Longhorn in Houston

I'm saying goodbye.

2011-07-18T21:22:00.000-05:00

Well...after much deliberation, talking and praying...

This is the LAST POST for Longhorn in Houston and for my blogging in general.

My decision came down to a few things:

Is blogging time well spent?
Can you blog without idolizing it?
What do I REALLY care to write about? THINGS? People? Materialism? No.

The truth is...

I'm about to starting teaching a new grade level and it ~~kinda~~ ~~probably~~ really scares me. I want to be a good steward of my time this fall and put forth my absolute best when planning, teaching and growing as an educator. I also know that much of our extended family uses my blog to keep up with our lives... Shame on me for allowing a website to update my family on my life. I need to be more diligent in keeping in touch with those I love via more personal means. I don't want my blog to be an idol...something that nags on me when I think "crap, I haven't written in a while...what can I write about?!" Or thinking about making my blog bigger or better...? It doesn't matter. None of it matters.

Will I want a blog when I have kids? PROBABLY. What an amazing way to keep track of their lives and milestones. Will I realize that I want to have oneSINGULARfocus for my blog one day (i.e. teaching) and ONLY blog about that? MAYBE. If that time comes, it'll be a very fresh start.

Until then...thank you for reading, caring, loving and following. You might see me again...but not as Longhorn in Houston.

Blog Stalk

2011-07-17T16:52:00.000-05:00

So I found a blog that I dearly love and plan on stalking like a creep. I love it because Little Miss Momma gives tutorials on just about everything in her life. I copied two of them this week. And then I ordered something off Etsy from a vendor she recommended.

First tutorial: Pom Pom Bib Necklace

(Click to see LMM's...here's mine)

Second Tutorial: How to Get Wavy, Natural Curls

(LMM's hair is longer than mine but that doesn't mean I can't participate)

[THE BEFORE]

(Stick-straight natural hair)

[THE AFTER]

(It lasted two days!)

So head over to LMM's blog and click follow to indulge in her daily amazingness. I think her little blog world is pretty dang fantastic.

Book Club: Heaven Is For Real

2011-07-15T16:06:00.000-05:00

Another edition of my very own virtual book club that no one probably reads...

Yesterday I asked around for opinions on a Barnes and Noble Nook vs. an Amazon Kindle for an e-reader. I would say the opinions were split about 50/50...those that loved the Kindle said it was great because it wasn't back-lit, didn't glare and didn't strain your eyes while reading (the Nook Color has a glare and IS backlit.) Those that loved the Nook liked all of the features and that it had a color screen. Anywho...I went to Barnes and Noble and checked out the Nook only to find that they make one that is black and white, not back-lit, has the same size screen as a Kindle, weighs less and has a touch screen (Kindle's have a button key pad.) I wasn't looking for a tablet computer type so the Nook Color was out...I simply wanted an e-reader that I can read outside by the pool with no glare and without straining my eyes (cause you all know the torture my eyes have been through lately). So the All-New Nook won!

And I snagged this pretty green protective cover for it!

So bringing it back to the book club...my first Nook purchase was Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo. I had seen it on the Bestsellers List for a few weeks and toyed with buying it but it was $16.99...a bit pricey for a paperback in my opinion. My co-teacher in Sunday School told me more about it last week and after her review, I had to have it. I got it for $7.00 on my Nook and read it "cover to cover" in about 2 hours.

Without giving away too much, the tag-line of the book reads: "A young boy emerges from life saving surgery with remarkable stories about his visit to heaven". As a believer, I loved this book because it confirmed many, MANY Biblical truths about Heaven. I'd previously read 90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper and it calmed so many fears I have had about Heaven, who is there, what it will be like and if I'll be able to reunite with family members who have passed on. Both reaffirmed for me that Heaven is much more than a great place to yearn for but it is our reward for living a Christ-centered life on earth. It was a touching, quick read told from the perspective of a father who simply loves his children, family and God by serving them all daily.

(Are you a follower yet? Click "follow" on the left hand margin of my blog to add it to your reader. Simple.)

Teach On

2011-07-07T09:54:00.000-05:00

I am unsure as to why God has looked on me so favorably this past week but once again, He came through and blessed my life and family because I got a teaching position in Austin! I know I had previously mentioned that leaving my job in Houston was a HUGE risk but I had complete faith that if God wanted me in front of a classroom and working with children, He would make it happen. I constantly prayed "God, I hope you think I'm a good teacher! Lord, please open a door for me to have a classroom in Austin."

Last week, I had three interviews: one in Lake Travis on Monday and one at a private catholic school and one in Hays CISD in Kyle (south of Austin) on Tuesday. I thought that the Hays interview went best and they informed me that if I made it to the second round of interviews (a "Teach Off" model lesson) they would notify me by Tuesday afternoon. Tuesday CAME AND WENT...so did Wednesday morning. I.was.bummed. I spent last Wednesday afternoon at Mozart's preparing for my Kidstuff lesson at church and it was on prayer. I used that as a time to pray hard for my "situation" and continued to ask God those questions. No less than 30 minutes later, I received a call from Hays asking me to come in the next morning for the "Teach Off". GOD LISTENS, people. (However, I then enter panic mode because I have only a few hours to compile a whole lesson on teaching main idea and topic in expository texts...ay yi yi.)

The "Teach Off" went well and I knew I was up against two others that I had seen coming from their lessons. The principal told me I would be notified by Tuesday morning, July 5th.

(Note: "Morning hours" expire after 11:00-12:00, right? Then it becomes mid-day, afternoon...timing is VERY important here.)

Tuesday morning was GRUELING! I was on edge...10:00, 11:00, 12:00...NO CALL. (Morning hours are GONE.) 12:45 - I got the call! The principal told me she had very good news and I got the position!

I am now a SECOND GRADE teacher in Hays CISD at one of their newest elementary schools. I could not be more thrilled as I loved the school, principal and the students I taught. While moving from kindergarten to second grade will be a transition, I'm pretty excited about the change.

Each day that I go to school, I will serve my children to the best of my abilities because I know what an amazing opportunity I've been given here. There will not be a day that I take being a teacher for granted because I know how difficult it is in Texas right now. If you ever hear a complaint from my mouth or typing fingers, you have the right to give me a swift kick in the head. I am thankful for God's continuing grace and provision in my life.

(So I guess that means the blog will continue...thankfully I have another year of teaching to blog about... Now: WHAT TO DO WITH MY BLOG NAME?!)

Beware: Another Major Time Sucking Black Hole

2011-07-04T22:50:00.000-05:00

I shared with you about craftgawker...now click here for dwellinggawker, here for foodgawker and here for weddinggawker.

Thank goodness I have another month of summer left to waste on these sites.

God's good grace and provision.

2011-07-03T18:03:00.000-05:00

(This post might be lengthy...don't know how long because I clearly haven't written it yet...ha. I've been challenged with telling a story about how God has shown great grace and provision in my life lately. At church this morning, our pastor told us that if God has shown you grace, you aren't to keep it to yourself, you're to shout it to the world. Yes, blog and world are not synonymous but it is a way to clearly state what a journey God's had me on for the past 4 months. So read on, if you wish...let me tell you about what He's done for me. This is something I've only shared with family and few friends but I believe God wants each and every one of His stories to be known.)

It all started with a yellow highlighter.

(via)

One day in early March, I was at a faculty meeting that went on and on and on and this weary teacher's eyes were tired. As I was rubbing my right eye, I noticed that my yellow highlighter changed colors...to opaque white. Sure enough, yellow sticky notes changed to white...then greens turned blue...then purples turned grey...and all colors lost saturation. This all happened with my right eye closed. I had lost color vision in my left eye. Cue immediate freak out. Freak out because my brother has had eye issues including a cornea transplant. Freak out because your eye is connected to your brain. Freak out because...heck, I kinda like seeing things in color. (Note: With both eyes open, I retained all color as my right eye is dominant.)

Fast forward past my immediate optometrist appointment..."I need to refer you for further testing because I can't find anything wrong with your eye. Go see this neuro-opthalmologist ASAP." Cue second freak out: neuro=brain.

Enter neuro-opthalmologist office at the highly regarded University of Houston Eye Institute and MS Eye Care. After 6+ hours of testing (and by testing, I mean eye prodding, dilating, electrode pulsing, wires through eyes, bright lights, painful drops, etc) my doctors let me know they want me to proceed immediately to an MRI of my brain and optic nerve because all of my eye tests are COMPLETELY NORMAL.

A few days later and after a $2500 deductible, I'm just as radiated and x-rayed as they can get.

A few days after that, doctor informs me that my MRI was NOT normal. "You've got lesions and white spots in your brain as well as a few black holes. It's all very small but this is indicative of multiple sclerosis OR can be caused by your migraines. We are thinking it's your migraines but need further testing. Don't leave here today thinking you have MS." (Doctor then proceeds to slip a disc into my hand entitled "NEXT STEPS: What to do when you've been newly diagnosed with MS." Um...YOU JUST SAID DON'T LEAVE HERE THINKING YOU HAVE MS. Are you a doctor or a con-artist?) "Also, don't do any research online. But if you do, only visit this website: NMSS. We'll be in contact after scheduling more tests for you."

Pause...get on your knees. Ask for help. Multiple sclerosis?! I'm 26 years old. (Most are diagnosed in their late 20s-early 30s.) How do I deal with this? (Visit ONLY NMSS to research.) What will happen for the rest of my life? (Only 1/3 of patients end up in wheelchairs.) How did I get it? (There is no known cause and no cure.)

