed upon my heart for me to be a part of. Being obedient to God with these things will bring me love, peace, and joy and that is what the abundant life is all about!!!

E- I bet you didn't know that I was going to write a book to explain my thankfulness =)

THANKS GOD!!!

2008-11-13T22:11:00.004-06:00

Today I am thankful that:

OBEDIENCE TO GOD LEADS TO AN ABUNDANT LIFE!!!

So Thankful...

2008-11-12T19:00:00.003-06:00

GOOD NEWS CLUB
So here's my update on days 2 and 3 of being THANKFUL:

I'M SO THANKFUL FOR ALL THE SEEDS THAT ARE BEING PLANTED THROUGH THE GOOD NEWS CLUB AT MY SCHOOL!

We average around 45 students on Tuesday afternoons after school. For those of you who don't know what the Good News Club is it's an hour that includes praise and worship songs, a memory verse, a Bible story time and a review game. The kids love coming and God is REALLY at work!! So far 5 kids have accepted Jesus as their Savior and we had about 16 kids come forward yesterday that we will talk with next week. Please pray that God will be at work in their hearts this week.

Today, I AM THANKFUL FOR MY NIGHT AT HOME: TO RELAX AND GET CAUGHT UP! Some alone time=)

I'M SO THANKFUL...

2008-11-10T20:39:00.004-06:00

So I'm stealing this idea from my WONDERFUL and AMAZING friend Elizabeth. She is doing a Thankful Tree to help her remember what Thanksgiving is all about and to teach her little ones. Every day until Thanksgiving she is going to add a leaf and something she is thankful for on her tree. I don't have any little ones at home, but I just might take this idea to my classroom at school as well. Yes, that is EXACTLY what Ms. Bailey is going to do-YAY I can't wait!! E- I have no idea how to make the cute tree and add a leaf everyday, so can you PLEASE HELP ME OUT!
Until I learn how to make the cute tree and leaf words will have to do:

I AM SO THANKFUL FOR MY WONDERFUL BUNCH OF KIDDOS WHO WORK SO HARD AT SCHOOL!!!

Here is a pic of my class at the Pumpkin Patch this year!

Halloween Hangout!

2008-11-07T20:08:00.007-06:00

Halloween night Rach and I through a Halloween Hangout. It was tons of fun!!! It was so much fun seeing all of our friends dress up in costumes and my favorite part was when the door bell rang seeing the kids react to our costumes as we passed out candy! Here are some of my favorite pics.

The show down begins...Pocahontas(me)with her bow and arrow takes on the cowboy(Melissa)with her gun...I wonder who will win that one? Two of the cutest bugs EVER...ladybug(Nicole)and bumble bee(Ann). The human cheeseburger(Kevin)from Burger King. Here we have our very own Phelps(Jonathan) and a triathlon runner(Clint). The costumes were great! The food, games, and fellowship were great! What a great way to celebrate Halloween-having a hangout with some of my favorite peeps!!

Yates' Annual Pumpkin Carving Party!

2008-10-27T21:08:00.006-05:00

This past weekend on Saturday night Yates through her Annual Pumpkin Carving Party! We have been getting together for the past 4 years now to carve pumpkins. We started out as a group of 5, but gradually we have dwindled down to just the 3 of us. Ames and Mels we missed you!!

WATCH OUT! Kyna is using Yates' power tool

to do some carving. Surprisingly, no blood was shed...only pumpkin juice and pieces flying in the air!

Yates, me, and Kyna...Ames and Mels we set out pumpkins for our missing friends.
I had such a great time hanging with the girls! Looking forward to it next year...let's see...hum...I wonder who will be around next year?

Camping and Hiking in OK!

2008-10-26T15:12:00.013-05:00

me, dad, mom, and Melissa

Two weekends ago a group of my friends(about 15) headed to OK to camp at my parent's place and then we headed to the Wichita Mountains to do some hiking. The guys put up their tents on the hillside along with a few girls that wanted to take in the whole camping experience. I bet you can guess where I slept...yes, of course I slept in the house along with a few other girls. My mom took good care of us and cooked us some amazing meals over the weekend. On Saturday we headed to the mountains to do some hiking. It was truly amazing to be out in God's creation! What's the difference between a buffalo and a bison? We saw this buffalo up close...well Kevin and Erik went really close to get this great pic. The crew at the top of a mountain that we hiked up. Rach and I...isn't the view of the river AMAZING! Melissa jumping off a 15 foot cliff into the river. The water was freezing! I gave into peer pressure and jumped, too. I jumped from the baby cliff(8 feet high). Crazy, I know!! We visited the Holy City. We ate at Meers before we headed back to Duncan. The best hamburgers and peach cobbler around! It was a truly amazing weekend! We got to my parent's place around 10 on Friday night and set up tents and set around the campfire. Saturday morning my mom fixed us a big breakfast of biscuits and gravy before we headed out to hike. After Meers we had smores by the campfire. Sunday morning my mom fixed pancakes and bacon for breakfast and we had some praise and worship time outside by the campfire. We threw the frisbee around outside and played washers until lunch. For lunch my mom made company casserole, salad, and for dessert banana pudding(my favorite). We spent the afternoon watching the Cowboys game(really wasn't worth watching bc they forgot to show up). Later that afternoon we headed back to Fort Worth. I had so much fun with my friends and it was really great to spend some time with my family and they always like meeting my friends. Thanks mom and dad for hosting and taking such good care of us!!!

Fajitas Anyone?

2008-10-12T14:55:00.003-05:00

Today after church I met Amber(college roommate and bf)and Josh(her hubby) for lunch at Papasitos. They came down on Friday and went to the OU vs. Texas game yesterday. We won't talk about the upset though! We had a great time at lunch today catching up and eating some yummy fajitas! Fajitas is one thing I remember about Amber. Her love for Mexican food and fajitas. We always would split an order in college and nothing has changed about that, we did the same today, even though now she has a husband(he wanted his own order). Guess some things will never change like our wonderful friendship!!

Brunch with Glo and Ella!

2008-10-11T17:50:00.004-05:00

This morning, I met Glo and Ella at Mimi's Cafe for brunch. This is one of my favorite spots to do brunch. It was so great to catch up on life with you Glo and meet your precious Ella! Ella is such a good baby. She slept most of the time, but I had plenty of snuggling and loving time and I even got to feed and burp her =) Can't wait to do it again!!!The proud mommy!

Sweet, precious Ella!

HAPPY EARLY 3OTH KYNA!!!

2008-10-11T17:37:00.003-05:00

Friday night, Steve(Kyna's husband)through Kyna a SURPRISE 30TH BIRTHDAY PARTY! It was an early b-day celebration. Her b-day isn't until Monday. It was so much fun! HAPPY EARLY 30TH BIRTHDAY KYNA!!! Here's a pic of Zoey(Kyna's dog) celebrating.Kyna and I Mindy, me, Kyna, and Yates

Volley Up!

2008-10-11T17:14:00.004-05:00

First of all, I'm so sorry that it has been so long since my last post! My life has been SUPER CRAZY!! School has been stressful and two weeks ago I was sick, but thankfully I'm feeling much better. So I'll give you the quick version of what's been going on in the life of ADB. This past Tuesday, I went to watch Rachel(one of my old L.I.T. girls)play some volleyball. It was so much fun! She played great and her team won 2 out of 3 games. It was fun to see a side(serious and competitive)of her that I had not seen. She is such a great player! After the game, I headed to have diner at the Williams' household. It was great to have a family dinner(they are one of my TX families). I feel truly blessed to have them in my life! Thanks for dinner and letting me hang out at your casa!! Here's a pic of me, Rach, and Emily(her older sister). Rach is center in green.

Please Pray for the Fischer's and the rest of Louisiana!

2008-09-01T15:00:00.002-05:00

Watching the news isn't a good idea if you have a friend that lives in Louisiana. I got really worried about Elizabeth and her family when the news guy said that they were worried because they hadn't declared an emergency evacuation for Baton Rouge. WHAT!!! That's when I decided to give her a call to check on them. I got in touch with her and she said that they were safe and have been without electricity for the past couple of hours. She is worried about her fence blowing away(yes, the fence that they had all the trouble getting put up the right way)and their house flooding. Please keep Elizabeth, Paul, Carly, and Bree in your prayers along with the rest of Louisiana!

A DAY OF REST...FROM MY LABOR!

2008-09-01T13:39:00.004-05:00

I googled Labor Day and this is what I found:

Labor Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the first Monday in September. The holiday originated in 1882 as the Central Labor Union (of New York City) sought to create "a day off for the working citizens".
Congress made Labor Day a federal holiday in 1894.[1] All fifty states have made Labor Day a state holiday.
Traditionally, Labor Day is celebrated by most Americans as the symbolic end of the summer.
Labor Day has been celebrated on the first Monday in September in the United States since the 1880s.[2] The form for the celebration of Labor Day was outlined in the first proposal of the holiday—a street parade to exhibit to the public "the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations," followed by a festival for the workers and their families. This became the pattern for Labor Day celebrations. Speeches by prominent men and women were introduced later, as more emphasis was placed upon the economic and civil significance of the holiday. Still later, by a resolution of the American Federation of Labor convention of 1909, the Sunday preceding Labor Day was adopted as Labor Sunday and dedicated to the spiritual and educational aspects of the labor movement.

