January 2013

Verse of the Month:
You, Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head. -Psalm 3:3

Book of the Month:
To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper Lee
It was like reading it for the first time. So many great lessons in that book. I think my favorite quote is:

"Atticus was right. One time he said you never know a man until you stand in his shoes and walk around in them. Just standing on the Radley porch was enough."

Tear. A good one.
READ IT!

Project of the Month:
Selma's 5th Birthday Teepee!! :o) She loved it!!

Instructions on how to make your own are here!

I started with plenty of time and then rushed the end of it. Wish I had had more time for personalizing it just for Selma. But regardless...she loved it. When she saw it, she gasped and said: It's like a hotel! :o)

My favorite part of the project, other than actually gifting it, was working with Tatonka - Greg. He's the most patient & helpful man I've ever met. I love him!

Wedding Countdown as of January 31: 164 days

Highlights (In the order they occurred):

1. Wedding planning with Greg, my mom and brothers. Yes, even the bro's have participated! LOVE it!
2. Went from the highest of highs (the most exciting Christmas break ever) to the lowest of low (crying due to a serious reality check - my job is hard). I'm okay. I just needed to readjust - quickly!. I hate that I'm a crier!
3. Friends from Guatemala, Toni and Stefan, are now living in Houston. It's been really fun to have them around!
4. Spent time with one of the sweetest and dearest people I know. My friend, Susanne. I've known her for about 13 years now! How the time flies!!
5. Yes, even though my job is hard - I experienced a Rudy moment on January 25! It was the best day of the school year to date. My kids have shown slow and steady progress. It is progress nonetheless and we sure did celebrate.
6. Spending time with my soon to be SISTER, Janie at the Bridal Soiree at the Royal Sonesta. I saw what I thought were my wedding colors in action and hated them! Thankfully, it's an easy fix...no final decisions have been made. She's been such a great sound board. 
7. Greg and I booked a photographer. OMG. Greatest thing since sliced bread. I'm telling you, if you need a photographer, talk to Shane and Stephanie at Impact with Images. It is a total blessing to have heard about them. July 13 needs to hurry up and get here!! :o) 
8. We got our first gifts! One was a little, super thoughtful tin heart from my bestie, Jennifer (who might have opened her very own Etsy shop!!)! And my parents got me a set of Calphalon Unison Nonstick pans! LOVE it! :o) 
9. Ended the month with dinner at Chili's with my beautiful friends, Ashley Severance and Lara Sewart. We talked about orphans/adoptions - and how privileged we are to at some level be involved, among other things. I have to say though, that was my favorite topic of conversation that night. There's a lot of love to go around. I'm blessed by these two! :-D

JANUARY

1. I cannot, absolutely not, believe that there are only ten days left to the first month of the year!
2. This girl has been working on her fitness and has reached her first goal! Can I get a WOOT WOOT?! Gonna keep at it!
   
3. Kids keep me on my toes! You get kids in space, kids smack talking to each other, and kids kissing...As a teacher (or substitute teacher) you have to have what we call WITHITNESS! Alertness beyond measure. Discernment to figure out their next move before they take it. An OCEAN of compassion...that and patience! All that while TEACHING a concept! Prayer: Dear God, I cannot teach without your help! Please be near!
   
4. My feet have been begging for mercy. I hope that their cuteness doesn't go away because I'm not being very nice. Just say no to SHOES that hurt!!
   
5. I've socialized quite a bit, I've also rested a ton more than I imagined. It's pretty sad that despite the rest, I've managed to get sick again!! I'm a'ight! I'm a'ight!
6. The Chevron Houston Marathon is one of my favorite things (as a spectator of course!!). I got to cheer on my friend Jeannie who ran her second marathon. KUDOS!!
7. I haven't been GeoCaching yet this month. I need to make some time for it!!
8. Uhm...The reading is going strong! A list for the month will follow.
9. The next ten days are full!
   
10. THE END!

P.S. I know I'm a bit early with the Valentine's header, but can I just say that I really like hearts, and red, and pink, and stickers, and GLITTER!! HA HA! I am indeed a GIRL!

P.S.S. Chivalry is INDEED ALIVE and well. I just wanted to give kudos to the dudes that practice it and hope to the girls that desire it!

Oooooh, And one more thing! My friend Laurie shared this on her blog and I can't help but share the wealth! (haha!)