Brisket

I am off to Sam's this morning to buy, yet another brisket. Tom will smoke it tomorrow. Since Tom is on this team, he has been perfecting his craft, every weekend. I don't know how, but we are sick of brisket. I will freeze some of it and there are always neighbors wanting samples. Our first competition is next weekend. We were watching something on Food Network, last night, about smoking ribs. The girls got excited and told Tom all about it. It's good to have a family project that everyone enjoys.

Today, I will give a lesson or three, and then we are off to Elitch Gardens. There is a ride there called the Mind Eraser. That's what I need. Something to erase the anxiety over the nursing job and all the chores ahead of us at home. I actually rode the ride, when we went the other day. It is a super big roller coaster that turns you upside down a couple of times. I rode it to prove to the girls that I wasn't a chicken, but that was it for me. I may not be a chicken, but I am 41.

Happy day all.

Thanks a bunch.

I just wanted to thank everybody for their support, the last couple of days, concerning the job interview. Even if I don't get the job, I know I am loved. I got so many words of encouragement. Yesterday, when Carole and I were out walking at 5:30 a.m., we met some mom's from school, out walking too. They asked when my interview was. I told them and they oferred to stand outside the door to the interview room and refuse to open it unless I got the job. They were not their this morning, but it sure felt good to know they think so much of me.

The interview went alright. I honestly have no idea whether I will get the job or not. It is what it is. I am destressing the rest of today. The interview committee said I should know something, early next week.

Yesterday was the last day of school! We are all so happy to not be so rushed and so stressed. I want to spend time with my girls and catch up on all the stuff I have put off until now.

I hope all of you have a super day.

One more day of school.

As I write this, I am recovering from a full day of first graders. They are soooo done and I am sooo tired of school. All of those little children are so excited about the parties and goodies that are to be had, tomorrow. I think that tomorrow I will need a big Diet Coke by the end of the day. All the kids will be excited about school ending and so jazzed from the sugar consumption that is to be had at the parties. It should be a very interesting day.

Tomorrow is our last day of school and Thursday is my interview. I am having such mixed feelings about the new job. I just want the interview and the results over so that I can stop stewing. I found out today that there are four of us that will interview for the position. I keep thinking that the others are probably better or more qualified. I am trying to remind myself that whatever happens is good. If I don't get the job, then life will go on as is and I don't have to worry about my private student load. If I do get the job, new and exciting times await. It will feel good to be a nurse again. The money will definitely be better. I am just no good at waiting.

Have a great day.

Four more days

Can you tell we are all sooo glad school is almost over? Becca has worked so hard this week. She had a major science test, a spelling test, homework packet and a major book report due. All in the last three days. We/she worked so very hard. Oh yeah, throw her birthday in there and you have an absolutely crazy week. We are done as I write this, this morning. The spelling test is today and then she is really done. I am so proud of how she didn't complain (too much) and just persevered.

I am doubly proud of my Laura. She was presented with a silver medal, at school, on Monday. She wasn't going to tell us about this, but we found out about it through some friends. Out of 200 sixth graders, she was one of 12 that was selected to speak at the assembly. The medal was for making the honor roll 3 times this year. She has worked so very hard and I am so very proud of her. Sixth grade is just plain "tough", but she has made it through with a medal to prove it.

Tom is not faring so well. He has a production, up at school, that he is running sound for, and he has the stomach flu. A bit better today, but please say a little prayer for him.

As for me, I am just trying to juggle all these things and so looking forward to the weekend.

I hope all of you have a great one!!!

Six days and counting.

We have six more lovely days of school. I will spend it with 17 first graders. Actually, they are a great class and a whole lot of fun. I am a little sad that this could be my last substitute teacher assignment for a long, long time. I love the kids and they love me back. I can only hope, that if I get the nursing assignment, it will still allow me to communicate with them and be a part of their lives. Time marches on and our wants and desires change.

Right now, I desire that nursing job. I got an interview. The big boss called me and I have an interview next Thursday (5/29) at 9:15. I am trying not to read into any part of it. I just want whatever God wants. He put this job in my lap and he will do what he wants. I just keep reminding myself that "I am a vessel". I hope that doesn't mean that I am a "cracked pot". Ha Ha

I must get Becca up and out. Today is field day, so my little first graders should be nice and tired. I hope.

Happy day all.

Happy Birthday Becca

Happy Birthday sweet girl!!! I can't believe how beautiful and talented you are. You are such a spot of sunshine in my life and I love you more than you can imagine.

Becca's birthday is today, in case you couldn't guess. We went to Elitch Garden's in honor of the occasion, on Saturday. The girls each took a friend and we all had a great time.

Tonight, we will celebrate with a big ole' Banana Pudding (Becca's choice). Of course, there will be gifts to open and much fun to be had.

I wish all of you a great day.

Twenty one years and going strong.

That's right folks. Today, Tom and I celebrate twenty one years of married bliss. Well, let's be honest. Not all was bliss, but I do know one thing. I love my husband and look forward to many, many more years together.

As I was walking this morning, I was thinking about how God told me I was to date Tom Russell. I was thinking that there are not a lot of folks who stay married as long as we have. God has truly been our guiding light and I am so glad. Tom is my other half in this world. After twenty one years, we still complete each other. Tom is my biggest cheer leader and I don't know what I would do without him.

I also want to send a "Shout Out" to Tom for getting selected to be the "Brisket Man" on the official, competition, bbq team. He will be on a team called "Buzz's Boar". We will be eating a lot of brisket this summer as Tom will be perfecting his craft. Our first competition will be in Pueblo on June 7.

