The Newest Neighbors

New York City

2011-04-02T18:28:00.001-05:00

Over Spring Break, I had one of the best vacations ever! We've never really done anything like this before even though it felt like we had. So good to see Taylor and let him drag us around everywhere. Seems like we are all less cranky when Taylor's around!

I am pretty sure that everyone that has been to NYC has these exact pictures! We had so much fun and I think we walked about 20 miles in 4 days.

Celtic Woman. It was super good. The theater is amazing too. It reminded me of Annie!

Central Park view from Top of the Rock.

Needs no introduction.

Bein' dumb.

(i told him to)

The camera guy didn't have the best angle but you get the idea.

Being dumb again.
They couldn't quite get it :)

Mom's idea.

ShenanigansThe day was full of them We loved this place! Great place for clam chowder.This picture is for Jared. The small jar is the normal-sized jar. I sooo wanted to bring the big one home to him.

Wish I had about 100 more of these minis.

My favorite picture of the whole trip!

Tons of Famous Paintings

2011-04-01T23:24:00.022-05:00

I just realized that I have no pictures of Summer! I took all of these the day she was there but never got a picture of her. So sorry Summer! That was such a great day too. So much: from lunch at the Plaza, MOMA, 5th Avenue, Greenwich Village, Gray's Papaya, Memphis, and Kashkavel. I'm tired just thinking about all we did that day!

Name that painting/artist??

His obsession with guitars!

Mom's favorite

....and then there's this one

Men in Skirts

2011-04-01T23:09:00.004-05:00

Mom, patiently waiting for us right where we told her to. We could see her but couldn't get to her because of the parade that lasted all day!

See, she is patiently waiting for us in Rockefeller Center.

St. Patrick's Day Parade

"The" St. Patrick's Day sweater

I need to read up on my world issues.

Prior to arriving, Taylor said, "No, I've never been to the Guggenheim. It's always closed when we're here." It was closed.

Recurring theme?

Strawberry Fields

Washington Square Park, Greenwich Village

cute

Smart people

Poor puppy

George- great statue

serious business. standing outside the New York Stock Exchange

also outside of the NYSE

I'm bringing Blogger back

2011-03-31T21:12:00.003-05:00

Yeah! Do you remember when we all blogged? Then, it all changed: Facebook became rampant in our "circle". I am bringin' it back. I think you should too. I am back blog stalkers. Not that I have ANytHING important to say and not that I am a good writer but it is fun to go back and look at my old stuff- and to go back and look at Olivia. Ps. After a few Google questions and alot of investigation, I finally figured out how to change all my stuff from the old school template. It took me AWHILE.

2010-01-25T23:33:00.001-06:00

Texas Campus STaR Chart

See more presentations by kcneighbors | Upload your own PowerPoint presentations

Texas Long Range Plan for Technology 2006-2020

2010-01-24T19:44:00.003-06:00

Educator Preparation:
One of the key aspects to ensure Educator Preparation is to provide the staff with professional development that is relevant to using technology in the classroom. Teachers should be able to use their professional development experiences to create higher-order thinking web-based projects for their classroom. Also, teachers are expected to know how to use online resources to aid in classroom teaching. One other aspect of Educator Preparation is to ensure that the ideas and projects learned in the professional development experiences are actually being implemented into the classroom so that it "empowers students to think critically to solve real-world problems and communicate with experts across business, industry and higher education". This information is directly taken from the Texas Teacher STaR Chart manual.
In 2007-2008 the Campus Statewide Summary showed that 74.2% of all campuses involved scored a "Developing Tech" in the category for Educator Preparation. 40% of educators meet SBEC standards. The next highest percentage at 19.9% scored an "Advanced Tech" in this area. 60% of educators meet SBEC standards here. My local school scored with the norm by getting a "Developing Tech" result.
I believe that we are making good progress in this area. It is going to take a few more years for teachers to get comfortable with the fact that technology is here to stay and can and will be a very useful tool for not only managing the classroom but for inspiring learning. The trend is that this area is rising as a whole. On my campus, we actually fell 2 points from 2007-2008 to 2008-2009. I believe that next year the numbers will continue to rise and that overall, we will see an increase in the national, state, and local campus use for technology. The reason that I believe that we will increase is that technology use is rising in our students and in order to keep up with them, educators have to continue to be innovative in the classroom or they will no longer have a job.
My recommendation for improvement in this area is to have mandatory mini-professional development opportunities for specific programs or projects that will help the need-areas for each grade in my school. This would be implemented on a monthly basis and teachers would be highly encouraged to create a project that is meaningful to their content area and has specific technological requirements. This would show the teachers that feel inferior to technology that they are capable of creating fun projects that their kids can relate to. This will also foster a sense of collaborative learning communities within the grade level or content area.

