Marvels of my Mind

Noah James

2011-06-27T21:56:00.001-07:00

I thought I'd take some time to fill you in on all of the fun things Noah James is doing now as well as just some FYI on his sweet self. So, let's see:

Noah is just days of way from being six months old! I cannot believe it! That also means we are days away from another set of shots...and this breaks my heart.

He rolls everywhere and get wherever he wants by rolling or scooting. He can get in the crawling position but can't go anywhere so he just falls over to one side. He'll be crawling soon, though.

He can sit up now, but not for very long before he falls over. He loves sitting in his bumbo seat though.

His favorite toy is a water bottle, preferably cold. Actually, he wants anything cold, like a cold glass, can of diet coke, etc. I am pretty sure he is teething.

He will start solids soon and I think he will love FOOD...like his daddy.

We have a baby swimming pool that he and I sit in daily. He likes water and the grass. He prefers to lay on his tummy in the pool with his chest on the inflatable outer ring while running his hands through the grass. :)

He completed his first week of Vacation Bible School last week. He was such a trooper!

He laughs and grins and giggles and talks. It's the cutest little thing I've ever seen or heard.

I'll update more later. Here are some recent pictures.

This is Noah at the New Orleans aquarium.

His baby dedication. We were all praying...Noah was checking out the crowd. But later during the prayer he turned to our pastor and grabbed his hands. :)

NJ and my Daddy. Nj..obviously distracted.

Noah got into this sweet position himself to snuggle with his Daddy!

Drying off in Mommy and Daddy's covers afer a "swim." It wore him out.

Project Aisle 23: Post 2

2011-06-25T19:57:00.000-07:00

Last week God spoke to me about a burden that I was carrying so heavily on my soul through one sweet old man whom I had never before met. This week, God spoke to me through the lives of four women some I've known my entire life and some just a short time. I am so excited to share this with you...but my mind is racing to tell you so much that I might lose you. I'll try to reign in my thoughts. So remember, last week God taught me to stop worrying about being the parent that all the books were telling me to be and trust Him to teach me. This week, over and over, God was speaking to me about His faithfulness. On Tuesday, I was in the ladies bathroom of church nursing Noah (we had VBS all week so I was at the church with Noah helping). A friend and mother of two, Karen came in and out of the blue she told me that she knew I was very hesitent and worried about becoming a mom but that as she had been watching me with Noah that I was so naturally very maternal with him. I knew that this was an answered prayer. I was so fearful of becoming a mom...I had all of these questions and doubts. Everyone said I would instinctly know what to do and that I would instantly fall in love with my baby. But I feared that I would be the one person who didn't know what to do or fall in love with my own child. I prayed, and God was so faithful to answer. Karen's sweet words just shone light on God's faithfulness. Then, mid week I received I spoke with one of my best friends (since like 9th grade), Jenni. As we spoke, God reminded me of yet another way where He proved himself faithful to answer me when I cried out to Him. You see, after I had Noah James, I went through a period of time where I was overwhelmed with fear of something happening to him, Ryan, or me. These constant fears brought sadness. In talking about this with Jenni. I knew that the only way I got over that period of fear and sadness was through prayer and the Lord. So...once again...God was reminding me of His faithfulness. The third woman who God used is my friend Kristin. She lives down the road from me and sold us our rainbow....so she then became my co-worker and friend. She called because she shockingly found out she was expecting. She was one of the first people I told that I was pregnant...and in that conversation I sobbed, I was mad, I was scared, I was bitter, I was so confused. She remembered how upset I was about getting pregant and thought I could empathize with her. And while I could, I also could not believe the way I reacted to my news. I cried out to God throughout my entire pregnancy..not rejoicing over the new life inside me...but being honest about my fears. ....I can't believe that was me. I can't believe I felt that way about my baby. But God...he did not think less of me. He listened and he was again faithful to answer. I am more in love than I ever thought possible. Thank you Lord for being faithful to listen and answer. The fourth lady that God used to encourage me this week is my aunt. I went to the mailbox one day this week and found such an encouraging letter that I know Christ led her to write. Once again, God reminded me of his faithfulness to show himself to us.

I began to think about how neat it is that God desires to speak to us through his word, others, his creation, etc. But I have to admit. I got a little sad wondering how many times He was longing to offer me encouragement, or trying to speak into my life....but I wasn't listening for His voice. I have learned the more you listen, the more you hear His voice, and the more you hear it, the easier it is to recognize and discern His voice from all the others. He is faithful to show himself to you!!!

"O Lord, You are my God; I will exalt you; I will praise your name for you have done wonderful things, plans formed of old, faithful and sure." Isaiah 25:1

Project Aisle 23: Post 1

2011-06-20T20:43:00.000-07:00

As I sit "criss cross apple sauce"(indian style for those without young children or who aren't teachers) on our comfy sofa, lights out all around me, hearing only the sound of my baby boy's sound machine and my pandora radio, I begin to type and instantly my body lets out a sigh....ahhhh...it's good to be back in the blogging world. I've wanted to update for a while now. But, I wanted it to be meaningful...not just ramblings. I thought about writing all about Noah James and his millions of amazing sounds,movements, expressions, etc. But, I could go on and on forever about that precious child, and really...who (other than my mama and aunts) would want to hear all of that. I thought, well, I could write about my adventures in motherhood....but you've all been here and let's be honest...I don't really know what I'm doing and I'm not sure I want to tell you all what a fool I have become as I sing made-up rap songs to entertain my baby while driving or the interpretive dancing that I do to make him giggle while I attempt cooking dinner. So, needless to say...a combination of a mental block and lack of time kept me away from the world of blogging. But, just last week something happened and it hit me..."This is it...I have to make this my blog project." So...first, let me share the story...then if you're still with me, I'll share the purpose of the blog. (Oh, and I'll still talk about my baby boy :)..can't stop me)

Noah and I made a trip to Wal-Mart mid morning last week. I always wear him in my moby wrap...so he's attached to me and watching all that goes on around him, stealing the affection of every shopper that glances his way. We were in the checkout aisle (aisle 23..and I don't know how I remember that). I've noticed that when you visit wal-mart in the morning you are joined by lots of older people....and I love old people! There was an old lady in front of me (taking forever) and an old man behind me. The old man was probably a little older than my grandfather. I noticed him as soon as he pulled up behind Noah and me. He was tall, had tan, worn, and weathered skin and was wearing blue jeans and a tattered blue jean shirt which wasn't even buttoned all the way. You could tell he was a hard worker...even in his old age. He began to talk to Noah and play with him. He was a sweet man. He kept saying what a fine boy Noah was. He commented on his blue eyes, patted his chunky legs, and played with Noah's "noopie" as he called it (His pacifier if you are wondering). He told Noah that he was going to grow up to be a fine young man and grow up to be just like his daddy and do whatever his daddy did like hunt or fish. Of course, I was talking to the man through all of this. Then the man looked at me while patting my sweet Noah and said, "Young Lady, let me give you one piece of advice. You hold this boy and love on him all you can right now. Because, pretty soon he'll be gone or wanting a car." I replied with, "Oh yes sir, you are right. I will. Everyone says they grow so fast, I believe it." We then continue to talk, he tells me about his great grandson also named Noah. (I told you that old lady in front of me was taking a long time.) I asked him how many children he had. He told me he had two. He had a boy and a girl. But then he said, "My boy died when he was young of leukemia." ......................................................My heart sank and he must have seen it in my eyes. I told him how sorry I was that he had to go through that. I asked how long his son was sick for. He told me he died a little less than a year from finding out about the cancer that was eating his son's body. He then put an arm on me and told me not to worry that it would not happen to my Noah. I just wanted to hug this man...I wanted him to hold me right there while I cried. This piece of advice that he gave me is advice you hear often...so often that you take it for granted. But when you hear it from the mouth of a man who lost his only son...a man who wished he had held his son more while he was still alive, then it kind of takes on such a deeper meaning. It hit me hard. He was right! The neatest thing is that God sent that man to me. He also sent the old lady...thank heavens she took 20 minutes to buy her groceries. ..I'm the kind of person who always wants to do whats right. Not because I am a good person...but just because I want to do what's right. I don't want to do anything wrong. Mix this with being a first time parent and you create a mess of stress. That's what I had become...I was trying to live up to what all "The Books" tell me to do as a mom and was beginning to feel like a failure. God spoke to me that morning in wal-mart. He told me to put the books down and pick up my beloved baby boy. So now, I am solely seeking Christ for my parenting counsel and not the many books that I've collected, not to mention google. He lifted the burden. ...........And here is where the blog project begins...with this old man on aisle 23. God is teaching me so much about being a mother, a godly parent, a human being, and a wife and He uses the most surprising situations sometimes to teach me. Daily there is something happens in my life that is my "life lesson" so to say for that day. So Project Aisle 23 is about me looking for, learning from, and sharing these random situations and people that God is using to teach me. I'd like to do this for 30 days. I may miss a day or two...but I'll catch up. I'd like to post weekly but I'll be busy loving on Noah James so I'll get to the blog late at night if I'm not exhausted from the days events.
Thanks for listening...it's good to be back! And I will post soon an update on Noah James and his incredible little self...but it's late, and I need some sleep :).

A tribute to Chlo-Bug

2011-04-02T12:40:00.000-07:00

So...for me writing is a release. It's the way I best express myself and my emotions. This must be why I pray mostly in writing in a prayer journal. If I am trying to express something of importance to Ryan, it's more effective when communicated through writing. ...And today...this post is for no one or no reason other than to gain closure and grieve over the loss of my precious Chlo Bug. So, if no one reads it...that will be just fine. If someone does read it, they may not relate to any of this...But, my heart needs this in order to start letting go and say good bye.

Chloe Jane Biscuit Webb

June 20th, 2004-March 31st, 2011

"Stacey, you have got to stop crying and being so sad. Maybe you should get a dog." This was my mom's advice to me on a long distance telephone call from Houston, Texas to West, Misssissippi shortly after marrying and moving away from everything familair. I was homesick...A LOT! My mom has given me lots of adivice, and this just might be some of the best she's ever given me. The search began for a puppy, a companion, a best friend, a baby. Mama actually found an ad for Chloe in a paper in Mississippi and drove a few hours to pick her up for me. I always loved that our whole family (Ryan, Myself, and Chlo-Bug) were all born in the great magnolia state. I remember anxiously awaiting an e-mail from mama containing pictures of Chloe Jane Biscuit. We excitedly opened the e-mail entitled "Congratulations on your baby girl" and instantly fell in love with a golden brown ball of fur....my little girl. Over the next several months my homesick heart began to heal with the help of Chlo-Bug. We went to parks together, went to the pet store, played all kinds of games. We had quiet time together. She listened to me read the Bible, sat beside me as I watched tv, and listened to every thought that entered my mind. She had become "my little girl" and my best friend. Months turned to years and the friendship and love only grew stronger. Chloe became quite the traveler. She went from Mississippi to Texas, from Texas to Virginia, from Virginia to California, and from California to Louisiana. As much as I enjoy moving and making new friends along the way, every move has contained a period of time where I went through a sad spell. I was uncomfortable in my new surroundings, lonely because I didn't know anyone, and mourning the loss of friendships left behind. But one friend stayed constant and loyal through it all...that was Chloe. She continued to listen to me complain, let me hold her close and play with her hair while I cried....it was in these sad moments that she never wanted to leave my side. I always told her that God made her just for me...that everything about her was everything I needed. I believe that, too. I know that most believe that animals don't have souls....and I guess there is no way of really knowing the answer to that. But I do know that Chloe had a way of reading my emotions and speaking to my heart...not just speaking to my heart but ministering to it somehow. Letting her go has been so hard. The days following her "Vet Appointment" were so hard. I can still see her, hear her...and sometimes I can still smell her :). I don't want to dwell on her death but rejoice over her life. Thank you Lord, for making the most perfect dog for me....and giving me 7 years with her. Thank you Chloe Jane Biscuit Webb for loving me unconditionally. You will forever be loved and missed.

FUNNIEST MOMENT OF THE WEEK...

2009-10-15T20:16:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, I took my students to the Pumpkin Patch. We all picked pumpkins and I put them plastic grocery sacks and we brought them back to school. We sat them on the patio, so we did not trip over them all day in the classroom, but when we left school it was flooding and we had to run out of the classroom into the rain. So, I told the kids to leave the pumpkins there until tomorrow. I told them water was good for pumpkins anyway. As I walked out of my room to go home, I noticed one of the students also left her apple from lunch in the sack. So, the next morning, one of my little boys runs in the room and says, "Mrs. Webb one of the pumkins growed a baby!!!"....I said, "What??" And he replied, "ONE OF THE PUMPKINS GROWED A BABY LAST NIGHT!!" I just started laughing and said, "Come here Ayden...let me show you...the pumpkin did not actually grow a baby, Bailey just happened to leave her apple in the bag with her pumpkin, but you are soooo funny!!" He smiled sweetly, but did not find the moment as funny as I did!

Me...a football fan?

2009-10-13T17:50:00.000-07:00

So, for Ryan's 30th birthday I bought him season tickets to Mississippi State's football games. Even though I was a cheerleader I have never gotten into football until now. I have loved going to the games with Ryan and have found myself becoming a football fan. There are a couple of things that I have discovered about myself though. I hate watching the guys drop the ball (I think that is called a fumble..haha), not because it makes me mad. I hate it because it makes my heart hurt. Literally, I feel such pain for those guys because thousands of people are yelling at them from the stands and I guarantee you they did not do it on purpose and feel bad enough about it already. I also hate when the fans leave when we are losing. I also hate to see anybody lose because I can only imagine how disapointed the losing team feels. I am not a competitor, I knew this already...I made more friends than points in every sport I ever played. But, despite the heartache I experience for the players who mess up, I am enjoying the atmosphere. It seems like we are driving back to Mississippi for games every weekend. So, I thought I'd share a little bit of that with you.

Finding the Blessings...

2009-10-05T18:48:00.000-07:00

I have often used the word "sweet" to describe God. I even made my small group do a whole weeks worth of study identifying the sweetness of God. I could not get over the reactions I had. I think some people thought I was crazy....they could not think of how God was sweet. Well, today I was reminded of just how sweet God is to me. As many of you know, I've been struggling to like living here. I love our house and neighborhood, but never venture out too much (cause there's not a whole lot to do). Well, my favorite store in the world (stay with me here) is a store called Dirt Cheap. They carry lots of Target and other fun stores things but really cheap, and sometimes slightly damaged. They have these in Mississippi....and wow, I just love them. My best purchases so far are Vera Wang and HOTEL bedding for cheap, gap khakis for 25 Cents and an anthropologie pillow for $2. Well, it just so happens that they just opened a brand new one about 15 minutes away from my home. I went today and bought some bedding (photos to come soon) for our guest room. As I arrived in the store, my heart was beating so excitedly that my legs and eyes could not keep up. I was driving home in bliss thinking of my purchase, and excited about the replenishing of my discretionary funds next month...when it hit me. I think God put that store there just for me. That was his way of brightening up my days here. He knew I needed something...and he gave me a store, not just any store...DIRT CHEAP, my favorite store!!

....what a great ending to a day....

Highlights of the past few weeks:

* Ryan and I have had a fun time going to all of Mississippi State's home football games. We are enjoying the time together (well, I am enjoying the time together, Ryan is probably enjoying the football).

*There is lice in my classroom (or on 2 heads in my classroom). I am not surprised! It's my number 2 fear in life and God is obviously trying to work on this one. I am constantly performing self lice examinations on myself though, pretty obnoxious.

*Chloe Jane Biscuit Webb is officially blind. The poor baby can't see and runs into stuff a lot! It breaks my heart!

*I got to cuddle with my niece Anna Jaymes last week. After she fell asleep with my mom and dad, Mama put her in the bed with me and I loved waking up and feeling her there. There were only two problems, 1. She woke up saying, "tee tee" and then I felt the soaking wet sheets. Then as we got up I saw problem number 2....you see, I tend to play with peoples hair in my sleep (not that I sleep with lots of people...haha. only my husband, and occasionally my mama or jenni, jodi, and donna). Apparently, I had played with the toddler's hair all night long, and all in one or two spots. Well, when sweet little Anna Jaymes was walking in front of me, I saw what looked like a resemblence of a birds nest in the back of her head. So....ummm, I tried to brush it and wet it...and it never went back to normal. So, I sent her down to Donna and Robbie's and blamed her bad hair on the rain outside! Now, I confess...it was actually all my fault. Sorry, Anna Jaymes...Aunt Stacey really did not mean to make you look like that.

It's been a while.....

2009-09-03T17:16:00.000-07:00

It is time for me to begin updating. I can't promise regular updates but I am going to try to be better. So much has happened in my life in the past few months that I can't tell you about it all...so let me do it in the form of highlights.

So, we left California....and it was emotional for me. I sat on the airplane next to a guy around my age and began crying before ever taking off from Los Angeles. The poor guy felt awkward I know as he sat and listened to me cry. I dreaded take off, I did not want to have to watch the city of angels, the city that I had come to love so much, fade away from my sight and life. God, being the sweet and compassionate God that He is threw a blanket of clouds over the city early that morning....and I never saw once glimpse of anything but glorious clouds. After that emotional flight....things sped up in our lives. We looked for and found a house within 4 days. We fell head over heels in love with our realtor, "Miss Reba." We spent 30 days living in 2 hotels, both of our parents houses in Mississippi, and a cabin on Enid Lake. By the time our house closed we had both began work in Baton Rouge and were feeling very unsettled and ready to have a home. We moved in our house....and we love it. We have lots of things on the to do list ...and it just keeps getting longer. To be honest, when we moved I began to really pray for Ryan. I was worried that the adjustment might be hard for him, because he loved his job in Torrance so much. I thought that me, being as easy going as I am :) would have no problem adjusting to a new life. But, I was wrong. Ryan is doing great. I on the other hand have had a few break downs where I just cry. I miss California and almost every aspect of our lives there (with the exception of our last living situation). So, pray for me....please. This has been one of the hardest transitions yet.

I started work at my new school August 3rd. I really miss my old school. Everything is very different. One thing that is different is that I am now teaching kindergarten. I really enjoy my class. Here is one of the highlights of our move: I actually have 4 NON-ENGLISH speakers in my classroom. Zip, Zilch, Zero, Nada English. Although this isn't rare for Los Angeles, it is VERY rare for Central, Louisiana. I love them so much. These 4 children are the highlight of my days for multiple reasons. One is that they symbolize so much for me. You see, when we found at that we were coming to Baton Rouge and not going overseas I pitched a fit with God. I wanted to be in China working in an orphanage, and I did not want to go back to the south, where it's the opposite of diverse. The diversity in L.A. was one of my favorite things about the city. So....God sent me to Baton Rouge and brought the Chinese orphans and diversity to me. He's reminding me that He has a plan. So two of my children came form China less than a month or so ago. Two recently came from Mexico. One of the Chinese students is a little girl. Her parents sent her and her little sister to America with another Chinese family who opened up a resturant in our city. I see this little girl, as my orphaned China Baby....and I am madly in love with her and these 4 other children who are new to our country. Now, I also like my other 16 students..haha...but some of them are so bad that I want to cry. So, this is another reason these 4 EL's are blessing to my life.

Oh, and one of my kiddos has the Swine Flu.....yikes! So, in closing...here are some pics of our house.

...Just don'tknow what to do with my life...

2009-05-01T17:56:00.000-07:00

.....Last night this was what I wrote in my prayer journal...and I really just wanted to share it.