Mi casa...a nice man came and put up our flag in celebration of Labor Day. Almost every house on our street has flags up. I love driving down the street and looking at all the flags!

I'm so thankful for my day of rest. I started my day off by sleeping in(8a.m. this is sleeping in for me, since school has started I've been getting up at 6a.m.). Then, I headed to the gym to get a work out in(along with everyone else who lives in Ft. Worth-the gym was packed out). Now, I'm getting ready to work on some school stuff(the work of a teacher is NEVER ending)for this week. Hope that you all enjoy your LABOR DAY HOLIDAY!!!

I SURVIVED...JUST KEEP SWIMMING!!!

2008-08-29T21:05:00.014-05:00

I survived my first week back at school!!! This week has seemed like one of the longest weeks OF MY LIFE!!! to Miss Bailey's Class! This is how my furniture looked(all in a big pile)before I set up my classroom.

This is the wall outside my classroom where I will display my student's best work(the monkeys have clips on them). Thanks E for the cute motto!My classroom ready for FUN AND LEARNING!

The home living center...I added a palm tree this year and the kids love it! This is the word wall where I will post high-frequency words for my students to use in their writing.
This is where I post class news...it is empty now, but just wait as the year goes on.
My motto for this school year is JUST KEEP SWIMMING!!! Thanks Ames for the motto and reminding me about one of our favorite movies=) JUST KEEP SWIMMING, SWIMMING, SWIMMING is what I'm going to be singing to myself A LOT until Sept. 8th roles around. I have 26 five year olds in my room and will until the early childhood department makes a decision about what to do with ALL THOSE KIDDOS! I have a great group of kids this year, but 26 is too many for one classroom and one teacher(who do they think I am- SUPER TEACHER)!
I thought this year might be different from years in the past and I prayed to have a "normal" classroom(whatever that means). Last year I had an autistic child in my room and this year I have a child with Lyme Disease(mostly affects him mentally). He seems to be a smart little boy, but he has a lot of anger issues and doesn't like to be disciplined and is a runner. Please pray for me. I'm really not sure how to discipline him. I need to do some research to understand his disease so I can have a balance and know the difference between his disease and him just being disobedient. I know that he will be my CHALLENGE for this year. Even though this student makes my job harder, I'm sure that God will use this to make me a better teacher and person. I feel truly blessed to have a job that I LOVE and I see my job as a ministry!!! I LOVE WORKING WITH KIDS!!! I can't believe that another school year(this makes #7) has begun! Thank goodness for a holiday on Monday!!

HAPPY 28TH BIRTHDAY SIS!!!

2008-08-17T23:11:00.005-05:00

My little sister turns 28 tomorrow(18th). Charity, I hope that you have a VERY SPECIAL DAY! I love you!!!

My little vacation to San Francisco and Napa

2008-08-12T20:48:00.015-05:00

A couple of weeks ago I took a little vacation to visit my dearest friend Mindy in Napa. Apryl and I flew into San Francisco and spent the day there at Pier 39. We did a little shopping, eating, and site seeing before we headed to Napa.

Pier 39 with Alcatraz in the distance

Apryl and I on the "little tugboat" that took us on a tour of the bay
sea lions basking in the sun...what a life San Francisco is so beautiful, there's a ton of site seeing, and the weather is on the cool side. I really enjoyed my time there.
From there we headed to Napa to stay the weekend with Mindy. Napa is breath taking with all it's vineyards. I love the wine country!

just look at those grapes the Domanine Carneros Estate...looks like a castle and is so beautiful...we did a wine tasting tour here our cute little dinner on the patio Chef Mindy...we got to watch her do a demo lesson at the university...it was AWESOME to see her in action! Mindy, Apryl, and I at the Greystone Restaurant at CIA(Culinary Institute of America)...what a dinner!
Point Reyes lighthouse...we hiked 300 stairs to see fog! the view from the lighthouse...it was a foggy day=( driving on the Golden Gate Bridge...so AWESOME!

We had a fun trip and it was so great to catch up on life with Mindy. It was neat to see what her every day life is like and to see her being the GREAT Chef that I always knew she would be! We laughed a lot which is always the best medicine!! I love CA!!

MEET BREE!!!

2008-08-12T20:21:00.005-05:00

I love this pic of Carly holding Bree and mommy holding both of her girls!

Check out the pond for more pics and the full story. I think that she is so precious and can't wait to visit! Congrats!!! Beeda loves you!

Congrats Glo and Daniel!

2008-08-12T19:47:00.005-05:00

New babies are in the air. My friend Glo had her baby girl today. Congrats!!!

Eleanor Grace Cooley was born Aug. 12 at 4:21pm. She weighs 6 lbs 10 oz and is 19 inches long. Mom and baby are doing fine.

Welcome baby Gabrielle Rose...Bree!!!

2008-08-10T23:15:00.002-05:00

Gabrielle (BREE!) was born tonight, Louisiana time at 8:30 pm and weighed 8lbs 12.3 oz and measured 20 1/2 inches long. Liz is doing GREAT, and only had to push with 3 contractions! After delivery she was put right on Liz's chest, and when Paul spoke, she instantly looked for him. A Daddy's girl already, for sure!
The family that is watching Carly has been amazing. They took her today out to Sushi, a park, and even the movies. Tonight she is even sleeping over, in their indoor/outdoor boat! Carly is very excited to meet her new baby sister tomorrow morning!

Beeda can't wait to see pics of Bree! I will post a pic as soon as Elizabeth post one for me to copy. Congrats Elizabeth, Paul, and big sister Carly!!!

p.s. i couldn't wait to post this EXCITING NEWS! i promise i will post pics of my trips soon, but i am trying to get some much needed rest and watching the olympics isn't helping me on updating my blog. Go TEAM USA!!!

Headed out again...

2008-08-05T23:04:00.003-05:00

I got back from vacation around 2:30 a.m. and slept most of the day. I had a blast in San Francisco and Napa and had so much fun catching up on life with Mindy! Ames we laughed A LOT and missed you(E- I missed you, too)!! I had a very restful day, but bright and early in the morning(7:30)I'm headed out again, this time to Glenrose, TX. We are taking our L.I.T. boys and girls to Happy Hill Farm to do mission work. We will be back Sat. afternoon. Please lift us up in prayer! I promise to post pics from my vacation and the mission trip when I get back. This is my last trip of the summer(crazy and busy) before school starts...so my life should slow down then...yeah right!

On Vacation!!!

2008-07-31T22:52:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow morning at 5 a.m.(too early) I'm headed to the airport. My friend Apryl and I are flying into San Francisco to spend the day site seeing. Later that night we will drive to Napa to visit my dear friend Mindy. We will spend Sat. and Sun. in Napa with Mindy and then head back to the city for more site seeing on Monday. I'm really EXCITED to be going on a vacation that doesn't include a million little kiddos running around me! It will be great to catch up on life with Mindy and to have some adult friend time. I will post pics of my trip when I get back. Adios amigos!

HANGIN' WITH THE GIRLS!

2008-07-30T22:13:00.009-05:00

Sorry that it's been a while since my last post. I've used the last week and a half to reflect on all the trips I've been a part of and to let God speak to me. God has shown me so many things and spoken to me in many different ways.

Yesterday afternoon I got to have a girly afternoon and hang out with some of my favorite girls. We started the afternoon at my favorite nail place-Kristy's Nails-where we got pedi's. Lucy and the ladies took good care of us! "You want design. I make flower for you." The girls got a cute flower, but I chose no design(saving it for another "special" day). After our toes looked beautiful we headed to the mall to hang out and do a little shopping. I had such a great afternoon hanging out with the girls. I feel so blessed to have these girls in my life!

Amy, Rachel, and Emily getting pedi's.
Claire and I getting pedi's.

We thought this pic was cute and funny-our heads are all squished together!

The girls being goofy and sporting some BIG AND FUN sunglasses-too cute!

SHINE, SEE, GLORIFY!!!

2008-07-22T14:13:00.010-05:00

"Let your light SHINE before men in such a way that they might SEE your good works, and GLORIFY your Father who is in heaven." Matt. 5:16

This was the verse on the back of our L.I.T. shirts and is the core verse behind the L.I.T. program. This is exactly what happened this past week when Travis and Wedgewood combined to do mission work in San Marcos, TX. God showed up BIG time and was GLORIFIED!!! Our 4th, 5th, and 6th grade boys and girls lead other children to Christ. It was truly AMAZING!! We had 9 different sites that we were doing VBS work at. A couple of days before we left for the trip God really opened a door for us to be able to go into the Boys and Girls Club. At this site alone there were around 70 kids. This is the site were my team along with 2 other teams worked. These boys and girls were so hungry to have what our boys and girls had and to know more about Christ. It was SO AMAZING to see God at work in this place and to see lots of kids come to know him as their Lord and Savior! At the different sites our boys and girls were in charge of everything. They lead praise and worship, memory verse station, Bible Study, games, crafts, and were counselors. It was so AMAZING to see God use 4th, 5th, and 6th graders to reach other children! Over the entire week around 91 kiddos came to know Christ as their Lord and Savior through ministering at the different sites-GOD WAS GLORIFIED BIG TIME!!! I am so PROUD of our boys and girls and how they let Christ use them this past week! In my own life these boys and girls really challenge me to do the same.

These were some kiddos that I became really close to.
Tasiyan and I...I could never get enough of her!