Without diving into too much detail about the other happenings of life at that time, mainly how down-hill things were going at school, through much prayer, I was brought to a great place of thanksgiving to God for putting this distraction in my life exactly when He did. The possibility of having multiple sclerosis BLESSED (yes, I said blessed) my life by opening my eyes to what was truly important to me and what God wanted me to focus on. Remember this post? It was written in the midst of all of my praying and considering what my life might be like. God brought me to one conclusion: If this was the path that He had for my life, then may I carry my cross with dignity and may I suffer well.

Wait, don't think I'm done visiting doctors. I was sent to a color vision specialist (who diagnosed a yellow-blue color blindness), a post doctoral fellow (who tested my rods and cones), and MANY doctors who stuck wired electrodes through my eyes to test how responsive my retina was. Other than the color vision test, everything came back normal. NORMAL ISN'T GOOD IN THIS SITUATION. The fact that my eye was normal upped the chances that there was an issue with my optic nerve leading towards an MS diagnosis.

"We need you to see a neurologist when you get to Austin. They will be the ones that read your MRI again and can provide a diagnosis."

I had a bit of a breakdown. I didn't WANT MS. I didn't want to carry this cross. I wanted to have a normal life. I didn't want to be on meds forever. God came through for me again. He gave me strength through others in my life who prayed for me, encouraged me and even talked to me about what having MS would be like.

Last Monday, June 27th (my half-birthday, none-the-less) I went to the neurologist in Austin with my mom and Dan. It was the day I would know how the rest of my life would be. The night before, I had sent an e-mail to my family of prayer warriors and asked them to specifically pray that the doctor would NOT find evidence of MS in my MRI and would not be able to diagnose me with it. I was specific...God wants to know the inner-most desires of your heart. After gladly spending an hour with us, explaining my scans, listening to my symptoms and doing a few tests of his own, my neurologist said it. "I would bet you $100 that you don't have MS." Cue TEARS OF JOY. "There are a few areas of your scan that are a bit questionable but there is nothing to support a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis at this time. Your diagnosis is optic neuritis. Without pronounced lesions, you have an 18-22% chance of developing MS in your life."

The night before, I was specific in my prayers and God chose to answer them the way I asked and the way He had it planned all along. God used the past 4 months of my life to break me down and build me back up. You better believe that He increased my obedience to Him and showed me that my life IS NOT MINE. I am so thankful for the way God provided strength both for me and my family at this time. I am so thankful He chose to answer my specific prayer with a YES. I am so thankful for my friends and family that supported me through this. God showed me an undeserved grace and provision and continues to do a good work in my life.

(Where do I go from here? I have to get another MRI in October to closely monitor those questionable spots in my brain and then each year thereafter for the next five or so years. My neurologist assured me that if it does develop into MS, that I should have no worries. MS is a highly researched disease and there are new treatments every year. The color loss in my left eye is likely permanent and there is no way to reverse it. There is no treatment for optic neuritis as well. There is nothing that I can do medically to prevent the MS from developing...but there is something I can do...pray...and I will.)

Beware: Major Time Sucking Black Hole

2011-07-01T13:03:00.000-05:00

The other day my sister in law sent me this website. Have you heard of Craftgawker? Do NOT click on the link unless you have endless amounts of time to drool over the crafts and wish you had an ounce of the talent these crafters do. (I, unfortunately, do not.) With the amount of time I spend on Craftgawker and watching Weeds on Netflix, you would think I was a teacher on summer vacation or something...

Craft Tutorial: Flower Pins

2011-06-24T15:47:00.000-05:00

In my first attempt to use my summer free time to tap into my craftier side, my friend, Nathalie, introduced me to these flower pins. You can stick them in your hair, wear on a necklace, pin to a plain white T...just about anything to spruce up an outfit. So, here's the how-to:

{Flower Pins}

Materials Needed:
Various colors of silk polyester fabric

Variety of beads

Thread & Needles

Felt

Hair pins

Broach clasps

Hot glue gun

Matches & tapered candle

Get to it:

1. Cut your fabric into 5-6 concentric circles, each a bit smaller than the last. Your biggest circle should be about 2-3" in diameter (but it also depends on how big you want your flower).

2. Using a tapered candle, hold the edges of your flower close to the flame until the edge begins to curl inward, rotate the flower around until the edges have been curled and "sealed". Your fabric should NOT catch on fire (if you use 100% cotton, it will).

3. Stack your flower "petals" in a layer, biggest to smallest.

4. Sew a bead through the middle of the flower. (I make two "trips" through the middle of the bead to be sure it is secure.

5. Cut a circle out of felt that is big enough to cover the back of your flower without hanging over the edges.

6. Cut a small slit for a barrette clip to fit through the felt.

7. Glue the barrette clip and felt on the back of the flower.

That's it! Simple. (Or as my kindergarteners would say: easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy!)

Here are a few of the pretties that I have made:

Pinch me...is this real?

2011-06-20T20:54:00.000-05:00

{This post is going to be a whole-lotta-random so click the X if you're not feeling random today.}

Subtitle #1: I live in Austin...again.

I'm still a little shocked that Dan and I made it back to Austin. I guess if you want something bad enough and work for it (and take a big leap of faith), you can get what you want. Now, if only all of these boxes would unpack themselves.

{or maybe if this doggie would start helping instead of playing...}

Subtitle #2: Backtrack to Dallas

I've mentioned previously about my trip two weeks ago to Dallas to visit some of my best friends. Here's the evidence.

{You can't tell I'm in Dallas, per se, but I can tell you that I ate many fried pickles while there.}

{Dr. Nathalie and not Dr. Lindsey}

{The two Lindsey's...one is an attorney, one is not.}

Subtitle #3: Going green.

I've been wanting a small "herb garden" (rather, pots of herbs on my back patio) for quite some time now and I made that happen today. Here are the latest subjects of my NOT green thumb:

{rosemary, sage, basil and mint}

Subtitle #4: My current state.

Right this very moment, I am at Mozart's on Lake Austin doing a little bit of everything on my Mac and indulging in this:

Deserved after my bike ride this morning...and I had a healthy dinner...

{tuna salad, avocado and truffled arugula sandwich thin}

...so I will NOT feel guilty about my oreo mousse cup!

PLUS, I am doing some job searching and hoping that God wants me to have a classroom next year as much as I do!

{These are the children God has given me. God has been good to me.}

Subtitle #5: The State of the Blog Address

What in the world am I going to do with my blog? After all...I'm not a Longhorn in Houston anymore. And what could be LESS original than a Longhorn in Austin? (And heck, a Longhorn in Houston isn't that original in itself...) So for now you'll see that I've made a minor adjustment to my blog header to buy me some time to further contemplate the state of my blog. Do I continue blogging? Do I change the address? Do I break all of the rules and not even care? Or maybe I cease my rambling all together... We'll see. After all, without teaching this summer, what's a girl to blog about? I doubt you want to read about my daily change of nail polish color, my bike rides, how much weight I am going to gain after eating EVERYWHERE in Austin, or my shoddy attempt at crafting...

OR DO YOU?

A family weekend.

2011-06-12T20:51:00.000-05:00

This weekend we were so lucky to have my brother and his wife in town for a visit! They live in Florida so we treasure the time we have when they visit. It's equally nice that I am in summer mode so I have little to no stress (that usually keeps me from enjoying times like these)!

My momma treated Elizabeth and I to a spa day at the golf course and a little girl's lunch on Friday while the boys played golf. Perfection.

And then the whole family headed to Lopez for dinner! Once again, perfection.

On Saturday night, Dan, Jonathan and I took our bikes out for a ride. Jonathan is going to come in from Florida for the MS150 in April. Sweaty perfection.

The weekend was MUCH too short...I wish desperately that Jonathan and Libby lived in Texas (and maybe one day they will) but I am thankful now for the time we have together. The next time we'll be seeing them will be Thanksgiving - TOO far!

And for a small update on our latest happenings...WE ARE MOVING BACK TO AUSTIN IN 6 DAYS. Nobigdeal. I took a short trip to Dallas on Wednesday to visit two of my favorite people. (Pictures and blog to come...Nat...) With all of my free time this summer, I'll be tapping into my crafty side and busting out some "Etsy-ish" productions. OR putting together some fabrics, beads and glue into a big pile-o-nothing that will qualify as quality trash. We shall see...after all, my first attempt at conquering crafts came out pretty swank:

{Possible tutorial to come...}

Hope all is well in blog-land, reality-land and in your own life! I've got a blackberry cobbler baking in the oven and a basketball game to watch. Oh, AND MY LONGHORNS ARE OMAHA BOUND. Hook Em Horns.

Betty bike.

2011-06-07T16:36:00.000-05:00

Allow me to introduce you to my latest toy, Betty the bike.

After much searching and contemplating, we made the plunge and invested in a road bike for me as Dan has been an avid biker for years now and with the move back to Austin, it is a perfect activity for us to do together. Betty is a Trek Lexa and is pretty, pearly white. Of course, I had to get geared up with the jersey, shorts, helmet, gloves, etc, etc, etc... (Who knew that biking was so pricey?! Not this gal...)

We took her on a 14.5 mile ride on Sunday in Katy and it was wonderful - I kept telling Dan that I felt like I was flying!

I'm already looking forward to our ride next weekend and even more so, getting her up to Austin! And because it's always good to have a goal in mind: on April 21-22, 2012, you'll find me trekking it from Houston to Austin during the MS150 in support of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Let the training begin!

So this is it.