Father it happened again. It was a feeling that I felt in every inch of my soul. It's a feeling that confuses me...but it's from you, I know.
She turned her head a little different than mine. Cerebral Palsey was the first thing that came to my mind. On her wrist was a tatoo that spoke of something so bold . The ink spelled"courage"...and her story it told. A beautiful picture of God's amazing grace. I can only imagine the trials she's gone though, but still she smiles and runs after you. This girl she wants to serve the needy, the hurt, and the broken. Wow God...in her very words your love was spoken. But why God does it affect me in sich an intense way. I don't know what to do with these feelings, I don't know what to say. All I know is that I long to lover her...to make her feel special, treasured, and adored. I want er to feel normal in a way that she's never felt before. So God, show me! What can I do? I want to somehow use this passion for you. It's your love they need, your affection they seek, but God is it possible to give it though me?? How Lord? When and Where? Show me the way, because it's really not fair.
It's not fair that I get to move my body with ease. It's not right that I don't get people staring curioiusly at me. Why her God? Why has she had to suffer? It's not just her God, there are so many others. I want to be a light...a Barnabus in the night. I want to be their friend. Just tell me God...do you want to use me in the lives of the sick, the scared and the broken.....show me how God...please allow doors to open.

From the mouth of 1st graders to thepages of my blog...

2009-04-22T21:20:00.000-07:00

My students are currently making a Recipe for a perfect Mom. We were brainstorming ideas and I said "Patience." Of course the response is..."What is patience?" I explained what it is and then my extra grace required child says, "My mom doesn't need patience cause we don't be bad to her." I laughed hysterically because coming from this child's mouth it was comical ....she requires more patience than I have some days. However this led to the comment of another student saying, " My mom is not patient. Not when I am trying to use the bathroom." ....and then another student says, "My mom takes a whole hour just to use the bathroom." The conversation then turned to gas and one little girl says, " Mrs. Webb, Why don't teachers fart in the classroom?" All of this happened within 3 minutes and I realized how quickly 22 first graders can get off task and run with it. I laughed hysterically for about 30 seconds and then threatened the next one that said "Fart" with a trip to the office!!!

I don't know how we ever get anything done!

If at first you don't succeed....don't force it!!

2009-04-13T19:31:00.000-07:00

Last week Ryan and I celebrated our fifth wedding anniversery (a month early) in Jamaica. This was our first time in Jamaica...our second time at a Sandals Resort. We had an amazing time. But the most memorable of the week was an unexpected event. Before I begin the story let me start by saying we met an amazing couple, Sara and John, who were on their honeymoon. We met them on the plane ride there...and were BFF by the end of the week. They were such a blessing and so much fun. On Wednesday afternoon we joined Sara and John on an off the resort excursion. We went into the town of Ocho Rios. I was a little scared. It's just a really sad country. Lots of drugs, perversity, and agressive people. However, we wanted to experience the city and take back a few souvineirs. We bartered at the open air market went into a few Jamaican stores and then headed into the direction of a Hard Rock Cafe. The walk there was pretty scary. Sara and I were just ready to find a bathroom. ( I think 75% of my vacation was spent in a restroom :)). I needed to go and we both wanted to wash our hands and get clean. We find the gift shop for Hard Rock...and us girls immediately head for the restroom. The restroom was a public restroom shared by all of the surrounding stores. It was nicer than I expected...but still not super. There was a Jamaican lady who stood guard of both men and women's...probably keeping druggies out. We enter the restroom and begin to bathe in the sink. Then, I go into the stall to take care of my business. I stood up...adjusted my cute pink tank and gray cotten skirt and turn to face the toilet in order to flush. It had on of those small cylinder silver sticks sticking out of the side. So, I pushed it....and then said, "It won't flush." I pushed again...or maybe I pulled...to be honest I blacked out here because the toilet exploded. Yep...It exploded!!!!! All I remember is high pressured water spraying me everywhere from head to toe. I Screamed and turned to try and open the door. The water was still spraying so hard....and everywhere that I could not get the door open...the lock was too slippery. Meanwhile I am still Screaming ....I yell for my new friend Sara....only to see her run by through the little crack in the stall. I finally get out and the bathroom attdendant, another local woman, and Sara are standing in the hall way in disbelief as I walk out. I am walking out soaked....with a look of disgust and shock on my face....but I felt I needed to explain. So I said, "The Toilet exploded!!!" Sara said "I know, it got on me too." Meanwhile, the toilet is still exploding and the water is pouring into the hallway at a fast pace. Sara and I just looked at each other and I kept asking, "What do I do??" She looked just as disturbed as I felt. I go into the mens room and scrub my arms and face with soap. Then we head into the gift shop to find our husbands. We see John first...and Sara starts crying and can't even get words out to explain what has happened she just keeps pointing to me and crying. Then, I began to explain that the toilet exploded and I start sobbing (unexpectedly)....people are staring now because I am soaked and we are both crying. Ryan came up and we explained to him. Later he told me that as he saw me he thought.."Did someone push her in a pool?" We buy a t-shirt and I go into an electrical room to change into a dry shirt. The ladies at the store kept bringing lots of paper towels to help me dry off. ....and the exploding toilet was still exploding and had now began to cover the parking lot with water.

......soon I began to laugh histerically at the event. I mean really, how many people have ever had a toilet explode on them?? The event completley bonded Sara and I. As I replay the memories in my mind I am overwhelmed with laughter.

We later decided that it had to have been clean water...with that much pressure behind it. But still, dirty or clean toilet water....the event goes in my most memorable for sure.

Below is a photo of us 4 in the cafe as we wait on our Taxi to pick us up.....my oh my. I will now have an unhealthy fear of flushing...and if you use the restroom after me and I haven't flushed...go easy on me...the wound is still fresh.

....and here we are with no tears,no toilet water, and no recent trauma.....

NO WAY BENGAY!

2009-03-23T21:17:00.000-07:00

Yesterday one of my very best friends and I completed our very first half marathon. That means we ran 13.1 miles....and ran the whole thing, no walking. We also ran for an hour in a terrential down pour! It has only rained like 10 times in the 3 years we've been here...and it just happened to rain on the day of our race. Here are some pics from the race of Jess and I...but this blog is not about the run....but about the day before.

My hip had been hurting, due to months of training and running on pavement I am sure. I wanted so badly to be able to run the 13.1 miles without pain so I headed to Target and bought some Bengay. The day before the race I put bengay on my hip a couple of times though out the day, and it seemed to help ease the pain. So, after my evening bath I decided that since I was only like 9 hours away from the race I should lather up with some more bengay. So, lather up...did I ever? I put that stuff on as though it was body lotion or moisturizer. I rubbed that creme all over and used quite a bit. Confident that I would be pain free though the night and the next morning, I headed to bed. By the time I crawled in and pulled the covers up I was beginning to feel a bit uncomfortable. Then within like 30 seconds the entire lower half of my body was ON FIRE! I ran into the bathroom and tried scrubbing my legs with a wash cloth. I was still in pain. I tried soaking in cold water, stood in front of a fan, fanned myself, blew on my skin...I tried everything. All I could think was that this had to be 1st or 2nd degree burn. I had a quick moment of insight into my role as a believer. If this was anything (or a mild version) of what Hell was like...then I just absolutely had to warn others. After about 15 long minutes my burn seemed to ease....I crawled into bed and begin to shiver....it was the strangest experience ever. I went from one extreme to the other.....and now all I can say is never again! I will not use Bengay as body lotion as long as I live and I have no idea what I was thinking. .Right now, after the race my knee is aching in pain in need of some relief...But from now on I say....."No Way Bengay!"

...Oh andthe photos....

We made shirts that said.."Running out of things to say???" It had all kinds of questions and topics for conversation for us and for the runners around us. I mean we were running for 2 1/2 hours! We did not run out of things to say.

Jess and I before the race. Before we got out of the parking garage...this is the last shot of us in dry clothes.

Mile 12 1/2....only half a mile to go!!!!!

Crossing the finish line...the clock time isn't our real time... we actually finished running in 2 h 33 min. (you have to subtract our 15 minute wait in line at the portapotty)

WE DID IT!!!!!! I am so blessed by her!

MALE EGOS....

2009-02-17T17:51:00.000-08:00

As I sat at the small round table with a boy and girl student today...trying to catch them up on work that they missed last week I was reminded that just as it seems females are born with a dramatic gene (proven by most of my girl students), males are born with a macho gene. Both students were working on the same thing. The little girl was finishing quicker than the boy and kept trying to help him. He had told her twice to stop that he could do it on his on....but then the third time she attemted to help him he put his pencil down looked across the table and said, "Look, I told you to stop. I am a man! I don't need help!" He then picked his pencil up looked down at his paper and began shaking his head back in forth in frustration. I looked at the little girl and we both just started giggling. ....and I thought, this is something neither of them will grow out of..EVER...she'll continue to try and control/help men for the rest of her life and he will continue in his stubborness, constantly refusing the help (especially of a woman) from here on out. So, I decided not to try to tackle this life lesson and change their behavior, instead I just let them keep on living as it came most natural...and I kept on giggling.

Love

2009-02-15T15:23:00.000-08:00

UPDATE...I JUST READ THIS TO RYAN AND WAS APPALLED BY THE NUMBER OF TYPO'S AND GRAMMATIC ERRORS.....NOT APPALLED ENOUGH TO GO BACK AND CHANGE THEM ALL....SO PLEASE DISREGUARD THE MANY ERRORS.

This Valentines day I woke Ryan up with a Valentines breakfast which included heart shaped pink and chocolate chip pancakes, pink milk, heart shaped toast, and fruit....he had to work that day so I fed him and off to work he went. Here are some pics of the breakfast.

The rest of my day was filled with feelings of love that were so strong, I nearly burst into tears in the dish rag aisle of Target. Usually on Valentines Day our thoughts turn to how much we love our spouse, our family, our friends, maybe even our pets. This day, mine surprised me by turning to something so different. Now, Don't get me wrong. I am more in love with my husband than I have ever been, I am in awe by the love I have for my family, I have been given more friends than I deserve, and I am madly in love with Chloe Jane Biscuit Webb. Yesterday, I was driving to Target when I was scanning through radio stations when I overheard a song saying something about the 405. So, I pressed the scan button in anticipation of what I would hear next. The 405 is one of our giant Freeways here in LA....one infamous for horrible traffic. The song I think was titled "She's so California." All thoughout the song it made references to L.A. and California and about how much this girl loved it. It was funny because in my CD player I had "Mississippi Girl" by Faith Hill. I still consider myself a Mississippi girl, but who would have known that I'd fall so in love with Los Angeles, California. After listening to the song, I began to think about how we might be leaving California in only 5 short months. I kid you not....my heart began to ache...tears welled up in my eyes and I started asking myself what it was about California that I'll miss. The night before this incident I was chatting on Facebook with a friend from Mississippi when I said that I was sad to leave CA. She responded with "Yeah, I would not want to leave the beach, either." I wanted to tell her...you don't understand it's not the beach, it's nothing physical at all. But, I could not put it into words. Now, it's valentines day and I am in deep thought as I pull into the Target parking lot. "Get a grip Stace" I told myself. I knew a little retail therapy would do me some good. I grab my buggy (people in LA do not call them buggy's by the way), and begin weaving through the aisles marking off items from my list, and getting a few too many things that wern't on the list. I had made it to the homegoods (towels, sheets, dish towels) section of the store....all this time as I grabbed product after product and put it in the cart my mind was still preoccupied, trying to wrap a logical explanation around the emotions in my soul. I began to get teary eyed again and decided I had to leave soon. I came home and have been dying to put all of these emotions into words. ...So, here I am...trying....

I think the best way I know how to address my absolute love for this city is by first telling you some of the sterotypes I had formed in my mind about the citybefore ever coming here. Who knows, maybe you've thought some of the samethings.

1. Los Angeles is full of fruitcakes. No joke...I thought this. Maybe I should define "fruitcakes".

Fruitcakes: Flaky, Free, Liberal people, treehuggers, shallow, wierd

2. Los Angeles is place where I would feel pressured to be fashionable, look a certian way, be a certian "model type."

3. Los Angeles would be a place full of non believers and the believers would be few and far between. When I saw non believers, I actually felt it would be full of wicked people doing wicked things all the time.

4. I thought Los Angeles would be a fun place to live for a little while, but never expected to love it as I do.

Now, I want to address each of these thoughts reveal the truth, and the ways that my life has forever been changed by the city of Angels.

Misconception number 1: L.A. is full of fruitcakes.

Boy was I wrong. The truth was I had never experienced diversity prior to moving to LA. I was use to a life where most people, esepcially those who I was ever around were just like me. Sure there were different races in the south....but even that seemed to be limited to 3 or 4 skin colors. As I sat in the turn lane yesterday awaiting my turn to go I looked at the people in each car that passed me. Within 8 cars that passed not one of the people occupying those vehicles looked anything like me! Most of the people I chose as friends in the south were similiar to myself in so many ways, similar backgrounds, similar skin color, usually a similar hair style, similar walks of life, similar faith, similar style of clothing, similiar beliefs and values, similar thoughts on life, and sometimes similar dreams. I am ashamed to say that anyone who did not share any of those common bonds with my I viewed as different and by saing different I mean "wierd." Once again, as I type away on my laptop and face the truth of this issue I am brought to tears. You see living in this city has taught me so much about myself and my closed minded view. I have learned the beauty in diversity. I have learned to appreciate and value those who have nothing in common with me because they possess something that I can learn from. This city is full of people from various walks of life, various backgrounds, various ethnicity and race, people with various dreams, various styles....and when you put all of these different people together you get the most beautiful picture. People here embrace EVERYONE. No one is considered "different or wierd"....I mean goodness, none of us are the same...each one of us is the wierd one! When I think of using the term fruit cake.....I laugh now...it's a little ironic. I know fruitcake doesn't have the best flavor, but the concept of so many different things mixed together in one sweet treat.....that's what this city is like. So many different people...all combined to make a masterpiece. Thank You Los Angeles for teaching me to embrace other's differences,thank you for revealing the beauty of diversity.

Misconception number 2...that I would feel pressured to be someone, look someone, etc. YIKES! I COULD NOT HAVE BEEN MORE MISLED. Maybe if I were in the entertainment industry this would be true.....but believe it or not, not everyone that lives in Los Angeles county is a movie star. I have never felt more free to be who me....to be exactly who God created me to be. The funny thing is that when Ryan and I go home...as soon as we get into the Houston or the Jackson airport I notice that all the girls my age look alike. Everyone either has the same style shoes on, the same type of T-Shirt, the same brand of bag, the same jewelry, and most of the time lots of make-up. Where as here, I never ever see two people dressed alike, everything goes. It's like create your own style...and whatever you want goes....and no one even looks at anyone thinking...what does she have on...NO PRESSURE! I was shocked when I got here by how little make-up girls wear. I have come to believe that the cosmetic industry makes the majority of it's money in southern states...and I would LOVE for someone to do real research on it, because I am positive of it's outcome. I am not meaning to talk bad about southern states...I mean I love the south....but my thinking was purely wrong that LA would put more pressure on appearance the the south. Thank You Los Angeles, for helping me to realize that the value of a person truly doesn't have anything to do with appearance. Thank you for freeing me from trying to fit in...thank you for encouraging me to stand out rather than blend in.

Misconception number 4: L.A. is a wicked place full of wicked people. Before I actually address this I am just reminded of the Musical that I saw here in LA "WICKED" ....wow, it was good. If you have a chance to see it...GO...whatever the cost...go, it is worth it. You'll never view The Wizard of Oz the same again. Now....Focus, Stacey, Focus! I first have to say that you know, there are lots of misled people living in this city. There really are people who are involved in wicked things, there are people who believe false truths, have false securites, false hope, and are lost as can be. This is true In Los Angeles, California and it is true in Madison, Mississippi. So,if this is true...what has changed in my opinion? My reaction and feelings towards these people. Prior to moving here I would think that I needed to cram the blood of Christ down their thoat. I would feel the need to evangelize, to let them know what the consequences of those kinds of actions are. Now, I know that in all of their wicked /poor choices there is a reason behind it....and there is a person with amazing potential, and before they are going to accept the love of Jesus, before they are going to welcome Him into their life and change their ways, something else has to happen. They need to feel loved, they long to feel known, they want to be cared for just like me. ...and by getting to know these people, becoming their friend not their personal missionary, learning who they are, loving that person despite their actions, by welcoming them into your life...they will open up. Once these people trust you and your love for them....trusting Jesus and His love for them will come much easier. My pastor, Erwin McManus once said, "You have to earn the right to speak into someone's life." He said that just because we are right and they are wrong gives us no right to force that on them. God uses evangelism still today. But many many people will be more impacted when we don't make them our "project" but our friend. Thank you Los Angeles, for allowing God to use you to teach me what love is. For showing me that although people desperately need YOU....you desperatly need ME to love them as you do.

And....last but not least...misconception number 4: LA would be "just a fun place to live." The truth is...God used this city to change my life. He took my sheltered, close minded heart and brain and opened it up. Two and a half years after living here and a lifetime of impacts. I'll miss the beach, but it's not the reason for the tears, I'll miss the sunsets, I'll miss the free ways, I'll miss my church more than I can bear, I'll miss the strand, the sun, the weather....but the heartache doesn't stem from any of that....it's all these dad gum Fruitcakes that live here and teach me on a daily basis. It is because of them that has my heart is longing to stay. Some of them I know well, others I just observe and they still teach me. So, I recommend that anyone move to Los Angeles....wait til we have this crazy budget crisis figured out, well, nevermind...don't wait...just come anyways I don't think that it will ever be worked out. Come....but know...your life will never be the same....and while your hear, don't pass up the fruitcake! Thank you God for using a city such as this to forever change me. Los Angeles, California...the truth is...I AM MADLY IN LOVE WITH YOU!

First Grade Funnies

2009-02-13T07:58:00.001-08:00

This week I had one of the funniest interactions with my students. I just had to share...

Let me set up the background of this conversation. I was asking the kids to tell me everything that they know about Abraham Lincoln, and I was writing them all down on my jumbo chart paper. I was getting responses like, "He was a president." "He was tall." "He was shot."...and then this happened....

Me.. "Who can tell me smoething else about Abraham Lincoln?”
Bronson.. "He Knew God.”
Me.. "Wow...Yes, he did know God..that’s very good Bronson.”
Justin to Bronson..”Everybody knows God.”
Bronson to Justin and the whole class..”No..Not everyobody knows God. And if you don’t know God you go to Hell.”
Justin to Bronson.."Now, why did you have to say that?”
…..meanwhile I am just letting the conversation play out….because hey, let the kid plant some seeds and evangelize...as the teacher I sure can't say that.
Bronson says.."No this is true. I read it in the Bible. And I know that Abraham Lincoln had a wife named Sarah and they could not have a child and so God presented them with a child"
...I personally didn't know a ton about Abe Lincoln...so as Bronson was saying this I was like...wow...okay...maybe this as true, but the more he talked I knew he was probably telling the story of another Abraham...
So, I ask " Bronson, do you remeber his son's name?"
Bronson: "No....I forgot....wait no, I remeber, It was Issac...they named him Issac."
It was at this point that I am sure we are talking about 2 different Abrahams. So I jump in the conversation explain
: "Oh Bronson...You are right. There was a man named Abraham who knew God and he married Sarah, and God presented them with a son named Issac. But, that man never became our president. He was a different Abraham. But You know what, I think they both knew God!

It was as Bronson's faith had been shaken. He couldn't bend his little mind around how that Abraham was not Abraham Lincoln...and all this time he had it all figured out.

They crack me up...whether or not I like teaching them right now...I certianly like conversing with them.

Questioning....

2009-02-09T18:16:00.000-08:00

Lately, I have been questioning whether or not I am called to be a teacher. Up until two weeks ago I thought I had the best job ever. I also thought I was doing exactly what I was made to do (most of the days). However, the deep questions started about 3 weeks ago. Now, a lot has been happening in the past 3 weeks in my world. I have had both strep throat and the flu. I have had to review the retention guidelines and decide whose parents I need to break the news to. My husband has been working a horribly demanding schedule and I have seen him very little....and for some reason for the past 3 weeks my students have been unable to get along resulting in tears daily, tattling hourly, and continuosly listening to 1st grade drama. So, are these questions just a direct result of exhaustion, illness, and all of the things mentioned above....or is it more? Was I created to do something else? ...Yes, I believe that we are created with specific gifts, talents, and strengths. I believe that there is something that God created me to do that only I can do....the question I am asking myself is, is this it...is this what God longs for me to do?

