Chuckin' Butter

Me: The next move is a small squat up and down to the oom-pa of the beat. Your hands are in the middle, like you're a proper English-woman. Like this, 1 + 2 + 3 + so on and so forth!

6th Grade Girl: Oh! So it looks like we're chuckin' butter!

Me and the rest of the class: What??

Girl: You know, how they used to make butter!

Me: Do you mean CHURNING butter?

Girl: Oops.

*insert the entire class falling over laughing*

Excitement, Disappointment, and Excitement!

I am so excited to be moving in 2 weeks! Getting a place in Grapevine that's between school and UTA. Finally! I really am excited about this next step in life. Where then is the disappointment?? Christmas decorations! Why would I put them up now only to take them down in a week and a half, unpack them RIGHT before Christmas, then drive to ABQ for New Year's?? I want to have that festive feeling, but I think it's going to have to wait 'til next year. Thankfully I'll be at some other places that will be decorated. Marc's parents for Christmas, then my parents for the new year.

So enough of the lack of decorations. And besides moving... I am THRILLED to be going to ABQ for New Years! Every time I've seen my parents in the past year has been for an event where we were uber busy the entire time. I am looking forward to some well-deserved hanging out with my parents and just relaxing and catching up. Yes, we do that on the phone quite a bit, but some things are just better in person.

WARNING: Complaining

So don't read if you don't want to listen to me whine.

I am so tired of being sick. It started with laryngitis that manifested into a sinus infection or bronchitis. Now it's some other virus that is knocking me off my feet. 5 DAYS BEFORE MY WINTER CONCERT. My head hurts, my body aches, and I can't sleep well. I'm hot, I'm cold, and I've been tested for flu and pneumonia. Those both came back negative. That's the good news. I'm still contagious with some virus I don't have a name for, I'm not teaching tomorrow, and I haven't been well in almost 3 weeks!

Whining done.

Mark Your Calendars Now

April 30th, my Swing Choir and other featured Choir members will perform their 2nd Annual Dessert Show. Below is a taste of what you will see.

Coda Pics!

I was able to download (and now upload!) the pics and video of Coda disemboweling her toy she received from my students! So here she is, for your viewing pleasure. I knew you'd appreciate it.

Stuffing Removal


Squeaker Removal - sorry for the low light

Break!

Thanksgiving. A time to be thankful. While I'm sure to have more deep and meaningful thanks as the week progresses, right now it is Friday night and I am thankful for a week off! It has been a crazy school year, folks. And today was the climax. I lost my voice. The choir teacher was teaching kiddos how to sing, without even SPEAKING. It was amazing. I mean, let's consider the superb teaching skills that have to be mastered to even be able to teach middle school in the first place. Then to do it MUTED? It seems there is little I can't do.

Now that I've sufficiently lied all over my page, I'll tell you how it REALLY went down. My 6th graders didn't understand that if I can't speak, then I can't answer 'why' questions very well. The boys thought it was great and 2 of them decided to become 'my voice' and 'instruct the class' as they thought I/they saw fit. My 7th and 8th grade girls were louder than I can even begin to imagine, and I had to resort to elementary echo clapping, WHICH THEY DIDN'T FOLLOW WELL. It was a day. But what made it worth every second of hacking and muteness for this bubbly, energetic, and usually loud woman? My Select kiddos threw me a birthday party! Several brought desserts, one made me a really cute "Peace, Love & Music" sign to hang in my room, and others got me pencils (since I break them tapping them on the music stands), Sharpie pens (my favorites!), and a stuffed toy for Coda!!!!! Do they know me or what??

I took pictures of Coda tearing into her toy. Mostly to prove to the girls she would get the squeaker (and most of the stuffing) out in under 60 minutes. She broke her own personal record and had it demolished in 32 minutes. I have attempted to load them onto my computer to share with you, but alas, it's not wanting to read my camera right now. So you will have to wait. I promise to post them though. I got some cute video too!

