Lazy Days of Summer!

Well, here it is Friday June 30th. I have been racking my brain for a post topic and was coming up with nothing. My life is pretty uneventful in the summer. I am envious of Deb and her many topics, and thought about trying to copy her style, but she made a very important statement to me the other night about how each blog has it's own style. That is so true and is exactly why I enjoy reading them all so much. So, sticking to my true style of the "day to day" I decided to post about my lazy days of summer. In the midst of posting, it dawned on my that the one picture that would truely capture how I spend a good portion of my time would be of me posting. So, I hooked up the camera, put it on self-timer and presto!

Here I am previewing the pictures I had uploaded so far.

Next you have an example of how Sue and I spend most afternoons. We are laughing because to set the timer and get back far enough before it goes off in the pool is quite a challenge. Wouldn't be so hard it I weren't determined to stay hidden behind the raft.

Next we have Sue~ would you look at the definition in those arms! Amazing!

Then there's me with my floppy hat. I put this one about half way through my swim time to protect my skin. Aren't you proud mom? Embarassing Sue is another perk. She thinks the hat looks silly.

I had to include a few shots of my flowers because I spend a large part of each day puttering around my yard looking at all the changes in my flowers. These just started blooming Wednesday.

This is the first rose to bloom on this plant. I love the coral color.


Here we have Sue last night by the fire pit.

And last here's me by the fire pit. I had Sue take this picture to show Jason my new Ohio State hat. I know he'll be jealous. Holly~ make sure he sees this. One of Sue's new Freshman on the basketball team is from Ohio. Her dad brought Coach Brooks a hat last night because he's from Ohio and he knew he would like it. He brought Sue and Coach Dobrik one because he knew they wouldn't! ;) So, I got the hat!

I think the fire pit is going to be a real source of joy. I love sitting and staring into the fire. As the fire died last night, I was mesmerized by the glowing embers. They are so cool. It's a good time to just be still and reflect. I did sing a few toons Carolyn. (much to Sue's pleasure I'm sure) The one that kept popping into my head was Precious Lord, Take My Hand. It made me think of Grandpa and I could hear all us Grate's singing it around the fire. I think you and your mom have sung it in church a time or two. I could hear your harmonies.

Well, that's how I spend my lazy days of summer. I thank the Lord for these days because they are exactly what I need to re-charge as Sue put it today. She says that as she's laying on the raft she just feels the sun re-charging her batteries. I wouldn't say it's only the sun but the whole picture for me.

"And the peace of God, which trascends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7

Let There Be Fire

I had a small glimpse into the past last night. The pride they must have felt when they created something with their own hands. Sue and I built a fire pit in my back yard. It's rough and definitly not perfect, but pretty good for two girls. Actually probably only 1 1/2 girls. I'm not sure my part was significant enough to count as a whole person. Basically Sue did it with moral support from me. I did pull up the sod as she cut it out though. I had visions of grandeur but after a trip to Lowe's and realizing how much it would cost to buy the cool landscaping rocks I really wanted, we went with the free extra brick provided by my house. They have piles of it behind my shed and out by the pine trees, so that's what we used. Because of that, we went with a nice square shape (instead of a circle) that's a little off square, but hey, it works! We even fired it up last night. It worked quite nice and the roasted marshmallows were wonderful. My friend, Deb, blogged about her love of camping a few days ago. I could relate. I grew up camping, but the part I loved the most was sitting around the fire. Now I can do that in my own back yard any day of the week. I think I'm feeling the need to host a Sunday School party soon! ;)


Sue is setting the bottom row of bricks.

Let there be fire!

I'm roasting my first marshmallow.

Breaking Barriers

Saturday I was blessed with a special housewarming visit. My mom brought my cousins Carolyn and Kim to Indiana to see my new house. I was so excited to have visitors! We spent a fun afternoon together visiting, eating and shopping. 3 of my favorite things! :) Thanks girls!

Saturday evening continued the fun with Sue and I going to Indy with friends to eat. (I'm seeing a pattern here) We had a great time of fun and fellowship.