You see, when I was in high school I learned about something called a "Child Life Specialist." From the time I heard about this I wanted to do it. According to Wikipedia, "Child life specialists are pediatric health care professionals who work with patients, their family and others involved in the child’s care in order to help them manage stress and understand medical and various procedures."The objectives of such services will be to minimize the negative impact of situational disruptions while maintaining individual growth and development and family relationships."
Now, for a paraphrased version of that....a child life specialist is there to be an encourager. This is the person that helps the patient relax, understand what is happening....but you are there best friend. You are there to be a light in a horrible experience, to the patient and to the family.
I was going to major in this but was told it's hard to get a job in this field, especially in MS where there aren't any major Children's Hospitals. I knew I wanted to do something with children...and that I was drawn to the sick or hurting...so I chose special education. After 1 semester of my jr. year special education classes I knew that special education wasn't going to fit that longing in my soul. So, I chose early childhood education. My senior year I came so close to changing my major to Child Life, but did not do it. Since moving away from MS, we have lived in cities with major children's hospitals....making my heart ache a little that I didn't choose Child Life.
Last year after teaching 1/2 a year in third grade I fasted and prayed asking which I should be. God specifically told me, "Stacey, stop trying to collect tomorrow's manna." So...it is nearly one year later and I am asking Him again.
I know that right now I am called to be the best possible teacher that I can be. But, my heart cries out for something else. Logically I am thinking, Stace...you already have a degree and credential to teach, you get summers off, you have a great schedule, you love children...you just need to stick with this. It is so much more convienent to just be a teacher. I am reminded though of a quote from Beth Moore, that says.."Convience doesn't build character." I also think....do I choose a job that I like or a job that I was created to do?
Basically, I have no idea....it's all just spinning in my head and aching in my heart. I just decided to spit it all out on this blog. So, if any of you read this and you know me....then by all means share your advice. I welcome all advice.
Thanks for listening!

Update coming soon.....

2009-02-02T12:41:00.001-08:00

I checked out my brother and sister in laws blog...and it inspired me to get back into blogging. So after a long vacation from writing...an update will come so very soon. Until then....here are some of my favorite pics of the last few months.

....................

2008-09-26T19:30:00.000-07:00

The Ghost Cat Saga Continues....

2008-09-26T19:25:00.000-07:00

As my students line up the same little boy....with the ghost cat is lined up with his lunch box...and the following conversation takes place:
Student: My ghost cat is in my lunch box!
Me: Now, how can you tell it's in your lunch box?
Student hands me his lunch box and says :You feel how heavy this thing is!
(He then proceeds to hold the ghost cat and allows me to pet her/him.)

...This kid cracks me up.....

Another little boy tells me today:
"Mrs. Webb, I am a very caring person. I even gave away my baby pants so that other children who have accidents can use them."
...my response..."Wow, that is caring!"

A Little Funny Continued

2008-09-23T18:44:00.000-07:00

Well...just a little update for you. The little boy who told me about the ghost cat had something to say in the middle of a lesson today. He all the sudden jumps and says, "I feel him....Did you just feel him? My ghost cat is here, I can feel it. It just walked by." The kid next to him looked terrified! I tried to ignore it and move on. This little boy is hilarious! He cracks me up daily.

Oh I have to thank God for fun students...they make my days so fun!

A little funny...and a little homesick

2008-09-21T19:05:00.000-07:00

Here is the funniest thing that I heard from one of my student's this week:

Student: Mrs. Webb, I had a cat and he lost his balance. Then we had to take him to the vet and now he is a ghost that guards my room at night.
Me: Humm..so the cat died?
Student: No! He just lost his balance and now he's a ghost. He's not a bad ghost but a good one.
Me: Well, thank goodness!

The same kiddo told me later that his father could see the future and could come perform for the class. This kid is a real character!
Feel free to check out our class website at http://www.myteacherpages.com/webpages/StaceyWebb/

I'M A LITTLE HOMESICK...

Sometimes it hits me like a little hunger pain, other times it knocks the breath right out of me when I am least expecting it. Random things cause it to happen and I am not sure what caused it this time, but I am feeling a little homesick. Maybe it's because it's Fall...my favorite time of year. I am flooded with memories of cheerleading and high school football games. I am reminded of cool mornings and getting out my sweaters and long sleeve shirts. The ranch is beautiful this time of year...and I miss being there. Maybe it's because my whole family will be at home this weekend for the special Riverdale Cattle Sale...and I'm so far away. Or maybe it has to do with the fact that my sweet Aunt Nell just passed away today reminding me of how much I love my family. On top of that as I sit on my floor writing this, there is a movie playing on the television in front of me that I only ever watch while going to sleep in my room back home, Facing the Giants. Usually when I watch this I am in my comfy king sized bed with the door cracked open so that I can look out and see my mom and dad's door open just down the hall. Whatever is causing, it hurts a little. There are days when I love being in California, when I am so glad I'm here and not there....but today is not one of those days. I've written in my blog before about the things I love about California...the reasons why this is such a great place to live. But this evening, since my heart is in Mississippi....I'll tell you my favorite things about going home.

1. I love the excitement that builds up inside me as I walk through the Jackson airport knowing that in a matter of minutes I will be able to embrace my Daddy and Mama.

2. I love all of the embraces between myself and my parents. They are many!!

3.I love turning on to Huckleberry Rd...aka "The Gravel Road" and knowing I'm about to see the most beautiful place on earth, Riverdale Ranch.

4. I love the trees, the grass, the leaves, the cattle.

5. I love my mama's pantry...and all the good food that's in there!

6. I love waking up and kissing my parents good morning.

7. I love seeing my nephews and Donna and Robbie.

8. I love going to Dirt Cheap in Kosciusko and running into old friends while there.

9. I love going to Howell and Heggie the local drug store/ gift shop and talking about things with the friends I find inside.

10. I love the porch swing on my parents back porch...not when I am out there alone, but when one of my nephews or family members is out there with me.

We won't go home again until Thanksgiving....and I cannot wait. I have been so blessed with an amazing family who loves me and loves the Lord. I just wish I were with them right now!

A LOOONG UPDATE...

2008-09-13T19:06:00.000-07:00

IT HAS BEEN TWO MONTHS SINCE I'VE WRITTEN....I AM ABOUT TO BEGIN UPDATING REGUARLY AGAIN!

Here is a summary of what has been going on in the past two months!

We Went home to Mississippi for 2 weeks in July and got to spend time with both of our families. We had a blast!

We also went on a road trip with two of our good friends from California, Cathy and Cliff Riner. We went to Sequoia National Forest and saw some GIANT trees, went to San Francisco, and stopped in Big Sur and Santa Barbara on the way home. I'll upload pictures later...the website won't allow me to do it right now.

And....days after getting back from our trip, I began teaching First Grade! I have 21 Fabulous students and I am falling madly in love. They've already made so many funny comments that I could begin a book. Infact I think I might change the title of my blog to "Marvels of a First Graders Mind." I need to tell you all they say. They make me laugh so much. The first day of school I allowed them to make the rules for our classroom. They had already told me about 10 rules...which is way more than they can really remember to follow so I decided to move on. There was one little blonde haired boy who could not allow me to continue without telling me a rule that we must establish. This was the dialouge:

Student: Mrs. Webb, I have a really good one that no one else has said and it is a super important one.
Me: Okay, well if it is super important than please tell us.
Student: No Picking Your Nose in Class!
Me: That is a really good rule!

That is just one of the many insightful comments that they offer every single day.

My goal for the school year is to make each of my 21 students feel as if they are my very favorite. So far it is only a struggle with one of them. I love being their teacher though. I am having so much fun teaching them and I think they are having some fun, too! We dance (thanks to an amazing CD from Donna), we sing, we exercise, we laugh, we have massage trains on Friday! We play, we learn, we have a lot of fun together!

My dear sweet husband is telling me it is time to cook dinner, so I am going to get out of this comfortable leather recliner and make something.....but I'd rather stay here and tell you more about what's happening in Hermosa Beach!

I Promise to update at least once a week.

Life's Little Pleasures

2008-07-07T12:14:00.001-07:00

As I sit down to write this update, I am sipping my favorite beverage. It is a Grande Mocha Light Frappacino/No Whip! For $3.85 I can happily sip this beverage for about 12-16 minutes...and I love every second of it. I do not treat myself to these on a daily basis....but occasionally I wake up craving Starbucks!!! Today was one of those days. Starbucks makes me feel so good!!! The photo is of one of the three Starbucks in our small city!!! I can't for the life think of living an hour away from one (as my parents do in Mississippi)....it's just one of the small things that I have grown accustomed to that I never want to live without.

But...this post is not going to be about Starbucks, believe it or not....I want to give you an update on Ryan and I. So.....

This is our favorite time of year to live in LA. We spend every weekend at the beach (For me...some week days, too). Ryan absolutely loves beach volleyball. He is very good at it....me, I like to play sometimes. I scream and block my head when the ball comes my way...which is not the strategy if you want to win. So, I only play when it isn't a serious game and when there are nice people playing on my team! We love being at the beach though...and the water of the Pacific is finally getting warm enough for us to get in. We have yet to pick up surfing, but love boogie boarding! So all of our free time is spent on the sand of Hermosa Beach or in the
massive Pacific ocean.

Ryan is still working hard. I feel a little guilty since I get to sleep in and he has to go to work. So, I try to make most of my days somewhat productive. I tutor a couple days of week...and as for a job for the fall...well, it all rests on whether or not I passed my CTEL test. If I passed, I am almost positive I will be teaching first grade. If I did not pass, I have no idea. But, I am waiting on God for that, and trying not to worry.

Our church (Mosaic) is doing a gathering here in Hermosa for six weeks. If it is a success, they will move a gathering down here indefinitely. This is so great since we normally drive to Beverly Hills every Sunday. It would be such a blessing to have one so close. Not that Beverly Hills is super far away....but when you are driving on LA interstates, it can get quite congested with traffic. We are helping out in leadership roles with this new gathering, and are enjoying it immensely. I am beginning a new Bible Study at our home. This will be our 4th womens bible study. I love doing these. God just keeps bringing such amazing girls into my life. ...and he Challenges us beyond belief through these Bible Studies (We are doing Beth Moore's "Breaking Free" this time around).

We are heading home to Mississippi in 12 days. I cannot wait to see our families! My nephew Maeson just left me a message on my voicemail asking if I was in "Califorma" and he wanted to know when I could come see him. ....I melted at the sound of his precious voice. I really am looking forward to being home. I have to admit that I dread the many comments that Ryan will make concerning moving back to Mississippi. I know it is coming....but the truth is, I don't think God really wants us back in Mississippi. I don't really want to move back, either. If God says go...then I will go. But, I honestly think he is saying...NO....not now...I have so much more you need to do. I actually told Ryan that I would be perfectly fine with God keeping us here in L.A. long term. I have found such freedom in living here. Freedom in my faith....Freedom to love without limits...Freedom to act without judgement.....such freedom! Today as I was running down the strand (concrete path along the beach)...I was looking at the people I passed and those who passed me. As a guy with a mohawk rode past me on his beach cruiser....it reminded me of how much I love this place! I love that there is not one "normal" way to look. I love that no one looks twice at that man...no one thinks how abnormal he is. I think God is healing me of every prejudice bone in my body...and I PRAISE GOD FOR THAT! I love that I am learning to see our extreme differences as an amazing gift...and what I love most is that those differences that I once thought extreme, seem less and less that way.

I realize this has been such a random post! If you are still reading...sorry for the random thoughts that flow through this brain of mine! We miss you all! Come see us...come experience this place that God has used to change my life!

Now, I desperately want another Starbucks!

I DID IT!

2008-07-04T09:40:00.000-07:00

I DID IT!!!!

My friend Peggy and I just finished a 4th of July 5K race. I have never done anykind of race before....I've run....but always just on my own. Peggy has done a half marathon so this was a tiny thing for her...but a big deal for me. This was before we started....and we had no idea we would be dressed alike! The numbers made it seem so much more important than a normal run! It was a lot of fun and I plan to run another one....and maybe even a 10k! This was so fun! Thanks Peggy.....you made it a blast!

I AM....

2008-06-30T18:17:00.000-07:00

During my third grade assignment I had my students create a poem. The title of the poem was I am. They were so fun...the kids did a brilliant job. We had a template that told us what type of thing to write for each line...for example: characteristics of yourself, something imaginary, something real....etc.

I kept one of my students because I loved it so much.....it made me laugh histerically...the spelling in it makes it a little hard to figure out...but even funnier once you get what he was saying. I am going to type it just as he did! ENJOY!

I AM

I AM TUFF AND HAPPY.

I OWAS WANT A RING TAIL LEMUR AS A PET.

I OWAS WANT TO BE A SOCCER PLAYER AND WIN A LOST OF TROFEES WHEN I MAKE A GOOL.

I CRIE AT MY UNGL POLE FOUILS AND WHEN I MISS MY DAD.

I DREAM I HER DAGON BREEHING FIRE.

I TOUCH SKALEESKIN.

I HERE A BAND NAME THE SPIBERS.

I FEEL GOD IS RITE BESIDE ME.

I FEEL HAPPY FOR MY MOM AND DAD AND MY FAMLY.

I WONT TO HAVE A NOW HOUSE AND BE RICH LIKE DONGLE CHOMP. (AKA DONALD TRUMP)

I THINK WENE I GROW UP I WONT TO DRIVE A MODIDIKEL.

I THINK GOS IS IN MY HART PRTAKING ME AND MY FAMILY.

NOW....HERE WAS MY EXAMPLE:

I AM BUBBLY AND PASSIONATE.

I WONDER IF THE PRESIDENT EVER DISLIKES HIS JOB.

I HEAR BIRDS SINGING.

I SEE SPARKLING DIAMONDS.

I WANT AN ORPHAN FROM CHINA.

I AM BUBBLE AND PASSIONATE.

I PRETEND THAT I AM A DANCER.

I FEEL THE BRUSH OF FAIRY WINGS ON MY FACE.

I TOUCH THE CLOUDS ON RAINY DAYS.

I WORRY ABOUT CHILDREN WHO DO NOT HAVE PARENTS.

I CRY WHEN I MISS MY FAMILY.

I AM BUBBLE AND PASSIONATE.

I UNDERSTAND WHAT LOVE IT.

I SAY GOD HAS A PLAN.

I DREAM ABOUT EVERYTHING UNDER THE STARS.

I TRY TO BE A FRIEND TO ALL PEOPLE.

I HOPE THAT PEOPLE SEE SOMETHING DIFFERENT IN ME.

I AM BUBBLY AND PASSIONATE.

So, this particular student did not quite get the activity nor did he follow directions...but for him...he did his best, and boy did it make me smile!

Mississippi Avenue

2008-06-24T13:01:00.001-07:00

On a recent trip to Beverly Hills...and drive down the back roads of the city, I drove past Mississippi Avenue and had to stop for a photo. Who knew??? A little piece of home thousands of miles away from home brought the biggest smile to my face!

PRAYER REQUEST: ON SATURDAY JUNE 28TH, I AM TAKING 3 TESTS KNOWN AS THE CTEL. IT IS TO CERTIFY ME TO TEACH ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS (STUDENTS WHOSE FIRST LANGUAGE IS NOT ENGLISH)...SO PLEASE, PRAY I PASS IT. THIS IS MY ONLY CHANCE TO PASS IT SINCE THEY ONLY DO IT TWICE A YEAR...AND I NEED IT TO GET A POSITION THIS SCHOOL YEAR. PLEASE PRAY HARD. OFF TO STUDYING.......

CHUBBY BUNNY!!!!

2008-06-18T18:24:00.000-07:00

**UPDATE** MY VERY GOOD AND RESPONSIBLE FRIEND, JENNIFER REMINDED ME THAT THIS IS A DEADLY GAME AND A HUGE CHOKING HAZZARD. I KNEW THIS BEFORE PLAYING AND TOLD EACH GIRL THEY WERE NOT ALLOWED TO CHOKE OR DIE. BUT, INCASE THERE IS A SMALL CHILD WATCHING....DO NOT PLAY THIS AT HOME OR ANYWHERE FOR THAT MATTER.

So, I know it has been forever since I last blogged. I am sorry. I miss it. One more day till my official Summer break, and the blogs will be back to normal. For now, here are some funny and a tad embarrassing videos of some of the greatest girls I know. We look or act like we could have been drinking....but there was nothing but sweet tea in our system! Video number three was shot the day after 1 and 2....and the battery died mid shoot.

Marriage

2008-05-26T15:39:00.000-07:00

Ryan and I have had several big things happen within the first four years of marriage:

1. As soon as we got married I moved to Houston, Texas....and had to deal with being a homesick little girl at the same time as learning to be a wife...which meant getting over the fact being a bride and a wife were two totally different roles!!!

2. I finished my degree while being married...which led to many bitter feelings on my part because I did not want to feed my husband when I had homework to do!

3. Right before our 2 year anniversary, Ryan moved to Fairfax, VA with Exxon...while I stayed in Houston and finished my internship. So, we were married but states apart for 9 months.

4. We moved to Los Angeles where we knew no one....and built our life here.
Those were all pretty big moves for us....but each one has had amazing benefits for our marriage.

Things I have learned about my husband within these four years:
1. He has a huge giving spirit.
2. He should be on medication for OCD. (Don't worry, he does not read this!)
3. He is not quite as open to sharing details of our lives as I am...haha.
4. He has a food obsession...and it annoys him that I don't find pleasure in any other food than chocolate.
5. He is really funny (this I already knew), but if he starts cracking himself up.....he starts making jokes of everything....and the funny level varies at this point (to all but him).
6. He is one of the most honest men I have ever known.
7. His intelligence is so much bigger than I could ever think.
8. He LOVES grocery shopping....I hate it ....but he insists we do it together! I sometimes pitch a fit when I don't want to go.
.....and so much more.

Things I have learned about myself because of Ryan:
1. I am a tad bit irresponsible (Okay...a lot).
2. My forgetfulness/not being responsible annoys others.
3. I am a quitter. I really don't care to win or lose...but I give up very easily.
4. I have bad grammar.
5. I am messier than I think I am.
etc...........

Things that I love about Ryan:
1. He is funny.
2. He takes such good care of me.
3. He is so responsible.
4. He loves the Lord.
5. I love to hear or see him laugh.

Things that annoy me about my dear sweet husband:
1. I hate our EXCEL spreadsheet budget...and his dedication to putting every dollar spent into the budget.
2. I am annoyed by his bodily functions at inappropriate times!
3. I am annoyed by him when he thinks he is funny.
4. I am annoyed by him when he won't take Chloe out.
5. I am annoyed by him when I am the one doing all the chores and he is watching tv, etc.
6. I am annoyed by his OCD.

THE THINGS THAT I DO THAT ANNOYS HIM ARE TOO MANY TO LIST.....

Things I wish someone would have told or taught me before I got married:

1. I wish someone would have told me that there would be days when I would think that I must have misunderstood God when I thought He told me to marry this man. I wish someone would have told me that it's normal to have those "I'm stuck in this! What have I gotten myself into?" moments.
2. I wish someone would have told me and taught me how to fold fitted sheets (momma, i know you tried, so I guess I should say, I wish I had learned).
3. I wish someone would have shared with me a secret of how to get husbands to clean!
4. I wish someone would have told me and taught me how to hide money from my husband....haha..I know this is absolutely dishonest, but I mean really if he did not know that I had $3.85 to spend on starbucks, I would not have to put that $3.85 in the stupid budget.
5. I wish I had learned to brainwash or hypnotize people....or put him to sleep (for just a little while..haha).
6. I wish someone would have told me that just because I can't stand him for a couple days does not mean that I am a horrible person or married to the wrong person. It means I am an imperfect human trying to love another imperfect person.....and it doesn't always work out so well.
7. I wish someone would have told me how to turn off and deal with my bitterness when I think I've been wronged.
8. I wish I would have learned how to make stinking pancakes. I can never make them turn out pretty!!!!!