However, I can post from Halloween finally! My camera has been MIA lately. Well, not the camera, but the cable that charges the camera's battery. So I've had few pictures. And while there are several from others I would love to show you, here is Marc and myself at East. He brought me lunch the Friday before Halloween in his suit of armor! The kids loved it! They were all very intrigued by the chain maille and wanted to touch it. He was so patient! Mostly. ;) So here is the Knight and his semi-fair Maiden during the school day!

Silent Monks Singing

(Minnesota North) STARS!

I'm cheating on my home state. Or at least the state I refer to as home. I'm rooting for the Dallas Stars. I KNOW. Sacrilege. However, I have my reasons. First, I love hockey. Second, they're my (now) home team. Third, C'mon. It was over a decade ago they left the state, and it's time to move on. But I still can't get the little voice out of my head that says, "TRAITOR! They left YOU! You should stick to your state! Booooo!" So I compromised. I recently went to a Stars game and noticed an uncanny amount of North Stars gear. Hmmm... So I am the proud owner or a North Stars hat now! It's like I can support my team, and still pay homage to the state they, and I, came from! Hooray! I feel better. Anybody else? Didn't think so.

Keeping Up...

...with life! Things have been getting busy. School is great! And busy. Life is great! And busy. Friends are great! And busy. Family's great! And... you guessed it! Wedding date has been set, calendars aligned, apartments found, and Coda walked. And Marc and I have found a place to live! I am extremely excited about everything, and even though I've slowed down on planning, Marc and I have started up our pre-marital sessions with our pastor. It's pretty neat! Next assignment? Finding out the relationship history of my family through my great-grandparents. It should be interesting. I know Marc's got his done, now it's my turn! If I find out anything beyond ordinary, I'll let you know.

Supply Blog

I have to keep up with my friends! While they blog about all their new school supplies, there was only one I was interested in. The Sharpie Pen. Imagine! The quality, feel, and color of a Sharpie that won't bleed through paper! Impressive. I indulged today. I bought the 4-pack. Black, Green, Blue, and Red. I have to admit, that while I am still ecstatic about the overall Sharpie pen, the brilliancy in the color has been lost. Still a product I am sure to enjoy! Just not to the extent of it's predecessor regarding color. :) Happy girl!

Bob the Viking

For Bob's birthday, I commissioned Marc to make Bob his very own Viking Helmet! Is that not AWESOME?? Gooooo Vikings!

Little Puppy

So this morning when I finally woke up, I did my usual and invited Coda to jump up on the bed with me. She barely got up off the floor from a laying down position, and took quite awhile to work out the muscle coordination to jump up on the bed. She was shaking the whole time. I called the vet. After a visit with the good Doctor, she is now on meds to hopefully curb a possible infection of Lyme Disease, as well as an anti-inflamitory. The latter has definitely helped. I'll keep you updated if anything else comes up. Until then, my baby is being spoiled rotten!

I know, nothing new.

Proud Mama

Coda caught a toy in her mouth when I threw it to her! She always used to let things hit her in the head or land before going and picking them up, but yesterday she CAUGHT it! I was so impressed by my baby. Of course, it was Marc's sock. So not really threatening. Or a toy. But then we tried it with treats! She succeeded!!! Then I really pushed her... a tennis ball. *BONK* right on the head! Didn't even flinch. Baby steps, right?

Lindsay Family Reunion, 2009

Branson, MO provided the location for this year's Lindsay Family Reunion. It was wonderful to see everyone! There are so many pictures and stories... I'm not sure how to go about it all. I'll post what I can, and add a link to the album so you can view at your own pace. :)

My golf team! We had such a great time until the downpour on 14. Still made Closest to the Pin!

From Family Reunion 2009

Heidi and I hoping the storm lets up so we can keep playing. It only got worse.

From Family Reunion 2009

Did you know that if you burn the end of a wine cork you have instant face paint?

From Family Reunion 2009

Shark Baby! Mwahahaha!

From Family Reunion 2009

Our Family at the Lindsay Family Picnic.