Amanda and I...we had an instant connection because of our names. She had so many questions about God. I talked with her on Tuesday and she wasn't ready yet. Her first question to me was "How can God be real when he didn't answer my prayer for my mom to call me?" She lives with her aunt and uncle because her mom is wanted in 2 different states. This broke my heart! We talked a really long time that day and I told her that I would pray for her before I went to bed and first thing when I woke. The next day as soon as we got there she runs up to me and says that she is ready! Amanda asked the Lord to be her personal Lord and Savior-Praise God!!!
Kaitlyn and I...we started praying for her on day one because she had such a sad face. By Friday she accepted the Lord as her Savior! God is good!!

If you think about it say a special prayer for all the boys and girls of San Marcos who are baby Christians. Pray for their spiritual growth!

Headed out again...this time to San Marcos!

2008-07-12T11:00:00.003-05:00

Well, it was nice to be back home for like a day and sleep in my own bed, but now I'm off for a week to San Marcos, TX. I am going with my church and the L.I.T. program to do mission work. We are hooking up with Wedgewood and taking our 5th and 6th grade boys and girls to do apartment ministry(VBS at different apartment sites). This was a great trip last summer and I'm so EXCITED to see what the Lord has in store this time! Please lift these boys and girls up in prayer!!! If you think about it this week, please say an extra prayer for me as well. I have been on the go like a crazy woman and it really is starting to catch up with me-I EXHAUSTED, but I know that the Lord will renew my strength daily! I will share pics and stories when I get back. Thanks for praying!!

Fun Times in OK!

2008-07-11T18:24:00.005-05:00

Teri, Abbigail, and I at VBS.

The first part of the week I spent some time in OK with my family and helped my friend Teri with VBS at her church. The week flew by too fast! On Monday I spent the day with my sis at her house. Tuesday my dad, sis, and I headed over to Ardmore to visit with our grandpa(Howard). It was so good to see him again and hopefully he will get to move back to his assisted living in the next couple of days. Please continue to lift him up in prayer! Thanks for all your prayers!! On Wednesday I spent the afternoon with Teri and Abbigail. I had so much fun hanging out with you guys and really loved helping you out in VBS!! I helped Teri with VBS at night time so I had the day to spend with family and friends. I thought that I would have a chance to relax and rest but my life was still pretty crazy busy while I was in OK! Oh well, that's the way I like it!! Thursday I meet my mom and sis for lunch-good times! I really enjoyed my time in OK and I feel truly blessed to have such a wonderful family and friend that I got to spend some time with!

Abbigail is too cute and look at her cute pink skirt and leopard print shoes!

Precious Memories from Guatemala!

2008-07-11T15:36:00.003-05:00

I got back from Guatemala on Sunday and truly wasn't ready to come home yet! Thanks for all your prayers! My first praise is that my flight there was one of the smoothest landings ever(wasn't the case in 04-got really sick)! Second praise is that my team members were some of the coolest ladies ever and we all got along really well and I developed some really great friendships! Third praise is that the conditions of the orphanage have improved greatly! The orphanage in Xela has a new director who has done amazing things there. She has hired all new teachers who are great with the kids(about 90 kiddos)and the orphanage is super clean and the kids have structure and discipline and are under control(unlike my last visit with kids running around crazy and doing what ever they wanted). The orphanage also has a new playground in the back that is really nice and the kids love it! PRAISE THE LORD! GOD IS GOOD! We were at the orphanage Monday through Thursday doing VBS work. We were at the orphanage in the morning from 9:00-12:00 and then in the afternoon from 2:00-4:00. On Thursday night we got to go back to the orphanage for a farewell party from 6:00-7:00. We brought McDonald happy meals and cupcakes for each child and every child wore their new clothes we got them to the party. The kiddos loved it! This was one of my favorite times of the week! It was much easier to leave the orphanage this time(still cried and wasn't really ready to leave)mainly because the children seemed so much happier over all. I miss seeing all the kiddos and especially a few that I got really close to. I got really close to a pair of sisters and their brother: Amelica(4 yrs. old), Amelia(5), and their brother Emmanuel(7). They were so sweet and cute! Also, I got really close to Blanca(9). I so would have taken all four in a heart beat if I was able to(my instant family minus my future husband). These four kiddos plus all the rest will definitely be in my prayers!

After we left the orphanage we headed to Panjachel to do some site seeing and shopping at Lake Atitlan. This was our 4th of July surprise and celebration! We took a boat tour around the lake and stopped at the cities of San Antonio and San Diego(which I thought was kinda amusing). The lake is truly AMAZING! It is surrounded by mountains and volcanoes. God's creation is truly breath taking here!! Here's a funny story: The boat ride was a long one and on the way back I fell asleep only to wake up to what I thought was a huge storm in which I was going to drown!!! We were in a small boat and I woke up to huge waves tossing our little boat from side to side. Little did I know that our boat had stopped to refuel(that's why the waves seemed so HUGE)! I was certain we were in a storm and going to drown! We didn't- praise the Lord- and even made it back before the storm hit! We had our farewell dinner later that night at Porta Hotel Panjachel. This was our last dinner together with all the leaders and interns. They surprised us with USA napkins and signs that said Happy 4th of July. They had planned some fireworks for us but the rain came instead. Fun times!! I am so glad that I had the opportunity to return to Guatemala. The Lord truly blessed my time while I was there and hopefully I will get a chance to return in the near future! Guatemala has a special place in my heart!!!

VBS at Westcreek Elementary...an answered prayer!

2008-07-11T12:55:00.006-05:00

My life has been EXTREMELY CRAZY the past couple of weeks or say month so I feel like I should try my best to catch you up on the life of adb(for those of you who are interested). I taught summer school for 14 days in June and it was truly the best summer school ever! On average I taught 7 kiddos a day and they made huge leaps in their learning-YAY!! The last week of summer school before I left for Guatemala I helped out with Kid Power Camp(like VBS)at my school. This is a HUGE answer to prayer-Praise the Lord! Wedgewood Church has been trying to get into my elementary school for 5 years and this summer my principal finally okayed it. On Monday night we only had 29 kiddos, Tuesday night we had 49, Wednesday night 59, and Thursday night 62 kiddos-the kiddos just kept pouring in-this was a great turn out for our first Kid Power Camp! Best of all 17 kiddos from Westcreek Elementary and the surrounding neighborhood accepted Christ as Lord of their lives-PRAISE THE LORD!!! GOD IS GOOD!!!

Here's a pic of me with one of my students on Camo Night!

Here's a pic of Yates and I...she made me this cool hat to wear for Crazy Hat Night!

I'M BACK...

2008-07-07T13:52:00.004-05:00

I'm back from Guatemala and can't wait to share what the Lord did during my time there! I will post pics and share about my time in Guatemala in a few days. I already miss the kiddos at Xela, but it's good to be back and this week I get to spend some time with my family in OK and help Teri(my bf)do VBS! Thanks for all your prayers!

HEADED TO GUATEMALA!!!

2008-06-28T12:39:00.003-05:00

Today I leave for Guatemala to do VBS at an orphanage. I'm SUPER EXCITED to see what the Lord will do in Guatemala!!! Please pray for safety, team unity, and boldness to share Christ's love with the people of Guatemala! I will get back on July 6th and can't wait to share pics and stories about what the Lord did while I was there! Please pray!!!

HAPPY 40TH BIRTHDAY!!!

2008-06-22T20:34:00.004-05:00

HAPPY 4OTH BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!! Today one of my really good friends, Amy, turned the BIG 40! Last night we celebrated her b-day by throwing her a surprise party at Mimi's Cafe. She really was surprised and had no clue! Amy and I became really close friends about a year ago. I lead a small group Bible study for the L.I.T. program and her daughter is a part of my group of 6th grade girls. God brought us together at the L.I.T Mission Trip last summer and we have been close friends ever since. She is such a godly woman, great mother, and good friend. I feel truly blessed to have her in my life! Happy Birthday Amy! May God bring many blessings your way this year!!!

UPDATE ON MY GRANDPA...

2008-06-22T16:07:00.002-05:00

Several of you have asked for an update on my grandpa...THANKS for all your prayers! Howard has been moved out of the hospital, not due to the fact that he is really any better, just the fact that the hospital really can't do anymore for him. He has been moved to a Skilled Nursing Home. He is still on antibiotics(which has helped to clear some of the fluid in his lungs)and hopefully he can regain some of his strength and muscle. Please continue to lift him up in prayer! Thanks for all your prayers!!

GUATEMALA...THANKS!!!

2008-06-22T15:57:00.004-05:00

Dear Family and Friends,

THANK YOU SO MUCH for your prayer and/or financial support! I leave in 7 days to go on my mission trip to Guatemala. I leave June 28 and return July 6. I am VERY EXCITED about what the Lord has in store for my team, the orphans and caretakers, and myself while in Guatemala!!

Financially, the Lord has answered my prayers in abundance! God is so FAITHFUL! As I prepare for and then participate in this mission trip, I covet prayers. I cannot minister effectively without your prayer support during this time.

Here are my prayer request concerning my involvement with this mission project:
God will continue to prepare and equip me to serve Him, the people of Guatemala, and the members of my team.
God will fill me with a boldness to share His love with the people of Guatemala and the members of my team.
God will prepare the hearts of the children and other people I come in contact with in Guatemala.
Unity for our team.
Safety in travel.
Physical, mental, and emotional strength.
Personal relationships with team members and children.
Spiritual growth
Positive attitudes
Wisdom
That we become vessels of Christ's love for the children to see and understand.
Overall ministry of Buckner Orphan Care International.