Not much else is going on, but I would like to share a little that I've been learning from my devotions. I've been reading Joel Osteen's devotional book called Your Best Life Now. I think this is appropriate for all the changes my life is going through. The one that really struck me this week was called Breaking Barriers. He talks about believing for bigger and better things. If you don't think you have what it takes to rise up and set that new standard, it's not going to happen. The barrier is in your mind. If I don't step out in faith and believe that God wants good things for my life then I will just end up sitting and spinning my wheels in a place of complacency much like the Hebrew people when they were led out of Egypt. They ended up wandering around the mountain for 40 years. Instead of moving forward with an attitude of faith they moped around with a poor, defeated mentality. They were always complaining, and fretting about the obstacles in their way. God finally jolted them out of their complacency. He said to them, "You have stayed long enough at this mountaiin." (Deuteronomy 1:6) I don't want to be stuck wandering around a mountain. I am believing that God has great plans for me. That may be as a principal this fall or it may be in my science classroom. Either way, I'm going to have an attitude of faith that God will bring me to the right place. I have to believe that he wants me to move forward into this next phase of my life, so when the right job for me opens up, he'll help me get it. Praise the Lord!

Falling off the wagon(s)

Well, I've tossed the idea of this post around in my head for a little more than 24 hours. I'm hesitant to be completely honest because I know so many will be disappointed. However, I am going to go forth. Just remember I am human and I make mistakes.

I have officially fallen off the wagon(s). I phrase it like this because I don't think I was offically on one of the wagons just running along behind thinking about jumping on. That wagon would be the food wagon. I am a complete and utter mess. I have tried everything known to man and let's face it... I just like to eat. I really thought that once school was out for the summer and some of my stress was gone I'd get back to it. When I'm reaching for something, I often say.."I'm gonna eat this to get rid of it so I won't be tempted." Then there's the standard.."I'm starting on Monday." If I had a nickel for every Monday, I'd be one rich woman, which would take care of my second wagon by the way. I've tried appetite suppressants; what a joke! I'd have to be eating because I'm hungry for that to be effective. Hunger has nothing to do with it. So, what's the answer? I really don't know. If anyone has a good idea for me, send it my way. I'm seriously considering a fat farm... I mean spa retreat, but i have visions of an old Laverne and Shirley episode where they were at a spa retreat and the whole time Laverne was trying to get twinkies smuggled in.

Then there's wagon #2. I... gulp...used a credit card at Wal-mart. Gasp! I kept one card for an "emergency" and last night I took a long tumble off the wagon. I can feel the disappointment radiating through the computer. I just couldn't help myself. The weird thing is, I didn't buy what you might think. It wasn't shoes or purses or even clothes. I bought plants for landscaping!! I have really gotten into this whole yard work thing. I just want to do it NOW! I don't want to wait. I really didn't spend that much (only $48). Sue says it's just like a drink. She thinks I'm doomed back to the world of spending, but I don't really think so. I think I can stop.

Rejection

Well, it's official; the rejection letters have started rolling in. Actually I've only received one, but if you count the other 7 schools who haven't bothered to respond at all, I guess I'm up to 8. Let me share..."Although I was impressed with your background and expereince, I have decided to pursue other applicants who more closely reflect the requirements for the position and needs of Elwood Community Middle School." Luckily I didn't really want to teach in Elwood anyways! Isn't that what we all say when we're rejcted and our pride is hurt? I am trying to not worry and place it in God's hands like I said before, but let's be real: I will be one sad puppy come Aug. 17th if I have to head back to the classroom. So will my parents as I will still be living slightly above my means. So, in this regard, I ask that you all continue to Pray, Pray, Pray!





In other news tonight, I am just feeling really thankful for and blessed by my family. As I have sat here tonight reading everyone's updated blogs, I'm just in awe of how special you all are. We have truely been blessed with one another. Holly- You are a great sister-in-law. I couldn't ask for anyone better. I'm glad God brought you and Jason back together in college. I couldn't imagine him with anyone else. Mom, you are my biggest fan and supporter and for that I say "Thank You." You always make me feel like a million bucks. Carolyn- you are so awesome. I am so glad that we grew up close to you and the kids. Kim and John mean the world to me and bring me such joy in the form of laughter. No cousins could love each other more and enjoy getting together more than I did with them. I long for the holidays where we'd all get together and play games. We need to do that next time we get John back to Ohio. Andrea- I could write alot of things about you too, but refuse until you comment on my blog! Ha! I'm not sure where all this sentiment is coming from, but reading Carolyn's blog made me feel very sentimental and I think that the whole situation with Whitney Cerak has just really made me realize how precious time is. We need to make the most of it and be effective! We need to make sure we tell each other how much we mean to each other and not take the time we have for granted. Family- I LOVE YOU!

Late Night Thoughts

I should be heading to bed right now since I have class early in the morning, but since I've been harrassed a little today for not posting more often now that school is out, I thought I'd make a new post before going to bed. All I can say is that I have gotten down-right lazy! I'm going to try and become more disciplined. HOWEVER, my initial reply to my harrasser (Deb) was that I am boycotting new posts until ALL ( YES THAT MEANS YOU ANDREA!) my family and friends can find the comment button. To my few faithful repliers (Holly and Carolyn) I say "Thank YOU". I would probably quit if it weren't for you! :) Unless you've actually entered the world of blogging, you don't understand how important the comments really are. It's what keeps it interesting for the writer.