From Family Reunion 2009

Heidi with Aunt Pat's original wedding veil from 40 years ago.

From Family Reunion 2009

At Heidi's High Tea

From Family Reunion 2009

On Table Rock Lake in the Ozarks

From Family Reunion 2009

To see the rest of the album, just click on one of the "Family Reunion 2009" links at the bottom of any of the above pictures. Lots of fun times and great stories. So "bowl up" with your "dancin' shoes" and enjoy!

Would You Rather...

Marc's brother drew a Challenge Card, and we all voted he do the interpretive dance portraying a cat stalking and pouncing on his prey. Poor prey. Poor, poor prey.

June, aka "On The Road Again"

The month of June certainly has been exciting! First weekend I got engaged! Second weekend we were off to Illinois to celebrate my cousin's wedding. It was great to see the family - immediate and extended! Lindsay weddings are always like mini-family reunions. And Jay and Jess are such a lovely couple!



The third weekend Marc and I were off in the car for a round-a-bout trip to the deep south. First was Destin, Florida to celebrate another marriage - Amanda and Rush! Another beautiful wedding full of fun and play on the beach.





After Destin, we wound our way on some state highways (gorgeous!) to Augusta, GA to visit Jennifer, Pankaj, and Asha! I haven't seen the couple since their own wedding about 2 years ago. It was such a good visit, and I can't wait to see them all again!



Then the trek home... Too brief of a visit in Atlanta with Caroline, and 18 hours for the trip to be completed. We were afflicted with "Mini" fever by the time we arrived back in Dallas. OK, more like by the time we hit Shreveport for the last gas fill up. All in all, it was great! Loved seeing everyone, and am looking forward to the upcoming events! Family reunion, TCDA, and the last event of the summer... HEIDI's WEDDING! Thanks to all for their hospitality, and we're looking forward to spending some more time together. Love to you all!

Caption Creation

Taking a cue from my cousin Katy, I'd love to hear your creative creations in captioning this picture...

Marc Proposed!

And I said yes!

The story...

About a month ago, Marc set up an 'End of the School Year/Start of Summer' celebration dinner with our close friends and family. We all dressed up and met at Marc's for appetizers and cocktails. Too fun! Later, we all trooped over to My Martini. It's a contemporary martini bar that serves French bistro styled entrees as well as amazing sushi! So after wonderful drinks, food, and conversation, Marc stood up to make a toast. He toasted to friends, to the start of summer, and the 'love of [his] life'. Awww, I know! Then he got down on one knee in the restaurant and asked me to marry him! I couldn't even look at the ring I was hugging him so much and smiling to big (my eyes close when I smile). When I finally was able to let go, on my finger was (and still is) a beautiful princess cut diamond, accented by sapphires (to match my eyes) and small diamonds down the band.

I am so excited I still haven't come down from my high yet! And all my friends KNEW! They kept this huge secret for a month! What amazing friends and family we have. Love you all!!! And yes, we've already begun to plan. We're thinking next spring/summer for the wedding. We will be married at our church, and the reception? No clue. One step at a time, right?

A couple pics are below!

Marc and Kate plus 8!


The Ring

Coppell Update

As a few of you have asked, here is an update regarding my previous post about Kathy. Just click here.

Baptism

Marc got baptised! Pre and post pictures. Because you can see the change in the photos. Totally.


Pre-Baptism
Lemon Tart is tasty!



After the baptism on the altar.

Please...

... say a prayer for Kathy Garza and her family. She was one of my coworkers last year, and still active in the district. She has been missing since Thursday morning.

Her story is here.

DOT

Coda and a laser pointer. I love her.

Auditions

While it's always a challenge to create a choir, I enjoy it. I love finding and hearing my kids one on one and seeing what they've got. And then the ones come in that don't have what I'm looking for or can place. And then I hate auditions.