P.S. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE RYAN WITH ALL MY HEART AND WOULD CHOOSE TO MARRY HIM ALL OVER AGAIN AND AGAIN (the majority of our days :) ).

p.p.s ....NO JOKE...Ryan just asked me if I had updated the budget, and says I need to do that before tonight! Man, that is annoying!!!

Anniversary!

2008-05-22T22:46:00.000-07:00

EXACTLY FOUR YEARS AGO ON THIS VERY DAY.....

....I MARRIED MY BEST FRIEND.

Coming Soon: My insights and opinions of the first 4 years of marriage!

Taken Back in Time...and I got there just by breathing!

2008-05-17T22:02:00.000-07:00

Today I was reminded of the amazing things our sense of smell can do. Ryan and I were shoe shopping for him...not for me (although I did browse through the women's section), and while walking the men's aisle of the sketchers outlet and seeing shoe after shoe I passed by a person and was suddenly back in high school with an old friend. It took only the second that it took the scent of this person to hit my brain and I raced backwards from 24 to 14 in no time. My mind was flooded with memories. It took me by surprise! I have not seen or talked to this person in years and all of the sudden I felt like we were close again. It was the weirdest thing. It made me think of how powerful this sense is. I remember being in Houston....maybe a year after being married and I was walking Chloe. A truck similar to my dad's was approaching us...it made me smile to think of him. Then, I heard the purring/rumbling of the loud diesel engine, which made me think even more about my dad. As the all too familiar truck approached I began to smell the distinct odor that a diesel truck has, and when it passed by me...the memories were so real I just started to cry! I mean I get homesick and cry easily but had I just used my sense of sight and sound, I think I would have been okay...but the smell of the diesel knocked me back into my Daddy's arms and I lost it. The smell of freshly cut grass here in L.A. takes me back to Mississippi in heart beat. The smell of a skunk puts me back on Huckleberry Road. A certain deodorant takes me back to the girls locker room. A particular brand of lotion carries me back to the Bahamas. Some flowers' aromas take me back to a funeral parlor. I am not super sure if I love the way smell connects us to memories or not. I like that it triggers memories, but at the same time...it's almost like I have no control...I have nothing to prepare me for the memory I am about to live through again. It takes me by complete surprise and sends me back in time. However, most of the time I come back to my present state feeling appreciation for the quick trip back in time.

City of Angels

2008-05-04T21:32:00.000-07:00

Last week I had a conversation with my Papaw and he asked, "Wormy (my nickname from him because I use to be soo tiny), you really like it out there don't you?" I replied with, "Yes Sir, I really do love it!" Then today at church, our site pastor, Goodie, spoke about our city and our purpose here etc. He mentioned that the majority of people not in LA have no idea why anyone could love it so much. So, I decided to write about my top 10 reasons that I love my city. Now, I realize I live in Hermosa Beach...but still Los Angeles County...and still considered the LA area.
So, here I go...here are some reasons why I absolutely love this place!

1. The Diversity. I absolutely love the diversity of all the people here. From the kids in my classroom, to the people I see walking and driving down the street. It reminds me of "Jesus Loves the Little Children of the World"....I see red and yellow, black and white....and they truly are all precious in His sight!

2. The passion of the people. The majority of people I have met here are not originally from here. They have moved out here to pursue some type of passion. Which makes the people of LA usually very passionate. They may be pursuing a career, freedom, a new identity...whatever...but they bring their passion to this city...and boy is it fun to see passionate people.

3. Exercise is a way of life here. If I have to go somewhere that is 1/2 mile to a mile away...I usually choose to walk there. This is a place where people are always out walking, skate boarding, biking, etc...at least in the Beach City that we live in. There is constant peer pressure to be outside and be exercising....I just love walking to the bank, to the grocery store, to the drug store, and out to eat. With a place so beautiful...why would you sit in a car when you can be outside.

4. I love the beach!!!!! I love surfers, skateboarders, beach chairs, beach towels, the life guard stations, the life guard trucks. I love the strand (concrete walkway by the beach where everyone bikes, runs, walks, skates....). I love the pier. I love Volleyball, and more than playing it, I love watching volleyball. I love the laid back atmosphere and the sound of the waves crashing against the shore line. I love boogie boarding (when the water gets semi warm). I just love everything about hanging out at the beach with friends or alone!

5. I love the view on clear LA days. SO....we have a good bit of smog...and fog...but when it rolls out, or right after a rain, the view of this city is phenomenal. You see mountains near and far, you see the HOLLYWOOD sign from the Pacific Coast Highway by our Target. You see Catalina Island. You see beautiful sights that take your breath away.

6. I love the view of the mountains...especially when they are snowcapped. I mean...where else can you look to your left and see the Pacific Ocean lined with palm trees and look to your right and see monstrous snow capped mountains!!!

7. I love the weather. A handful of hot days, a handful of cool days....very few rainy days....and you get the most perfect weather! It is just amazing. I will confess that I have turned into a wimp because I've been so spoiled by Southern California weather. When it hits 90 I think I am dying of heat exaustion and below 70 I shiver in pain...run to my car and turn on my seat warmers!!!

8. I love being so close to the entertainment industry. I know....it's awful...the things we watch and listen to these days. There aren't too many wholesome shows available, however I am star struck and in awe at least once a week when I meet someone who is just in the industry. I love seeing television and movie scenes and recognizing right where some scenes were filmed. I love that although I can't recognize a celebrity for the life of me, they are all around me.

9. I love the freeway! Yes, that's what I said...I actually love the freeway. Let me explain. 4 years ago I was a little uncomfortable driving in Jackson Mississippi and I would not leave my apartment in Houston Texas for fear of highways and freeways. God...has so graciously answered my prayers and not only made me comfortable driving on giant freeways but I actually find it fun! Now....I don't love the traffic on our freeways (although I do like looking at the cars around me)...but I love zooming down the freeway and thinking..."I am driving in Los Angeles California...and I'm actually OK...and having FUN!"

10. MOSAIC. I did not put these in any order...and if I had Mosaic would have gotten in slot number one or two. I love our church! I have never experienced anything like it in my life. I love the mission of our church, the heart of our pastor, the heart of all of the leaders and people involved. It has changed my life.

Sure, there are things I miss about Mississippi and even Houston, and of course there are some things about LA that I am not a super huge fan of....but overall I absolutely love this place. I am so thankful for the oppurtunity to live here. God has opened my eyes and taught me so much. I only hope to leave a mark in this city....as it has forever left a mark on my life.

Use Your Head!

2008-05-02T17:57:00.001-07:00

It is still amazing to me how two people so totally different can live in harmony (most days). A week or so ago my friend Jessica and I hopped in the vehicle and ran some errands. I knew we needed to get gas quickly or else we'd be walking. So, I thought about the nearest Exxon station(have to support them since they support us) in the direction that we were heading. As we pulled in I looked at the price per gallon and said, "$3.99 for regular...man!" I just pulled right on up to the fuel tank and began pumping. As I pumped I chuckled to myself as I replayed a radio dj's comments in my mind. He reported that some parts of the nation were about to experience gas prices over $4.00. He then added that anytime we hear "some parts of the nation"...that usually meant us in California." I thought man....he was right! So, I stood outside of the vehicle waiting on it to finish filling up while chatting with Jess. I then heard the click of the handle signaling the fueling had ceased. I returned the giant emission free nozzle into the holder, hopped in the vehicle and went about our day. Later that evening Jess, Ryan, and I were at our apartment when Ryan asked if I filled the jeep up with gas....actually this may be better in dialogue form so here is how the conversation went:
Ryan: Did you fill up the jeep today?
Me: Yep, and gas is $3.99!!
Ryan: (sounding alarmed and shocked and stopping everything to look at me) YOU PAYED $3.99 PER GALLON!
Me: Yep...that's how much it costs now in our part of the nation.
Ryan: Where did you go that is cost that much...because I just saw it for $3.78!
Me: I went to Exxon...the one right beside your work. But, the radio man said that it was going to cost that much here.
Ryan: Stacey, that is the most expensive gas station around! How much did it cost total?
Me: I don't know.
Ryan: (getting upset..but trying not to get too upset because Jessica is here) YOU DON'T KNOW! YOU DID NOT LOOK?
Me: Nope, Sorry...I never look. We had to fill it up regardless of what it was going to cost.
Ryan: (shaking his head...he looks at me and mouths the words...."USE YOUR HEAD!")
Me: A few moments later....just die out laughing at the thought of how different we are!

I would say that the biggest difference between Ryan and I is the way that we think. I think pretty much all with my heart! Ryan....all with his head. I mean, thank heavens we have one another or we'd be in a bigger a mess but I must admit there are some moments that I am in absolute awe that our personalities are so different. OH...AND I'VE BEEN NOTICING GAS PRICES ALOT...AND HE WAS RIGHT NO WHERE ELSE IS IT THAT EXPENSIVE!

LONG TIME NO POST!

2008-04-27T19:06:00.000-07:00

It has been a few weeks since I've posted...well I guess only a little over two. Not just a ton of things have been happening. I've continued pressing foward through 3rd grade. I have good days and bad days....depending on my kiddos. Some days I want to take them all home...other days they drive me crazy. I've discovered that 3rd grade girls completley begin to lose their genuiness. I mean...they try to impress you, and act like someone other than their real self...that breaks my heart...I mean they are 9 for goodness sakes! So...that's school!
I am on week 6 of my Beth Moore BELIEVING GOD study...and am becoming ever more convicted and challenged. This study has been amazing for me and at the end of it I am going to write about the 10 week life changing study.
On a lighter note, 27 DRESSES comes out on DVD Tuesday and Oh...I am so excited! I love this movie!
WE HAVE A NEW NEPHEW! Ryan's brother and sister-n-law...Dana and Micheal had a new baby boy last week. I plan to post a picture of Will as soon as we get one.

This has all been super random....but O Well...more to come later!

Living Proof Live San Diego

2008-04-13T19:22:00.000-07:00

Cathy, Lorraine, Yvette, and Me

So, this weekend I picked up three of my most precious sisters and friends and we had a hilarious drive to San Diego, Ca. We met some other girls from Mosaic down there....and took part in Beth Moore's Living Proog Live Conferece. It was amazing....even now as I am typing the tears are welling up in my eyes. God had told Beth to teach on Psalm 139. I have grown to love this chapter like never before. We talked about these main points that Psalm 139 shows us.

1. O LORD, ...I am known.

2. O LORD, ...I need to be known.

3. O LORD, ... I'm scared to be known.

4. O LORD, ... I've always been known.

5.O LORD,... I can know because I am known.

6. O LORD, ... My enemies are known.

7. O LORD, ... My anxieties are known.

8. O, LORD,...Search me and know.

It was so amazing. God is really working in my heart and life. I am just in awe and amazed...and I am still processing all that God is still teaching me thru this weekend. I came home and just had to pray and cry for like 2 hours after getting home Saturday evening. After I have processed it all....I will share more. But until then, I will share some fun photos because not only was it life changing....but these girls and I had soooo much fun!!!

This Miss June "Junie B" and me

Me, Yvette, and Lorraine (cathy behind the camera)

Yvetters and Me

...................more to come later...Ryan needs the computer....ugh!

STAR SIGHTING!!

2008-04-09T08:17:00.000-07:00

The truth is ever since living here I have been on the lookout for stars....and I am sure I have seen them, but I never can recognize them. Well, several Friday's ago, my sweet friend Jessica, Ryan, and I went to our local Hermosa Beach Farmer's Market. We were sitting down watching the people and Jess and I were enjoying very good turkey dogs (Yeah I know ...turkey dog...I guess that makes me a little bit less of a Mississippi girl). Anyway, I had noticed this one man and his wife/girlfriend earlier because they were both beautiful people...but I just thought that they were beautiful. Then, J says, "Okay, do you want to see a movie star?" Ofcourse, my heart starts pounding a little, and I am super pumped because not only am I about to see a movie star, but they are in my home town of Hermosa Beach...on my turf. So, she points out the beautiful man that I had seen. "Who is he???" I asked. She informed me that he was in 40 year old virgin and some other films..all of which I had not seen...maybe why I did not recognize him. But, I could not take my eyes off of the movie star. I mean I wanted to see what he bought, how he interacted with his lady companion. I was super excited, but tried to play it off cool and just eat my turkey dog. I really wanted to run up to him and get his autograph (MY MOM WOULD HAVE)....but I noticed no one else was bothering this man....no one seemed to be as excited as I was that he was in our presence. I did think Jess was waving at him once....She began to flap her hand and I looked at her and said, "Are you waving at him?"....To which she replied with laughter and informed me she was shooing away a bug. So...anyway, we came home, looked him up on the computer and instantly confirmed it was him....I can't recall his name right now....but I saw a movie star.

Other than this one confirmed sighting other celebreties I have seen are:

Well, I for sure saw Ellen Degeneres at her show.
I for sure saw Larry King on her show.
I am almost absolutely positive I saw Collin Ferril driving down Santa Monica Blvd.
I really thought I saw Jessica Simpson at the Manhattan Beach target...but the more I think about it...the less sense it makes that it would have been her.
There was some MTV star at church that someone pointed out to me.
Oh...and I have a friend...who comes over weekly for our Beth Moore Bible Study....and she actually has a show coming out...a reality show on the CW, FARMER WANTS A WIFE. She is on this show. Her name is Brooke Ward.....so she is my own personal friend/celebrity..haha.
I also thought that I saw Usher in a land rover in hermosa....Ryan looked at the guy and replied, "Stacey, have you ever even seen Usher?" Apparently he did not see the uncanny resemblance...haha.

So, I will keep looking and I will report on any more star sightings....

WICKED!!!!

2008-04-09T08:10:00.001-07:00

Yesterday evening, Ryan got a call from his boss saying they had an extra ticket to go see Wicked last night....if we wanted it. I Have been wanting to see this Broadway Musical for a year now! And finally, a little frazzled but excited...I got ready in 5 minutes flying out the door and speeding to their house half an hour away to make it in time. I nearly hit a pedestrian, but made record time on getting to their house in Venice. Then we went to Hollywood where Wicked was being performed in the amazing Pantagous theatre. It was really neat. The entire performace was amazing! I highly recommend it! Of Course, I now want to be a broadway performer. I think I will be trying out for the part of Glenda all day in front of my mirror. If only I could sing....this could be my career. Anyway, I was super excited and wanted to share that excitment with you.

Easter Cookies

2008-04-07T19:41:00.000-07:00

So, Easter was a few weeks ago...but I just got around to posting my Easter cookies. I had so much fun with these! Maybe I want to be a baker when I grow up.....

Spring Break '08

2008-04-06T19:11:00.000-07:00

Well, I have not written since becoming a third grade teacher. Three years ago I would have never wanted to be in a third grade classroom....but the truth is I love it. I love the smaller ones better. I think I am definetly better at teaching younger students, but I really enjoy this group of kids. Of Course the first week, I received several notes and comments telling me I was not going to replace their other teacher.....but now they seem to have accepted that she is not coming back and I'm staying. So, we've adjusted and gotten in the groove of things quite well.

And now it is Spring Break! Thanks to ExxonMobil and their need for Ryan this week, our Spring Break plans have been cancelled. We were going to go to Catalina Island and then drive up the Pacific Coast Highway and head to northen California....but since we found out 2 days ago that this would not be possible, I have composed a Spring Break todo list. It look just like this...

To Do:
Laundry
Clean out closets (This is going to be thrilling)
Bathe Chloe
Take Chloe to the Dog Park (I might should do the park before the bath)
Scrub the bathrooms
Write letters to friends
GET A TAN
Apply for passport
Grade some papers
Blog some of my most recent thoughts and conversations I have had with myself..haha
Shop a little (I have to do something fun!)

The one thing I have to look foward to...Beth Moore Conference in San Diego on Friday and Saturday.

So....as you can tell, this is not the most exciting Spring Break ever, but I am kinda excited to just chill and get things done around the apartment. I will let you know how it goes! Hopefully I will blog some interesting thoughts soon!

A view from the pew

2008-03-23T18:15:00.000-07:00

As I go to our church on Sundays I am amazed. I am amazed by many things, the intimacy of it all, the talent before me, the way God speaks through our pastor and penetrates deeply into my heart...meeting with me, comforting me, and challenging me each and every Sunday. I am also amazed by the difference in the church I grew up in and the church I am in now. Please know I love my home church in Mississippi....but the differences are so vast it is almost comical. So, I thought that I would take some time to compare the two.

There are so many points to compare from....but I've decided to describe my own view from the pew....or auditorium chair.

Let's begin with a view from the church I grew up in..in Mississippi. First...I sit next to people I have known probably for several years....and I am on a pew...a pew with the wooden slightly sloped backs and velvet 3 inch thick cushion. In front of me, on the back of the pew before me is are Baptist Hymnals and a King James Version of the Bible...just in case you forgot yours. As I look around me at all the people....I see mostly middle aged and older adults. The women are dressed in nice dress pants or dresses, men in khakis, button up shirts, and some in wranglers. They are all white, middle class, conservative people. Their faces clean shaven, their hair well groomed. They are good people...most of them have watched me grow up. The service begins...we stand, grab our hymnals and sing songs whose page numbers were already printed in the bulletin. While standing and sometimes singing we sing things such as Blessed Assurance, Holy Holy Holy, etc. The choir director leads us while being accompanied by an organ and a piano.We sing and we sit. We then have childrens church....which was one of my vary favorite parts...all of the children go down while the most amazing children's minister leads them in a clever....really neat mini lesson...and then the children return the pew with their parents. The offering takes place...and the wooden circular plate with the reddish velvet bottom is passed from pew to pew....person to person. Then the pastor stands..sometimes at the big wooden podium but usually dressed in a suit...there he stands and delivers his message. There is an alter call at the end of the service. Sometimes people go down to pray, to join the church, and sometimes to give their lives to Christ....but the majority of people in the church have been going for years...and are already believers.

Now, the contrast....sit with me through a few moments in Mosaic. I am not sitting in a pew this time...nor am I even in a church building. I am at the Beverly Hills high school auditorium. No hymnals or Bibles in front of me...afterall this is a high school in California and that might just be a tad bit illegal. As I look around now, I cannot help but think of heaven....because the diversity within this one room is amazing. I am sitting beside an African American man whom has come to become one of dearest friends. In front of me I see Asians, Hispanics, Filipinos, Caucasians, Middle Easterners, and the list could go on and on and on. They are dressed...well....no one is dressed the same. There are men and women with shorts on, flip flops, dresses of all lengths, clothes of all sorts.....all colors....all styles...many pairs of jeans (unfortunately, not so many wranglers). They are mostly young adults.....20's and 30's would be the majority. It's like playing where's waldo to find an elderly person (i miss the the elderly). Some not so clean shaven...many not even what some would say well groomed. I see mohawks, red streaked hair, blue streaked hair....bleach blonde hair....and ofcourse your normal shades too. I don't know very many of these people....probably have real relationships with only about 20 of them. The service begins ...sometimes with drama, other times with improv, or even a dance. Then we worship...and boy do we worship. On stage we have 2 vocalists, a drummer, a keyboard player, a violinist, some electric guitarist, and occasionally someone spinning records! The neat thing is....it is never a performance....it is true worship of everyone on the stage and most of us in our seats. The songs are great...many written by our own staff, people are actively participating and loving singing to our Lord...many raised hands, joyful dancing, etc. No children's church, in fact I have never really seen a child in the actual service part. The offering is not passed until the end...and no offering plates....rather paint buckets are passed! When are pastor comes to share....he is not wearing a suit....quite the contrary....he is in jeans...sometimes a tshirt (my favorite is a gray one with pink machine guns and a guitar on it)...other times in a button up...but always untucked and comfortable. And...there is no podium. He does not even stand alot of the time. He has a stool and he sits and just talks....like he is in a conversation...many times just with me it seems. There is rarely an official alter call....but the neat thing is the majority of the people in this service have not been in church their whole life...going to church is not the common thing to do in LA. Most of these people are here because they crave this, they want this....they are seeking Christ. And...that is so neat.

I think one of the only common factors between the two churches is that they are both Southern Baptist.