2011-06-06T18:09:00.000-05:00

I am not sure what words I exactly want to write about the end of the school year...it's over. It was fast. I'm one day into my summer and I miss my kids desperately. I'm not too sure what to do with myself yet. You see, I didn't just pack up my room for the summer, but I packed it up for a move so I had to walk out of my school for the very last time ever. Even though two years may seem like a short time, the two years that I spent at my school were pretty memorable...good, bad, sad, hysterical, enlightening. When I think about writing blogs, I can often put everything together perfectly in my head and I'm pretty sure I've written this post in my mind very eloquently, with the very best verbiage and even a sarcastic quip. As for now...I've got nothin'. Here is how I left things:

My empty, clean, kindergarten classroom - ready for the next teacher to come in and make it their own. I'll just say this much: I will greatly miss my colleagues, especially my mentor, fellow kinder teachers and those that I bonded with over unfortunate circumstances. I miss my kids with every second of my day - they were an amazing, inspirational, intelligent and sweet group. They changed so much about the way I teach, manage my classroom and cultivate my classroom culture.

I will miss most...

The way that Gabriela always says "Ms. Paschal, you're so pretty, I like your [insert piece of jewelry here]."
Every single time I need one, I can always count on one of my girls to offer up their "chongo" (Spanish slang for hair tie/band).
Shaking my kids' hands every day when they walk through the door and asking them how they are today - most answer with "awesome, great, good" but I can always count on Xander to say "handsome".
The way Eyanna begged her mom for Toms so she could match my shoe style.
How no matter what, day after day, Meghan always says "Ms. Paschal, this is the greatest day ever! You are the best teacher." and I respond "You are SO right, I am!"

I will always be thankful to every parent, student, teacher and mentor I've had over the past two years at Davila Elementary School. Here's hoping that there are more impressionable children waiting for me in Austin!

The best conversation of my life.

2011-05-27T18:14:00.000-05:00

I.stinkin'.love.teaching. It is the best job in the world for the simple reason that I get to spend my whole day with kids. Here's the best example from today:

(Setting the scene: My students are working at their stations as I walk around monitoring. Four of my kiddos are in the blocks station.)

Diana: Ms. Paschal, we're talking about Jesus here. He's up there! (points to ceiling)
Adam: I really want to see Him. I miss Him. He died because He's a good person.
Ms. Paschal: Why did He die?
Manuel: People were jealous of him.
Diana: They got a wand and they hit Him in the face and everywhere.
Adam: All Jesus does is eat a lot of olives...when He was alive.
Diana: Jesus always goes to work at the church.
Adam: We prayed to a statue of Jesus and said "good luck" and "amen" to Him.
Ms. Paschal: What is He going to do when He comes back?
Diana: Maybe go back to work at the church.
Adam: If He comes back alive, I will give him a big hug.
Ms. Paschal: What does Jesus do for us?
Adam: Protects us when we sleep.
Diana: Sometimes Jesus doesn't want to go to sleep so He goes to work at a church and we go eat Mexican food in a cave with Him. And when I go to recess, I hug Jesus.
Manuel: Look, I made a cross. (Sure enough, he built a cross out of the blocks.)
Yanderi: We pray at home for God to come back.
Adam: I got nothing else to say...
(pause)
Adam: ...wait, I got something. When Jesus comes back, whatever He needs, I will give it to Him. Like, if He needs a puppy, I will tell my grandpa to go to the pet store and buy Jesus puppies.

I KID YOU NOT - this conversation happened. VERBATIM. (Because as soon as I knew they were having this conversation, I got my clipboard and scribbled it all down...not something you want to forget.)

In all seriousness, I pray for my kiddos every single day - for their education, for their families, for their health. My kiddos may come from a loving family with two secure, employed parents to a single mother with five kids who works two jobs. One of the best things any teacher can do for their students is PRAY. Do it every day on the way to work (there's nothing good on the radio in the morning anyway..) and see that it truly benefits them. Having this conversation today with my kiddos left me in such peace knowing that their parents and guardians are guiding them in a Christian way. I love these times with my students.

Take pride in your friends.

2011-05-25T12:03:00.000-05:00

It is so important to celebrate those that are important to you - there is nothing more than relishing in the accomplishments of those you care about. This past weekend, I had a tear-jerker of a time celebrating my close college friend, Nathalie, as she graduated from Texas A&M Medical School.

She'll be doing her residency in Pediatrics in Dallas. (I dream of one day when my kiddos can see her for their colds and flus.) I am so blessed by her, our friendship and cannot wait to she what she accomplishes in the next 4 years. Congratulations Dr. Nat!

Are you a moment junkie?

2011-05-24T19:47:00.001-05:00

A great friend of mine who shares a love for blogs sent me this blog last night:

Quoting their website:

Moment Junkie is a blog devoted to showcasing the best in contemporary wedding photojournalism, with a focus on moments between people that are timeless, heartbreaking, hilarious, or all of the above.

Who does not love viewing amazing pictures from weddings - those shots that are truly candid, captured "in the moment", filled with such emotion that you feel it through your computer even though you have no idea who these people are?!

If I had to pick a "moment" from my wedding, it would have to be this one:

My dear friend, Sarah, was about 8 weeks preggers but trying to fool those around here, so alas, a Blue Moon in hand!

...or this one...

Gorgeous momma caught up in emotion.

...or this one...

Joyous bridesmaids, amazing friends.

What's YOUR moment junkie?

On My Mind

2011-05-11T20:30:00.000-05:00

I've been thinking about James 1:2-4 a lot lately. I've poured over this verse many times and am so completely comforted by it for my life and the lives of many people I know.

"Consider it pure joy..." A sweet way of putting it really...I mean, it's God...if I were him I would scream "IT IS pure joy..." rather, He gives us the option to "consider it".

"Trials of many kinds..." You can endure many, many different trials in life. Trivial ones...monumental ones...regarding your career, family or your health. We each face trials on a daily basis but do we see them the way God wants us to see them?

"The testing of your faith develops perseverance." AMEN.

"Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." In other words (or how I see this in my life), don't make your own plans to "get out" of your trials...only God will remove them from your life when He is ready and in accordance with His own plans.

I am so thankful for the trials that God has recently placed in my life. I am thankful because they have allowed me great perspective on life, to find what is truly important to me and have grown me even closer to God, my hubby and my family.

Thank you, God, for this trial you have brought into my life! Make me mature and complete and not lacking in ANYTHING!

butter LONDON

2011-05-10T18:28:00.000-05:00

Have you gals heard of butter LONDON? I came across it a few months ago and recently indulged in my first two colors. I hardly go a week without getting a new nail polish and I am so glad I found this brand. I would say that they have "better/bolder" colors than most comparable brands of designer polish. Here were my first two picks:

{fash pack}

{artful dodger}

They might be a bit on the pricey end ($14) but with a coupon to Ulta, you can walk out with a reasonably priced piece of fashion.

Fun With Coffee Filters

2011-05-07T13:59:00.000-05:00

I've been wanting to post this fun craft I did with my kiddos since Earth Day but never got around to it - imagine that. Here we are the day before Mother's Day and I have a second craft all using coffee filters. This is neat to do with a classroom full of kids or even a craft at home. If you need a last minute Mother's Day homemade gift, you can whip this one up quick. Here it goes:

Get together a coffee filter, markers, a piece of construction paper and a spray bottle with water.

With the markers and to the best of your ability, outline a map of the world and roughly color it in, leaving a a bit of white space.

Spray it down with about 5-7 sprays of water (a mist, not a jet-like stream).

Allow it to dry and voila - the earth!

And if you're a teacher like me, you'll have your kids write a paper about how they can save the earth!

"You can save the earth by turning off the lights when you go to the other room."

Come next April 22nd, you can put this craft on your calendar. However, for something to do NOW, turn it into a Mother's Day craft like this:

Using two coffee filters, color them bright, "flowery" colors and spray 5-7 times as stated above, then allow to dry.

Get together your glue gun, a clothespin, a pompom, and a 4" piece of pipe cleaner.

Stick the pipe cleaner through the "hole" in the clothespin.

Accordion style, pinch the two pieces of coffee filter together at the middle after laying them on top of one another.

Twist the pipe cleaner around the pinched part of your coffee filter.

Side view: you can see that it is attached to the clothespin now.

Use a drop of hot glue to secure your pompom to the center of your flower and "fluff" your coffee filter into flower petals.

It is to be worn like a broach - Happy Mother's Day!

(Do excuse my gnarly looks - it's 2p on a Friday and I teach 5 year olds.)

Enjoy this fun, easy and cheap craft! Maybe you can even come up with some fun things to create from coffee filters yourself.

101 Things To Do In Austin

2011-04-30T08:55:00.000-05:00

I found this fun list via Twitter but it's originally from here. How many of these have you done?