THANK YOU so much for all your prayers! I look forward to sharing with you all that the Lord will do in Guatemala!

In Christ,
Amanda

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." James 1:27

Dinner, A Movie, and a Concert!

2008-06-22T15:10:00.011-05:00

This past Thursday night, I went with a group of friends to Stars Under the Stars. Every Thursday night for the next couple of weeks in Sundance Square you can watch a movie under the stars on a warm summer night for FREE! YES, I said for FREE!! It was the perfect night to be outside(once the sun set),there was a nice cool breeze. We got to watch Ghostbusters! I haven't seen this movie in such a long time, but growing up it was a favorite among my sis and I. Who you gonna call!
Apryl, Andrew, and I eating at Cabo Grande before the movie...muy excelente!

Fun times with friends in Sundance Square!

I'm such a dork...we got our pic taken with these guys who were dressed up as Ghostbusters!

This past Friday night, I went with a group of friends, to Concerts in the Garden.
I have been wanting to go and do this ever since I moved to Ft. Worth-it was so worth the wait! The Ft. Worth Symphony and Orchestra performed chart-topping tunes by the Beatles at the Botanic Garden. It was a great night to be outside under the stars as well. They ended the night with an AWESOME grand finale fireworks show!

Picnic+Friends+Concert+Fireworks=Fun Times!

Jennifer,Abigail, Julie, and I...we met at BSF-we were in small group together and have become such great friends!

Wow...the fireworks were AMAZING!

PSALM 18

2008-06-18T22:08:00.003-05:00

As my trip to Guatemala(leave the 28th)gets closer, it seems like the enemy has been attacking me(the past couple of days)in a couple of different areas in my life. It's funny how that works-usually the enemy comes at us the hardest when we are trying to do God's will. I also think that God is trying to teach me something right now(really not sure as to what that is yet)but I'm trying to be still and quiet before Him. Anyway, as I opened up the word this morning God brought me to these verses to meditate on and they brought me such comfort and hope. May they do the same for you!

I love you, O Lord, my strength.

The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.
He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my
stronghold.
I call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise,
and I am saved from my enemies.
vs. 1-3
As for God, his way is perfect;
the word of the Lord is flawless.
He is a shield
for all who take refuge in him.
For who is God besides the Lord?
And who is the Rock except our God?
It is God who arms me with strength
and makes my way perfect.
He makes my feet like the feet of a deer;
he enables me to stand on the heights.
He trains my hands for battle;
my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
You give me your shield of victory,
and your right hand sustains me;
you stoop down to make me great.
You broaden the path beneath me,
so that my ankles do not turn.
vs. 30-36

MY LITTLE ROLLY POLLY!

2008-06-15T20:23:00.005-05:00

While I was in Duncan this weekend I also got to spend some quality time with two of my favorite people...my bf Teri and her precious baby girl Abbigail! My little rolly polly has gotten so big!! Her Beeda thinks that she is the most precious, beautiful little baby girl in the whole world(E-Carly is the cutest toddler and Ames-Simon is the cutest baby boy in the world)! But, here's some EXCITING news-Teri and I created Abbigail this really cute blog page(thanks E for showing me how to do this)! You all should so check out her page(see link on my side bar Teri, Chris,and Abbigail). The only problem is that she has it blocked because she doesn't want any WEIRD people checking out Abbigail, but she so wants all my friends to be able to check it out so if you would like an invite to view her page, please let me know. She has already posted a couple of new posts. I am so PROUD of you Teri and had so much fun with you and Abbigail this weekend! WAY TO GO YOU!!!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY DAD!

2008-06-15T19:12:00.011-05:00

Here's a pic of my dad, sister, and I. Notice we had to take it with the Lionel coin holder(dad's request)!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY DAD! Dad you are the GREATEST!!! Thanks for always being here for me, supporting me in ALL that I do, encouraging me, and loving me with an unconditional love! I love you daddy!!!

We celebrated Father's Day on Saturday night. Charity and Ryan came over for dinner and we ate ribs and brisket and stuffed ourselves until we were miserable-yummo! Once again my sister and Ryan won the BEST Father's Day gift award. They got my dad this really cool Lionel(my dad's a BIG fan of Lionel train-anything)coin holder. You drop your change down this long tube and railroad lights start flashing and it makes a loud train whistle sound. My dad LOVED IT and for the rest of the night every time he walked by it he dropped money into it so he could hear the train whistle(my poor mom). Afterwards we headed to the show to see Indiana Jones. It's okay, but I'm really not a big fan of the Indiana Jones movies. But YAY for you if you are-my dad sure is!
The family with the #1 Father's Day gift: the Lionel coin holder!

Friday night, Charity, Ryan, and I headed to the Simmons Center to play some disc golf. I had so much fun playing with them, but still have NO skills! I did play a little better...I think? ALL THAT MATTERS IS THAT I HAD FUN PLAYING AND I SURE DID!=)
Here' a pic of the three of us...we has so much fun being silly!

Here's a pic of Ryan(my brother-in-law)throwing...look at that form!

Here's a cute pic of my sis kissing Ryan...look at his FACE...hahaha

The sky in "BIG D"...I took this pic as we were leaving and thought that is was COOL!

PROMISES OF GOD!

2008-06-10T15:38:00.003-05:00

As I was in the Word today, God really used these verses to bring hope and encouragement to my soul. May they do the same for you. What great promises!
As is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet:
"A voice of one calling in the desert,
Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for him.
Every valley shall be filled in,
every mountain and hill made low.
The crooked roads shall become straight,
the rough ways smooth.
And all mankind will see God's salvation."
Luke 3:4-6

INTRODUCING MR. AND MRS. ARANDA!

2008-06-09T18:22:00.003-05:00

Yesterday afternoon in Lawton OK at 2:00, my college roommate and bf got MARRIED!!! Amber and I lived together all 4 years of college and are like sisters. The week before Memorial Day Amber calls me and tells me the good news that she's getting married and asks me what my plans look like in August because most likely that's when the wedding will be. Then, the weekend of Memorial Day she calls me and asks me what my plans are for June 8th...WHAT!...yes, she had about 14 days to plan this baby! The wedding was beautiful! It was small and included immediate family, grandparents, bridesmaids(3 of us), and groomsmen(2). It was perfect and really nice because we got to spend tons of time together! This really makes me think long and hard about having a small wedding someday(hopefully soon, Lord). Congrats Josh and Amber! I love you guys! May the Lord bless you as you start this new journey together!

SCHOOL'S OUT FOR THE SUMMER!

2008-06-06T23:29:00.004-05:00

School's out for the summer...EXCEPT for the fact that I'm teaching summer school...but that doesn't really count! I LOVE TEACHING PERIOD, but summer school is my favorite because it's only half a day and I get to work with a smaller number of students, plus the pay is really good. Where can I find a job like that during the regular school year, if you hear of one let me know!

I can't believe that I've completed my sixth year of teaching! Time sure flies bye...it seems like just yesterday I was starting my first year of teaching(thank goodness I survived my first two years). As I reflect on this year, I am so thankful that I had such a wonderful class;however, this year was one of the most challenging years of my teaching profession so far! I was faced with the challenge of having an autistic child in my classroom. I've never had to face this kind of challenge before and boy did Ms. Bailey learn A LOT! I LOVE WORKING WITH CHILDREN and this is one of the many reasons why: my students taught me how to truly love and accept all children. Even on the days I got frustrated with my "little friend", it was my students who showed and taught me how to love him any way. As a class we truly grew to love him and he grew to love us, too! Even though this year was challenging and hard I feel like it has taught me so many things and I believe that I am a better teacher from this experience so I wouldn't trade it for anything! This class and this "little friend" will always hold a special place in my heart!

ANOTHER UPDATE:PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY!

2008-06-01T22:25:00.002-05:00

Here's the most recent update on my grandpa for those of you who are praying-THANKS SO MUCH FOR ALL YOUR PRAYERS! My mom and dad spent the afternoon in Ardmore today and Howard is still doing about the same. He is hooked up to an oxygen machine to help him with his breathing. The doctors say that he will not get any better and are not really sure how much longer he has to live. We are praying for the Lord's perfect timing and are trying to trust in that timing! Our prayers are that God will totally heal him and he can return back to his some what active style of living or that God will take him to a better place-free from all suffering and pain. Howard is a godly man and loves the Lord with all his heart!

From this point on I probably won't update unless something changes. Thanks for all your prayers and please continue to pray for my grandpa, Howard!

PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY:AN UPDATE ON HOWARD!

2008-05-31T21:52:00.002-05:00

I talked with my mom earlier tonight and she said that Howard is the same as yesterday. His daughter Catherine stayed the night at the hospital with him last night and she said that he had a good nights sleep. Please continue to lift Howard and our family up in prayer! Thanks for praying!

PLEASE PRAY!