Thankfulness

2009-05-30T23:16:00.004-05:00

I am definitely looking forward to this new season. It is not only a new physical season but a new state of mind. I am so thankful for all of my family and all of my friends. Where would I be without them? So many people do not get the family and friends that I have.
Now that school is out for the summer, Jared's schedule becomes increasingly busy. I don't know how he does it but traveling for Missions is his passion and I am thankful for his heart. I miss him sooooo much each year when he leaves. This year he is going to China, among other places, and it makes me a little nervous. He has a way of trusting God that I yearn for. He knows that the Lord will guide his every step and I am thankful for a protecting God. Jared recently gave a graduation speech that was about thankfulness which made me realize that I take for granted so many things. I am most of all, right now, thankful for God who gave me Jared.
This week, Jared asked me to help with his basketball camp and next week, we are taking a vacation to Vermont, which will be very cool. I am thankful for these next 2 weeks to get to spend with him. Then he leaves for Jamaica. He will leave Jamaica for Belgium and come home for a few days and then he will be off to Taiwan and China. Please pray for him and the many different countries and regions he will be visiting. There are so many people that either do not know God, don't know how to know God, or do not want to know God. I ask you to pray for them and for Jared and his partners to reach them.

The update

2009-05-16T18:14:00.002-05:00

Well I finally reset my password so that I can blog. Life is good. We are in Miami and I am teaching dyslexia and Jazzercise. Jared is coaching everything- it just feels like everything. Basketball this year went well and was pleased with his team. We have done so much in the last year that it is hard to say everything. Had some good vacations and good family times. Looking forward to catching up on everyone's blogs and will eventually have to do the Facebook thing- not looking forward to that.

Wow!

2008-11-10T20:49:00.000-06:00

We have internet!

2008-11-07T20:50:00.001-06:00

News, news, news! We now have the internet. It has been oh so long since any communication besides the good ole radio has been broadcast in our home. Yes- we have a home! Tons of news.

Yeahhh!!!

2008-07-31T23:16:00.004-05:00

It is the little things in life that make me a happy girl. I have a new phone finally. I had to buy a new one cause my cheap flip phone broke into (in two?) with a little help from Olivia but mainly me dropping it 300+X. But the main reason that I am excited is that Jared is finally coming home. He has managed to come home with major jetlag from Taiwan, pack up most of our stuff (what he didn't sell, just kidding), clean our apartment, and move it on out! Whoohooo He is traveling right now- Shreveport area, please pray- and will make it tomorrow to Miami. I am very thankful to him and ready to see him after 1 whole month. I told him I was ready for babies but I think it is that I am just lonely. Is that considered 'oversharing'? Thanks for all of your support on the Jared-selling-my-stuff issue. I think I need to start a Wives of Thrify Husbands Anonymous.

BTW: If I don't call you for awhile, it is my broken phone's fault. Call me sometime so I'll have your number again.

It's been awhile

2008-07-29T00:03:00.002-05:00

I have been in Slaton for 3ish weeks and I am ready to see Jared. He is home safely in Forida and is reluctantly moving the rest of our things. He is actually trying to sell my things. I was not mad about it. I actually thought it was funny and then he told me the price he was going to get for specific items and I was hurt deeply that he thought my possessions were so worthless. Fortunatly I caught him before they were out the door and nothing was lost. I guess next move I'll have to take inventory. Anyway I (the fam) went to Pampa to look at houses to buy and saw some that I really liked. We actually have no idea where we are going to live because I still do not have a job and it will depend on that. Same song I seem to sing. I don't have pictures and nothing interesting has happened but I will keep you posted on the goings on in the Neighbors' world.

Isn't it fun to learn so much about me?

2008-07-28T23:51:00.002-05:00

You Are Thanksgiving

You are a bit of a homebody who enjoys being in the company of people you love.

It doesn't take a lot to make you happy. You're enjoying life as it is.

You have many blessings in your life, and you are grateful for each one.

You believe that life is about what you *do* have. You feel like you have enough of the good stuff.

What makes you celebrate: Family, friends, and the changing of the seasons.

At holiday get togethers, you do best as: The host of the party

On a holiday, you're the one most likely to: Spend so much energy preparing that it's a full time job

What Holiday Are You?

I agree with it all except that the last 2 paragraphs are so not me. Please do not make me host Thanksgiving! Give me about 10 more years to learn about turkey. And BTW I never really "go all out" on anything-except for sleep.

2008-07-28T23:47:00.001-05:00

American Cities That Best Fit You:

75% Austin

65% Honolulu

65% Miami

60% Atlanta

60% Denver

Which American Cities Best Fit You?

I was just sure Pampa, Texas was going to be my perfect American city. Who knows- there's still a chance???

What is your preppy name?

2008-07-22T15:58:00.001-05:00

Your Preppy Name Is...

Lenox Larkin Olney the Fifth

But most people know you as Cece

What's Your Preppy Name?

Happy Anniversary

2008-06-23T22:39:00.000-05:00

7 YEARS!

Congrats pretty baby makers.

Tomorrow!

2008-06-23T22:33:00.000-05:00

Jared is finally coming home tomorrow! I am so excited. He's been gone for 12 days but has only been home 1 day in the past 24 days.

Taylor and Summer are also coming tomorrow. They are in route right now. Also excited about that.

Tomorrow!

2008-06-23T22:25:00.000-05:00

Last one

2008-06-19T22:28:00.000-05:00

2008-06-19T22:25:00.000-05:00

2008-06-19T22:23:00.000-05:00

and some more

I found some

2008-06-19T22:19:00.000-05:00

I found some pictures that I had not shared. Since Kara won't ever update her blog, you can now see some updated pictures of my little Olivia. I took these when the girls came to see me in May.