101 Great Things To Do in Austin

1. Ascend all 106 steps of Mt. Bonnell to enjoy the view. 478-0098

2. Take a friend to Hamilton's Pool and experience the miracle of Nature. 264-2740

3. Take a moonlight tour of the Wide Basion Preserve. 327-7622

4. Go for a ride on the long star riverboat or Capitol Cruise. (seasonal) 327-1388, 480-9264

5. Join hundreds standing in line for a chance to see a taping of "Austin City Limits". 471-4811 ext. 310 or write from out of town: P.O.Box 7158, Austin, TX 78713

6. Walk, jog or bike the Hike and Bike Trail along Town Lake. 499-6700

7. In the summar, at dusk, sit on the banks of Town Lake and watch the nightly debut of thousands of bats coming out from under the congress Ave. Bridge. 327-9721

8. Spend an afternoon at austin History Center. 499-7840

9. On a Saturday or Sunday, take a tour of the Westcave Preserve to view native flor and fauna. 512 825-3442

10. Explor Austin's historic cemeteries where Texas Legends have been laid to rest. 478-8930

11. Stroll throug Ziker Rose Gardens and Taniguchi Oriental Garden. 477-8672

12. Drive across the award-winning Pennybacker Bridge. 478-0098

13. View the uniq, late 19th-century MoonlightTower. 478-0098

14. attend a service at the olderst Prostant church west of the Mississippi (St. David's Episcopal Church). 472-1196

15. Go to an outdoor concert at Symphony Square. 476-6064

16. Watch the UT Longhorns play at Memorial Stadium. 471-1420

17. Swim in the constant 68 degrees, spring-fed Barton Springs (476-9044) or the heated Stacy pool (477-7273).

18. Play a round of golf on one of the many first-class Austin golf courses. 478-0098

19. Prepare your bbest pun and participate in the O. Henry Pun Off (May). 472-1903

20.Run in the Capitol 10,000 (April). 445-3596

21. Enjoy live music 7 nights a week in one of the many local clubs. 478-0098

22. Go to Sixth Street on Halloween for a Spook-tacular time. 478-0098

23. Clebrate July 4th by listening to the Austin Symphony and watch the fireworks on Auditorium Shores. 476-6064

24. Take a tour of the Governor's Mansion, weekday mornings. 463-5518

25. Stroll the twelve-acre grounds at Laguna Gloria Art Meseum and enjoy an exhibit. 458-8191

26. Spend a few hours experiencing rural central Texas as it was in the 1880's at the Jourdan-Bachman Pioneer Farm. 837-1215

27. Visit the George Washington Carver Museum and Library. 472-4809

28. Picnic at Rosewood Park during the Juneteenth Celebration (June). 472-6838

29. Take a tour of the University of Texas campus. 471-1420

30. Celebrate Diez Seis y Seid de Septiembre at Fiesta Gardens (Sept.). 476-7502

31. Take a Historic Walking Tour of downtown Austin. 478-0098/442-1004

32. Go sculling, paddle boating or canoeing on Town Lake. 478-0098

33. Campp and swim at Ssndy Creek. 469-6867

34. "Take a hike" on Barton Creek Nature Preserve. 478-0098

35. Stay in one of Austin's historic bed & breakfasts. 478-0098

36. Go to a play at Mary Mood Northen Theatre. 448-8484

37. Visi the 1840's French Legation, a foreign embassy. 472-8180

38. Follow the Walk of Stars on Six Street. 478-0098

39. Visit the Elisabet Ney Museum, studio and home to this German sculptor. 458-2255

40. Shop at the downtown Bluebbonnet Market Place. 476-3484

41. Spend a morning/afternoon at the Travis County Farmers' Market. 454-1002

42. Tour Austin's local wineries and sample award-winning wines. 478-0098

43. Experience unique shopping at Sixth Street's "West End". 478-0098

44. "and they're off!" Horse racing at Manor Downs. 272-5581

45. Ride the train or fly a kite in Zker Park. 477-7273

46. Spend some time at Discovery Hall, a hands-on science center. 474-7616

47.Tour our historic State Capitol Building. 463-0063

48. View the spectacular sunset from the Oasis Cantina del Lago. 266-2441

49. Research your roots in the genealogy department at the Lorenzo de Zavala State Archives & Library. 463-5463

50. Attend the Austin/Travis Country Livestock Show & Rodeo (March). 4733-9200

51. Spend a day or two at the Old Pecan St. Spring/Fall Arts Festivals. 448-1797 (May & September)

52. Park at Palmer Auditorium, take the "Dillo" and tour 9not narrated) downtown Austin and the UT area. 478-0098

53. Have a western hat made by the famous hatmarker Manny Gammage. 441-4287

54. Attend an outdoor theatrical or musical performance at Ziker park. 397-1463

55. Go boating on Lake Austin and stop at The Pier to listen to a local band. 327-4562

56. On a hot, sizzling day, ice skate at Northcross Mall. 451-5102

57. Take the children to the Austin Children's Museum. 472-2494

58. Tour a historic home, the 1850's Neill-Cochran House. 478-2335

59. Visit the museum and library of the 36th President, Lyndon Baines Johson, 482-5137

60. Explore the grounds of the national Wildflower Research Center. 929-3600

61. Attend a performance by hte Austin Lyric Opera. 472-5927

62. In May, go to Laguna Gloria's "Fiesta". 458-8191

63. Attend a performance at the Capitol City Playhouse. 472-2966

64. Watch the summer regattas on Lake Travis. 478-0098

65. See a play at hyde Park Theatre. 452-6688

66. Camp at almost any of the LCRA parks. 469-6867

67. Bcycle on scenic Loop 360. 478-0098

68. Enjoy the Austin Symphony at Bass Concert Hall. 476-6064

69. Attend a concert at the Frank Erwin Center. 477-6060

70. Attend the annual "Spamarama".280-7961

71. Sail, jet ski or scuba dive at Lake Travis. 478-0098

72. Take in over 400 up and coming bands performing during the annual South X Southwest Music and Media Conference. (March) 467-797973.

73. Browse around the Huntington Art Gallery. 471-7324

74. Buy something unique at the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar. (Dec.) 447-1605

75. Enjoy legendary Blues music on "the Drag". 478-0098

76. Attend "Safari" at the Austin nature Center. (April) 327-8181

77. Join in the Celebration at the Cinco de Mayo Festival. (may) 472-7142

78. Watch the performance of the Living Chrstmas Tree Concert. (Dec.) 338-4473

79. Visit the 126-year old authentic German Bier Garten-Scholtz's. 477-4171

80. Watch lengendary golfers at the Libberty Mutual Legends of Golf PGA Seniors Tournament. 329-1076

81. Take in a show at one of Texas's oldest theatres, The Paramount. 472-5411

82. Take a scenic drive through the Hill Country. 478-0098

83. Play Frisbee Golf at Ziker Park or Pease Park. 477-7273

84. See the peascocks while enjoying Sunday brunch at the historic Green Pastures Restaurant. 444-1888

85. Put on a costume and samba at "Carnaval". (Feb.) 476-5461

86. Attend the Texas Hill Country Wine & Food Festival. (Apr.) 329-0770

87. visit the Austin Garden Center for Florarama. (May) 477-8672

88. Shop early for Chtistmas at the Junior League's Christmas Affair. (Nov.) 467-8982

89. Sample the best food and drink from some of Austin's top chefs at the annual "Taste of the Town". 4766-2729

90. Watch or play in the "Hoop t Up" street basketball tournament. (oct.) 474-2255

91. Expand your art collection at the Austin Artists Harvest. 473-3866

92. Watch the best in high school sports at the UIL state competitions. 471-58833

93. Windsurf at Windy Point. 345-3897

94. See a performance of "Tuna Christmas" or "Greater Tuna". 472-5411

95. Spend the day at Emma Long Metropolitan Park. 346-1831

96. Walk the historic Bremond Block and view several historical homes. 478-0098

97. Enjoy a performance by Ballet Austin. 476-9051

98. Visit the Old Bakery & Emporium - a registered national landmark, now a shop filled with arts & crafts made by local senior citizenx. 477-5961

99. visit the Umlauf Sculpture Gardens and Museum. 455-5582

100. Browse through the austin Antique Mall. 451-5705

101. Enjoy an evening watching a professional Ice Hockey Team, the Austin Ice Bats. 927-PUCK(7825)

I've done 21!

A Few Things About Austin

2011-04-28T17:38:00.000-05:00

(Warning: This might be long and it might be Austin overload but let's all just admit, who doesn't love reading about a few things about Austin?)

Just a few things I thought you should know about Austin, Texas:

1. The University of Texas' new Student Activity Center: I should have written about this long ago but never got around to it...well, here's what you should know. For 50+ years, the students at UT have been vying for a new union on campus because the Texas Union wasn't quite big enough. Fast forward through 50 years and there had been much talk about new student centers all over campus but nothing really seemed to "pull through" due to funding, politics, wars, lack of space, you name it. By the time 2005 rolled around, you can imagine that there was a great need on campus for more space to serve students and the UT Student Government took the lead in a new campaign to "lead the creation of a new Student Activity Center". My amazing husband (as Executive Director of Student Government) along with two of his friends and SG colleagues (the President and Vice President of Student Government) lead the charge for the new SAC, met with President Faulkner, had the SAC added to the 2006 student elections and ultimately had the referendum passed. 5 years later, the new Student Activity Center opened on the east side of campus near Gregory Gym. I have to say, I'm pretty dang proud of him and his friends and what they have to show for their dedication to the University of Texas. I've toured the building a few times and it's nothing less than spectacular. If you're a student, you need to use it every day! If you're an alumni, check it out and be impressed. Here are some pictures of the opening:

(Clayton, Omar and hubby)

(Rooftop of new SAC)

(Student Government Exec that got the ball rolling;

still great friends of ours, all were at/in our wedding!)

(Fountain outside the new SAC.)

(Hubs, red tie, and President Powers at the opening ceremony)

(Bevo)

Suffice to say, I'm a pretty proud wife and am thankful for all my hubs contributed to the university while at UT!