2008-05-30T23:18:00.003-05:00

Today, my mom called me, to tell me that my grandpa, Howard, has taken a turn for the worse. Yes, my grandpa who just got done celebrating his 95th b-day on Monday. Last night he was taken to the hospital because he was having trouble breathing. This morning he was really bad and the doctors told family that they don't expect him to live very much longer. His lungs are filling up with fluid. I got to the hospital around 8 tonight and he was doing a lot better than earlier today. I got to visit with him tonight, but it's really just a matter of when the Lord wants to take him. We really don't expect him to make it through the night, but he is a spunky old man and a fighter so he may pull through this one. Please pray that Howard goes to be with the Lord peacefully. Our prayers are while he is sleeping. Please pray for my family, as Howard has become a part of our family, as well as his family. He has two daughters and lots of grand kids. His daughter, Elizabeth, just lost her husband to cancer a month ago, so please lift her up in prayer as well. I will keep you updated. Thanks for praying!

What A Memorable Memorial Day!

2008-05-27T22:01:00.009-05:00

Yesterday, I celebrated Memorial Day with some good friends in Granbury. We took the boat out for some fun on the Granbury lake...and from there things got a little crazy! First, I will tell you what I told my mom, "just listen(or read)and laugh at the end of my story because I totally know that I didn't make smart decisions." So here goes I along with two of my friends decided to ride in the back of the boat to the lake. I know...wasn't really thinking...not a smart decision on my part. So as we pulled into the parking lot to unload the boat a cop follows us and turns on his lights. Basically, here's the short version, it's totally against the law and Jonathan(the driver)could have been taken to jail for in dangering our lives. Did I mention that the cop was a JERK and totally treated us like teenagers and gave us a 20 minute lecture on safety! Hmm...maybe we all needed that lecture, but not the ATTITUDE! Once, we finally got on the water we pulled up to a dock(higher than most docks)so Jonathan could take Ann(his dog)up on the shore for a restroom break. As he and Ann got off and onto the dock Jonathan says,"watch out for the side of the boat so it doesn't hit the dock". Right as he said it the boat hit the dock and shattered the side glass window of the boat! I know...what else could possibly go wrong. Well, after we cleaned up the glass, the boat decides it doesn't want to start. We probably should have headed back home right after we got the boat started because at the rate we were going we're lucky somebody didn't get hurt. But we decided to take our chances at tubing and had a BLAST! I got a little beat up and have some pretty bruises from the ride, but had so much FUN!! Here's my second not so smart decision of the day: I chose not to put on ANY sunscreen(usually I don't burn). Really regretting that decision today because I have HUGE blisters on my shoulders and really bad burns on my thighs. NOT SMART AMANDA, NOT SMART(now I will probably end up with skin cancer)! After the lake we headed to have some Mexican food, shoot off rockets at the track field(Melissa is a science teacher at the high school and she had left over rockets from last week's project) and play games at Jonathan's place. I had a very memorable Memorial Day and had so much fun hanging out with good friends!
What a stud...Jonathan showing off his MASSIVE MUSCLE!

Watch out for the flying rocket!

Fun times in Granbury!!

THE BIG 95

2008-05-25T21:04:00.004-05:00

Today I meet my family in Ardmore to have an early b-day celebration for Howard. Howard is my adopted grandpa(he dated my grandma for 18 years-too cute). He is turning the BIG 95 tomorrow. HAPPY 95TH BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!! We took Howard out to eat at the BEST catfish place,Bill's,on this side of the river(Red River). Afterwards, we had cake in the dining room of his assisted living and a few of his friends came to enjoy a delicious pineapple upside down cake that my mom made for him(his favorite). Here's a funny story: I asked Howard(like 5 times before he heard it all)for some words of wisdom and this is what he said, "I don't have any, they have all left me. By the time you hit 95 you can't remember a thing." Howard has played such a huge role in my life. When I was in elementary school he always came with my grandma to Grandparent's Day and my sister and I thought it was so cool to say this is my grandma and her boyfriend Howard! I also remember him coming to all my sporting events. He has been a true grandpa to me because he loves me and has always been in my life to support and encourage me! HAPPY 95TH BIRTHDAY GRANDPA!!

WATCH OUT FOR THAT FLYING SAUCER!

2008-05-25T19:45:00.005-05:00

On Saturday I meet up with some of my BSF(Bible Study Fellowship)friends to play some disc golf in Saginaw. This was only my second time to ever play...so I still have no control over where my disc will go once it leaves my hand...did I mention that it decided to land in a creek with really tall grass growing all around...I was all about finding it until I realized that snakes could be in that really tall grass and then Shannon came to my rescue-YAY! But hey, the more I play the better I'll get, right...and all that matters is that I had A LOT OF FUN!!!

Guatemala

2008-05-18T19:30:00.004-05:00

Dear Family and Friends,

I want to tell you about an adventure. I have a fabulous opportunity to return to Guatemala this summer and work with orphans doing a Vacation Bible School Program. I was in Guatemala the summer of 2004 doing this same kind of work at Xela and I am so EXCITED to be going back! God has opened this door for me to return and I will be working at the same orphanage in Xela. I will be a part of a team from Buckner helping to share Christ to the orphans as well as their caretakers. How exciting it will be to see lives transformed for God's glory! I leave June 28 and return July 6.

I would love for you to go on this adventure with me through your support. Every team member is responsible for raising funds and having a team of prayer supporters for this ministry experience. I would be so grateful for your investment in this mission opportunity. If you would like to support me financially please make checks payable to Buckner International and mail it to my home address:
Amanda Bailey
4808 Overton Av.
Ft. Worth, TX 76133

I look forward to sharing with you all that the Lord will do in Guatemala. Eternity will never be the same!

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. James 1:27

Here are a few pics from my trip in 04'.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO MY FRIENDS!!!

2008-05-11T19:46:00.004-05:00

Some of my best friends are mommies on this special day. HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO Ames, Elizabeth, and Teri!!! It's so FUN to see you as WONDERFUL MOMMIES and to be Beeda to your little ones!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!

2008-05-11T19:21:00.009-05:00

I LOVE YOU MOM!

Mom's smiles can brighten any moment,
Mom's hugs put joy in all our days,
Mom's love will stay with us forever
and touch our lives in precious ways...

The values you've taught,
the care you've given,
and the wonderful love you've shown,
have enriched my life
in more ways than I can count.

I Love you Mom!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

2008-05-06T08:07:00.004-05:00

HAPPY 28TH BIRTHDAY TO YOU, Elizabeth!!! We hope that you have a great day! May God bring many blessings your way this year! So glad that you are here to celebrate this special day! We love you!

Ames and ADB(forever friends)

ELIZABETH AND CARLY ARE HERE!!!

2008-05-01T17:26:00.007-05:00

One of my best friends, Elizabeth, and her little girl, Carly, are here visiting for a week. So if you are interested in all our FUN ADVENTURES check out Elizabeth's page or The Pond. YAY! I am soooo EXCITED to spend some time with Elizabeth and Carly!

Oh, and those of you who like my new page, ALL the credit goes to Elizabeth who helped me create my new page at midnight last night! Thanks E=) It's so fun to have you here, even though I'm getting NO SLEEP!

GAME NIGHT!

2008-04-28T21:15:00.002-05:00

This past Saturday night was Game Night at Scott's house. Food+Fellowship+Games=Fun Times!!! Thanks Scott for having us all over!

A Few More Pics of Baby Abbigail!

2008-04-28T20:42:00.005-05:00

Here are a few pics of my time in OK(a few weeks ago)with Teri and sweet baby Abbigail. I so loved just sitting and holding her all afternoon! I miss you Teri and my little "rolly polly"(that's my nick name for Abbigail)! Can't wait to see you guys Mother's Day weekend! Love you lots!!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY AMY AND ALLEN!

2008-04-21T09:44:00.004-05:00

My best friend, Amy, and her husband, Allen, celebrate their one year anniversary today. Time sure does fly! I can't believe you guys have been married for a year! I remember the first time you asked Allen to come home with you, the dating period, the first "I love you", the engagement period(fun and tiring=), marriage, and parenthood. What wonderful memories(some good and some bad-let's focus on all the good ones today)! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!! May God bring you peace and wrap his loving arms around the both of you today! May God bless you today and bring so many blessings to your marriage in the year to come! I love you guys!

I can't believe Simon is 3 months old today! He is growing up so fast and getting so big. Give him a kiss and a hug from his Beeda!

Please continue to lift Amy, Allen, and Simon up in prayer! May God calm the storms soon and bring Sugar Bear home to his mommy and daddy!!

KIDS BLITZ-TAKE 2!

2008-04-18T22:51:00.003-05:00

Tonight, our L.I.T.(Leadership In Training)5th and 6th graders, put on another Kids Blitz(Take 2)at Westcliff Elementary. The turn out was great! About 107 kiddos with their parents came to eat free pizza and hear about Jesus through songs, puppets, skits, and the wordless book. Once again our L.I.T. boys and girls stepped up to the plate and did an OUTSTANDING JOB!!! WAY TO GO GUYS!!! The night was a HUGE SUCCESS AND BROUGHT GLORY TO GOD!!! PRAISE THE LORD!!!

Fellowship + Food = Fun!

2008-04-18T22:09:00.008-05:00

On Thursday night, I had my BSF(Bible Study Fellowship)small group gals over to my house to have a fellowship and ice cream sundaes-yum! What's a fellowship without some kind of food involved-right! Fellowship+Food=Fun!!! It was also a Congrats and Good Luck in Medical School Celebration for our small group leader Kathleen. She got into Med School in Houston-YAY!! We had the best time hanging out even though our time got cut short due to some EXTREMELY BAD WEATHER! Thanks Kathleen's mom for calling to inform us of the bad weather coming our way! Over the last several months I've become really close to these ladies and God has truly used these ladies to teach me and be a blessing in my life!