Getting Tired

2008-06-19T22:06:00.003-05:00

Are you getting tired of post after post with no pictures? Well it is because I really don't have any cool pictures. Jared has been gone for 8 days and won't be back for 5 more. Ugh. I have managed to claen the house and cook dinner for some friends though. He would be proud.

We officially have the "Newest Neighbors" to congratulate into this world! Carter Michael Neighbors was born June 17 at 10 something am. Baby and mother are doing well. Yeah, Noah has a brother!

I should be doing anything but this right now...

2008-06-12T16:46:00.004-05:00

I am addicted to looking at my blog. I think it is the avoidance thing- that I have tons of stuff to do right now.

We are moving to Miami. The Texas one. Yes- this is where Jared grew up and where Taylor used to be the Youth Director. The two events are unrelated in a related sort of way. Jared will be the head girl's basketball coach. Should that be capitalized??? Anyway I am looking for a job teaching my precious special children in the area. In the meantime, I am teaching summer school and Jared is in Jamaica for 12 days. We have two sets of people that are coming to visit us in the next few weeks and I am trying to get as much beach in as I can so if I don't answer tomorrow, you know where I am. Miss you and can't wait to come home!

Funny Story- kinda

2008-06-10T20:10:00.003-05:00

So if you know the Neighbors very well, you know that the men in the family have a tendency to pass out. In the short time that I have known my husband, he's already passed out while getting his eyes dialated. This particular time, he hit his head on a desk and received a small concussion because of it. Anyway- he turned out to be fine. Moving on... In a previous post, I mentioned our friend Ronnie Gilmore who had a motorcycle accident. Jared had been in the Amarillo area for the past week, so we decided that he needed to go visit our friend. Well at about 4:00 my friend Tammy called me and asked if I had talked to my husband lately, I told her that it had been a few hours and she proceeded to tell me the story of how Jared got rushed to the ER because he passed out and had a seizure in Ronnie's hospital room. Scary. So after I tried to get a hold of Andrew and then got Taylor to leave his job early at Boy's Ranch to check on Jared, I called Allyson. Allyson is the nurse in the family who everyone goes to for medical advice. While I was telling her the story, she started laughing hysterically. When a medical person starts laughing, you know there is nothing to worry about! Whew. Anyway she told me a funny story about Matthew and how it looks like they are having a seizure but really aren't. By this time, Jared called and told me that he looked like an 80 year old because he was stuck in a wheel chair with oxygen in his nose. I told him what Allyson said and he walked straight out of the ER.

Moral of the story: please do not show Jared pictures of gory things and when he says he is about to pass out- he means it!

Texas?

2008-06-04T20:56:00.001-05:00

I probably should not post this but since no one reads it anyway, I don't think it will be a big deal. We are moving!!!! Our location is yet to be revealed!!!!

Bad Things Happen in 3s

2008-05-28T21:23:00.002-05:00

I hate to be so negative but here are a few opportunities for you to pray for (besides my Uncle Bill who is doing better)...
1) Our dear friend Ronnie Gilmore had a bad motorcycle accident. He has several broken bones: legs, ribs, and collar bone. He is in stable condition in Amarillo.
2) A 7 yr old student in my class with severe Autism had an accident at home over the weekend where he got severly burned. 45% of his body was burned and 40% of that was 3rd degree. He will be in the hospital in Augusta, GA for 2 months. He also is in stable condition.
3) A bus traveling to Pensacola today with a bunch of 3rd graders from a school in our town had an accident and flipped. No one died but a lot of adults and kids were injured.

Another negative thing... Teachers are interviewing for my job at school. I was hired without a contract knowing that next year I might not have my job but it is surreal when people are in your classroom observing your position.

Knowing that God is in all of this is comforting to me. I know that He has a plan for all of these people effected by all of this mess and that He will use it to His glory.

Shout Out

2008-05-18T20:54:00.002-05:00

Jared is talking to his brother on the phone right now and it reminded me that him and the girls are coming to visit us in July! I am sooooo excited to have them come so we can have some girly excursions. I am in dire need of hanging out with the girls. Oh yeah- my brother and his bride are coming the week before and can't wait to see them either. Lovin' the fam.

My New Hat

2008-05-18T20:46:00.000-05:00

So cute- I got it at the Fossil outlet.

You sould've seen the other guy

2008-05-18T20:44:00.000-05:00

I beat my husband.

No really he got elbowed playing basketball and the bruise lasted for 2 weeks.

Scuba Pictures

2008-05-18T20:39:00.000-05:00

Pictures of us at Vortex Spring, FL.

Spring Break

2008-05-18T20:33:00.001-05:00

We went to Fairfield Glade, TN for Spring Break and to celebrate our Anniversary. It was very serene. We played golf- I came out of retirement for this event. We both stunk it up but at least we did together. We would actually do fabulous in a scramble. I got to see my favorite horse girl Megan. She lives in Nashville. There was really not a lot to do there so we played on the kiddie rides.

Spring Foliage

2008-05-18T20:24:00.000-05:00

We went to Tennessee for Spring Break and I took these pictures of the pretty spring blossoms. It actually felt like Fall as we were traveling because it was chilly and there were hardly any leaves on the tress. They did have tons of lilac bushes there and it reminded me of Mamia's- and of course Jessica looting the cemetery on the eve of our wedding per my mother's directions!