2. Easter in Austin: We spent Easter in Austin and I might write it in the record books as one of the best days ever. We went to church at The Austin Stone at the Erwin Center, had lunch at Shady Grove, took a walk around campus, took the puppies for a run around Town Lake, got a treat at Coffee Bean and drove around downtown. Ahhh...heaven. I cannot wait to be there every.single.day.

The Stone's Easter service at the Erwin Center was incredible. After the service, I commented to Dan that I am at my absolute happiest with I am in THIS city and at THAT church. God has done big things through The Stone and I can't wait to be a part of the community again. To make it even more incredible, I got to share it not only with my husband but beside one of the greatest friends I have ever made and cannot wait to be close to her and her family.

We are happy as clams at Shady Grove.

Longhorn family complete with Colt and Mack doggies.

Mack and Colt finally made it to DKR for a tour of their home!

3. The Last Thing About Austin: We will call it home again on JUNE 25TH - sooner than we thought!

And then one little thing about Texas:

Should we secede from The Union? This billboard thinks YES!

To Be A Runner

2011-04-25T17:21:00.000-05:00

...that is my goal. Well, just a short distance runner. I work out 3-4 times a week but most of the time I'm doing yoga, pilates or cycling. It's about time I add some cardio to the mix. I'm trying the Couch to 5K running plan, 8 weeks to go from speed walking to a full out 5K run in 30 minutes or under. Have any of you ever tried it? I'm the kind of lady that needs a plan, feeds off of a schedule so I think this just might work for me. The schedule requires three days a week at 20-30 minutes per session. I'm into week 2 (starting today) and week 1 was pretty stinkin' easy; this is what each of the 3 days required:

Brisk five-minute warmup walk. Then alternate 60 seconds of jogging and 90 seconds of walking for a total of 20 minutes.

Here's what is in store for me today:

Brisk five-minute warmup walk. Then alternate 90 seconds of jogging and two minutes of walking for a total of 20 minutes.

Last week I did day 1 at the gym, day 2 at Memorial Park and day 3 at Town Lake in Austin. (P.S. I just cannot call it Lady Bird Lake...forgive me.) I'll post about my successes and failures in the next 7 weeks.

Running is much easier when you have a cutie like this one tugging you the whole way:

My daily truths.

2011-04-15T11:00:00.000-05:00

(Robert Fulghum)

Most of what I really need to know about how to live, and what to do, and how to be, I learned in Kindergarten. Wisdom was not found at the top of the graduate school mountain, but there in the sandbox at nursery school. These are the things I learned:

Share everything.
Play fair.
Don't hit people.
Put things back where you found them.
Clean up your own mess.
Don't take things that aren't yours.
Say you're sorry when you hurt someone.
Wash your hands before you eat.
Flush the toilet.
Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.
Live a balanced life.
Learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work everyday some.
Take a nap every afternoon.
When you go out into the world, watch for traffic, hold hands and stick together.
Be aware of wonder and wonderful things.
Remember the little seed in the plastic cup. The roots go down and the plant goes up and nobody really knows how or why, but we are still all like that.
Goldfish and hampsters and white mice and even the little seed in the plastic cup - they all die...so do we.
And then remember the story book about Dick and Jane and the first important word you learned, the biggest word of all: LOOK!

Everything you need to know is there, from Kindergarten, somewhere. The Golden Rule and love and basic sanitation...Ecology and politics and sane living...Think of what a better world it would be if we all--the whole world--had cookies and milk about 3 o'clock every afternoon and then laid down with our blankets for a nap. Or if we had a basic policy in our nation, and all other nations, to always put things back where we found them and to clean up our own messes. And it is still the truth, no matter who you are or how old you are, when you go out there into this world, it is best to hold hands and stick together.

I love being a kindergarten teacher.

Take a walk in my shoes!

2011-04-14T10:30:00.001-05:00

I've just come across what might be deemed a breakthrough for teachers everywhere - a cute, stylish shoe (with heels and wedges) that is comfortable and can last all day. Allow me to introduce Indigo by Clarks.

"Great brands, like great individuals, have their own distinct personality. Indigo® design elements bring distinction and freshness to their collection without sacrificing comfort. Indigo supplies women with exactly what they are looking for - the perfect blend of comfort and style.

Indigo is fashionable. Never trendy. Classic. Never boring. Fusing unique design with premium materials to bring distinctive style to every wardrobe, the Indigo collection is witty and surprising, artsy and stylish. For women who take sincere delight in mixing and matching clothes and accessories to achieve a look that's unique and expressive, Indigo is a fresh new expression of comfort."

(These guys made their way to my closet this week.)

It is VERY hard for a teacher to come by a cute pair of heels that will last her all day. I've always wished that brands like Clarks, Naturalizer and Dr. Scholls had cuter shoes - they look so comfy but the style has always been rather "eh". Well, I think I have found a happy medium.

(All images via Zappos - the one and only place I buy shoes online - their customer service is the cream of the crop. It also doesn't hurt that they made me a Zappos VIP - free overnight shipping ALWAYS.)

I'm not a baker.

2011-04-13T20:19:00.000-05:00

I've never enjoyed the act of "baking" much of anything. I've always been a stovetop, saute pan, roasting, marinading kind of cook. The act of having to measure out perfect amounts of ingredients is tedious and messes with my spontaneity in the kitchen. This weekend, however, I got a little crazy and baked TWO different kinds of cookies. (Dan was out of town and I was going to conquer my oven with a little flour and eggs by the time the weekend was over.) Both cookies were delicious and both were E-A-S-Y. I made Giada's Lemon Ricotta Cookies with Lemon Glaze and Claire Robinson's Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies.

My favorite were the shortbread cookies (probably because they were the easiest) but the lemon ricotta cookies tasted like Spring to me!

If you're looking for a good, no-fail, minimal fuss cookie for a shower, brunch or your general everyday (as mine were), whip these up.

Maybe this is why I hate baking so much...

My Year in Yoga

2011-04-11T16:51:00.000-05:00

It has been one calendar year, a mere 365 days since I took my first yoga class with my cousin that got me hooked on the only workout that I have ever been able to maintain for any length of time. In the past year, there wasn't a week that went by that I didn't go to at least one yoga class. I've taken it at three gyms and from about 10 or so teachers. I absolutely have my favorite teachers and classes that it kills me to miss. Here's what yoga has done for me:

Strengthened my balance
Built muscle in arms, stomach and legs
Increased my flexibility (which was almost nil when I began)
Given me a reason to go to the gym (often resulting in a run before or after...why not? I'm already there.)
Strengthened my spine (and for those who know my spine issues, this is huge)
Decreased the occurrence of migraines (along with some other minor life adjustments)
Made me a few friends (who are also yoga regulars at my gym)

I'd say that's a pretty positive impact in just one year of life! I would still consider myself a yoga novice because there are MANY positions I am still working on and ones I bet I will never get to. Nonetheless, I am so thankful for yoga.

Some recommendations, if I will...

I've used 4 different mats in the past year and have found the perfect, no-slip mat: PrAna E.C.O. Yoga Mat.

Lululemon pants REALLY DO make a difference. The best way I can describe them is "smooth"...very easy to move from position to position without the bunching and clumping of cotton pants or capris. Well worth the investment. They don't pill up, fade or shrink when washed. My favorite are the Wunder Under Crops.

Looking forward to another year of becoming a better yogi every day!

I haven't been mindless in a while...

2011-04-08T20:48:00.001-05:00

I got to thinking today, I haven't posted a "mindless" post in a while...you know, just the one where you share maybe a bit of your day, something you've picked up, a new purchase or commentary on the world's latest happenings. Well, since it's a Friday night, the hubby is out of town and I have no energy to think of anything profound, here's some talk about nail polish, food and a blog giveaway.

First up, nail polish: I've been searching high and low for a color similar to OPI's You Don't Know Jacques because I feel like I've just worn it to the ground. I love it though...so I couldn't part with it for a major change. At last, I came across Essie's ~~Chantilly~~ (CORRECTION: After further inspection, it's called Chinchilly.) and it's serving it's purpose. Here's a comparison:

Essie ~~Chantilly~~ Chinchilly

OPI You Don't Know Jacques

Next, regarding nail polish...a recommendation of mine: I swear by CND's Stickey Base Coat and Super Shiney Top Coat. My home manicures last 6-8 days when I use these products. You can find them at Ulta.

Here's what's been cooking in our kitchen lately:

Homemade Wedge Salads

Shrimp Tacos and Mexican Rice

Lemon Pepper Salmon, Citrus Buerre Blanc and Mushroom Alfredo

And lastly...I WON A BLOG GIVEAWAY! I could not be more excited! I won a $50 gift card to TOMS from Buggie and Jellybean's momma, Amy! She is a beyond funny mother of two that blogs about crazy antics, awkward moments, her precious kiddos and is crafty to boot! Click over and click FOLLOW! Naturally, I entered her giveaway because of my l.o.v.e for TOMS and their mission. Never did I dream of winning!

So...that's about it. Oh yeah, I forgot. I went to the Final Four last weekend! Saturday night spent with a great girlfriend cheering for VCU and Kentucky...only to see them lose. Oh well, we had great seats.

Happy weekending...mine will be spent with puppies, attempting to hone my skills as a cookie baker and getting my namaste on.

Book Club: Breaking Free

2011-04-03T19:00:00.000-05:00

I finally picked up Beth Moore's "Breaking Free" at the bookstore today after a little encouragement from a friend and am a few chapters in and it's already spoken so much truth into my life. Recently, I've felt God knocking...okay, pounding at my door (or on my head in the form of a migraine) to surrender much to Him.