I don't like cutting kids. I know, I know. It's a fact of life and I'm doing them a disservice in the long run if I DON'T cut them, which is one reason I make cuts. Another reason is because it isn't fair to the students who are capable of handling more difficult material to have to work with those who will slow them down. And let's face it. If you're in a performing group, you have to perform. That means skills and talent. If you don't possess those, the performance will not be a success.

So I had to post the results of an audition today. It's the worst time for me with auditions. I usually post and then run like a madwoman out of the building to avoid the screeches of delight and the sobs of disappointment. Best advice I ever received was from Mrs. Robinson at EHS; "If you don't see your name on the list, take a couple of days to calm down before you approach the director. Then you can speak with them rationally about your audition." It's worked for me in the past! And I preach it to my kids now. Unfortunately some have been raised to believe they are entitled to receive whatever they want, whenever they want it.

That's another blog.

I'm Allergic!

Due to lots of things going on in my life the past few years, controlling my allergies had been put on a back burner. I thought the surgery in 2007 would help, and it would have, if my allergies were under control. The past 4 months I've had 2 bouts of sinusitis and 1 of bronchitis (which I haven't had in YEARS). It was time.

So I went in and had the testing done today... twice. 60 shots in my arms. My poor, poor arms. However once the testing was done, the results brought hope! I'm allergic to a LOT of stuff. Dust mites, house dust, cats, ALL the trees in TX, ALL the weeds... so why is this good? Because allergy shots should help. A lot. I should be able to live a normal life without being on antibiotics every other month! I am so excited.

Just so you know.

Tweedle-de-deet!

My cousin, Chris McCroskey, was quoted in this article. I had no idea he had helped found this political tweeting, movement?

Babes in Arms

I am absolutely in love with my new niece, Finley Valentine. I got to meet her for the first time last weekend when I traveled to the snowy land of Minnesota. She is so precious (thanks for the adjective, Mom), and Stacy and Taylor seem to be naturals in their parenting. It makes me so excited for them, and so very happy for their new family. Here are some pics for you to marvel at.


The curls go away after the hair dries.


What a beautiful baby!


I think I'm about to spoil this kid rotten!

Booties for Coda?

This morning I did not go to school. I was awakened at 5:39am by my phone ringing and being informed by an administrator we had an 'inclement weather day'. Basically we had an ice storm hit and I am glad I did not drive anywhere today. The sidewalks - even the flat areas by trees and their roots - were deathtraps. But I had to take Coda out, so we stuck to the frozen grass and crunched along until she had her fill of the cold. Upon entering my home, it came to my attention that Coda's paws were red. After closer inspection, I realized my puppy's feet had been cut up from all the sharp blades of grass we were walking in! She didn't complain (whine, whatever), and after wiping off her paws, things have healed back up! So does this mean I have to go out and buy the little doggy booties for her in case of another ice storm? Because seriously, she'd eat them off her feet and probably fall just trying to walk in them. She's a big wuss.

Random example of her wussiness: Took her to the dog park a couple days ago and she challenged 2 of the most aggressive breeds around. First was a 100lbs. German Shepard, and the second was a doberman. No cuts, scratches, etc. on either side, and the owners were very understanding of the show of dominance. Nonetheless we left and went walking on the paths around the park. She'll attack the meanest of dogs, but won't cross a bridge. Marc had to almost pick her up to get her across the darn thing as all she would do was hunker down in fear. I'm so confused.

Finley

I'm an auntie! I am so excited about my new neice, Stacy and Taylor's daughter, Finley Valentine Ritchie! After a long and drawn out birth, she came into the world at 12:50 am on Jan. 11th. Heidi's kept me updated with pictures and stats, so here they are thanks to her!

Finley Valentine
6 lbs, 8 oz
19 in. long

I am checking flights frequently, trying to figure out a time to get up to MN to meet my beautiful neice. She definitely has Stacy's eyes, and I'll take Heidi's word that she's got Taylor's hair and big toe.

Congratulations to Stacy and Taylor, and welcome Finley!

Probably the most beautiful arrangement I've ever received.