2008-05-18T19:21:00.003-05:00

Our hotel on Memorial Day weekend.

Our Schedule

2008-05-18T19:12:00.002-05:00

We have had a wonderful last few months! Kara and Olivia came to visit. I did not take many pictures because I was too busy using the camcorder. We went to the Gulfarium, picked strawberries, and went to the beach. We had a great time and Olivia got to see her wonderful aunt that misses her like crazy. Next up is a trip to the Destin jetties where we will be diving next Saturday. Afterthat we will head to Panama City with some friends to dive there. I am going to Las Vegas to marry off my friend Hannah while Jared goes home to do his basketball camp. We actually have school until June 6th- teachers until the 9th. I am teaching summer school so I will stay busy when Jared is gone. He is going to Texas, Jamaica, and then to Asia. (No I am not going with him to any of those places.) My vacation will be in Slaton, TEXAS and I can't wait!

Certified!

2008-04-20T13:29:00.003-05:00

Jared and I finished our Open Water Diver class. We are now certified in Scuba and can go diving whenever we want. Yesterday was rough. After the first dive, Jared and I both asked each other, "What are we doing?" I didn't have enough weight and couldn't go down while I watched everyone I knew descend into the abyss. Well it turned out ok once we got the weight thing figured out. Jared had problems equalizing and couldn't get his fins under control. We were a mess. After the 2nd and 3rd dives yesterday we got everything figured out and even went 45ft and stood on the brink of a cave system. Jared saw an eel and the instructor was bummed that I didn't get to see it but I told him that that was definitely ok!

Today was awesome. We had to walk about a mile today in soft sand with 28pounds of weights plus our gear which probably totals 50pounds. (not awesome) When we got to the jetty, we were able to descend, finish our drills, and go hunt sand dollars and shells. Jared uses so much air so we didn't get to spend a lot of time collecting stuff but I will post pictures of our loot. One of the guys in our group was tormenting me with a crab and found this dead fish skeleton that he was waving around. Boys ugh. So anywho we are certified and are so pumped about being able to go explore.

2008-04-20T13:26:00.003-05:00

This is Jared and I doing our buddy check in the pool last week.

We Passed!

2008-04-13T18:08:00.007-05:00

Jared and I spent 8 hours in the water today. We spent 8 hours learning about scuba yesterday. It was brutal but so interesting. We are on brain overload right now and very water logged. So today we spent all day in the pool learning about our gear, bouyancy, and what to do in case of emergencies. There were 5 total in the class. The other 3 were Marines; needless to say, I had the most difficulties. It made me want to go workout because with 15lbs. of weight in my weight belt, I sometimes struggled with staying down. It was the coolest bonding experience because Jared and I were buddies and we just had to understand what was going on with the other person with only a few signals. Soooo coool. Next Saturday we will go to a spring and dive there and then on Sunday we are off to the gulf to get some sand dollars. Today we only got downto 6 feet in the pool and I felt very cramped in there. I am sure that's the only time I'll feel cramped. I am sure I will have dreams about breathing underwater now because of how unnatural that feeling is. I'll get back to you next weekend.

Click here to learn more about our fun new hobby :)

That feels good.

2008-04-13T18:05:00.002-05:00

Finally updated on pictures. I have been so busy at school and when I come home, I go straight to Jazzercise. Our lives are crazy but here you go. I have a few more pictures to post. One of Megan and one of Jared in his scuba gear and some of our vaycay.

Spring Break

2008-04-13T18:00:00.001-05:00

Two of Jared's former players brought a bunch of guys to our house for Spring Break. This was the only time that I saw them. Preston (2rd from left), Jordan (5th from left), and their friends from A&M took us out to dinner one night. They were all so nice and there were 7 girls that stayed somewhere else but were in their group too. That night the girls called me 'Mom'- weird.

Jared's Team

2008-04-13T17:48:00.000-05:00

Jared's team did a great job of improving this year. He was very happy to work with these girls to build their program. They won their first game of the district tournament before being beaten by the state semi-finalists! Go Lady Knights

Random Beach Pictures

2008-04-13T17:33:00.000-05:00

Mendi

2008-04-13T17:12:00.000-05:00

These are pictures of Mendi Border and all of the Border festivities that I was so glad to be apart of. I took them in December and haven't had time to post them. Mendi is so freakin beautiful- I hate her. Really though, Mendi is a great friend and her pictures show the kind of life-of-the-party spirit that she has. I miss you so much!

Update

2008-04-06T17:22:00.002-05:00

Hi guys. All is well here. We just got back from Spring Break. We went to Tennessee and it was cold. I came out of retirement and played some golf at a Par 3 course. Jared and I did about the same which tells you that neither of us did very good but at least we had fun. Megan met us half way and we got to eat dinner with her. It was great to see her and catch up a little bit. I will be seeing her at the end of May for one of our friend's weddings in Vegas. Yeah. It has been rainy here which bummed me out because I was going to spend the last part of my break at the beach but I guess there's always next weekend. Speaking of that, we are starting our SCUBA classes next week and will last 2 whole weekends. We are pumped but the sooner it gets, the more nervous I get about sharks. Our instructor said that he has seen a total of 7 since he has been SCUBAing. I think 7 is a whooooole lot. Anywho it is going to be an adventure.
We saw Mom and Dad in Lake Charles for Easter and had a fun time with them. Dad showed Jared a thing or two about playing Craps while Mom and I yawned. We all lounged and had a wonderful Easter.
Our Anniversary is tomorrow. 1 year!
I am sure I will never post pictures even though I want to say I will.
Kara and Olivia are coming in 1 month. This is spectacular!