Now, I am not saying one way of church is right and the other is wrong. There are so many different things about every church. Alot of it is because of the culture and location that the church is in. Some people desire the traditional way of church....some people would never be able to stay awake in the traditional way. And....I am only comparing the view from the pew...not the mission of the church or the core values....just my little view and the differences! I will say both blessed my life....but I will also say that for me personally, now that I have experienced worship so intimate and so full of Christ and fun at the same time...I never want anything less!

If you are still reading this....sorry, it was long...and it was just something that I have been thinking about for a while, and decided to put it into words. Feel free to check out our amazing church at www.mosaic.org .

Missing MeiLing....

2008-03-17T19:43:00.000-07:00

(taken from the great wall china adoption website)

It will be 6 more years before we can even send off a completed dossier (adoption paperwork) to China. But....wow...somedays I am overwhelmed with such emotions just thinking about MeiLing. I can't wait to see her little almond eyes, olive skin, and straight black hair in contrast to her cousins whom have blond hair, curly hair, etc. I know MeiLing won't even be born for several years. But I pray often for her birth mother....who at this very moment will need to develop the courage not to abort her(if she finds out that she's a girl) or the courage to take her to a safe haven when she is filled with pain and disappointment after birth when she finds out that she did not have a boy...and will be filled with grief as she gives up the baby she's carried for nine months. She will have to be courageous!

Lately I have been flooded with thoughts of how neat it will be that God will hand choose a daughter for us. I know the thought of God creating a baby in the womb out of a husband and wife's genes must be similar. But for me....the thought that when we get her, God will have chosen her from all the babies...to be our baby......WOW....tears just flow and flow and flow. I just went on the adoption website...and as I looked at pictures of "Gotcha Day" and saw these parents being handed their babies, I sobbed! It is just such a reflection of God's grace and mercy...and how he has adopted us into his family!

Anyway, by the time Ryan and I get Meiling I will have wanted her for 10 years! She will be well worth the wait and when we get her....I have to find an outfit like this little one is wearing in the photo above!

What I want to be when I grow up....

2008-03-17T19:05:00.000-07:00

I have mentioned before that I always ask new classrooms of students what they want to be when they grow up. They usually have to remind me of their name first...and then give me their answer. I always participate in these interviews. The conversation usually goes something like this:

Me: My name is Mrs. Webb....and when I grow up...(I am usually interrupted by a student here)

Student: You are grown up!

Me: Well, that's okay...grown ups can change their mind about what they want to do. ...(then I continue) Ahemm....When I grow up I want to.....well actually I want to do a few things (which I am now completely breaking the rule of the game...since I told each student that he/she could only choose 1 thing, but since I am the teacher I can break the rules).....I want to either move to China and work in an orphanage, be a child life specialist, own my own boutique or gift shop, design my own stationary, design t-shirts, work at a store called Swoozies (www.swoozies.com), be a nanny, etc. etc.....

As a child my list of things I wanted to be when I grew up went something like this (as best as I can recall):

An Actress
A cheerleader (can't convince Ryan that I should try out for a professional team..haha)
A scientist (very briefly....I just liked rocks a lot)
An office worker (I looove office supplies like pens, sticky notes, those carbon copy message pads, paper clips, and I even love answering the phone for businesses....and taking messages, answering easy questions, and transferring phone calls.)
An interior decorator
A child life specialist
....teacher was never even an option....

So....the point of this blog is to admit that I still have no idea what I really want to do for a living. I never once said...when I grow up...I want to be a substitute teacher! Please don't get me wrong....I love my job...I get to be off basically whenever I desire, I get to meet and teach and love soooo many kids and form amazing relationships...and it is relatively easy...not to mention it has pretty good pay! However, I find it a little odd that I am 24....have a degree...have been married for nearly 4 years...and have no idea what I want to do career wise. Did I mention that I was voted "Most Likely To Succeed" my senior year of high school? I guess success can be measured in different ways. I am not stressed out by this.....I am not even really worried....just slightly perplexed by the thought.

When will I ever decide?

Another Round of Loaded Questions.....

2008-03-10T19:49:00.000-07:00

Here we go again....

If you could own one type of store, what would it be?
A gift shop that sold my own line of stationary, cute purses, bags, invitations, frames, art, and monogrammed stuff.

What is something that you are allergic to?
Pond or Lake Water

What is the first thing you do when you get out of bed?
Find my house shoes, moccasins, flip flops or something for my feet. I cannot stand to be bare footed.

If you were on a deserted island, what cd would you want with you?
A Jack Johnson CD

What is the first thing you notice when you meet someone?
Eyes and Smile

If you wake up in the middle of the night, what do you usually end up doing before you fall back asleep?
PRAY....I specifically pray for whomever comes to my mind...and often wonder if God did not wake me up just to cover that person in prayer for that moment...but then I worry if that person is okay.

What is your favorite thing to buy at a convenience store?
Diet Dr. Pepper and some kind of chips...like sun chips, funions, Cheetos....oh or beef jerky or corn nuts...haha.

If you could live during a specific time in American history, when would you choose?
The time of Pride and Prejudice...whenever that was. Oh, but wait, that may not have been American History.

What is your favorite greasy appetizer?
Cheese Sticks from pizza hut

If you could change your mind about one thing you did today, what would it be?
I would not have eaten a 2nd cookie!

What is the best thing about having children?
haha...well, Since I don't have any or want any for a long time, I can't answer this question. I am positive that there are joys in having children that I won't understand until that day.....but today I will answer this question..."What is the best thing about not having children?"
-Just going to the store whenever I want.
-Running whenever I want.
-Eating whenever I want.
-Sleeping whenever I want...and waking up when I want to. So, Basically....I am just way to selfish!

What was the last movie that made your eyes tear up?
"Becoming Jane" and "The Other Boelyn Girl"

What word best describes the outfit you are wearing right now?
Hideous or Eclectic (I am wearing running clothes which consists of blue capri running pants, one long white tank...a periwinkle tank....a long pink apron, and tennis shoes with holes in them)....wouldn't you agree hideous is correct?

Farewell Muffy Dog...

2008-03-09T16:19:00.000-07:00

Muffy had been a part of the Jolley family I believe since 1997. That made Muf Muf 11 years old when she died today. I wanted her when I was in the 6th grade, after seeing my cousin's puppy (who was Muffy's sibling). My mom said if we could get rid of my 3 cats that we could get the puppy...and so we did. She was a cute fluffy ball. I remember the naming process....what name could we give this precious little dog?? Around this same time, my brother Robbie had recently referred to himself as "A Stud Muffin." My mom then said...what about Muffy? It was the perfect name for the black and white ball of fluff. She came home with us and slept with me her first night with us...I could tell she was adjusting when I woke up to Muffy chewing my fingers. She instantly became a part of our family. She loved when my mom would do laundry. It always seemed as anyone held up socks in the air to try and see if one matched the other....that Muffy thought this was her game. She would attack the sock in the air. She also hated for my hair to be in a pony tail and would find a way to get the pony tail holder out of my hair, if I were near her level. She grew...and grew...and soon was quite obese for such a small dog. ....But her size was just part of her character. At dinner time she had her place....right beside my Daddy (on the floor not in the chair)...and whatever Daddy had, Muf Muf also sampled. And we wonder why she became so heavy? She loved popcorn and could still catch it in mid-air....this was her only trick but she really had it mastered! She was a 12 inch tall cow dog, okay so she did not really help herd the cattle, but she loved to tag along in the truck with my Daddy. She was a sweet dog....she was gentle, too. She handled nearly 4 years of my pestering dog, Chloe, invading her territory and attacking her. She was good with the grandkids....and came to enjoy their food falling to the floor from the high chair. She was so content....until you mentioned a haircut or a bath! She lived a long life for a little dog. I remeber sobbing on the way from my wedding to the hotel because I did not tell Muf Muf where I was going...and she would think that her "sissy" (haha) had abonded her. I tried to explain as I layed on the floor face to face with her the next time I saw her why I was moving and that I would miss her and come back and never forget her. I will miss her little fat self, I will miss her horrible over bite, and her dreadful breath. She was the first dog that I really loved! So, farewell my sweet Muffy dog! You were loved by all and will forever be cherished in our hearts. Thank you for bringing us so much joy for 11 years.

Polka Dots and Ditches!

2008-03-06T19:04:00.000-08:00

Well, for a few years I have wanted laser surgery on my face to remove acne scars. However, after finding out the price I decided it might be shallow to spend that much money to change my appearance. Besides, the scars actually represent the passing of something painful, annoying, and ugly. So, I should be thankful for these scars and not trying to get rid of them....right? Well, 2 weeks ago I was tutoring my precious and beloved Ethan and Romea. Ethan is 6 and Romea is 4. I absolutely love them! In fact right after moving here to CA, they were living in our apartment complex while their house was being remodeled. Since I knew no one, anytime I would hear or see them at the pool I would run out and casually decide to lay out at that very same time....just so I could be around some children....and they were such fun ones! Now we have such a great friendship! ....Anyway.....last week Romea looked at my face pretty intensely, and then this was the conversation that followed her stare:

Romea: Miss Stacey what are those ditches on your face?

Miss Stacey: Oh, those bumps...well they are called pimples. They are no fun.

Romea: (still staring) No, not the bumps (touching one)....the ditches (now touching the ditch)...what are these ditches in your face?

Miss Stacey: (cracking up with laughter)...OH, those! Well, those do look like ditches, you are right!

Romea: But what are they?

Miss Stacey: They are scars...from when I use to have those bumps.

(She gently rubbed the ditches as to show me sympathy....and then hopped off.)

................................TODAY'S CONVERSATION WITH ROMEA.............................................

Romea: Miss Stacey, What are those polka dots on your face?

Miss Stacey:(remembering last weeks conversation I immediately pause to appreciate how hilarious the moment is) Oh, Romea.....those are freckles!

Romea: OH

...............FUNNY ROMEA MOMENT 3.......................................

So Romea was drawing illustrations for a story she told me and then she was going to draw me...and she says:

Romea: I think you look like a dead fish.

Miss Stacey: A dead fish?? Romea, have you ever even seen a dead fish? (I mean surely if she had she would not see such a resemblance)

Romea: Yes, and I touched it with the back of my hand.

Lucy: (Ethan's little friend) Nah, I think you look like a dead fairy.

Miss Stacey: Goodness, thank you Lucy. I'd rather be a dead fairy than a dead fish.

This is Romea (pronounced Row-May-Uh)

After today, I think I shall seriously reconsider laser surgery, or maybe something even more dramatic!

Crafts, Birthday pics, etc.etc.....

2008-03-05T19:44:00.000-08:00

Well, I have several new pictures.....very random of course....but I wanted to share them with you!

This was taken Sunday on Hermosa Beach. We walked down Sunday afternoon for a few minutes to play volleyball, football, and eat watermelon with our friends Cathy and Cliff.

Ryan decided to kick the volleyball over the net rather than hit the ball. It was pretty cool...and I just happened to get this shot.

And he waits for Cliff to hit it over.

Cliff and Ryan playing...

This is my friend Jessica and our friends' Christin and Dwayne's little girl Noelle. This was taken Saturday night at my birthday gathering!

Jessica, Me, and Cathy.....

My dear sweet husband and myself.

Okay, so my friend Brianne has the neatest giant red clothes pin. Hers was a Christmas gift I believe from Pottery Barn.....and just like I fell in love with Brianne....I also fell in love with her giant clothes pin! So, I found a wooden one at Micheals and tried to make my own version.

Frames that I made for a friend's baby shower.

My mama and daddy sent me some birthday $. I bought a dress and some fabric. I did not know what I wanted to make with the fabric, but later decided to cover some canvas with the fabric....

The three fabric canvas'.

One of the Best Birthdays....

2008-02-27T17:16:00.000-08:00

So, I have had one of my best birthdays and it is not even my birthday yet. Saturday will be my birthday...but already it has just been so great. First of all, I got my red kitchen aid mixer as a valentines/birthday gift from Ryan. I love it! Then, I got my favorite dress ever and some fabric with which I have already done 1 project (pics to come soon) from my parents. Donna and Robbie gave me some monogrammed jewelry that I have wanted for several months!!! Just last night our small group had a surprise party for me and gave me a cake, a precious card, had a banner up for me, and gave me a digital picture frame!!! I am watching it now...it's so great! I mean....if it were to get any better I don't know what I would do. In small group...we just finished studying the book of Ephesians and I was explaining how God has really blessed me beyond measure. In Ephesians 3 Paul talks about how God is able to do immeasurable more than we could ever ask or imagine. I have a huge imagination and God has truly blessed me far beyond what I could imagine. I have the greatest friends and family. I could never ask for more

A New Kind of Culture Shock!

2008-02-22T16:54:00.000-08:00

Growing up in the south, saying yes ma'am, no sir, please, thank you, Miss and Mr....is not preferred but expected. If a child does not include these manners when speaking with an adult it is a bit appalling. Even at the age of two my nephews are corrected each time they answer a question with yes or no...rather than yes maam or no maam. This is the way I was raised and it is the way of life in the south. RESPECT is HUGE and manners are part of that respect.

After moving to Houston...I began to see less of the yes maam and no maam....but it was still pretty prevalent. Now in LA, I don't think I have heard one child say yes maam. It is definitely not common in conversation here. I have to catch myself as a teacher because when a child curtly answers me with yes or no....something inside of me deep within my southern roots wants to look that child in the eye and say, "Excuse me?" To which I want their response to be "Yes Maam." But the truth is....it is not going to happen and I am getting very use to it.

I however can never get over the rudeness of some children. Today I was subbing in a 2nd grade classroom. While some of the girls were gathering outside of the classroom before class they were peering through the window to see their substitute. I could hear everything that they were saying...first I heard in a very mean snotty voice, "Oh, My Gosh....She's a teenager!" Then this student proceeded to tell every other student that came up to look at the little teenage sub. Here I am 4 times her age and allowed my feelings to get a bit hurt by her remark. Then I had several disrespectful students. After getting on to a little girl for being disrespectful, she walks up to me....looks me in the eye and says in such a sassy voice, "You are not any fun!" I don't think I could say that to anyone much less someone much older than me.

There are many reasons why I feel hesitant to ever move back to Mississippi.......but being in a place where respect and manners rank super high on the priority list would be nice!

The Healthy Lifestyle a.k.a. Diet Begins

2008-02-20T14:53:00.000-08:00

Why can't I eat 8 chocolate chip cookies every day? Why was it that I bought mini rice cakes rather then potato chips at Target today...and why can't I eat pizza every other night? And why in the heck does exercise have to be such a pain? WHY??? Because my jeans are tighter than ever before...because it is already swim suit season in California...and because in a month I have my annual doctor's appointment which is also the one time a year I step on scales....and I am determined to lose any weight that I have gained since this time last year (siighhh).

Now the hard part of this is...I want to do this so that I feel better about myself and my body. But the last thing I want to do is become obsessed with it. Living in an appearance obsessed culture makes this difficult. Also, having had an eating disorder in the past also makes this tricky. So....that's why I decided to post about it....tell the world. This way I can somehow...kinda...hold myself accountable.

But, really....it is such a pain that we have to make a concious effort to watch what we eat. I hope when we get to Heaven our spirtitual bodies will thrive off of things like cookie dough, cookies, brownies, doritios, flaming hot cheetos, peanut m&m's gumballs, those sugar cookies with the bright icing from walmart/sams/costco,etc., chips and salsa, milk shakes, beef jerkey, and my beloved diet dr. pepper...would'nt that just be wonderful!!!???

So, until then .... pray that my appearance will never be more important to me than my character and spiritual health.....and pray that I can have self control as I really desire to stick to this healthy lifestyle.

Oh...and just because I haven't done this in a while....a loaded question card for the day:

If you were in line at the deli, what would you order?
This is easy...turkey sandwhich on wheat bread. Mustard no mayo. Please add lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and every kind of pepper available! YUMMM!

What would you title your autobiography?
Utter Randomness

What color looks terrible on you?
Orange

Where is the best place to take a family vacation?
Branson, Missouri

ENOUGH, ENOUGH, ENOUGH....I HAVE TO GO RUN NOW.... I HAVE PROCRASTINATED LONG ENOUGH...AGGHH!!!!

THE BEST VALENTINES WEEKEND EVER! Part II

2008-02-19T10:49:00.001-08:00

This is Wyatt (Ryan's sister's son) singing "At the Cross." And yes, that is Ryan playing with legos in the back ground.

Wyatt singing "The B-I-B-L-E"

Maeson and Robbie telling Tacey Goodbye!

More to come later...and some pictures of the neices...but for some reason...blogspot is not wanting those images to upload right now!

THE BEST VALENTINES WEEKEND EVER!

2008-02-19T09:54:00.000-08:00

This Valentines was wonderful! On the Eve of Valentines Ryan gave me a Valentines gift! I was so surprised and excited...it wasn't just any gift but something that I have always wanted! It was a red kitchen aid mixer. I was so surprised and felt so loved!

Then, on the 14th we flew to Mississippi to be with our family. We surprised my Daddy...which was priceless. I also surprised my sister-in-law Donna...which was fun! Here are a few glimpses from our weekend! We have the best family in the world!

This is my big brother, Robbie, and I. I guess we are still a little childish. P.S. Make up is not worn when hanging out at home in Mississippi!

One of the many highlights of my weekend...a quick horse ride with my nephews, Maeson and Wes.

Here is my Wessy Bug!

This video was taken when Maeson and I went feeding the cows with Daddy.

HAPPY VALENTINES!

2008-02-13T09:02:00.000-08:00

Love is in the air! I love valentines....actually I love the whole month of February for 2 reasons...one because it means my birthday is only 1 month away and the second reason is I love all of the Valentines stuff. I love the pink and red hearts, the candy, the talk of love, the stuffed animals, the cards...I just love the coversations of love. We have a nearby Target that the parking is in a parking garage and the store is above the garage. You have to ride up an escalator to get into the store part....and as you go up, there are giant signs that look like the heart message candy hanging from the ceiling. Each time I see them it makes me smile. I pick out which one I want that day...for example they say things such as, hello luv, hello star, hello precious, hello cutie, hello cheeky, etc. Most of the time I pick "hello precious...." So I am just playing an imaginary game in my head that someone is saying that to me...haha. Anyway, each year I have been making Valentine cookies....I have so much fun doing it. Here are this years cookies:

I hope that you have such a wonderful Valentines and feel more loved than you ever have before! Happy Happy Heart Day!

......................................................................................................................................................................

BABY BLUES (THE RESTURANT)

Last Weekend Ryan and I met his boss and his bosses wife at their home in Venice, California (just north of us about 15 minutes). We went to a Bar-B-Q resturant that Ryan has been wanting to go to for a while. It was called Baby Blues....and I must admit, it was very good. My favorite part was the dessert ....banana pudding...the best I'd ever had! I also was a tad bit offended...well okay, not really offended, but I thought it was funny. You see, it was a hole in the wall place...but the servers were I believe intended to look southern. They all had on jeans and sloppy big white shirts (like a big undershirt)...and a john deere cap. And the girls hair was horrible messy ( I am not sure if that was part of the southern attire or just her). Anyway, I overheard our waitress explaining to someone else that the attire was "white trash." I mean....seriously...just because you are from the south and eat bbq doesn't mean you are white trash...or dress like it. Anyway, I am rambling now and have a ton that I need to be doing so, this is for me today.

LOADED QUESTIONS

2008-02-06T12:10:00.000-08:00

So, my favorite game is called Loaded Questions. Our friends Cathy and Cliff gave it to us for Christmas....probably so I would stop asking to borrow their game. But anyway, I love it! You have all of these questions youare suppose to answer honestly...completley random questions. I make our small group play it occasionally and it is such a fun way to get to know people. However, I have discovered that no one likes this game as much as I do....especially Ryan. I try to play it with him at the dinner table....but he refuses to participate. So, I play it by myself...and crack myself up. So, I am about to draw some cards and answer the questions on my blog.