Softball is going well. We had our 4th game tonight and we are still undefeated. We haven't played our two biggest competitors yet, but I'm sure we can pull it out.

I haven't heard a word about a job. I'm going to make follow-up calls tomorrow. Carolyn, Thank you for the offers to help with my resume. I would like that, but have been lax in getting it to you. The class I'm taking right now is dealing with the ins and outs of putting a resume together, so I've tweaked mine based on some information from the class. I wasn't too far off though with my original draft. However, if I don't get a job this summer, or even any interviews, you will have to take a look at it. That could be the problem! ;) I know you are the resume guru.

The whole saga with Whitney and Laura has kept Sue and I riveted the last few weeks. I cannot tell you how many hours I have spent reading the blogs and the thousands of comments. Could be why I don't have time to update my own blog. It was also in this weeks PEOPLE magazine. The one with Brad and Angelina's baby photos. I won't be surprised if there is a movie. Please continue to pray for the Ceraks and the Van Ryns. This has to be such an exhausting time both physically and emotionally for both families.

I was home Sunday for the dedication of the new sanctuary at Dayspring Wesleyan. It was a wonderful day with family. Jason, Holly and the kids were there. Jason led in worship and he and Holly sang. It was wonderful as always. God has truely blessed them both with much talent. I am blessed each time I hear them.

Well, I guess that about wraps it up. I need to hit the hay! Sleep tight everybody!

Kelley

Elijah's First Trip to Cincinnati

Every summer Sue and I take a trip to Cincinnati to see the Reds play. This has been a fun tradition for us and I thought it would be neat to take Elijah to his first major league baseball game. He absolutely loved it! We lost the game to the Cubs but it was a close one and it was filled with excitement. Elijah really got into it. It was a sell-out crowd, the fullest I've ever seen. We actually had to buy our $5 dollar tickets for $10 from a scalper. (sp?) I was a little panicked when everyone got in but me. My ticket wouldn't scan for some reason and I thought i was gonna have to chase him down, but they finally let me in. Whew! The weekend was special because it was just Elijah and Aunt Kelley. He was very excited about the special attention and especially that there was no Emmy and Zeke! We both had a great time and I hope it can be a yearly tradition for us!




Elijah and Aunt Kelley- 5 rows from the tippy top!!








The view of the field and the river from our seats.















A look of excitement as the fireworks begin.










The fireworks after the game were spectacular!!








Elijah crashes 10 minutes into our trip home.

Update

My what a busy week! I am thrilled to report that I"M FREE!! What a great feeling. This last week of school was hectic, but not too bad as far as last weeks go. It was a week met with mixed emotions on my part. Not knowing if I will get a job made the last days a little wierd. I may slip away during the summer without proper goodbyes which made it a little bittersweet. I did host a little dinner party Thursday night for a few of my closest friends teacher friends just in case... which leads me to:

Job Search~ I have mailed packets but have not heard anything yet. There are a few more to be mailed Monday. I am trying to not worry about it. I figure it's all in the Lord's hands. Where HE wants me is where I'll be and that may happen now, or later. Who knows. I have a lot of people praying about the situation so I know that it will all work out the way it is supposed to.

This week has also been full of unbelievable news. For those who don't live around here, the Taylor tragedy that I wrote about 5 weeks ago has had a bizarre twist. Whitney Cerak which was the daughter of Sue's friend, is actually alive!! There was a misidentification between her and Laura Van Ryn who was thought to be the only surviving student. Laura's family have been caring for Whitney thinking she was their daughter all along. Just in the last week, Whitney has been really becoming more aware and has been communicating more. Things she said and did started to raise questions. So, while one family is grieving, the Ceraks have had a miracle. This also has been bittersweet. You feel almost guilty for being happy. The Van Ryns have kept a blog about Laura/Whitney's recovery from the beginning which is going to be a huge blessing to the Ceraks, but it is also touching lives world wide. These two families have shown an unshakeable faith in God through this whole ordeal. I have been blessed and moved to tears each time I read. If you are interested in visiting the site the address is http://lauravanryn.blogspot.com

Well, I am going to wrap this up. Sue and I just finished having a rummage sale so I'm pretty pooped. I see a day in the pool in my near future. Actually I see several days in the pool! :) I LOVE SUMMER!!

Love ya,
Kelley