Springtime Loves

2008-03-05T17:37:00.002-06:00

Topic for the week (or last week)

* Easter: Jesus' death and resurrection
* Easter: this year I will be in Louisiana with Jared and my parents
* The days getting longer and in FL, that is huge.
* Spring fever: always wanting to be outside
* Sunny Saturdays at the beach
* Track season: Jared is home more now that basketball is over
* Our upcoming visitors (I will post pictures of all of them)

Piggy- Backing

2008-02-19T20:15:00.003-06:00

I am now starting to blog with the CyberSisters. I was invited to join and who does not like to talk about themselves??? So the topic for the week is...
5 Things You Love
1. Jared- I know Mushy Gushy was not the assignment but I do love him the most- people.
2. I am loving this certain type of salad dressing. It is the kind that has the seasoning and the carafe-type bottle that you add your own oil and vinegar to. It's awesome.
3. I am loving me some Jazzercise. Ok so it's not a thing of the 80s. It's so fun and it is going to be the only thing that helps me loose 20 pounds!
4. I love Fox News. I am addicted to it. I love how they bash Clinton. I try not to be too political cause I like to be nice so I am sorry but I am my father's daughter.
5. Olivia!

Sorry- no pictures- I'm not on my pictures computer.

The Winds of Change

2008-02-19T20:03:00.003-06:00

So because everyone has been in a blog slump, I too have not been motivated to blog. Ok so my news... I got a job! I am working at an elementary school in Crestview, FL. I am the Autism teacher for 7 kids. They are cute and my job is very challenging but I am so thankful to have one. I am also teaching Jazzercise 3x a week now. Before, it was only 1x every other week so hopefully I will shed these marriage pounds soon. Jared and I will soon take classes to become SCUBA divers and I am so pumped about that. I am trying not to think about sharks. We have a very busy spring planned. Several different people are coming to visit (including the most beautiful girl in the world) and I have a wedding in Vegas. I went to the beach yesterday and got a little sun. Spring Break season is coming so the area will get a little more congested. I think that is all of the news I have. I miss all of you tremendously!

2008-01-23T11:15:00.000-06:00

Jared's birthday fell on MLK day this year so he got to sleep in. We went to IHOP for breakfast because he loves breakfast and I just can't compete with those omeletes. Over the weekend, we went to Albany, Georgia. Jared's basketball team played the school that made the movie "Facing the Giants". It was an overnight trip and I had a blast... free hotel room! Jared drove the charter bus and I could not have been more impressed. He only hit one curb! He'll get mad at me for saying that because, apparently, bus drivers pride themselves in not hitting curbs. Anyway the girls lost but, we'll just say, it was tied at half time. He is amazing with those girls. They are the SILLIEST girls I have ever known and he has so much patience with them. All in all, everyone had a great time (minus the game).

I'll finish updating Christmas and New Year's some time soon.

2008-01-23T11:12:00.000-06:00

Happy 29th!

2008-01-23T11:09:00.000-06:00

Updating

2008-01-23T11:06:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year

2008-01-08T17:46:00.001-06:00

Hey everyone! We survived Christmas and New Years. Whoo hoo. Now it is time to get serious. Weight loss, house claening, laundry. I am still not working but am LOVING this house wife thing. Since I have been home(3 days now), I've cooked Jared dinner 3 times. I really can't even believe it myself. We got a treadmill from Kara and I am actually using it. My friend Megan is training for a 1/2 marathon and I think I will too. What else do I have to do, right? Tasha is getting married in September and my friend Hannah is getting proposed to soon so I have a reason to get into shape. I will post pics soon of our fantastic time with our family.

Me

2007-12-11T01:33:00.000-06:00

So I do not have a job yet and my last day at Zoe's is the 17. That is one week from today. I am not freaking out really but am wondering when another job will open up here. Sometimes somethings just seem impossible. I am not giving up hope. I told Jared that the Lord is protecting me from jobs I don't need and making me realize that I can not do anything on my own. It is a very good lesson. A good thing that is coming out of this is holiday plans... they are basically up to me. That is good. Jared doesn't want me to come back to Florida too early so that I will have enough time to see family and friends. He said that he could hold down the fort for awhile. As far as Christmas plans, all I know is that I will be in town for Mendi's bach party on the 19 and Jared will be here by Christmas Eve to see his family. That is really all I know and throw a prayer Up There for us if you would. Love everyone and Miss everyone.
P.S. I really miss Rosas and Orlandos.