You see, if you don't know me well, allow me to introduce myself: I am independent, can handle all issues, obstacles and challenges thrown at me thankyouverymuch. I've got it all together: a career serving children, an amazing husband, two sweet doggies, a phenomenal family and I'm building upon that life daily. I can do it all: teach every child to read, cook gourmet meals, do the crow pose in yoga and get 8 hours of sleep a night.

Or...so I thought. God has made it quite clear to me in the past weeks that I can do absolutely nothing or fulfill any of my duties to the people listed above unless I surrender it all to Him. Yeah, you could say I have issues allowing others to do things for me. But God (in a very loud, booming voice, I might add) just knocked me to the floor and said "You don't even trust me."

So here I am, with a little guidance from Beth Moore, searching to surrender. I've found myself thinking a lot lately about the Lenten season and fleeing from idols and have found great peace in not having something like Facebook in my life. I've even grappled with the idea of sitting down and writing a list of all of the idols in my life (you know me, I like making a good list) and I think it would send me into a cold sweat...the list would never end. I'd be writing for days. And you can see from the above, I can't write for days when I have to teach every child to read, cook gourmet meals, do the crow pose in yoga and get 8 hours of sleep at night.

Beth Moore defines captivity this way in Breaking Free: A Christian is held captive by anything that hinders the abundant and effective Spirit-filled life God planned for him or her.

Anything that hinders = idols. Whoa nelly...I guess I better get to that list.

Things That Work: 16-20

2011-04-01T19:53:00.000-05:00

More things that work for your teaching pleasure!

16. Author's Chair: I feel like I am constantly trying new things to spur on more writing in my classroom and this really works! On Fridays we have "Publishing Parties" where they can read an excerpt from their writer's workshop for the week and sit in the Author's Chair. The Author's Chair only makes an appearance on Fridays; it has to be a privilege to sit in the magical chair. (It's a $5.99 chair from Academy with a bit of fabric paint!)

17. Underwater Updates Newsletter: Every Friday I send home a newsletter to my parents in their SHARK Binders (#18) with a note from Mrs. Paschal, updates to the calendar, kind reminders and ideas for work at home. This keeps my parents in the loop every week and encourages parent-teacher communication. They expect it every Friday! This goes along with my classroom theme of an "Underwater Adventure".

18. SHARK Binders: Student Homework And Resource Keepers: My students may only be in Kindergarten but they are responsible for bringing their SHARK Binder to school every day. It includes their daily planner, notes to/from the teacher, homework journals, homework assignments, reading log, money pouch, and work to take home. This teaches them responsibility and ownership over their own work. This also goes along with my classroom theme.

19. Homework Stamp: I had this stamp created at Staples for a cheap price (for what it accomplishes)! When I send home any extra homework sheets, I stamp it so there can be absolutely no mistake of what is homework and what is not. It helps the parents identify homework immediately. No more excuses! The red also stands out very well.

20. Multi-sensory Activities: You don't just learn by reading, you learn by doing. My kiddos often have a hard time with sight words because all they want to do it "sound them out" when in reality, most words CAN'T be "sounded out". I incorporate a lot of multi-sensory activities in my classroom to help my students grasp concepts and new words. Play-doh goes a long way with Kindergartners!

San Diego Foodie

2011-03-17T17:56:00.000-05:00

I've made no secret of my love for food. I love cooking. I love eating even more. I'd rather be given a shopping spree to Whole Foods than The Galleria ANY DAY. Here's a peek at the delicious foods I ate over the weekend in San Diego. (Thank you to all who gave recommendations - we took many of them!)

Brunch at Cafe 1134 in Coronado brought me a California Omelet.

Lunch in Balboa Park at The Prado brought me a delicious wedge salad and Dan ancho marinated tacos.

Our anniversary dinner at The Poseidon in Del Mar brought steaks and salmon (with the most amazing citrus beurre blanc...must try to replicate).

Lunch on Sunday at Miguelito's on Coronado brought us a delicious chorizo and shrimp queso fundido, fish tacos and carne adobada (marinated pork tacos).

It's a miracle I didn't come back 10 pounds heavier. I suppose it's a good thing I only stayed 2 days. Given the delicious meals above, my trips to The Coffee Bean and time with my hubby...I was in heaven!

Sunny San Diego Anniversary

2011-03-16T16:15:00.000-05:00

Dan and I celebrated our first anniversary in San Diego last weekend! I had never been before so I was very excited to check off another city on my travel list! The short version of our weekend: spent a lot of time on Coronado Island, ate to our heart's content, enjoyed an anniversary dinner in Del Mar, walked the beach, chatted with the animals at the San Diego Zoo, walked around Balboa Park, watched sunsets off Pointe Loma. The pictures below can tell the rest!

Hotel Del Coronado

Balboa Park from The Prado Restaurant

Sunset in Del Mar

Anniversary Dinner at The Poseidon

(The couple on the beach is symbolic, I suppose? Rather, they are just in the way.)

Sweet husband in Del Mar

San Diego Zoo

Sweet Pink Flamingos

Peacock running loose.

The view from the sky tram.

Peccoran Checcary or something like that...

Just eating my carrots, don't mind me.

Zebra friends forever.

The male panda at the zoo. Apparently he's fathered many an illegitimate panda baby.

Sweet momma panda.

Dan's big elephant friend.

Who is hairy-er? I might win this one.

Kangaroo song! I want the kangaroo song!

My favorite animal of all time.

On the beach on Coronado.

Loving my day with my hubby.

Love this man!

Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery on Pointe Loma

One of the BEST parts of my trip to San Diego? Easy access to The Coffee Bean. Seriously...addicted. Two days, four trips. Proof below:

Sad because Dan dropped my first large latte on the parking lot.

Redemption: Drink #2.

Drink #3

Fourth and final drink.

Dan and I were so lucky to spend our first anniversary together while he was in California for the Navy. What we thought would be our first anniversary miles away turned into a great Spring Break getaway for me and a visitor for him.

(Now I must start making an iMovie for my class out of my video from the zoo. I told my kiddos I would bring them a video of all of the animals. A teacher's job never stops, even on Spring Break!)

People Watching

2011-03-14T09:58:00.000-05:00

Presently, I am sitting at the San Diego airport after a wonderful two day anniversary weekend with my husband while he is here doing Navy training. After I made it through the full body scanner (on both trips - coming AND leaving...not as violating as people make it seem), got my water, trail mix and latest issue of Real Simple for my reading pleasure, I'm sitting here people watching. Don't you just love people watching at the airport? I like to make up stories for people...where they are from, why they are flying, what they do for a living... If I see someone wearing a UT shirt I think "Ooo, I can sit by them and we can talk about Texas." If I see someone reading the same book as I am I think "Ooo, we could talk about the book (and thereby direct my attention AWAY fro my fear of flying)."

Let's be honest, I'll do just about anything to make the idea of flying in a big steel cage more pleasant. I hate flying...so people watching gets me through the anxiety building waiting period.

One Year Ago

2011-03-13T11:06:00.000-05:00

One year ago today, I got hitched to the most amazing man who I have spent 365 days sharing and growing a blessed life together. My hubby is pure perfection for many reasons: he loves God, he puts up with my maddening fears (flying, roller coasters, murder ala 48 Hours Mystery), he never says no when I want to go shopping as long as I can validate the need, he takes the puppies out at night because I am afraid of the dark, he suffers through my relentless migraines with me, he seeks my happiness far before his, he takes great pride in my accomplishments, he is working hard in law school to secure a nice future for our family, he serves his country in the military, he values family, he loves my parents and my entire family, he loves me when I don’t love myself.

Here is to the first year of our lives together and to the rest of our lives building many reasons to love each other.

{For a peek back at our wedding, click here.}

Abundant Joy.

2011-03-10T10:00:00.001-06:00

I am not a momma to a human child but let me tell you, I am the very proud momma of the two cutest doggies you ever did see. I know that in the blogosphere there are MANY dog lovers (like you, and you and you) and I LOVE reading and seeing pictures of sweet pups. Correct me if I am wrong, but dogs bring the most amazing, abundant and unconditional joy into life.

My funny doggies, Mack and Colt, have been my shadow this past week because Dan is out of town. I've been their only caretaker to feed them, bathe them, take them out, play ball, go to the vet, etc. It's been beyond hilarious and I love coming home from school to their faces. Here are a few pics of my dear furry sons.

They make the best cuddle buddies.

Just carting around Petsmart!

Feeling very confined to their cart.

Colt was so excited to eat that he stepped in the bowl and knocked his food everywhere. Rather than pick it up for him, I let him eat it all off the floor in about 10 seconds flat!

The love these two pups bring into my life can change my whole day. They will be my only kiddos for a while so I will be loving and bragging on them as much as I can!

Facebook + Desserts

2011-03-09T19:36:00.000-06:00

Goodbye Facebook! Goodbye sweets, desserts, ice cream, cookies, candy!

It's Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten season in Christian church. Lent is a time of reflection and prayer on the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Lent leads to Easter, the most joyful day of the year, the day that Christ rose from the dead to fulfill scriptures.

I was fortunate to be raised in the Catholic faith. I was baptized, reconciled, first communion-ed and confirmed. Regardless of where I step foot on Sunday mornings, my Catholic upbringing will be with me forever. It is a strong tradition in the Catholic church to "give up" a vice or "do something" during the Lenten season as a sacrifice for all that He has given us through His death.

I've been practicing this tradition as long as I can remember. When I was a little girl who was a VERY picky eater, I used to give up carrots (which I hated...still do) so that my mom couldn't make me eat them at dinner. I sure did out smart her! Clearly, at the time, I didn't grasp the true meaning of sacrifice.