As a Congrats and Good Luck in Medical School, we gave Kathleen a Build-A-Bear dressed in a doctors outfit named Patches-too cute! We will miss you!

Sweet, Precious, Baby Abbigail Is Here!

2008-04-15T16:28:00.007-05:00

Abbigail Elizabeth
Birthdate 04/14/2008
Birthtime 11:45 PM
Weight (lbs,oz) 8,14
Length (in) 21 3/4
Parents Teri and Chris

My best friend from High School just had her baby! Congrats Teri and Chris!!! I can't wait to come hold sweet, precious, baby Abbigail! Saturday can't come soon enough! More pics to come! =)

Fun Times With My L.I.T. Girls!!!

2008-04-13T16:43:00.004-05:00

This past Friday night, Ashley(the 5th grade girls small group leader)hosted a sleepover at her house for the 5th and 6th grade girls of L.I.T.(Leadership In Training). The adventures all started when I got to pick up and take 4 of my girls to the party. Let's just say we kinda got a little lost on our way...we only ended up being an hour late(I told the girls that we arrived fashionably late)...not to mention all the memories created in the car...hmmm thanks to Carly I can't get this continuous laughing out of my head(seriously,she didn't stop laughing for 15 min.straight-we don't even know what she was laughing about!). Once we finally got to the party we all had so much fun! We had pizza to eat and lot's of good snack foods to munch on throughout the night. The girls taught Ashley, Emily, and I some dance moves to a song from Hair Spray. I'm sure that was a sight to see(picture 12 girls and 3 adults dancing around and having fun in the living room)! After dancing we thought we needed a little bit of fresh air so we decided to take a hike(2 miles total)to a near by school with a playground. The girls had so much fun playing! Once we got back from our hike was craft time. I love CRAFT TIME(being the K teacher that I am)! We decorated pillows. They turned out so cute! After craft time was makeovers. The girls had a partner and they took turns doing each other's makeup. This was a sight to see because most of the girls have never put on makeup before. Let's just say that some of them did a good job, but there were a few that were like WOW...really not so much blush! To end the night, we put in a movie and got in our p.j.'s to fall fast asleep. Yeah, right I'm sure the girls were up all night-but the adults did get some sleep! Thanks Ashley for hosting the sleepover and including the 6th grade girls and I in all the fun!!! Fun times!!! I love these girls!!! God has truly used these girls and our friendship to be one of the BIGGEST blessings in my life!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!

2008-04-07T23:15:00.000-05:00

I Owe It All To Mother!

It’s your birthday, Mom.
So I will raise a cheer.
For without you, wondrous person,
I would not be here.

Yes, I owe it all to you, Mom.
From the time that I was small,
You encouraged me in everything,
And tried not to let me fall.

Throughout my life your caring,
Brightened each and every minute.
You loved me and enriched my life,
And I’m so glad to have you in it!

By Karl Fuchs

Wishing you lots of blessings on this SPECIAL DAY!!! I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!! XOXOXOXOX

IT'S NO JOKE...

2008-04-01T23:35:00.003-05:00

No this isn't an April Fool's Day joke...Yate's turned the BIG 30 TODAY! HAPPY 30TH BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!! I hope that you had a very SPECIAL DAY and may God bring you lots of blessings this year! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

EASTER FUN!

2008-03-24T09:22:00.002-05:00

I love Easter time and all the Easter symbols that come along with it...the eggs, bunnies, chicks, candies, crosses, spending time with family and friends-the whole shebang! However, the most important part of Easter is remembering the true reason for our celebration. He has risen!!! As I sat in church with my mom on Sunday morning worshiping God-I had to stand in AWE of God! He loves me so much and you so much that he sent his son, Jesus, to die on the cross for our sins. Jesus loves us so much that he was obedient to God(death on the cross)and rose again on the third day so that we are forgiven of our sins and have a way to eternal life. He is alive and living today!!! Brother Buddy's sermon was on The Easter Question: Do You Believe This? "This" being that Jesus is God...that Jesus changed death...and that Jesus transforms life. I sure do and can't wait to spend eternity in heaven worshipping my God!!!

After church, we headed to my aunt's house to eat and spend some time with our cousins and their little kiddos. Easter is so much fun when little ones are involved! We had an egg hunt and the kiddos went crazy trying to see who could find the most eggs. Emily by far was the winner-sorry boys! Then, it's always fun to have a room full of little ones on a sugar high...so glad that I could leave them with their mommies! I had a great Easter-worshipping my Savior and spending time with my family!

SPRING BREAK FUN!!!

2008-03-24T08:44:00.003-05:00

This past week and today are my last days =( of Spring Break. Where has the week gone? It's gone by so fast! So here's a summary of my fun, relaxing week(hopefully, I don't bore you). Monday(St. Patty's Day-did you wear green?)Kylene, Rach, and I got Mary Kay facials-so fun(sorry, I have no pics of this)! Afterwards, we went to lunch at the Tea Room in the Antique Mall on Montgomery St. OMG- for those of you who haven't eaten at the Tea Room, so recommend it, you'll love it! Thanks Kylene for making me go! Elizabeth, I can't wait to take you when you come for your visit! Tuesday night, I went Swing Dancing with a group of friends from BSF. So much fun! For those of you who don't know the Southside Preservation Hall has Tuesday Swing Dance Lessons and the cost is only $5-so recommend this activity, cheap and fun! Then, on Wednesday, I headed to OK, but not before I made a u-turn to see my two favorite people-Ames and Simon-had to get my Simon fix! It was so great to spend some time with you Ames and I loved holding sweet baby Simon-he's getting so big! Then, I was finally off to OK to spend some quality time with my family and friends. Thursday, I got to spend some time with Teri and took 4 boxes of teacher files off her hands(thanks a lot)! Teri is pregnant and baby Abbigail is coming at the first of April(if she can wait that long)so Teri isn't going back to work and was cleaning out her room. Here's a funny story: Chris(Teri's husband)calls and says that we need to drive bye and see this accident. A turkey(yes, a BIG TURKEY)has flown right into a cars windshield. Let me just tell you the entire passenger's side wind shield was shattered! Teri and I are driving along the Duncan Bypass and see a van on the side of the road with a shattered wind shield and a little further down we see a BIG TURKEY dead along side the road. What a site-I almost got out of my car to take a pic, but didn't want to be the cause of another accident! So, driver's beware in Duncan for flying TURKEYS!!! This is the second flying turkey accident reported in the last several months-yikes! Then, on Friday, I headed to Lawton, to have lunch and hang out with my old college roommate and bf Amber. We had so much fun catching up on life! Later that night, at my parent's house, we had a cook out with some family friends. We had hot dogs and smores and played Speed UNO-what a blast! Saturday, I pretty much just relaxed and worked on some teacher stuff. Over all my SB has been fun and relaxing and I can't believe it's almost over and I have to go back to work tomorrow...

PRAISE THE LORD!

2008-03-14T20:14:00.003-05:00

PRAISE THE LORD GOD ALMIGHTY!!! Today was a good day for Amy, Allen, and baby Simon! Amy's parents got temporary custody of Simon this afternoon, so Amy and Allen are getting to hold and love on their precious baby boy tonight! They also will have unlimited day time visits with him until Simon's home coming party-YAY for being one step closer! Please continue to lift Amy, Allen, baby Simon, Wilma and Cleve(Amy's parents)in prayer! My heart is over flowing at this very moment with praise, peace, and love! Praise the Lord! The Lord is being glorified!!!

Praise the Lord, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits-
who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.
Psalm 103:1-6

Click here for more on Amy's story!

PRAY,PRAY,PRAY!!!

2008-03-04T02:30:00.003-06:00

Lord, my heart cries out for my best friend, Amy, her husband Allen, their precious baby Simon, and their families! My heart also cries out for sweet baby Lilly's family(Sherry's best friend)as Lilly has gone to be with the Lord. I don't know what else to do, but PRAY!
It says in your word: Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil. 4:6-7

Family and friends, please lift up these two families in prayer! For more on Amy's story you can visit here.

KIDS BLITZ!

2008-03-01T00:58:00.004-06:00

Last night(Friday)Travis Avenue's L.I.T.'s(Leaders In Training-5th and 6th grade boys and girls)performed their very first KIDS BLITZ at George C. Clark Elementary. Let me just tell you all their hard work payed off-they did an AMAZING JOB! I don't know the exact number of boys and girls who attended, but the cafeteria was packed out with parents and their children. Some of you might be asking what a Kids Blitz is? The L.I.T. program is broken into different ministry teams which include: Dowel/Drama/Video Team, Puppet Team, Music Team, and Tech Team. These 5th and 6th grade boys and girls put on a program that presented the Gospel to their peers. That's what L.I.T. is all about-teaching the children how to go out and share their faith and lead their peers to Christ! The night started off with free pizza for everyone-yum! Then, the Drama Team performed their basketball(glow in the dark)skit to the song Shine. Next, the Puppet Team performed thier skit to the song Hallelujah. Then, the Praise and Worhip Team performed songs God is Bigger, Take it All, More Love, More Love. Puppet Team came back on with ABC's skit. Drama Team performed Who Want's To Be A Christian? Puppets performed Here I am to Worship. Worship team performed song Indescribable. Then, Brother Scott presented the Color Book(Gospel presentation). Then, the Praise team came back on with Open the Eyes of My Heart and Take It All. The night was a HUGE SUCCESS and most of all in brought GLORY to the Lord!!! I am so PROUD of our L.I.T. boys and girls-you did an AWESOME JOB!