Our Tree

2007-12-11T00:44:00.000-06:00

Family

2007-12-11T00:38:00.001-06:00

2007-12-11T00:01:00.000-06:00

Larry and Debbie came down to Florida for a few days before Thanksgiving. We were soooo happy to see them. The weather was much more pleasant this time. We went to the beach and went to an old plantation-style house that was on the water. It was vey pretty and we had a great time. My batteries were not charged in my camera so I got 0 pictures while they were here. We had a great time anyway. Jared and I drove to Houston early Thus morning and got there just in time for a nap and dinner. Matthew, Allyson, Hannah, Ella, Debbie, and Larry were all there for dinner. It was a great day. I flew to Lubb the next day and was greeted by 3 smiling faces and a little snow. It was wonderful to be HOME! I had a great time and another surprise- Mamaw and Papaw came too. Mom and I both agreed that it was one of the best Thanksgivings ever.

Thanksgiving

2007-12-10T23:52:00.000-06:00

camping

2007-12-10T23:45:00.000-06:00

we went camping with our friends in november. it was really chilly in the morning. we made a pallet in the back of my car and slept there. everyone else had tents but used their air-up mattresses. i bet they were more comfy than we were. we had a great time. jared made all of the boys try to scare the girls but after about an hour we were over it and just ready for them to come back so we could all go to sleep. the sun comes up so early here that we were back at home, showered, and back to sleep in our own beds by 7am the next morning. there is no better sleep than after you've been freezing in the back of your car with a really tall man all night. we love our friends.

Updates

2007-12-10T23:42:00.000-06:00

I'm going crazy

2007-11-05T22:20:00.000-06:00

I need a job soooo bad. If I hear another person say, "I thought special ed. teachers could get a job anywhere," I will flip out. It is so frustrating. It is kind of a surreal feeling. I just thought teaching was pretty good job security. I am out of college but have a college job- very humbling. 40-50 hours a week on your feet is very tough. The housewife idea is sounding better everyday. I don't need a car or cable do I?

Welcome to the south...

2007-11-01T23:17:00.000-05:00

the gift that keeps on giving- according to Megan. Jared ref'd at this town and I went with him. Thank goodness for cameras.

2007-11-01T23:14:00.000-05:00

The rest of the group.

Costume Party

2007-11-01T23:11:00.000-05:00

Our Young Marrieds class had a costume party tonight. Jared and I frantically put stuff together because we didn't think we were going to make it. I actually had all of this stuff - inspired by Jem and the Holograms. We bought Jared's wig. I am 80s, obviously, and he is a washed up football player, not so obviously. We had fun.

Thanksgiving

2007-10-29T00:00:00.000-05:00

I think I am going to be able to go home for Thanksgiving! Jared is giving me a trip home because I miss everyone so much. The latest idea is that we will drive to Houston together on Thanksgiving Day and then I will fly to Lubb from there. This is half the price and I will get to spend some quality time with the husband in the car. Anyway I am not getting my hopes up too much cause anytime I make plans, it seems like they get changed. It's really fun to think that I will get to hang out with Olivia for 2 days though! I am being lame with the blogging thing but nothing is happening. I have some pictures of Jared's middle school b-ball team that I need to share and that's about it. We went to the mullet festival and saw Kenny Rogers. It was a mile away from our house and we saw the most interesting people EVER there. And by interesting, I don't necessarily mean that in a positive way. It was like the fair. Jared and I had a funnel cake and an apple dumpling (Jared didn't eat either). The food was fantastic. They have really good food at these shin-digs. Well here's to a lame blog! again

Nothing

2007-10-18T22:31:00.000-05:00

Jared has been gone for two days and I have not done one thing. I am so not motivated to do anything these days. Ugh. Work takes it out of me. I know you're feeling me. Did I say ugh already? I was so excited to do several things while he was gone to Orlando but it just didn't happen. It has been rainy and gloomy. Most people in the world love rain but it's not for me unless I am having a party or my husband is here to enjoy it with me. So for now, pray for my lazyness to subside- pah leeese.

A Miracle

2007-10-17T17:08:00.000-05:00

I have this friend from Jazzercise Amarillo who I became close to throughout last year. A few days before her 4th child was born, they found a tumor in her husband's brain. (This was like last month). It was shocking for their family and for all of us. Anyway, everyone rallied together for her family with gift cards, money, Jazzercise equip. help, etc... Anyway I just got this e-mail from her today....

as u know the doctors had found a small tumor in my hubby's brain that was going to have to be removed on Oct. 8th. well we had alot of people prayin for him and he felt like he should have another MRI before the surgery just so he could validate his faith and belief in GOD. Wednesday the third he called his doc and told him his request. the doc said another MRI was totally unnecessary and that the insurance would probably not pay for another one. but because he was a christian he would see what he. could do. so Omar got a second MRI on Thursday the 4th and then the doc asked for a ct scan on Friday the 5th. the doc assistant called me that same day and said that the tumor was gone and his surgery was canceled. if u know that this was a miracle like we do say praise the lord and bless someone else with this testimony.
i love that u r doin well, and hope things just get better for u two. it is SO good to hear from u, keep in touch.

peace be w/ u!
quea ramos

This is truly a miracle. I can't say that I have witnessed many of these first-hand but Praise God!

What is your life's theme song?