If you could choose any one person as your dinner guest, who would you choose?
Ellen Degeneres

What is your favorite dish at an italian resturant?
Pizza

What is one rish you are not willing to take?
Getting lice again...that's why I cut my hair off and stopped hugging children.

What is your favorite kind of soup?
Chicken Tortilla

What is guaranteed to tick you off?
humm... Probably me cleaning and working in the house while Ryan sits not helping me.

What is the most exciting thing you can imagine happening in your life?
Going to China and getting MeiLing and then getting an orphan from Africa....it could be in the opposite order.

What one word would people never use to describe you?
Intelligent :)

I am always amused when I see people: Do magic tricks.

If you could be a member of any TV Sitcom family, which would it be?
Friends

What makes you laugh uncontrollably?
My Friends (especially Jen and Jode....Mrs. Kelly Taggie...and Crazy Mrs. Helen McCrory)

Okay, I won't make you read anymore today! But I highly reccomend the game!

Cut It All Off!

2008-01-28T17:02:00.000-08:00

I did it! I cut my hair off.....because I don't want to have another 4 1/2 hour long comb out session tomorrow. So since it is half as long it should only take about 2 hours....the best news....the girl who cut my hair....found nothing in my hair that alarmed her!!! Anyway here my new hairdo.

Okay and just a little funny for ya....So anytime I am in a new classroom I interview the kids. They love to talk about themselves and it makes them more comfortable with me. So, one of my usual questions(and favorites) to ask is, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" Today, I was in kindergarten and got some of the best responses ever. In random order here are some of these 5 year olds responses:

"When I grow up I want to be a princess."

"When I grow up I want to be a computer fixer."

"When I grow up I want to be a tailor."

"When I grow up I want to be a fairy."

"When I grow up I want to be a pastry chef." (that was impressive)

AND MY FAVORITE, "When I grow up, I want to be THE TOOTH FAIRY."

YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!!

2008-01-24T18:12:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, January 22nd was one of the worst days of my life. It was around noon...I was in a first grade classroom when the panic and paranoia set in...."Stacey, it's okay! Don't freak yourself out...there is nothing wrong with you. Stop thinking about it, you are only making things worse." I kept talking to myself...then I decided to talk to the Lord," Please, God...don't let this be happening to me...." Then a little later there was no denying it. You see, a little over a year ago when I was doing my Kindergarten internship I began to think of the chance of this unthinkable thing happening to me. I even literally had an outright mental break down...on the phone with my Daddy, and I seriously thought he was going to fly to Houston and get me (this was when Ryan was living in VA). I mean I have heard stories of this happening....it's common, and it happens to every teacher at some point in their career.....but the Lord knows it is one of my top 3 BIGGEST fears (right behind heights and in front of homeless people). But....my research of this topic during my previous mental breakdown led me to know that every one of my symptoms confirmed my suspicions. It had happened to me!!!!! I had head lice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! "Breathe Stacey...Breathe! There are children in here...you cannot cry. You have to go on....you cannot freak out just yet....BREATHE!" (This is me talking to myself again)....so after a close second mental break down and nearly hyperventilating I tried to go on about my day....I only had an hour left.
Then the kids walked out the door.....and me...well, I FREAKED OUT! I went and bought the kit.....and as I washed my hair I just cried.....I was shaking.....and this is what I thought...seriously...."I have never wanted to drink.....never desired to be drunk....but if it would help me to forget what was happening...I would almost do it." Of course, I did not....maybe only because I had to spend 4 1/2 hours combing out my hair with a special 2 inch tiny comb....and I had no time to go get the "forget all my worries supplies." And people...do you know how thick my hair is??? This was miserable! I have to do a second application of it all on Monday just to ensure they did not come back (the thought literally just made me cringe). And....I am seriously considering cutting my hair before having to comb it out again! The only think keeping me from cutting it super short tomorrow is the fear that the hair stylist might say, "Oh, My Gosh, There is something in your hair!" So, I don't know what I am going to do just yet!
I even said (and I hate to admit this), "I cannot believe God let this happen to me." In the heat of the crisis that did not dawn on me how shallow my claim was....but now I can't believe I said that! Anyway, Ryan has not hugged me since Tuesday(I can't say I blame him)...and I am not sleeping in the newly cleaned bed with him.
I beg you ...PRAY HARD that they are gone forever! I also cannot believe I am sharing this on my blog. But....now that I have spent all this time writing, I'd hate to press the delete button....so, do me a favor....don't think I am gross....please and pray for me!

Crafting Fun!

2008-01-23T13:49:00.000-08:00

Well, Let me first start by documenting my sewing progress. It is getting better and better, but I am a still a work in progress.

This is Cathy teaching me how to thread my machine.

That night, I made these...pockets, hahahaha. Except I tried to get fancy with the ribbon on one and I sewed the pocket up and so it became a "nocket"....meaning not a pocket.

Then, I made this amature apon! And gave it away as a gift!

Next, I took it up a notch and decided to make this simple little tote bag, which is definetly not perfect...but I was super excited.

And then, there was the checkbook cover. I made one crooked seam and decided to just make random seams around the whole thing....which I won't do again...

And then I Decided to paint these canvas' for our door.

My last craft for the week was a tin magnet board....or 3! My mom and I found this tin at Dirt Cheap in Mississippi and my Daddy drilled some holes for me....and then I turned them into magnet boards.

ABSOLUTE HOPELESS ROMANTIC..

2008-01-19T16:18:00.000-08:00

So, Friday night I went to see the movie 27 dresses. I Loved It! There is something about romantic movies....they act almost as a drug for me. Well, I have never tried drugs, haha, but, I could imagine that the high I get from romance would be very similar to that of a drug. I have tried the dentist gas (which I love) and it falls in the same category as romance movies for me. You see, as I watched the movie..I felt the giddy feelings the movie characters were feeling. My heart was so excited, my emotions were overflowing, my cheeks hurt from smiling, and I laughed and giggled in a way that only romance makes me. When I left the movie, I felt so good...that part of me that starves for romance in my life had been fulfilled for about 2 hours and I did not want it to end. So, as I got in my vehicle to drive home, I searched the radio for love songs....and boy did I hit the jackpot. I was scanning thru stations when I heard the DJ say, "Special Love Songs for Special People." I even sent up a brief thank you to our Lord for providing me the opportunity to stay in my dream land a little longer. I listened to all of these songs, and blared them as I, still giddy with romance, sang, smiled, and even laughed(I am so glad I was alone and it was dark so others could not see in). I was coming up to our apartments but I knew when I turned the car off....these moments of romance and bliss would end...so I chose not to go home..for real. I decided to indulge myself a little longer. So, I turned my music up again and rode around our little town until I decided that since it was nearing 11:15 I should go home. So, I did....and still feeling so excited about love I walked in the apartment and could not wait to tell Ryan about my wonderful night! So, picture this: I...still all giddy, happy, and well pretty stupid, open the door....not just open, but swing it open and glide in....in a Mary Poppins kind of way... and Ryan is laying on the couch watching a total boy movie. Then I say, "Oh Ry-" And then I get cut off with "Shhhhh." He did not understand how important it was that I tell him about my night and my new favorite movie, so I try again, "I've got to tell---" And once again I hear, "Shhhh...I'm trying to watch a movie." Oh, I was appalled...I mean I just watched a woman being cherished by this guy, I watched him woo her, love her, and win her over. Then I listened to love song after love song...Didn't Ryan know that I was ready to be absolutely adored and loved, and well won over(again)? I thought to myself...."I definitely should have rode around a little bit longer!"

I know not every girl is a hopeless romantic....but I am to the point that I don't think it's a good thing. I get so mad sometimes....I mean why can't the things in the movies happen in my daily life. How come I have been married for almost 4 years.....and it seems that the wooing and sweet gestures stopped moments after our wedding day. I think this is why I wanted to always be an actress...because they get to have these happy stories over and over...haha. The truth is I KNOW that movies set us up to have unreal expectations...I know that the reason these movies are so good is that they are made up...and the happy people that fall in love...they are just pretending. But there is still a part me that longs for that. I mean who doesn't. So....there are few options that are going through my mind. 1... I can stop watching these romantic movies all together (not a fun idea). 2....I can watch and enjoy my moments of bliss but accept that when the movie ends so will the bliss. Or, number 3....I can just pursue my acting career!! I am going to think on these things!
In the mean time I am going next week to see 27 dress again...with another friend!!!

Pictures from our trip home....just a few

2008-01-14T09:43:00.001-08:00

This is precious Anna Jaymes...AKA Nana Aymes...AKA Namesie. Christmas was my first time to meet my new niece and she is absolutely precious! Matt and Crystal made a beautiful little girl!

This is Maeson, Wes, and Anna Jaymes on Christmas Day! Aren't they just the cutest little things! Crystal ran and got Anna Jaymes' bow so you would know which one was the girl..haha. Maeson is 2 Wes is almost 6 months and Anna Jaymes is almost 3 months.

Maeson..Christmas Morning playing with his front end loader.

Wes!!!!

And on Ryan's side. This is Micheal and Dana's little girl, Riley! She loves her Grandmama's necklaces!

Here's Wyatt and Uncle Ryan! This is Chad and Kelly's oldest. He looks just like his Daddy!

This is Raney! She is a spitting image of Kelly!

Okay, we are back to my side. This is my Aunt Sandra with Julian! Julian is my cousin Leslie's precious little boy. He is truly one of the cutest babies ever....and has been since the day he was born.

I will post more soon.....less pictures of neices and nephews...and I have so much to tell you about what has been happening since the last post. But, I have to force myself to go run now!!!!

Recovering from the worst night ever!

2007-12-28T06:34:00.000-08:00

Christmas Day around 4pm I began to feel sick. Christmas evening from the hours of 7:40 pm til about 11:50pm I could not get off of the bathroom floor in my in-laws house. I had the stomach virus. It was the worst night ever! I cannot ever remember feeling so awful. It lasted til the next day...and the past two days I have had the worst headache and body pains. Thankfully...the Lord seems to have healed me. Please pray it is completley gona and I can enjoy my time here!

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-25T11:07:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas! Wow! I have sooo much to write about! First let me say that Ryan, Chloe, and I are here in Mississippi and we are just loving being home. Ryan killed 2 deer yesterday, so he is super excited....and just being at my parents house with them and my brothers/sisters neices and nephews is the best Christmas present ever! I am currently wearing my new cowboy boots that my parents gave me and my Cowboy Daddy picked out for me. When I told my Daddy that I wanted to wear them with my pink tights and black dress he looked as though it might be blasphemous to wear cowboy boots at the same time one is wearing pink tights and a dress! I said I would wear them out with my mom...to which she replied.."I will just explain that you are from L.A." Ooohh...and my parents got Ryan and I the most amazing massage machine! If you live in our area...you can come try it out....but I might have to start charging. Oh...and last night my sister in law, Crystal, Ryan, and I sang on a kareokee (mispelled, I know) machine for 3 hours....everyone else went to bed after about or 6th song. I love my family!

Our nieces and nephews (6 under the age of 2) are precious. It has been so fun to have them around....however, I am not getting baby fever. I keep reminding our families that we are perfectly fine being the only siblings without kids and that I would be fine to be that way until we go to China when I am 30 to bring home Mei Ling. I have to stop talking about this...the thought of me having a kid makes me nausous...SERIOUSLY! But, I want my brothers/sisters to keep on having them. I am known as "Tatey." Ryan is known as "Unc Ryan" to one side and is called "Matt" on the other side. My brothers name is Matt....and so my nephew Maeson calls my brother and Ryan "Matt."

Before we left Hermosa Beach I finished up my 4 months assignment in first grade. I cried when I said goodbye. I mean....I adore and love those kids and although I will still be teaching at their school they won't be "mine" anymore. I also put my sewing machine to use...and I have some pics to post real soon! I first sewed some pockets. Then I sewed a pocket up accidently so we called it a "nocket" because it was "not a pocket." Then one of my favorite friends Brianne and I made some aprons. I actually gave it away as a gift. The stiching was a little horrible in places, but I felt so proud.

Well, I will write more soon and post pictures from our trip, etc. We are here until Jan 5th....so I am super happy about that. But, I have to get off the computer and go love on my family some more.

Merry CHristmas!

Coming Soon!

2007-12-06T22:22:00.003-08:00

New post coming very soon....much to tell you about my sewing skills, but right now I am a bit overwhelmed by having 20 parent conferences over a four day period...and 20 report cards that have over 40 standards that have to be assessed and graded to go over during this parent conferences....whhheeewww...I am ready for the weekend!

I will post when I can proccess my thoughts!

FINISHED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-11-25T19:03:00.000-08:00

Well, I finally finished! I have read the seventh and final book in the Harry Potter series! And, contrary to what some may believe happens as a result of these books, I read them all without once thinking an evil thought or believeing in wizards. Man, these books were so super good! I highly recommend them. I also need to thank my children's lit professor for making me read the first one and my pal Daniel for encouraging me to read them all and for sharing in my excitement with each passing book. Talk about not being able to put books down. J.K. Rowling is one dynamic author! I am a bit sad that the books are over...no more reading, no more adventures. I don't like the movies...they are scary! Anyway...I am super excited that I have finished reading 7 huge books!!!

BLACK FRIDAY OR BUST....MORE OF A BUST!

2007-11-24T08:13:00.000-08:00

I could not wait for yesterday, Black Friday. I wait all year for this day. Yeah I know it is crazy, but there is something about waiting in line while it is almost dark outside....running in the stores as the doors open....and grabbing all the many deals. It gives me a rush....it's so fun! I have done this with my mom for a long time, and with my sister in laws, Donna and Crystal, for a few years now. So...on Thursday night I set my alarm. 3:20am. JCPenny's opened at 4am, Wal-Mart at 5am, Target at 6am....and all other stores around 7am. Now, let me add that usually on Black Friday, I don't set an alarm. My mom comes in and wakes me up and tells me we have to leave in like 30 minutes. So, I just get dressed, get some coffee that my mom has made for me, and put my makeup on in the car (while it is still dark outside...impressive). This year, the alarm went off...and I hit snooze 3 times. I did not want to get up and had decided that I did not need anything from JC Penny's, so I would not be there at 4. But, I finally got up. I called Donna who was 2 hours ahead of me and already on her second store. It gave me a bit of motivation. I got dressed and headed to walmart....I pulled in the parking lot at 4:21 am. My heart began to race!!!! There was a line to get into the store all the way across the front, all the way down the side, and around the back by the tire and lube center. WOW, this was exciting. So, a little giddy, I walk quickly to get in line (I don't know why I walked quickly, it's not like it was moving). I made some friends in line and we laughed and giggled and talked the entire hour we stood outside of walmart. They could only let so many people in at a time once it hit 5am. My friends in line were there for a flat panel tv....me....I was in line for a sewing machine (more detail to come later). My chances of getting a sewing machine were pretty good. I knew the few hundred people in front of me were not all there for the $54 steal on the sewing machine. But, my friend was worried about her t.v. chances. Eventually we both got in and both got our goods. And that was the most fun part of my day. From there it went down hill. I decided that Black Friday without your family is a bummer. There were lots of things in the stores that I wanted, but I did not have the stamina to wait in line...I had no one to bond with...well, I am sure I could have found someone, but I was not in the mood to force some random line waiter to get to know me. I got a few things, but not nearly as many as I would have liked. I came home around 1:30pm. So, I went at it for almost 8 hours!

Now, back to this sewing machine. I have always wanted to sew. I love being crafty, and well sewing would just expand my gift giving possibilities (and, I need a hobby for qatar). I told Ryan I wanted to get this sewing machine as my Christmas present from him. He laughed and has very little confidence that I will be able to do this. I mean, I know I need lessons, but still it can't be that difficult. So, I got it, and I need some encouragement, because I was looking at the instructions for how to just get the thread in the thing....and I thought, well heck....how am I suppose to do this if they make threading the needle so difficult. (By the way, I did not tell Ryan that I was struggling).

This has been a lot of rambling, and well, I think I am gonna go back to the stores today. I have to find just the right semi-formal party dress for Ryan's company holiday party and I am running out of time.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

2007-11-22T13:50:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving! Today, Ryan had to work...bless his heart...this is like the 14th day of 12 hour shifts 7 days a week. And....I did not want to go home to MS without him. So, I decided to spend my day decorating with what little Christmas decorations we have, and go get a subway turkey sandwich and eat it on the beach. These are pictures of my Thanksgiving Day! I have so much to be thankful for!

This is my Thanksgiving meal, table setting, and view. I seriously really enjoyed this meal!!

This TURKEY sandwich was sooooo good!

Although, I did not have family or friends, this little guy hung around me for my entire meal. He began to freak me out. I kept looking at him and saying, "No...No!" It did not help him to go away, but it did keep him from attacking for my food.

Pretty Soon, the one bird multiplied into like 50 and I ate my sandwich really fast!

Pictures of the waves crashing! I wish I could add sound to this!

Bird Foot Prints in the sand!

My footprints fading in the sand!

And...here is one little pup that I will forever be thankful for. Chloe Jane Biscuit Webb is just the most perfect dog for me and I love her soooo much!

Nothing Special.....

2007-11-17T19:32:00.000-08:00

I have nothing special to say...just decided to update. I am so ready for Thanksgiving break. This week was a 4 day week at school, but it was seriously one of the longest weeks ever. I am in need of a break. Ryan is even more in need of a break. For 2 weeks he has been working 12 hour shifts 7 days a week....so I feel bad for complaining.

We don't know yet if we will get to go home to Mississippi or if we will be staying here. It all depends on Ryans work....but it sure would be nice to go home. Whether we are at home in Mississippi or here in California, I am getting prepared for Black Friday. Shopping the day after Thanksgiving is a tradition my mom and I have had for quite some time!!! The past few years my sister in laws, Donna and Crystal, have joined in on the tradition making it even more fun. I will sure miss them if I am manning the crowd all by myself this year.

What I was created for....

2007-11-07T18:53:00.000-08:00

This past Sunday....Ryan and I arrived at church an hour early because neither of us knew the time changed....it was pretty funny. But that has nothing to do with what I am wanting to write about. During worship we sang a song....and the chorus consisted of these lines:

I cannot survive this ordinary life.

I was not created for an ordinary life.

That pretty much summed up what God has been speaking into my life over the past 4 years. As much as I would love to think of living in a nice big house, with nice furniture, cute clothes, nice neighborhood, nice car.....each time I think of it, I almost get sick. Not that there is anything wrong with having nice things and a nice comfortable life, but because over the past few years God has repeatedly told me that I have not been created to live an ordinary life, but an original and extraordinary life. Over and over He is telling me that this life that I am living is not about me. I have to do more...I have to serve more, love more, help more, befriend more. I have to get out of my comfort zones...give over my dreams of living in MS owning my own little boutique. I was created for something more. Recently I finished up the Beth Moore Daniel study, and something she said in that study will stick with me forever. She said, "You can live your entire life as saved as you can be, and yet miss your calling...miss God's purpose for you." Whoa...That's what I never want to do. When I start feeling too comfortable and content with my surroundings, life, relationships....I want to re-evaluate. I don't want to just be saved. I can't just be saved. There are passions burning so strongly within me that I like that song said cannot survive living an ordinary life!!!

There are two huge passions that burn deep within my soul...one is my passion to somehow serve God overseas in a place where people need to experience the love of Christ...where they have never had that opportunity. The second passion is a burning desire to work with, rescue, love, and adopt orphans...of every ethnicity and race. For three years, I have prayed and prayed about these passions. I honestly felt like God was going to send us to China through Exxon because that would allow me to combine both passions that I know are God given desires. Just recently Ryan and I found out where we will more than likely be in a year from now. I knew on this particular day Ryan would be talking with his boss and would find out where we would be. So, I called Ryan as soon as my students were dismissed and awaited to hear him say where we were going....my heart was hoping it would be overseas next....(preferably China) but my mind was saying it would probably be a US assignment. Then he told me and I just laughed!!!! QATAR. I got off of the phone, pulled down my giant classroom map and found Qatar (in the middle east). I just giggled and giggled...."Really God, Qatar??" My mind was in the state of giddiness because His fingerprints are allllll over this. Growing up in the south and in the Bible belt, I learned a lot about witnessing and evangelizing...and then God moved me to Texas...and then to LA...where step by step He has been drawing me so near to Him. I have learned how different the world is outside of the south. I have learned that Christians are stereotyped majorly. I have learned that we are known for the things we hate and the kinds of people we hate (I know we don't really hate anyone...but they see it that way). These people need love, relationships, friendships different than any friendship they have ever experienced. And God has been teaching us this in amazing ways. And he is taking us to a place where evangelism is out of the question for the most part. But loving people, building friendships, and relationships is the only way we can really impact these people. Whoa!!!!! I cannot wait!