KIDS BLITZ!

2008-03-01T00:13:00.003-06:00

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-02-24T14:17:00.002-06:00

Here are some pics from my sister's visit. I just wanted to see if I could add a slide show to my blog. OMG-it actually worked, look at me=)!

PINK, PINK, PINK EVERYWHERE!

2008-02-24T11:58:00.002-06:00

Sorry, for the week late post, but I've been a little under the weather lately. So, here's the scoop: a week ago today I was in OK, helping throw a baby shower for Teri(my bf from high school). She is having a baby girl, Abbigail, who I can't wait to meet! April can't come soon enough!! Can I just say that this shower was like the cutest baby shower that I've ever been to! If you know my friend Teri(which most of you don't-you would love her),you know that she does things and likes things done to the EXTREME and this event was no different! We had the shower at her church and let me just tell you there was PINK, PINK, PINK EVERYWHERE! The shower had a theme: pink and bears. The center table pieces included teddy bears wearing diapers(so cute)and flowers. Then, there was the tower of diapers cake(way cool), the pink(yes, Amy-Teri's sis- it was a darker shade of pink-not purple) baby stroller cake, and the pink ice cream punch-yum! This shower was done ALL OUT! I had the best time and was so glad that I could be a part of this special day! Teri and Chris you are going to be great parents-Congrats!! I can't wait to meet sweet, baby Abbigail! Lots of love, Auntie Amanda!!!

February is Dental Health Month!

2008-02-18T21:27:00.003-06:00

For those of you who don't know, this month is Dental Health Month. Being the teacher that I am, I used my resources, and asked a dentist(whom I meet at BSF) to come into my classroom. This past Friday, Dr. Jonathan Heizer, came into my classroom and talked to my little kiddos about how to keep their teeth clean. He did such an amazing job and was great with my students! He brought in a jumbo set of teeth to demonstrate and show my kids the proper way to brush and floss their teeth. My kids loved him! Thanks Dr. Jonathan for taking time out of your busy schedule to come visit our classroom!! Remember, you should brush your teeth atleast twice a day and floss once a day-keep your teeth healthy and smile BIG=) Happy Dental Health to all!!!

Will You Be My Valentine?

2008-02-18T17:05:00.005-06:00

Sorry for the late post, but hey better than never! I had the best Valentine's Days ever. My V-Day Celebration started early this year. My lil sis, Charity, came down on Tuesday night. We had dinner at On the Border-thanks to my dad's gift card at Christmas. We stuffed ourselves and got dessert to go! Then we headed off to BSF(Bible Study Fellowship), just in time for the lecture. Afterwards, we headed home to put our p.j.'s on and do some my spacing. I totally helped her set up her cool new page. I know, all of you are probably reading this in astonishment-but hey I've come a long way in the technology department! Yate's you should be so proud!! I took off work on Wednesday so my sis and I had a day of sister bonding, which was way over due! We slept in and then went to brunch at Mimi's Cafe-we love this spot! Then, we were off to do a little shopping. My new favorite spot is Compass Trading Co. Great accessories for a low price. Kinda reminds me of Sam Moon, but I think the stuff is way cooler and you don't have to fight the HUGE crowds of people and best of all it's in Ft. Worth!! Afterwards, we headed over to the Dantzler's house to see Ames and baby Simon-had to get my Simon fix! It was great to see you Ames and baby Simon!! Later that night, Charity and I went to the Movie Tavern(way cool-you can eat and watch a movie at the same time in these really cool spinning chairs)to watch Fools Treasure. It was a cute movie. I totally recommend the Movie Tavern, so if you haven't been yet, you so need to go! So that was my early V-Day date. I had the best time with my sister! I haven't laughted so hard in a long time. I love spending time with you sis! We can laugh pretty much about anything, even if it isn't all that funny-and be rolling on the ground! Thanks for making V-Day special for me!!! Love ya tons!!!
Thanks to my wonderful girl friends, Yates and Kasey, I had a fabulous V-Day night! We grabbed take out at Carino's and watched an episode of October Road. I am so thankful to have such great and wonderful friends! Thanks girls for making my V-Day night a special one! Love yall!!

100th Day of School!!!

2008-02-11T22:15:00.000-06:00

For those of you who aren't teachers or don't have children in school...Guess what? Yes, today was the 100th Day of School and that means a HUGE celebration in kindergarten!!! Today was one of my all time favorite days of teaching! We did all kinds of fun activities with the number 100. We made a 100 headband, stamped 100 times, made a snack with 100 things, counted to 100(by 1's,5's,10's), did 100 exercises, read a story about The 100th Day of School, and wrote about what we would buy if we had $100 dollars. I had so much fun teaching today! HAPPY 100TH DAY OF SCHOOL!!!

Dinner for Six and Bowling!!

2008-02-11T21:49:00.000-06:00

Saturday night Rach and I hosted dinner for six at our house. We cooked this fabulous meal and slaved all day over a hot stove- yeah right- we totally got a frozen lasagna from Cosco and put it in the oven! Whatever-it was yummy!! We had a great dinner at our house and then headed to Main Event to catch up with the rest of the GAP class for bowling. I had sooo much fun!!! I haven't been bowling in about a year(one so can tell by my skill-ha,ha). Anyway my second game was a little better than my first and I came so close to braking 100-my score was 99-so close! Scott totally blew everyone away with his SPEED bowling skills! He would let go of the ball and it was as fast as lightning-I so would have been scared if I was one of those pins!! Anyways, my competitive side always comes out and atleast I beat Lee, so all is good!!! I love Dinner for Six and Bowling-I have so many great memories and have made so many good friends along the way!!!

Brunch with Betty!

2008-02-11T21:37:00.000-06:00

On Saturday morning, I got to do one of my all time favorites, meet with my dearest friend and mentor Betty. A couple of years ago I meet Betty through a Woman to Woman Mentoring Ministry at Travis Avenue Baptist Church. We ate brunch at Mimi's Cafe and caught up on life. God has truly used this godly woman in my life(she has so much knowledge and wisdom) and I am truly blessed by our friendship!!

BABY SIMON IS FINALLY HERE!!!

2008-01-21T21:15:00.000-06:00

Amy and Allen are the proud parents of a beautiful baby boy. John Simon Dantzler arrived on Monday, January 21 at 12:37 a.m. He is a healthy baby boy- 7lb.20oz.20in.
Amy and Simon are doing great! Congrats Amy and Allen!!! I can't wait to spoil Simon!

Out with the old and in with a new year!

2008-01-06T21:11:00.000-06:00

2007 was a good year, but I'm very excited to see all the great and wonderful things that lie ahead in 2008! Sorry that I haven't been very good about keeping everyone(the handful of you that really care)informed with recent posts, but that is a goal of mine this new year-to blog more frequently! So to catch you up on my wonderful(hopefully not boring)life here goes...
I went home to OK for a week for Christmas to spend some quality time with the fam. Christmas was good. Christmas Eve was different this year, though, because it was the first time my sister spent it at her in-laws. Also, we didn't have our traditional pizza dinner. My mom cooked stew and we had corn bread, which was good, but not the tradition. Christmas day Charity and Ryan came over for dinner and my mom cooked steak and baked potatoes-so good! We opened gifts and played a white elephant gift exchange. I am now the lucky owner of a cowboy made out of horse shoes-can't wait to pass this on next year to a lucky white elephant participant! My white elephant gift was a JUMBO remote and a reindeer that pooped jelly beans-my sister was the lucky owner of this gift, but she had sooo much fun with it and we all got a good laugh out of it! Also, I got to spend some time with my good friend, Teri, and see all the progress that they are making on their house. It looks great and I love the pink room(soon to be baby Abbie's room)! Teri's baby girl is due this April-yeah!! Seems like all my bestest of friends are pregnant:Ames(yeah-Simon will be here soon), Elizabeth(her little dot-can't wait for Carly to be a big sister), and Teri-can't wait to through a baby shower for you! I had a relaxing time in OK and enjoyed my visit.
This past week, I've been in cow town relaxing and hanging out with friends. Really no excuse for not blogging sooner! Any ways, I brought in the new year with friends. Rach and I had a SUPER FUN New Year's Eve Party! We had lots of good food and played some fun games. For those of you who have never played the game Curses, you totally need to go out and purchase this game-I haven't laughed so hard in a long time! New Year's Day I spent with Ames, Allen, and Yates at the Dantzler's new casa. We had brunch, watched a little football and two movies on their brand new JUMBO T.V-super nice, and of course had black-eyed peas to bring us good luck this year! What a great way to bring in a new year with great friends!! Also, I went to the show with Yates and we watched the movie P.S I Love You. It was good, but a little sad. This past Friday, I went on a L.I.T. retreat at Mount Lebanon. I had so much fun with my girls! We stayed up until 2 a.m. and hiked a lot on Sat. I'm still trying to recover from my lack of sleep(I'm getting so old)! I had a blast and am so thankful to be a part of this ministry! Well, tomorrow I head back to work and my busy schedule starts all over again. I'm so thankful for this time I had off to rest and have some down time. It was much needed. I am ready to see all my wonderful kiddos and hear all about their Christmas vacation and get back to doing what I love-teaching!
2008 is going to be the best ever!!!