2007-10-08T02:02:00.001-05:00

I am sure you have all done this before but I was trying to tell Jared about it. He just learned about this new thing called the Internet. Here it is.
http://www.thisdayinmusic.com/member/birthdayno1.php

Mine is "Eye of the Tiger"

couldn't be more thrilled

Shout Out

2007-10-08T01:44:00.000-05:00

Cami and I are the only people in the world that are still up at 2am- that don't have kids. It is soooooo good to know that you can call somebody anytime and talk for 2 hours and really not say anything but have the most fun. I love you and I miss you and now when you check my blog 2 times a day, you can look at your beautiful self.

ps. i will, one day, stop sharing wedding pictures. it will be a long time from now.

Happy Birthday Mom!!!

2007-10-04T21:19:00.000-05:00

Love you

Cinco

2007-10-01T23:13:00.000-05:00

Jared and I finally joined a church together. We absolutely love this church. The pastor is awesome and our Sunday School class is super too. This is exactly what Jared and I needed to begin our marriage. I look forward all week to going to church on Sunday. Isn't that cool? I can't say that I have been like that my whole life. When we first moved here, Jared went to the girls volleyball practice just to show his face and one of the spectators and Jared started talking and come-to-find-out, her husband was the Yound Marrieds SS leader. Anyway that was our first church to visit and it was a match. I was super sad to give up my membership at FBC Slaton but I know this is exactly where we need to be. When you move here, you can join too!

http://cincobaptist.org/

Mr Gattis in June

2007-09-25T00:34:00.001-05:00

Tropical Storm Jerry

2007-09-25T00:13:00.000-05:00

I think it was named Jerry anyway. I was so excited about this storm. It seems that when one of these blows in, everyone gets a little bit more perked up. I was hoping that it would turn into a hurricane so I would not have to go to work for a few days. That is horrible, I know but it is the truth. I took this picture outside of my work. The rain was blowing sideways. Something that I learned from these storms is that it is not the rain that you have to worry about, it is the tornados that happen after it blows by. I was up all night watching the Weather Channel talk about the tornado warnings. Scary. We even got a note on our door about what to do during a hurricane. This is all so new and facinating to me.

Beach Day

2007-09-24T23:58:00.001-05:00

September 11

2007-09-12T22:38:00.000-05:00

Can I just say that I am proud to be an American! Being here in Niceville and Fort Walton Beach is really cool because there are 2 military bases within the area. I see military people all the time- at the grocery store, out to eat, at church, or just going to the mailbox. I really took for granted all of the freedoms that we have here in America. When I see those men and women, it reminds me of all the sacrifices they make just for our freedom. I am so proud to be an American and am proud to know several men and women who serve and served our great country- including my dad, Chip, and my grandpa.

The Beach

2007-09-11T02:03:00.000-05:00

The only bad thing about going to the beach is that the sand goes on forever before you actually get to the water and you have to lugg all of your stuff out there. Trust me- I am not complaining- just warning the lazies, like myself.

2007-09-11T01:58:00.000-05:00

Beach Baby

2007-09-11T01:56:00.000-05:00

Kara, Olivia, and Curtis came down here about 3 weeks ago to bring our stuff. They are for sure some troopers. This was Olivia's first time at the beach and she kept eating the sand. She definitely did not like the water and was real confused about the sand.

I'm Obsessed

2007-09-11T01:48:00.000-05:00

Well I can't choose which one I like the best. This collage thing is cool.

2007-09-11T01:41:00.000-05:00

Olivia was clapping to the music at the baseball game. Anytime she hears music, she starts clapping. Maybe all babies do this but she is by far the cutest.

My Baby

2007-09-11T01:38:00.000-05:00

Jared left shortly after this picture was taken to go to N. Carolina and then Taiwan for a whole month. I was away from him for so long. He has some pics coming and I'll make him blog about his experiences. Sounds like he had a great time and really got to witness to the high school/college kids there. Jared is an awesome man of God. I learn from him everyday. Jared shows me everyday the joy and love that Christ brings him. I love my baby and am glad you got home safe.

I MISS YOU OLIVIA

2007-09-11T01:30:00.000-05:00

I miss you and love you tons. Your mom says that you say 'hi' to me everyday but I bet you just point and call me 'puppy'. YA BEAUTIFUL

2007-09-11T01:27:00.000-05:00

A view from the Parade. It's like Where's Waldo?! Oh I see him. He's wearing that red shirt with that dopey smile on his face, next to that beautiful girl. I guess I am talking about both of my brothers.

The Parade

2007-09-11T01:23:00.000-05:00

This was mine and Dad's 2nd year to be in the 4th on Broadway Parade. It is some good bonding. Dad gets to drive the College Baseball Hall of Fame inductees. He loves it and knows all of the guys. We have a great time.

2007-09-11T01:20:00.000-05:00

Cami's stars!

4th of July

2007-09-11T01:18:00.000-05:00

I love you Cam.

Fond Memories

2007-09-11T00:42:00.000-05:00

It has been a month since we moved to Florida and are missing home just a little bit. Here are a few pictures that Jared and I took of Amarillo before we left. I told Jared that we had to visit the Cadillac Ranch before I could move. It will always be our quirky little city.