Happy Mother's Day

I want to send a late shout out to my sisters, my grandma, and of course, my mother. Happy Mother's Day one day late.

I was still feeling a bit under the weather yesterday, from the tummy bug, but hopefully a good ole BRAT diet will help. I think I need to build up the good stuff back in my gut before food settles properly again.

I had a fabulous day. Tom and the girls gave me chocolate (I can't eat it yet) and beautiful cards. Becca gave me a hand made card that was so beautiful it made me cry. While Tom was a church, the girls made me breakfast in bed. It was good and now they are old enough, I can actually eat what they fix. I meant bunches to me. I am so blessed with my family.

I got to have a nice conversation with my grandmother and my mom. I am so blessed to still have both a mother and grandmother still around. I talked to Tammie and was sorry to hear that she had to work on the holiday, but she took it all in stride. I so admire her working spirit. I was especially glad to have a great talk with my brother, Daniel. It was good to catch up and just talk to each other.

My Mother's Day was made complete by having Jen, Scott, and the boys come for a visit. The Basses welcomed them too and we all had a great time eating Tom's wonderful BBQ and catching up. I LOVED playing with the boys. They got in my unplanted garden dirt and literally rolled around. By the time they left, last night, it was as if Jen and her guys had never moved away. I look forward to more fun with them this week.

I hope all of you have a great day.

Not feeling good.

I have visited Pookie a couple of times this week. On the door, to Sunrise, a sign was posted stating that they were experiencing a GI bug among the residence. Guess who picked up the bug. Me. I spent last night worshiping the porcelain god in our bathroom. I feel awful and I have to play for a wedding tonight. Please say a little prayer for me.

I hope you are all healthy.

Calmness

For the first time in four days, the house is quiet. The kids are back at school. Students are back at school. Tom is back at work and I can get some work done here at home. Sometimes I love the quiet. I love my family too and sometimes I like to just listen to their chatter. This morning, it is dreary, wet and cold. Of course it started to rain AFTER my walk. I would have loved to stay in bed and catch some extra zzzs. I would love to just sit and read a book, but it is not meant to be.

Today, I will go visit Deb's parents and Pookie. Pookie has had the stomach flu and I need to check on him. Becca has a choir concert at 2:30. I have already given a violin lesson this morning and I only have two more this afternoon. It feels like such a light load, after the 12 lessons I gave yesterday.

I hope all of you have a chance to catch some stillness and just be.

Getting ready for auditions

I will give 13 lessons by the time my head hits the pillow tonight. I have kids getting ready for
Youth Symphony auditions. Tom is home getting Direct TV installed. Just wanted to let everybody know why I haven't been blogging.

A quick prayer request. Please say a prayer for my mom. She is struggling with asthma,in a household where there are smokers. I wish all smokers knew the repercussions that others have due to their second hand smoke. Anyway, please say a quick one for my mom.

Take care all.

More later.

Run baby run.

I did it and did it rather well. This morning, I ran the Garden of the Gods 5k. I was dreading it. I headed up the first hill and thought I was going to lose my breakfast bar. I was light headed, too. That's when I decided that I was gonna walk this one. I walked briskly and just enjoyed being in such a beautiful place. The morning light was absolutely gorgeous against the red rocks. I thought everyone was passing me by, but as I looked back, I could see folks behind me.

I was thinking about a lot of things as I walked. I was thinking about how precious every breath is. When you are gasping for it, you appreciate it more. For some reason, I kept thinking about myself in high school, running. I loved to run then, too. I realized that my Christian walk, my ambitions, my attitude are all more focused when I run. I think it's because running allows me to just focus on each moment. Each breath. If you need to get focused, try exercise.

As always, I was thinking about my family. I am going to MAKE somebody do the next race with me on June 28. I think it will be my dear hubby. We can walk it. I just think this needs to be a bit of family exercise.

I was thinking about Isaiah 40:31. "But they who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as Eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not be faint." I walked and did not faint. As I was rounding the last bend, I looked up and there was a hawk circling it's nest in the beautiful red rocks. I know it wasn't an Eagle, but I couldn't help but think of this passage. This was the hardest and easiest race yet. I just took it one step at a time. Yes, the hills were killer, but I decided to overcome them at my own pace.

As you can tell, I enjoyed the race this morning. I felt mentally recharged and physically challenged. I was proud that I finished it as I had doubts going into it. I just enjoyed being there and enjoyed the exercise.

A funny thing happened as I crossed the finish line. I looked at the clock. I had finished just a minute past my last race time. The last race was downtown on a flat surface. This one was up and down and up and down. Basically, I had my best time yet. I am getting stronger and that feels AWESOME!!!

Have a great day.

Up to the challenge.

Today should be interesting. Becca and I are suffering from allergies, so we are not in the best of health. I am hoping it gets better before the race, tomorrow. I am off to kindergarten. This is the class from "you know where". The boys and girls in this class are truly naughty. The other subs that have been in there have said "I couldn't do an all day job in there". Please say a prayer for me today. I read a sign the other day that said "Pray for those who are mean to you for they need it the most". I may just be on my knees all day. Ha Ha

Have a great day.

Winding down the week.

Last night Tom and I played at the reception for the new principal. Not many showed, but we had a great time playing. I am glad that the week is winding down and not so much on our plates.

Still getting ready for Saturday's big race. I am not sure about this one. I will at least walk it, even if I can't run. It is to be 28 degrees Saturday morning. That should be interesting too.

Gonna go sub. today and tomorrow I am off to kindergarten. Then, I am not subbing for the next two weeks. Sort of seems like a vacation.

This is short and sweet today as I am busy, but at least the week is winding down.

Take care all.