GO MAVS!!!

2007-12-17T18:11:00.000-06:00

This past Friday night I went to watch the Mavericks take on the Hornets at the A.A.C. with my really good friend, Yates. She got me a ticket as a b-day and Christmas gift. I know, really great gift, right! Thank goodness we weren't at Texas Stadium because it came a down pour and was extremely cold weather. That's one thing great about b-ball is that it doesn't matter what the weather is like outside bc the game is played inside! Anyway, we had an AWESOME time!! Here's a couple of funny stories from Friday night: While trying to find parking, we pulled up to a lot that was a block away to discover that it cost $25 to park there- we were like yeah right! So we drove another block down to discover a $15 parking lot-we continued another block down to discover a $10 parking lot where we decided to park. At the time it seemed like an ok decision only to find out that after the game it was raining a little heavy-maybe we should have paid a little extra on second thought. Oh well, we had fun walking and getting all wet in the freezing cold, not to mention I could no longer feel my toes due to the fact that my socks had gotten wet! Inside, before the game started, we went to every fan shop trying to find that perfect Mav shirt that didn't cost $50 or more. I'm still hunting, but settled on a $20 shirt, which I'm still debating on whether it's a night shirt or night. I think I figured it out though-a night shirt wouldn't have a hood on it-so I definitely think that it's ok to wear out in public. Not sure I really like it all that much, though. The game was fun and we had good seats. Best of all the Mavs won and I got to spend some time with Yates!!
After the game, we were on a hunt to find the BIG Dallas Christmas Tree. We found it, but once we found it it was another story in how to get to it and where to park. The streets are so crazy in Dallas! Finally, after making a square around the block(like 4 times)we discovered where to park and how to walk up to the beautiful, big tree. It was a BIG, BEAUTIFUL CHRISTMAS TREE!! I wonder how they put all those lights on the tree and the star at the top? So glad that I didn't have that job!
Thanks Yates for the Mavs ticket and a fun night! I am so thankful for our friendship!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMES!!!

2007-12-16T21:53:00.000-06:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR AMY! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! CHA,CHA,CHA! Hope that you have a great b-day!

Here's my fav five things about my BFF, but the list could go on and on:
1. We can laugh about anything together, even stupid stuff!
2. Our talks! Your great wisdom, advice, and listening ears!
3. Hanging out and not doing anything-just being together!
4. Vacations together!
5. Your love for football!

Tis the Season...to have a Christmas Party!

2007-12-11T19:53:00.000-06:00

Deck the Halls! I love Christmas time! I love listening to Christmas music every where I go! I love Christmas decorations and Christmas lights on houses! I really love Christmas parties, so last night my teacher friends came over to my house for a Christmas party. For dinner(since I'm known not for my cooking)I got fajita dinners from Rosa's. The food was a huge success! Though a little stressful on my part, not knowing if I had enough food for everyone, as it turned out we had plenty of food-thank goodness! We also did a white elephant gift exchange, which is always fun when you play with fellow teachers(fun to see all the gifts other teachers get from previous students that they really don't know what to do with besides set aside for this occasion). I ended up with something I actually kinda thought was cute and I might set out-a Christmas bear toothbrush holder and soap dispenser(I love bears)!It was so much fun spending time with my fellow teachers outside of school and seeing my long, lost teacher friend Amy Moore again! We all miss you at Westcreek Elem. Mrs. Moore, but we are glad that you are doing well at your new school!!
I feel truly blessed by God to have such wonderful friends and godly women to work with everyday! It's such a nice feeling to go to work knowing that I have a group of ladies who listen, support, and encourage me! Thanks for all that you do ladies and I'm so glad that we got to celebrate Christmas together!!

All the Craziness of Black Friday!!!

2007-11-26T20:36:00.000-06:00

This past Friday, I must have been out of my mind, crazy!! On my b-day I woke up at 1:30 a.m. to leave Duncan at 2:00 a.m. to head to Wichita Falls, TX with my BF from high school, her sister, and mom to go shopping. I love shopping, but this was an entirely new experience! There are a lot of crazy people out at 4 a.m. Teri and her family have this Black Friday shopping thing down. On the road they had all their adds and were making a list of all the items and stores that we had to hit. I didn't come very prepared and the only thing that was on my list was to buy a lap top computer(I know all my closest friends are reading in amazement at this news-but I'm really trying hard to get caught up on new technology!), which I was planning to purchase at Best Buy, only to find out the line was like 3 blocks long and the store only had 3, and crazy people had camped out over night! So we decided not to even try. Our first stop was Kohl's. Then we headed to drop Amy(Teri's sis)off at Target where she waited outside in the cold for 2 hrs, while we headed to JC Penney's. Then we were off to Wal Mart, where I got a really good deal on a lap top and printer not to mention a new digital camera and a really cool digital photo frame. I know HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME AND MERRY CHRISTMAS, TOO!! After that we hooked back up at Target with Amy. The Target experience was the craziest of all! The line was like forever long and right before the doors opened a crowd of like 100 people tried to rush the door! We were at the front of the line, thanks to Amy waiting in the freezing cold, and then there was the crazy man ahead of us who I thought might kill someone who tried to cut in front of him! He kept on screaming to the door rushers "THE LINE IS DOWN THE ROAD" over and over again! As soon as the doors opened, I felt like I was cattle being driven inside. Good thing I didn't fall or I would have been trampled all over! We hit 5 stores in like 2 hrs. and had gotten everything on the list. We did good! The rest of the day was spent going back and forth to these same 5 stores getting good deals that weren't on the list! After all our shopping we headed to one of my favorite places to eat, Olive Garden! We arrived back in Duncan at 6 p.m. Talk about a long, fun day of shopping! I really had a great b-day getting to do two of my favorite things: spending time with my dearest friend Teri and going shopping! Can't wait to do it all over again next year-I'll come better prepared! Thanks Teri for making my b-day special!! Another BIG THANKS goes out to all my other friends who called or sent Happy B-Day messages to me! You are all the best and I feel so blessed to have such wonderful friends in my life!!

Fun Times with the Fam!

2007-11-26T20:14:00.000-06:00

This past Monday I drove home to my home town of Duncan OK to hang out with my family for an entire week. Monday night was tons of fun at the Bailey house hold. My aunt, cousins, and their kiddos came over to eat pizza and play my all time favorite Texas game of Spinner. We had a house full, but it was so much fun getting together with all my cousins! My mom was the Spinner winner, my dad followed close behind in second. Spinner was a huge hit! I had so much fun spending time with my family. I feel truly blessed by God to have such a wonderful, loving, supportive family!!

GO ROMO!!!

2007-11-18T23:44:00.000-06:00

Today was such a fun day! My dad came down and we went to watch a Dallas Cowboys game. So here's the story: a dear friend from church(Amy Williams) came up to me a couple of weeks ago at church and told me that her husband had been given 4 tickets to the Cowboys game, but they couldn't go, so she asked me if I wanted the tickets(knowing the HUGE ROMO fan that I am). OMG- I started jumping up and down and screaming right then and there and told her YES, YES, YES!! I was so EXCITED and called my dad right away! Originally, my dad, mom, and sister were going to go to the game with me, but that plan fell through due to work and not feeling well. So I ended up taking my dad, Cleve(my BF's dad), and Trey(my BF's brother-in-law) and we had the best time ever! So glad that you were able to come to the game with me Cleve, Trey, and Dad!! By the way, we had the best seats ever! We sat on the 50 yard line, row 33-we were so close! Before the game, I got to go closer and I made friends with the security guard. I was trying to get on T.V. because I made a really cool sign that said Romo is a FOX(bc FOX broad casted the game)! I just knew that I was going to get on, but it never happened-oh well. Elizabeth, you would have been so proud of my sign, though. Any way back to the game-WE WERE SO CLOSE AND MOST IMPORTANT THE COWBOYS WON AND I GOT A LOT OF PICS OF ROMO!! A BIG THANKS goes out to the Williams family for giving me the free tickets!! I've never set so close and probably never will again! Thanks, Thanks, Thanks!!! Go Cowboys!!

Happy Early B-Day to Me!

2007-11-18T23:09:00.000-06:00

I just wanted to send a BIG SHOUT OUT OF THANKS to my dearest friends Amy and Elizabeth for wishing me a Happy Early Birthday! For those of you who don't know or maybe have forgotten my b-day is on the 23rd and for some reason I'm really not looking all that forward to it this year. But, thanks to my dearest girlfriends they have already made it a very special day(even though we celebrated a week early)!
On Friday morning, Ames brought me an early b-day breakfast before work. We had breakfast burritos and carmel apple ciders and got to catch up on life. She also brought me the most beautiful flowers! This is a tradition for us to do an early b-day breakfast because my b-day always falls around Thanksgiving and I'm always at home with the fam. on my special day, so we celebrate early. I love this tradition and hope that we continue to do it for a long time! Thanks Ames for making my b-day special!!
Then, after school I had a message on my phone from Elizabeth and Carly. It was the most adorable Happy Birthday song I've ever heard! It made me feel all warm inside! Thanks Elizabeth for making me feel so special!
God has truly blessed me with your friendships and I cherish all of our fun times together!! Thanks for being the best friends ever!!