I just wanted to share these things that have been on my heart!

Pictures from Doey Wayne's Wedding!!

2007-11-03T12:30:00.000-07:00

Pictures From Jode's Wedding!!!

Just a few of the 123 I took...

Mississippi Misconceptions Begin at an Early Age

2007-10-24T19:47:00.000-07:00

This week my students were working on the letter "J" words. I was giving them simple words to spell that began with j. This is how the dialogue went a few minutes into this lesson....
Me: Oh...I have a good one. I want you to spell my daddy's name. His name is J (making j sound) i (making short i sound) m(making the mmm sound).
Student: Jim....your daddy's name is jim?
Me: Yep.
Student: Oh...Jim just like a gym. Mrs. Webb, Does your Daddy named Jim work out at the gym?
Another Student: NOOOOO! (It was a no, like...no, stupid. I was expecting him to say no, he is a cowboy...or something) but the response was....NOOO! THEY DON'T HAVE GYMS IN MISSISSIPPI!!!!
Me: Roaring Laughter!!!!!!

THEY ARE SO FUNNY!

We leave for Mississippi tomorrow at 4pm. Wooohooo! I look foward to breathing smoke and ash free air. I will soon post pics from Jode's wedding. Gotta go finish packing!!!

RANDOMNESS, VENTING...AND THAT IS ALL.

2007-10-17T20:28:00.000-07:00

So, Ryan and I are doing well. He is getting burned out at work and is in need of a vacation. The best part is....next Thursday we fly home. One of my very best friends, Jodi Hudson, is getting married and we are flying in for the wedding. So, we are thrilled and excited to be home for a short visit. I am also a bit stressed because I have so much to prepare for my sub while I will be gone for 2 days. Also, if any of you saw our bedroom you would be ashamed. There are clothes absolutely everywhere. It is insane....absolutely insane. But, I won't have time to get to it until this weekend. You know how things can be messy...and you can live with it for a little while...but then it completley overwhelms you and stresses you out...and you cannot stand to look at, and you just feel the world is caving in.....hahaha...all because there are clothes on the floor, well that's the point that I am at. And, instead of dealing with it and being up there right now, I am sitting down stairs where it is bearable and am ranting to you about how something needs to be done. Ahhhhhggghhh!!

Ryan and I had dinner with our friends, Cliff and Cathy tonight. They made crab legs for us...king crab legs. This was my first experience with crab legs.....and well, let me just be honest...they completley freaked me out. They were giant crab legs for one thing, and still had their claws..and hairs. I have never been one to be queasy about eating animals until tonight and I almost could not do it. It was good, only next time, I think I will be crab meat that is already peeled and ready for me.

Sorry for the random posting.....it's 8:42 and my body is begging me to go to bed. Goodnight, precious people.

SHE'S HERE...SHE'S HERE!!!!

2007-10-17T20:23:00.001-07:00

SHE'S FINALLY HERE!

ANNA JAYMES JOLLEY HAS ARRIVED!

ISN'T SHE PRECIOUS?!

I CANNOT WAIT TO SEE OUR NEWEST PRECIOUS NIECE!

Farewell FiFi the FireFish

2007-10-12T17:36:00.000-07:00

Today was a traumatic day for Room 5 (my first grade class). This morning I had a mother (parent volunteer) inform me that while we were in art, she cleaned out our fish's tank. I was so thankful because I would have had to have done it this afternoon, and was not super excited about it. You see....it was my brilliant idea to have a class pet. So, we had a parent buy us a beautiful goldfish and tank, etc. We voted on names...and the girls wanted to call her FiFi....and the boys wanted to call him FireFish. So, I called it FiFi the Firefish. This afternoon, I went in my classroom...(4 minutes before needing to be outside to pick up my kids from lunch)...and I saw the most heartbreaking thing. FiFi the firefish was alive and breathing...but upside down. I called the teacher's lounge knowing others were in there for lunch and said, "Brianne, I need your help....my fish is dying...but it is not dead yet...it is still breathing..and I need to save its life...what do I do?" I heard this response from Brianne (who is one of the most wonderful people ever)...."grab it by its tail, pull it around the bowl...get its heart going and open up his gills." I really was hoping not to touch it...but I did not want to deal with the death of our class pet so, I pushed it, pulled it...and kept saying..."C'mon Fifi...c'mon" She swam briefly, then floated on her side and breathed no more. I now have about 1 minute and 30 seconds before I have to get my kids...and our beloved pet is floating...dead...in our bowl. I am thinking...."Hide the bowl...just hide it." I then saw Mr. O'Neil...a teacher from across the yard...and yell out, "Mr. O'Neil, Help...I really need you!!!" Being super concerned he ran in my room...to hear me say super fast with tears in my eyes, "Our Fish...he is dead, he just died...I gotta get my kids...what do I do with our fish?" He told me to bury it in the dirt and that it could fertilize the soil. (Okay, so that was good and all...but I was now late getting my kids...Fifi the Firefish is still dead and floating in plain sight for 20 six year olds...and he was telling me to pick it up and bury it.) He must have seen the desperation in my eyes because he quickly offered to do it, picked up Fifi and buried her in some dirt. I called the counselor to see if she had anything to offer me (advice, etc) before informing my class that their pet was no longer alive.

I told the class....some accepted it better than I had. Others wanted to tell me about every animal they had ever had die. And one little girl informed me that her grandmother did not eat her vegetables and so they had to put her in the hospital and cut her leg into pieces (yeah, I know....random...and I had to work hard not to laugh on that one). I read a book about life and death to them....and then asked some questions...one of them was, "Who can tell me what the word death means?" A little girl so anxious to answer raised her hand and did the "pick me, pick me, I know...I know" squirm, so I let her answer. She said...."Death is when you can not hear." This time, I could not help but laugh. Anyway, after all of our discussions of death and telling our favorite memories of our beloved pet, we put together a class book in memory of Fifi the Firefish. It was definetly an insane afternoon. One I will never forget.

I am so blessed!

2007-09-30T18:46:00.000-07:00

God has blessed me beyond belief with amazing friends everywhere I go. My first day of class at the University of Houston Clear Lake I met one of my closest friends. It was sad to move away from her....wasn't sure when I'd see her again, but God had a treat for me. Kelli married Greg(also a friend of mine from UHCL) a few months ago...and Greg's parents moved 3 miles down the road from us....neat, huh? Well, they came to see us yesterday...and I had so much fun. It is just refreshing being with those whom you are so close to and know you so well. We had to take some beach shots....Ryan took the ones of Kel and I and some are quite candid. But, they are still sooo us. I love this girl...and Greg, too!

We were fixing our hair....it kept getting in our face.

We are still fixing the hair!!!! And Laughing!

We take the picture in faith...that the wind will not blow our hair too badly.

I have no clue what was happening here....but it sure was funny!

And....Now...here are some of our significant others and us....

Ryan would not cooperate!!!

It was such a fun afternoon with Kelli and Greg.....man do I miss them! But, Wow...do I thank God for some truly amazing friends!!!!

MAD HATTER!

2007-09-23T21:28:00.001-07:00

The SHE Community (Women of our church) recently had a Mad Hatter Tea Party/Dinner/Concert under the stars. These are just two of the amazing friends God has introduced me to since moving here. The dark haired girl is Yvette (native of southern California..and also egyptian...neat, huh), she is amazing. And the blonde is Cathy..the one God introduced me to on the fourth of July at the beach (Ryan found her husbands wedding band), also an amazing girl!!! Love them both so much...anyways...these are just some of our fun pics.

IT'S ALL JUST ONE BIG LIE!

2007-09-22T09:07:00.000-07:00

Sunday is the first official day of Fall in case you did not know. And, and a first grade teacher you have to really play it up. They think I am so excited because of the season change. We will begin doing all kinds of fall projects, worksheets with leaves and pumpkins,etc. We get to change the dial on our season chart from summer to fall.....and to be honest my excitement is all one big lie. Normally, my very favorite season is fall. Fall is my favorite for several reasons: The weather, the leaves, the change of my attire. It reminds me of being in high school and of cheering and football games. It takes me back to memories of hayrides on a cool nights. I even love the smell of fall. I think what I am use to smelling is the pesticide they put on cotton around this time...but it tells my body...ahhh, it's fall! Well, this year....it's a different story. Let me explain. The weather is changing a bit (it even rained last night...and that is soooo rare) but not too much change, leaves changing colors...When discussing what happens in fall on Friday with my students, one informed me that leaves don't really change colors. Poor thing, he has never been outside of California...maybe even LA...and the leaves don't change colors...I mean Palm Trees??
Despite the fact that the weather has only dropped to like 68 degrees....people are wearing scarves for goodness sakes! There is no cheer leading....don't even know a high schooler to go to a football game(haha) and my cheerleading suits are in MS so I cannot even put them on to wear around the house (believe me, I would). And....I cannot smell cotton or cotton pesticide....I smell salt water. Which brings me to this point. If I cannot have the "REAL FALL" then I don't won't fall at all. I look around and see palm trees, sand, and a beautiful ocean. If I am at the beach, I want the weather to be beachy!!! So, I am going through a sad emotion....Summer don't leave.....fall don't come! ......I just woke up less than an hour ago....and have a lot to do today and tomorrow (around the house), but if that sun comes out...I am stopping everything, putting on my swimsuit (not a scarf) and heading to the beach to enjoy the last days of summer!

Y'all in Texas and in Mississippi......enjoy what Fall should feel like for me, And when you see the beautiful orange, yellow, and red leaves....think of the poor deprived children in Los Angeles who don't believe that leaves really can change color.

My First Full Week of First Grade!

2007-09-14T18:41:00.000-07:00

Whhhhewwww....I am wiped out! I don't even know where to begin. First Grade is great! The school that I am working at along with the staff there are just absolutely amazing! They are so kind and so gracious...warm..and welcoming. Just an overview....school really is going well....very very time consuming since, I am new to all of their curriculum. I mean, I get home around 6ish...and I even bring home stuff to work on then. SO, it is demanding right now, but I am still thankful. My students are great....I love them....I really love them so much. Since January I have prayed for my class (not knowing who they would be).....and so I instantly fell in love. Ofcourse there are a couple that push my patience and I have had to use my mean voice a few times....but for the most part, I am amazingly blessed. They make me laugh so very much! My accent really seems to bother a couple of them. One keeps asking why I sound like I am from Texas....and another corrects me when I say a word that does not sound correct to her....putting a stop to that one! But....honestly, I am being blessed beyond measure. I sometimes doubt my ability to actually TEACH though. I mean, I am alot of fun...and do fun projects, etc.....but I am wondering if I actually have the gift of teaching ( I sure hope none of my kids parent's stumble upon this..haha).

Ryan is good...excited that college football is now on. In fact he is napping right now...but the football is on in the background.

I cannot for the life of me figure out how to manage working every day, laundry, cooking, cleaning, Bible Study twice a week, running, and....my california tan is fading fast!

Ummm.....this has been a rather random post....but....that's what my life is like. Now, I am about to spend an hour on school stuff...and then.....I am diving into the final Harry Potter that my friend Lynne let me borrow....wooohoo!

KILLER Waves!

2007-09-03T22:01:00.000-07:00

Don't let this picture fool you. Sure, the ocean is pretty...and in this picture the waves are nice and calm.....but today....the ocean was not a playful playground....in fact....it almost became a cemetary...atleast for me anyways.

It was HOT today...and for those reading this that are in Mississippi or Texas, I am ashamed to say that HOT means around 85 degrees. But anyways, it really was hot. Ryan and I went to the beach and I was looking foward to getting into the ocean to ride some waves. I usually don't look foward to getting into the Pacific ocean because it is always cold! But I was ready today.As we sat and watched we noticed that the waves were huge....bigger than usual.....but everyone out there seemed to be having a grand time. So, eventually we headed in. I immediately began to notice that the waves were extremely powerful (I should add that Ryan is a great swimmer....I am horrible)! Despite the fact that I am not a strong swimmer, I decided that I could follow Ryan and I'd be fine. About 3 giant waves knocked me over and under...and over and over...and I decided maybe this wasn't fun afterall. Then....I looked up....and I saw it....it was coming and it was big....do I go under and try to avoid it....do i jump up and try to let it go somewhat under me, do I dive into it????? So, being the indecisive person I am, I stood there and did not do anything...and it threw me under and over and over...off came my bottoms....down came my top. I knew I was dying, I just knew it...I could not come up...and I was in such a state of panic I could not figure out how to get my swimsuit back on! Somehow, I came up...and I can't really recall, but I think that I was dressed when the wave literally shot me onto shore. I come up...embarrassed and terrified to see Ryan way back in the ocean waving and telling me to "C'MON!!" I tried yelling to him that I almost just died and I could not take it anymore, I had to get out. He kept on playing....I don't think he heard me. When he did come in and I explained my near death experience, he could not believe I could not get my swimsuit on sooner. I said, "Sweetheart, I was drowning...what was I suppose to do?" Anyway....I am probably making this a little more dramatic than it was, but it was scary to me. And then I began to think.....where was the lifeguard? He was sitting in his lifeguard house while I was being tortured by a wave. But then as I thought some more, I was really glad no one came to my rescue....I mean being in the state that I was in (my swimsuit and all)...I am so thankful he did not try to pull me out of the water.

Note to self: Stace...you are not a great swimmer....never get in the ocean when the waves are that big!!! And...get a better swim suit!

Seriously though, I am so thankful!!!!

2007-09-01T21:41:00.000-07:00

Can you hear me screaming.....it sounds like this...."AAAAAGGGGHHHH!" The reason is because I am overwhelmed and wiped out! I am soooo excited to teach first grade...and I know that it is a true blessing, but boy is it tiring. And, the funniest part about that is.......the kids have not even come yet! Hahaha...I am laughing at myself. Everyday this week I have been at the school for about 7 hours a day setting up and preparing for the kids. And, it's wierd because I am not really setting up my classroom....so it's just a different feeling. The lady I am subbing for is wonderful (I actually have not met her). She told me to feel free to do whatever and make it into my classroom. So, it has been overwhelming...but a little fun, too!
But, I need you to pray for me again. Because amidst all of the chaos of getting things ready and set up, and planned....I am getting a little anxious and nervous. I don't even know where everything is in this teacher's room yet. The team of first grade teachers is amazing...and so helpful, so God is really taking care of me. Just please pray that I will be able to manage the class and teach them so that they enjoy learning and truly succeed! Just talking about it has my stomach in knots. So, I am moving on to a new subject!

Oh...this is kind of along the same lines....but Ryan and I have never lived together while I have taught full time (When I did my internship, he lived in Virginia/California and I lived in Texas).So, it was easy for me to devote all my time to teaching. But now, I cannot for the life of me figure out how women do it all. I have yet to find out how to balance teaching, tutoring, planning, cleaning, laundry, cooking, ryan, running, walking chloe, bible study, and sleep. Any advice on how to survive in the "Real World" would be greatly appreciated.

PRAISE GOD!!!!!!

2007-08-23T09:09:00.000-07:00

Praise, Praise, Praise Him! GOD HAS ANSWERED OUR PRAYERS! I have a job....well not a full time job....and not a job that will last a long time. But, God is sending me manna for sure. I accepted a long term substitute position for first grade. I will get paid $160 a day so that is nice. I will also only be working for a month and a half, but that is why I say God is sending manna. For the next month and a half (beginning SEPT 4) I know what I am suppose to do. And then, when that is up I will pray for more manna.

My Parent's Visit to LA

2007-08-22T09:35:00.000-07:00

My Mom, Dad, and Me on a cliff in Palos Verdes.

Us in the Pacific Ocean......more to come.

Back to Posting.....

2007-08-22T08:35:00.000-07:00

Sorry I have not posted in a month. Honestly, there is not too terribly much to tell you. Well, I take that back...we have been busy. The end of July we went to Ryan's family's annual ENID LAKE camping trip. That was fun...however, my legs were eaten up by bugs!!! (I don't think we have bugs in California..haha) Also, we are some of the only ones without children at Enid. So, did being around all of the family and all of the babies make me ready?? HEAVENS, NO! I love our nieces and nephews so much.....but I am so glad that I am just the aunt!! I am still moving the amount of years I want to wait for kids up a year every year. Right now, I would like to wait 5 to 7 more years...haha!

My parents were here this past week. It was so much fun having them here. I sobbed yesterday when they left....for about 4 hours! I am such a baby. Ryan came home in the middle of one of my sobfests and he asked why in the world I was crying so badly. Well, every time I tried to get the words out it just made me cry harder and harder. Finally.....I told him that I feel so completely blessed to have such amazing parents. They love me sooo much. They served us so self-lessly the whole time that they were here. They did so many things for us. Another thing that was making me cry was that I know that being in Los Angeles for a week was hard, especially for my dad. But, he did it for me. Agghhh...I am about to cry again. Anyway, it was such a great week!

As for my job search......it continues! However, I am less anxious than I have been. I am just going to get ready to be a substitute teacher again. Subbing is great, and I do enjoy it, but it would be nice to get a steady job. Ryan is sooo great and patient about this. I guess it is because I have never really had a job or an income so it is not any different than the past 3 years and 3 months of our marriage, But I am sure he would love for me to have a job!

Ryan is enjoying his job still, which is so great! I love that he likes to be at work. He is really good at what he does, too. His boss here in CA (he still has a boss in VA) called him in his office last week and gave him (and only him) a $500 gift card to best buy for the work that he has been doing. So, now he has to decide what he wants to do with the gift card. I would have already spent it if it were mine, but he is a saver!!!

Well, I am going to keep the updates coming....on a regular basis again. Maybe I will post pictures of ENID and of my parents visit soon.

New Post Coming SOON!

2007-08-06T21:56:00.000-07:00

I just realized how long it has been since I have posted.....much has happened....and I cannot wait to write again about my life. But it is going to have to wait one more day.....I have to go to bed now!!!

GoodNight!

Indoctrinated!!!!

2007-07-09T17:42:00.000-07:00

Okay, so last week I along with about 5 other amazing ladies began our journey through the book of Daniel....with Beth Moore as our tour guide! It has been amazing and we have only done one week of homework. One of the things that I have learned or realized (that Beth said) is that unless we have out defenses up we become indoctrinated by the things in our world and by our culture. Well....for half of the study Beth encouraged us to live 6 weeks committing to a Daniel-Like Challenge. Daniel chose not to eat the food and wine from the kings table. Now I nor you are not bound to the Old Testament Laws like Daniel was...so we had to think of something to give up. We decided to each give up something that we allow ourselves to overindulge in...something that is permissible to us but not necessarily beneficial to us. So, I have decided to give up all types of beauty, fashion, fitness, and celebrity fascinations and television shows that are just not beneficial to me. I did not realize how hard this was! I have only given these things up for 4 days and WHOA! I realized that I have been indoctrinated. I even long to log on to people.com.....I want to watch things that I should not....it's crazy.

Anyway....this is going to be so super for me. It has already been so great just to see how easily I have let the culture around me (the not so beneficial things) seep into my daily life.

Fourth of July in Hermosa Beach PART II !!!!!!!