Luckily, as a mature, Christian woman I know the meaning of sacrifice...and...I have many vices in life.

I'm a sucker for a good dessert. I have a sweet tooth like no other. I love sitting down with coffee ice cream at the end of my day. I often call Dan and ask him to stop by The Chocolate Bar for a slice of tuxedo cheesecake. We make an almost weekly trip to Crave. I love a good Kit Kat at the end of my school day. Desserts are a vice.

I check Facebook often. I have the app on my iPhone. I have it bookmarked on my browser. I spend WAY too much time doing absolutely nothing on Facebook. Facebook is a vice.

Starting today, both will be missing from my life. I will gladly sacrifice this as Christ sacrificed His life for me.

"No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father."

John 10:18

The Perfect Day

2011-03-06T17:33:00.000-06:00

As I sit here watching my husband get ready to go away for Navy training for two weeks, all I can think about is that in 4.5 months we'll be living in Austin again. Thank you all for your well wishes and concerns about me finding a teaching job in Austin. To be completely honest, I'm not worried about it. I have very strong faith that God is going to place me where I need to be, whether it be in public education, private education or in another sector serving children. Regardless, it's not going to stop us from moving! We cannot hinge where we want to be for the REST OF OUR LIVES on a minor issue. I submitted my official resignation to HISD last week effective June 3rd! It brought me more peace than you could imagine. Yes, leaving a secure teaching job in the midst of Texas education cuts brought peace.

With that all being said, I've been pondering what I would do on my most PERFECT day in Austin. (This would all be done in the company of my most perfect husband, of course.) Here is what our day might look like:

Wake up and head straight to Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf for a large iced hazelnut latte.

{via}

Guzzle it down and head to Lady Bird Lake with our pups for a run around the trail.

{via}

Re-energize with some migas tacos from Torchy's.

Spend an hour or two hiking through the Greenbelt.

{via}

Dine on some mouthwatering crab enchiladas from SoCo Cafe for lunch.

{via}

Spend the afternoon walking up and down South Congress, peeking in shops, eating Amy's Ice Cream and drinking a coffee from Dominican Joe.

{via}

As evening crept in, we'd head to the Alamo Drafthouse to catch a movie and dine on delicious fare.

{via}

After the movie, we would want to meet up with friends probably somewhere on West Sixth to join in on all of the revelry we've missed for two years.

THAT, my friends, is my perfect Austin day. 136 days and counting.

Things That Work: 11-15

2011-02-20T16:29:00.000-06:00

Adding on to my Things That Work list, here are numbers 11-15:

11. Technology Environmental Print: It's so important these days that children learn technology at a young age as well as the proper names for parts of technology. These pictures are next to my computer station.

12. Vocabulary, vocabulary, vocabulary: I try to pour vocabulary into my kids as much as possible. At my school, as the kids get up into TAKS grades, vocabulary tends to be their lowest scoring area. My kindergartners know the difference between fantasy and realism and learn 6 new vocabulary words for each story we read. They have to use these words in sentences, create their own definitions and locate them in stories.

13. Table boxes: In the middle of each of my 6 tables, I have table boxes with books, sight words, rapid recognition charts and other activities for my students to do when they complete their work. They should never be able to tell me "Ms. Paschal, I'm done!"

14. Must-Do, May-Do Lists: At each of my stations, I have lists of objectives that my students must complete at the station before they can move on to things they "may-do". They have a clear direction when they go to stations and can't ask "what do I do next?" (Must-do: Mustard picture, May-do: Mayo picture)

15. Writing Wall: The writing wall outside of my classroom is a compilation of writing progress. I don't just hang up their most recent work, rather, I hang up their past 3-4 most recent writing samples so anyone that passes by can see progress by simply flipping through their work. Student's shouldn't always be judged based on what they are able to do at that present moment, but by the progress they have made and how far they have come.

Austin's calling my name...

2011-02-15T21:26:00.000-06:00

Oh my word...I wondered for two years if I would ever say these words or if they would always be an unrealized dream for the rest of my life. Well...here they are:

We are moving back to Austin.

Dan and I have spent nearly the past two years trying to figure out a way to get back to Austin. There were always issues... "Lindsey has to have the job first, Dan's in school. We need her income." or "Dan needs the internship in Austin before Lindsey can look." or "Our family is in Houston, should we just stay put?"or "What happens when Dan is deployed for a year?" or "Lindsey loves her school, she can't leave." Somehow, after much prayer, we've realized that God has found an answer for each of those questions that we can rejoice in.

I will admit, since moving to Houston, I've never felt 100% whole. I've felt like much of my heart was still in Austin with my friends, my church, my soccer team, my philanthropies... Much of my heart is here in Houston too - my family being first. But the best thing about family is that they are your heart no matter where you are. Each time that Dan and I would visit Austin, I would cry on my way home. I felt like I was being ripped away from a life I loved to come to Houston and a life that was half-empty.

The details are many but here's the specs: Dan will transfer to UT Law as a visiting student for his final semester and will graduate in December (one semester early). I will be leaving HISD at the end of the school year but will begin my job search in Austin around Spring Break time. We will be extending our lease in Houston through mid-July so that Dan can take summer classes at UH. I'll move mid-July and Dan will follow as soon as he finishes summer classes.

The best parts about moving back?

Our Church:

These people:

This every weekend in the fall:

This organization:

These girls:

These tacos:

Let's not kid ourselves...I could post about a million things I am excited about. We'll save that post for another day. Until then, we ask for love and support and even a prayer or two as we take all steps necessary to make our transition smooth! God has made it clear to us that this is our chance, so we have to take it.

Grooves to Get Me Through

2011-02-15T20:44:00.000-06:00

I cannot step on the treadmill without my iPod. Even though LA Fitness has TVs on each treadmill, I just cannot watch a TV show while running. I need grooves...and I'm always searching for more. Here's what's on my "Running Mix" playlist right now:

All of the below songs are from the Glee cast (judge if you wish):

Dog Days Are Over

Like a Prayer

Don't Stop Believin'

My Life Would Suck Without You

Singing In The Rain/Umbrella (Mash-up)

Teenage Dream

PYT (Pretty Young Thing)

Borderline/Open Your Heart to Me (Mash-up)

Baby

Take Me or Leave Me

And these are from miscellaneous artists:

Strip Me - Natasha Bedingfield

Your Love Is My Drug - Ke$ha

Hello - Martin Solveig & Dragonette

Your Love - The Outfield

Mine - Taylor Swift

I feel like I see people asking daily on their Facebook, Twitter or blog for more workout songs so I'm throwing mine out there. What grooves get you through?

Change is good, so is a little risk...

2011-02-11T20:51:00.001-06:00

I'm sitting here on my couch waiting for my best friend, Joanna, to arrive for a weekend of dining, shopping, movie going and all around relaxing with one fabulous gal...

My school life has been shaken up quite a bit in the past three weeks. I'm not sure how I feel about it all... Good things, bad things, sad things and many scary things happen lately when I walk into school. My joy of teaching my 22 precious kiddos is being a bit overshadowed by politics, ethics and massive change. However, no matter what anyone does to "modify" my career, you can't take my joy completely from me.

Change is gonna come...good change. VERY good change. Exciting change. Hopefully a change that God will bless abundantly as He has taken such good care of me thus far. There's some risk involved in this change. I'd say I've lived a pretty timid life thus far so I'm about to take a risk.

(So vague...I know. Ha. More to come... Just getting a few thoughts out there in the blogosphere.)

How about I leave with a picture of my precious pup, Colt, all snuggled in?

Blog Swap: Nail Polish

2011-02-11T19:51:00.000-06:00

Meredith hosted another blog swap that I was very excited to participate in with my nearly daily change up of nail polish colors (I have Allie to thank for that compulsion...). It was simple: swap a bottle of OPI nail polish with the blogger you are paired with! Jacci from Sprinkles of Scarlett and I were paired together and had quite similar tastes. She knew my polish style SO well that she bought me a bottle I already owned! But how did she also know that my bottle was running out? I was so happy to have my You Don't Know Jaques from the OPI France line replenished!

{via}

Thank you to Jacci for the perfect color and thank you to Meredith for hosting! I wonder what she'll come up with next...

Recipe: Tijuana Train Wreck Salad

2011-02-09T17:36:00.000-06:00

Best do-it-yourself salad I have had in a very long time...and I have a thing for making a salad into my entire dinner. This salad recipe came from a teacher at school and is (obviously) Mexican in origin. It's a perfect taste of Mexican without the normal crazy caloric intake.

Tijuana Train Wreck Salad

Ingredients:

Romain Lettuce

Pico de Gallo

Sliced Avocado

Shredded Cotija Cheese

Light Sour Cream

Cilantro

Grilled Beef Fajita Meat

Pecans

and here's the magical/secret ingredient...

Shredded Coconut

Mix it all together in the portions of your liking...the coconut makes it absolutely divine. I know you are skeptical - just try it. It's quick, easy and healthy. No need for any dressing - the pico de gallo and sour cream moisten it up a bit. Here's a quick iPhone pic:

I'll be back to the blog soon with some life and school updates - I'm hoping that my new Mac will motivate these fingers to recap the happening of my household and classroom. Till then, have yourself a Tijuana Train Wreck.

Serving Our Military Families

2011-01-27T17:24:00.000-06:00

I am sitting on my couch after watching an hour of Oprah today. I was supposed to go to yoga after school but a migraine lead me home to my couch wishing for ice cream and rather than flipping on my usual Food Network, I landed on Oprah.