All is well

2007-09-06T00:14:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone! It has been so long and I know you are on the edge of your seat waiting to see what is going on in our lives. Well it definitely has been eventful. I haven taken a lot of pictures since May that I need to upload but I can't seem to find my camera. We moved to Florida about a month ago and lived out of boxes until a few days ago. I think we have all the boxes cleared away but all of the stuff that was in the boxes is now scattered everywhere. Jared wants to work on it all of the time and I want to sleep and go to the beach all of the time so we have discussions about that regularly. I have many topics to blog about but it is going to have to wait until another day because I feel guilty about even blogging now when our place is a total wreck. P.S. I think this might be the prettiest place in the world (and hottest).

Jared

2007-07-17T21:33:00.000-05:00

Jared has been gone from me for 13 days! He left for Taiwan on July 4th and I miss him sooooooo bad. He is on a 2 week long mission trip. He is co-founder of a mission organization called No Boundaries. I could not be more proud of a human being. Jared is an awesome role model for the kids he coaches and teaches and he is definitely a role model for me too. I miss him so much but I know that God has called him to Asia for a reason and Jared is changing lives there in the name of Jesus. I am praying that he will be safe but also that he will have a blast. God has been so gracious to me by giving me peace and comfort these past few days. I am not worrying too much about him but am just ready for him to come home. I am praying for strength for him because I am sure it is hot there and I know they are probably super busy all day long. Keep praying for him and for us. We still have no idea where we are going to live. We are literally going to drive to Florida and find a place then. So now- really pray for us. Until next time......

We are moving :(

2007-06-28T22:21:00.000-05:00

Jared and I are moving away from Amarillo. We loved living here and I have made some of the best friends that I will ever have. I am really sad to leave everyone here and especially all of the kids that I babysit regularly. I am getting too sad right now. BUT we are moving to Florida so I am sure my sadness will soon turn to joy when I wake up to the cool ocean breeze every morning. Now maybe my friends from Lubbock will want to come visit! Seriously we are moving out on Sat the 30th. I am moving to Slaton for a month while Jared is in Taiwan doing missions there (ya'll pray for him regularly). We will move to Florida at the end of July when Jared gets back. I do not have a job there yet but just started applying (ya'll pray for me regularly). Hopefully when Jared gets back the 25th, I will have a job so we can start moving in. Jared got the Head Girls Basketball job at Rocky Bayou Christian School. It is in Niceville, Fl. We will either live there, Destin, Fort Walton Beach, or Crestview- depending on where I get a job. That is it for now so if you have any connections let me know. Oh and if you want to take a vacation to the sunny beaches of the Florida panhandle in July or August, let me know so you can take some of our stuff!

Jazzercise Divas

2007-06-21T16:23:00.001-05:00

My Jazzercise friends. I am really going to miss these girls. In case you don't know, Jared and I are moving. We do not know where yet though. My last day to Jazzercise is July 3. Go to http://www.jazzercise.com/ for info.

Check out my moves.

Ooooh Laaaa Laaaa!

2007-06-21T16:11:00.000-05:00

Florida fun.

Florida Pictures

2007-06-19T00:03:00.000-05:00

We spent 3 nights in Orlando and 2 in Daytona Beach. We went to Universal Studios, Island of Adventure, this waterpark, and did a ton of other stuff. We called it our honeymoon. I wonder when we are going to call a vacation a vacation?

He's so cute. We went to a Disney waterpark.

Beachin' it.

He is just like a kid sometimes!

The view.

Top of Daytona. That's the river-inlet thing in the background.

Road Trip

2007-06-18T23:35:00.000-05:00

We are going to FLORIDA!

Jared drove the whole way (minus 4 hours out of the 3,500 miles that we drove). Yikes for him! I love him because he let me sleep a lot.

Olivia!

2007-06-18T23:19:00.000-05:00

Look at that beautiful girl. She is not so partial to me right now but we are going to spend some sa-weet time together in July.

P.S. I think Jared is going to make a great dad. Whattya think???

Summer and Taylor

2007-06-18T23:15:00.000-05:00

Summer and Taylor got married on June 9, 2007. It was beautiful and so were they. No pictures though. I was too consumed with lighting candles and keeping Jared in line. I might steal some from someone else. If you have any, let me know. They honeymooned in a disclosed locale. I only know after-the-fact but I don't want to take the wind out of their sails so I won't say where they went. If you want to know, e-mail me and I will tell you. Ha!

Summer is here!

2007-06-18T22:56:00.001-05:00

I took the Merkel girls to the pool a few days after school got out. We were so pumped up about it. We ended up going to the WT pool since it was rainy and kinda chilly. Their friend Cheyenne came along too. We had soooo much fun. Notice Tori and her kimono.

I LOVE THIS MAN!

2007-05-29T22:24:00.000-05:00

I think I need a headband.

Croquet Boys

2007-05-29T22:17:00.000-05:00

Larry taught me how to stand like this. I think it was the only way I could hit the ball.

2007-05-29T22:09:00.000-05:00

Croquet with the family. They are really good and I am really bad. It was a beautiful Memorial Day complete with a barbeque and homemade ice cream. We went to the Neighbor's church (which is Taylor's old church) and the pastor spoke about the history of Memorial Day and what Memorial Day really means. It was inspiring and humbling.

2007-05-29T21:41:00.000-05:00

It's Baby Noah all decked out for Memorial Day.