2007-07-04T22:05:00.000-07:00

Our fourth of July got even more exciting....so exciting that I just had to share it with you. We ate our steaks and they were fantastic (thanks to my grill master husband). Then we were gonna head back to the beach for an evening of fireworks and dessert. We changed into warm clothes (cause it is cold on the beach at night) and I put on my "Modest is Hottest" shirt. I even told Ryan walking down to the beach that I felt really out of place with this shirt on...walking into a war zone of immodesty. Anyway...so we go down...its not dark yet...and we see ambulances and cop cars all down the strand...I wanted to go see what it was all about....and eventually Ryan agreed to go check it out. We discovered a very tragic scene. A guy (we assume a very drunk guy) jumped, fell, or was pushed off of the roof of a three story house. He landed on concrete and was severely injured....but still alive (apparently the guy's feet were moving). By the time we had arrived on the scene...cops were taking statements, taking photos of blood and evidence....but most of the blood had already been washed up...and the guy was on his way to the hospital. But....guess what...the evening gets even more exciting! Wait...that part I just told you was not exciting...eventful may be the better word....anyway.... As we are standing viewing the scene, I noticed a group of people (4 of them) digging in the sand...searching for something. Ryan and I left the scene...and then it hit me....I felt something saying "STACEY GO BACK AND HELP THEM." So, I told Ryan and we went back. A guy who had been married for a year had lost his wedding ring and they were excited to have more help to look for it. As we were digging one of the girls looked at me and said "Do you have on a modest is hottest shirt?" I looked up and said..."Yes"....and she was like "That is awesome." So, they asked if we were believers and we excitedly said yes and found out that they were also. So...we continued digging and found out this couple is moving right down the road and they have had a hard time getting connected with other young couples, etc. Well....as we talk, and we were all praying to ourselves that we'd find the ring...cause it was getting dark....lo and behold...Ryan finds the ring!!!!!!!!!! We all clapped and yelled with joy!

This was such a God thing....and here is the neatest thing. Had that guy not jumped/fallen..whatever off of the roof, we would have never seen these people, met them, and Ryan would not have found the wedding band. Now, I hate that this guy was so badly hurt...but I discovered that you know how we Christians say something good comes out of every situation....well this showed me that sometimes the good that comes out of it may have nothing to do with us. The guy that fell off of the roof...and the people close to him may wonder why that happened...what good could ever come out of it, etc. They will never know that because of that a wedding band was found and a friendship was made (sounds like minor good compared to what happened but we know it was God)!!!

But...anyway...what an eventful evening...more happened...fireworks were great....it was fun...but pray for that guy!

Fourth of July in Hermosa Beach!

2007-07-04T17:56:00.000-07:00

Happy Fourth of July!!!!!

So....today Ryan and I had a very relaxed fourth of July. We slept late, went and bought some steaks, then headed to the beach while they marinated. Okay...so the beach that we live on is a pretty big beach. But it is never packed....its not a touristy beach so it nice and relaxing. Well...today we saw a completely new side of Hermosa Beach. As we walked about 3 miles down the strand (a concrete path along the beach....separating the sand from the mansions on the beach) we were weaving in and out of a very unique crowd. Of course, many of them were drinking...and most were scantily clad. There were occasionally kids with lemonade stands. We saw one kids sign that said...lemonade 4 Cents. I should have stopped there cause where I did stop it cost $2.00. I got ripped off by an 8 year old. But anyway....as we walked through the crowded strand I told Ryan that in most cases when you are out in public you notice those people who are not normal....the ones that sometimes we see...and in our own self righteousness....shake our heads at their appearance or make some comment to our spouse or friend. Well in California we are really learning to overcome that....and especially today. It was the opposite...the normal looking people stood out. I caught my self turning to Ryan and saying..."Wow...they looked normal." ......hahaha...it was a fun walk. Then we settles down on the beach only to find ourselves somewhat near an inflatable arena with a sign that said "Margarita Wrestling." We did not stay to see what it was about, but Ryan and I were a little perplexed. We could not figure out if they were going to wrestle in Margaritas....(the pool filled with margaritas) or did you have to drink like a ton of margaritas and then get in and wrestle. A small part of me actually wanted to stick around just to see what would happen. Anyway, I could tell you more...but the steaks that Ryan marinated about 6 hours ago are now about ready to be grilled. So, I hope you all had a wonderful 4th!!!

LAUGHTER

2007-06-29T20:01:00.000-07:00

I was looking through a book the other day that I use to write in back in high school. I came across this entry about laughter and thought I'd post it....remember I wrote this in either 2001 or 2002....so when I was 17 or 18....so it isn't the greatest.

I was once asked, in my opinion, what the most beautiful sound was. It was easy for me to answer, my reply, laughter! Oh, how I love to laugh! Let me tell you I laugh at everything and I laugh at nothing. Sometimes while praying to our Lord I find myself laughing. I can just feel him laughing, too. I cannot wait to talk to him one day and discuss the funny things that I have done when He was the only one that saw me. Do you ever wonder what that would sound like, I mean to hear our savior laugh. I wonder...while he was on Earth, did he ever trip and fall only to sit and laugh at himself. Did he and his disciples ever have something funny occur while they were together....things that made him laugh until tears ran down their cheeks? I cannot wait to hear it and I cannot wait to laugh with our Lord. I know that God is a holy God....he is a righteous God....but also he came down in the form of a human....and dwelled and walked among us....and I have to imagine...as a little boy playing with his friends, and as a teenager....and even as an adult in midst of his ministry....there were times when this human, Jesus, just had to laugh. To hear him laugh....that will be a beautiful sound.

I still laugh with God.....and I do wonder what his laughter would sound like....I have a feeling some might think it a bit irreverent to think of such a Holy God having a sense of humor and laughing.....but I find it rather heart warming myself!

My Newest Niece!!!!!

2007-06-27T19:17:00.000-07:00

Welcome to this world baby Raney!!!!

Rebekah Raney Scott

Born Today June 27, 2007

8 lbs. 12 oz.

20 inches long

Kelly, Chad, and Big brother Wyatt welcomed this new addition into their family today. We cannot wait to meet our new niece the end of next month!

My Random Facts....

2007-06-25T19:48:00.000-07:00

I saw a friend do this...so I am stealing his idea...

Random things that people may not have ever known about me (excluding my Mama and maybe a few others):

I had an imaginary friend named Pattie Mixie. Apparently I made my Mama set a place for her at the table and we even rode around for quite some time one night so I could find her grandmother's house and we could drop her off.

I was horribly afraid of bikers as a child...and sometimes when I see a motercycle, that anxious fear comes flooding back. I have recently discovered that I am also horribly afraid of homeless people...I have good reason based on a recent experience which I may get the nerve to tell later.

I use to obsessively talk on the phone as a teenager. But now...I am becoming like my Daddy...I hate to call people or even answer the phone and talk much of the time. I get really nervous talking on the phone to people that I am not super close to...I don't know why.

I think in like 4th grade I changed the spelling of my name to Stacie...so that I could make the "i" with a heart for the dot. Got tired of it...so I changed it back to Stacey.

I was absolutely madly in love with Jonathan Taylor Thomas as a child....and seriously thought that it was God's will that I marry him. hahaha

In the seventh grade I began obsessively looking at and picking my split ends....I still do this now and it drives Ryan crazy! But it is an addiction and I love it!

Speaking of addictions, I have never tried drugs...I have never been offered drugs...but it is a really good thing because I absolutely LOVE the gas that the dentist gives you. They say "Okay, we are turning the gas down now..." and I am like sucking it up trying to get the last bit in my system. SO, its a good thing I have never tried drugs as much as like that stuff.

This one is kinda embarassing, but I still sleep with a stuffed animal and a really soft tiny blanket! The stuffed animal even went on our honeymoon..haha.

I looove the smell of Vicks Vapor Rub!!!

I hate walking in wet grass!!!

My favorite kind of candy...I think...is the big cheapo variety of cholocates you get for valentines....I love the surprises!!!!

My Daddy and I bond best over cheese, crackers, summer sausage, mustard (all together)....oh and chocolate! My Mama and I bond best during shopping adventures...haha.

...I was voted most likely to succeed in my senior class.....and I cannot for the life of me get a job...haha.

Oh...another really random one...you are reading the words of the former Captain of the Cheerleading Squad...hahaha....and captain of the basketball team (but that one was not at all for my great basketball skills).

One last random fact about me....there was one time in my life (and I still would kinda like to do this) when I wanted to be the person who writes on cars....you know the "Great Deal" "Only 28,990"..."Great condition"...the ones in neon paint.....yeah...I'd really love to do that. But, I did not know what major to choose in college to be one of those people, so I just chose teaching.

I told you these were going to be verrryy random!!! Hope you enjoyed!

Chloe's Birthday Party!

2007-06-21T10:11:00.001-07:00

Wow....the alignment of these pictures turned out to be chaos...sorry about that. These are pictures from Chloes third birthday party! What fun!!!!

She really enjoyed her cupcake! And....this morning she had a little tummy ache!!!

MeiLing!

2007-06-19T16:35:00.000-07:00

I want her!!!!

(Or at least one like her...and we shall call her MeiLing.)

I don't know what it is...well, yes, let me take that back...I do know what it is....it's God.....It is God that has made me long for an orphan like this one. The overwhelming desire to adopt from China hit me only weeks after marrying Ryan. It was so powerful that I knew it was the Holy Spirit. So, I began to pray about telling Ryan...because quite honestly I had decided that I did not want any children of my own, but that I wanted to adopt from China and all over (before Angelina Jolie). So, after praying and knowing without a doubt that God was laying this on my heart...I approached Ryan, thinking you know surely if God was laying this on my heart ...he must be also laying it on Ryans. When I informed him that I thought God wanted us to adopt from China...and that I really did not care to have my own children, I realized immediately God had not been so powerfully revealing this issue to him..haha. He was a bit stunned...and so was I! I mean really (I said this to God)...How can it be so clear to me that this is from the Lord and yet Ryan did not even desire to adopt from China. How could he not?? God spoke to me clearly to me and basically said, "Stacey, I revealed these plans to you in my perfect timing...Let me work in Ryan's heart my way and in my time." And...He did...today Ryan is perfectly fine with adopting MeiLing (He even came up with that name a year ago). And...Ryan is even okay with adopting MeiLing and another orphan from a different country (I want Africa). Oh, and of course God worked in my heart...and I am willing to try and have my own (many years from now) and adopt. But there are some days...like today...that I just long for little MeiLing!!!! It will be at least 7 more years. Chinese law says I have to be 30!

Happy Birthday Chloe!!!

2007-06-18T21:10:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday, June 20th...we will celebrate Chloe's third birthday! Man, am I ever so glad to have her. She brings sooo much joy into my life. I liked it better when I could spoil her and treat her like a baby....now we are on a plan to try and make her stop barking when we are gone....which includes treating her like a dog not a baby. But...boy do I love her! So, I have been thinking of what we can do for her third birthday. I think she and I will go for a ride in the car...she likes that....and then go to the dog park (she doesn't love that...but needs to get out)....and go for a walk on the beach. We will have a party with a tiny cake....and she will get to enjoy it all!

The other day a friend of mine here said she wanted a baby dog. I said..."Like, a puppy?" And she said yeah she wanted it to be a puppy when she got it...but she wanted it to always be a baby dog....even after it grew up. I laughed for a while...but then I really began to agree with her. I like calling Chloe a baby dog. So.....the baby dog turns three and we will celebrate...I will post pictures of the celebration after Wednesday!!!! Happy Birthday Chloe Jane Biscuit Webb!!!!

Teachers.....always a demand????

2007-06-17T21:25:00.000-07:00

Okay...so everytime I tell someone I am a teacher....or that I have my teaching degree...or whatever, the usual response is something like this,"Oh..that is so good. There is always a need for teachers....always a shortage." Well, I beg to differ!!! I have been mapping out schools to go to tomorrow...and I plan to go in, introduce myself, hand them my resume...and try to make a good impression. This is not the way this is suppose to work! There is suppose to be a desperate need for teachers...not teachers desperate for a job. So....anyway...start praying as I go door to door and try to somehow make a good enough impression in less than five minutes that some principal will say..."I want her at out school." I will update you on the success of my trek tomorrow. I am doing on district tomrrow and another district Tuesday. ......And I applied for 4 jobs online today. Aggghhhhhh! PRAY..please! ............

....................

2007-06-13T08:31:00.000-07:00

Well, the above photos are of my mother in law and I on the red carpet. We were at Universal Studios Hollywood. Lots of fun!!! But only moments after being there I became aware of how unintentionally mean I can be. You see, as soon as we got into the park...we saw the House of Horrors to which I said...."Oh, Lets do this one!" Let me also say that I absolutely HATE to be scared. I know hate is a very strong word.....but almost not strong enough to describe how much I dislike it when I am scared...especially suddenly. Well, Ryan tries to scare me and when we went into this horrifying house thing he was not in the protective husband mode....and I trusted his mom more. So, arm in arm we walked through the haunted house. And over and over...scary people and creatures jumped out chased and grabbed us. Each time we screamed....really screamed!! We also would cling tightly to each other. But then I noticed...I was not only clinging to Mrs. Janie I was jumping behind her while pushing her to face whatever creature it was. So, I forced her to protect me. She was scared too....but it never dawned on me to help or protect her......these horrors were quick and spontaneous....I had no time to think....and naturally I just took action to protect myself.

I felt so bad afterwards....I mean...what a horrible daughter in law! But you know I think that putting ones self first is the natural thing to do for most of us...we are inately selfish!!! It takes thought, effort, courage, and in many cases...sacrifice to put yourself last. So Mrs. Janie......if you come back...I promise to throw myself in front of you and protect you instead of myself when we go through the house of horrors!! haha.....

To be a child again...when feeling like a princess was so easy!

2007-06-07T15:20:00.000-07:00

OH to be a princess again...... The princess in these photos is Princess Ella Reeves.....some very good friends of ours' daughter from Houston. Ella is actually just one of three girls in the family and a brother.... These pictures were taken during a recent visit to see this family. Ella had just woken up and was not quite fully awake at this time. But....what I love about this is....as soon as woke up.....pj's came off and the princess wear was put on. I think if they made dress up princess attire for grown ups...I would follow the example set by Ella....I would take of my regular boring clothes...and wear my princess gowns 24/7. There is something about this thought and these pictures that make me miss my childhood (and Ella) so much! If it only now ...all it took to make the world bright again was a pink , tulle, satin, and sequined dress.

"Everything You Bless..."

2007-06-06T17:21:00.000-07:00

Today I received an e-mail. The subject said...."Developmental Kindergarten Position." It was from a local school district and it was about a position that I had applied for. Not only did I apply for this position.....but this is the one that I REALLY wanted. It was one reason I passed up two other positions... I was holding out for this one. So, I excitedly opened the e-mail....only to find out that the position that I just knew I was perfect for would not be one that I would have. It was an email saying that I had not been selected to interview. I was a little shocked, honestly. I mean didn't they know that I was literally perfect for this job....it was the one I was most confident in...and really how could they not even give me a chance to interview. Obviously, I was upset and also a little hurt...and I felt rejected.

So, all afternoon I thought about it...I was honestly a little down. And when I told Ryan..who is in Dallas right now...he apologized, but then immediately told me that I needed to be taking this job search seriously..that I needed to find a job! I know that he is just a logical thinker....and he was thinking logically. But...I think mostly with my heart...and at that moment, I did not need a lecture. So, I responded very defensively....I mean I search and apply for jobs daily! Anyway...Satan was just trying to get me down about the job search and about my first real rejection....I know it was Satan...it had his fingerprints all over it.

But then as always....God came to my rescue with encouragement. I was running and listening to a song that I have heard over and over....but this time a phrase stood out....it said (speaking to God)..."Everything you bless....is not everything I plan or dream." It was just God's way of whispering..."Stacey...remember just because you long for this....that does not mean that I long for you to have this." I struggle because I don't see many options right now....and I don't know what job God does want me to have. Another reason why it was so difficult me to accept this rejection was because I had begged and pleaded with God in prayer...."God, you know that this is the desire of my heart....I am seeking you....I am asking....please meet this need and bless me with this job that I sooo desire." And...the thing was I wanted this job because I knew I could show compassion like never before to students in this type of class....I wanted to love them and serve them. I have already been praying for my future students....and I just knew that they would be part of this class. So, my reasons for wanting this job were not selfish. But, they obviously were not God's plan. It is hard to understand when our ways are not his way....but I am encouraged that God has an amazing position out there for me....and I will keep searching daily until I find it. So.....if you are reading this...please pray for my job search...and pray for discernment for me...and also patience for Ryan as he continues to wait also.

My newest nephew!!!!

2007-06-04T19:40:00.000-07:00

Welcome to this World!!!!

Westin Blake Jolley

June 4, 2007

Baby Wes is the newest addition to our family! I am soooo excited! I cannot wait to see the little one...but it will be July before I do see him. So far, I think he looks like his Daddy...my brother! He does not look so much like his big brother Maeson.

Kindergarteners

2007-06-01T18:33:00.000-07:00

Oh How I love Kindergarteners......

For the past two weeks I have had the oppurtunity to sub at the same school...in kindergarten...what a fun time! Here are some of the funny things I hear in just a matter of days... (I am changing their names)

Okay so I am teaching and telling the class a little about myself before beginning....and so Maggie raised her hand. "Yes, Maggie...you have a question?" ....and then Maggie replied, "Ummm, are you a cowgirl because you sound like a cowgirl." I laughed...told them that I was not a cowgirl...explained why I spoke differently than they did....but I did tell them that my daddy was a real cowboy, and he was a favorite among the class. They asked if he could visit their class.

Later that day during dismissal....I ask this same little girl, "Maggie, is your grown up here to pick you up, do you see her?" Then as I am looking for her I hear what sounded like, "The H*** No!" Shocked and thinking I must have misheard this little 6 year old girl I said..."what did you just say?" And...a little clearer she says, "The H*** No!" She must have seen the stunned look on my face so she thought she'd help me out and break the silence...."I love that word...I love to say that!" I get on her level and precede to tell her that we cannot say those words at school. She did not really care and told me she used them at home...but I explained why we dont use those kinds of words, etc.....FUNNY.

A dialogue between me and a little boy...we will call him Nate:
Nate: Mrs. Webb, I really like how beautiful you are.
Mrs Webb: Oh, Nate...thank you. That was so kind...and you are very handsome.
Nate: I can meet you at the train station if you wanna go somewhere with me.
Mrs. Webb: What???
Nate: I know where the train station is and we could meet there.
Mrs. Webb: Oh, Nick....don't be silly....I am married! Now...go to recess!

(Ryan says I should never have kept that conversation going with him....he's probably right.)

Another random student says to me...."Can we call you Mrs. Western because thats what you make me think of?" My reply......"No, silly....My name is not Mrs. Western."

I LOVE KINDERGARTEN!

California Dreaming.....

2007-05-31T20:15:00.000-07:00

So, I have these moments all of the time when I am just like..."I live here...I really live here!!!" It happens each time I walk out of our apartment and see the beach...it happens when I am at the beach and can walk back home just to use the restroom. It happens when I am in my car and get to the top of this hill where I see the panoramic of the ocean and mountains. These are some of the other times I have "California moments:"

-When I see all of the surfers at the beach

-When we drive to church and enter Beverly Hills City Limits

-When I pass production trailers and movies being filmed

....And my latest California moment occurred when I found out that next door to the classroom that I have been subbing in for two weeks is a real TV star. So, she is only in third grade...and I had never seen her or the show before...but still! It's the little girl from the show Medium. She has been on Jay Leno and all kinds of shows because of her role in this show...and I saw her!!! Hahaha...it does not take much for me to be utterly amazed here.

But really, what a blessing it is to be here in Los Angeles. I cannot begin to tell you the growth and depth that has occurred in my walk with the Lord since being here. Being a part of our church Mosaic has been so incredible.I feel as though I have lived my life in a bubble....and my eyes have been opened to so much since being here. Of Course, I miss our friends in Texas and our family/friends in Mississippi....but God is doing such great things for us here! Everyday I feel like I am saying, "Who am I Lord, that you would choose to bless me so richly....?" And it truly is beyond anything I could ever ask or imagine. I know our time here is limited...so with the time I left...I am going to keep on dreaming!

2007-05-31T17:45:00.000-07:00

This is Chloe.....but this is how I feel today...haha!