The topic was "America's Bravest Families". First Lady Michelle Obama was a guest, as well as Tom Brokaw and Bob Woodward. They called on all Americans to lessen the distance between ourselves and military families. It's very easy to go through daily life and not realize that there are 1% of all Americans that are holding up the rest of us. 1% of Americans serve in the military. They serve multiple tours of duty and they do it with pride, perseverance and resilience. They put their lives on the line to save the lives of the other 99% of us.

Oprah made a point that it's easy to thank a serviceman or woman in the airport, at the grocery store, or any other place you might see someone in public, but what do you do for them afterwards? As for me...I can unfortunately say I don't do much...if anything at all. I DO pray for our military servicemen and women. That is one thing I do. I respect them. Absolutely. And like the other millions of people that watched the show today, I need to do more.

You see, I'm a military wife as well. My husband is an Officer in the United States Navy. Thus far, he has not been deployed...but will he? Yep, sometime in the next 7 years I will be a single mom (assuming children are in the picture at that time) while my husband serves overseas for a year plus. Will I be aware of the sacrifices that military families endure during the time of deployment? Yes I sure will. I'll know in the future. Should I know now? YES, I SURE SHOULD. I'm a bit ashamed to say that serving our military families has never been a philanthropy that has crossed my mind. Well, now it is.

If serving our military families is something that you are interested in, able to do, and blessed enough to have time to do, visit the government's new site on service. If you have OnDemand or have DVRed today's Oprah show, hit play now. "Raise your consciousness" about the war. I just did.

"However you feel about the war and the appropriateness of it, you must honor these people and their families." - Tom Brokaw

{Pinning my husband on his swearing in - June 2009.}

Why do you teach?

2011-01-22T09:10:00.000-06:00

"Why do you teach?" I get asked that (or some version of that question) a lot more than one might think. It's a pretty loaded question... To tell you the truth, I don't quite have 100% of my answer. However, if one asked me that rightnowthisverysecond, this might be my answer:

Do I teach because it's glamorous? It's not. Do I teach because I have the potential to increase my bank account quickly? You can't. Do I teach because I get to sleep in and leisurely get into "the office"? Nope, be there by 7a. I do, however, teach because I love kids. I love watching a child go from illiterate to reading a chapter book. I love watching them experience something for the first time, EVER. I love that teaching is an extreme challenge - very similar to an extreme sport...or the X Games. I can get 22 kids out of a classroom down the hallway and out on to the playground for a fire drill in record time. I can clean up an "accident" while steering 21 kids out to the hallway and 1 to the nurses office with the calmness of a monk. I can read a story aloud in 5 different accents and 2 languages.

Rainn Wilson (Dwight of The Office) posted on Twitter this week the following comment:

Why aren't our teachers revered as much as our soldiers?

They should have uniforms & be thanked at airports too.

Do I teach to be thanked for it? Absolutely not. Do teachers appreciate recognition? Sure, when it is deserved and merited. Do all teachers deserve thanks? Eh...depends on what kind of teacher you are.

I think that I teach because it teaches me. It teaches me perseverance, hope, patience, kindness, love, and gives me the daily opportunity to find joy in the simplest of things in life. Just this week, I was given the opportunity to watch my kids see a cow milked for the first time. The shock and awe on their faces when they saw that milk is white coming from a cow was hilarious. (You mean it's not naturally chocolate or strawberry flavored?)

I hope that each new day that I walk into my classroom that I can find another reason for teaching. You have to find a reason to "do what you do". No matter what tops my reason list that day, it will always start at #23. #s 1-22 go to the kids on my class roster. How lucky am I to have 22+ reasons to be a teacher?

The School Lunch Project

2011-01-21T18:37:00.000-06:00

Thought I'd share this with anyone who is interested in knowing what kids eat when they go through the school lunch line each day. "Mrs. Q" ate 162 school lunches in 2010 along with her students. You couldn't pay me enough to eat the school lunches I see daily. In fact, the items that she has eaten actually look infinitely more appetizing than what I see on the plates of my students. I've mentioned to Dan more than once that after I finish "classroom teaching", I would love to work for the School Nutrition Association on student health reform.

I wish every day that my students had better options for lunch. I wish they didn't have to participate in a free or reduced lunch program. However, that's not going to happen in the near future. Be informed about what you intake, but most importantly, what your kids intake.

Meet Colt (McCoy) Paschal

2011-01-17T14:53:00.000-06:00

Meet the newest addition to our family - Colt (McCoy) Paschal! Colt is another Cavalier King Charles Spaniel that we picked up Sunday from the same breeder Mack came from.

{Bringing my scardy boy home.}

Colt is 8 months old and is just 3 pounds bigger than Mack. We've always wanted Mack to have a little brother to play with as he is a pretty active doggie and plays much more than he lounges.

{I fit right in!}

He is named after the one and only Colt McCoy - the winningest quarterback in college football history. We have two burnt orange and white pups now, perfect for our bleeding orange family.

{Sweet brothers and best doggie friends!}

Things That Work: 1-10

2011-01-15T19:34:00.000-06:00

A fellow teacher whom I knew in college writes a blog all about her teaching adventures and I found one of her posts to be so neat - a post all about things that actually WORK in her classroom. As most teachers know, teaching is a game of trial and error. You may have a lesson that you've been planning for weeks turn out to be an absolute flop, or realize that one small thing you do for classroom management can drastically make your day more efficient. Without further ado, here are 10 things that currently work in my classroom. (One day I'll get up to Loren's 59!)

1. Organization + Lesson Plans Readily Available: I try to keep my desk as clean and neat as possible as well as all important meetings, conferences and testing periods on a large calendar that can't be overlooked. Additionally, I keep my lesson plans on the edge of my desk so I can give them a quick peek if needed (or, should I get observed, my observer knows what they're seeing)!

2. The Classroom Social Contract: Signed on the first day of school, this social contract establishes a code of conduct for how we treat one another and how we go about our day. This contract was created by my students in response to asking "how do you want to be treated every day?" They each signed it, so anytime I have issues between my students, I can point to the contract and remind them of what they promised on day one.

3. Displaying Student Work: Nothing makes a child happier than seeing their work displayed on the wall for all to see. It's important to keep their work current and change it out every week to show their latest progress.

4. Interactive Graphic Organizers: Helping kindergartners map their thinking through graphs and charts teaches them organization and sorting. This particular chart was interactive, as they each decided if the picture they had represented a living or non-living object.

5. Intervention Box: I have an intervention box ready and waiting by my door any time my aide stops by to pull students for one-on-one intervention. I keep it stocked with activities to help her work with my students, as well as particular objectives I want her to work on with each child. This minimizes class disruption as all she has to do is pick up the box, call whose name is next on the list and take them to an intervention room.

6. Kind Words: In my classroom, there is no time for inconsiderate actions or selfishness. My students know how important it is to use manners in the school environment regardless of who they are encountering: their teacher, the nurse, the cafeteria staff, other teachers, peers or the principal. Everyone gives and deserves their respect. I have zero tolerance for asking for anything without using the word please. No please, then Ms. Paschal says no.

7. Allowing Students To Track Their Attendance: At my school, high attendance rates are strongly encouraged daily. My students are able to track their own attendance daily and know how important it is to be at school on time and prepared every single day. We celebrate every day that we have 100% perfect attendance.

8. Behavior Management Chart: How are you doing today? Everyone starts the day on green (and hopefully ends on green too)! Throughout the day, they may move to yellow and then to red, with each color having their own consequences. However, if a student finds themselves on yellow or red, they always have a chance to redeem themselves throughout the day and move back up to green. It is crucial to have efficient classroom management.

9. Small Group Intervention + Documentation: I meet with my students in small group settings daily and keep strict documentation of their progress and struggles. Working in small groups are the best way to get to know your student's abilities on every level. Documentation is important because it can assist you with report cards, parent conferences and in situations where a teacher is asked "Well...what did you do to help this child?" Here you go - a binder full of anecdotal notes!

10. Unplanned Substitute Work: Every teacher dreads the day that they have to call in sick for an unplanned absence. What will your kids do all day? What will the poor substitute occupy them with for 8 hours? It is important to keep a daily schedule, roster, notes and review work that can occupy at least two days of an unexpected absence. Gone is the feeling of leaving someone in a lurch at your hands - after all, every teacher is bound to be sick one or two days a year. You are given sick days for a reason and your principal knows that they are taken every once in a while. I know I wouldn't rest if I left a substitute with absolutely no guidance.

I love the idea of sharing teaching ideas that work...and am always searching for new teaching blogs. So if you're a teacher and you read my blog - consider posting some things that work in your classroom. Teachers are always told to beg, borrow and steal any great ideas you see.

In my non-expert opinion...

2011-01-08T19:16:00.000-06:00

Now, I'm no expert on ANYTHING...truly. Well, except for maybe... Or this one thing... Nope...not an expert on anything. However, I've been indulging on some restaurants, movies and books lately so I thought I'd share some reviews. (I was not paid to endorse, review or type a single word about any of the following.)

MOVIES

In theatres over the break, the only movie I caught was Tangled in 3D. Mandy Moore voiced Rapunzel and I'm a sucker for just about anything Mandy Moore does - I think she's precious, has great style and a very unique voice. The movie was awesome - cute, lighthearted, interesting characters, endearing and most of all, VERY good in 3D. It definitely enhanced the movie rather than distracted from it. Go check it out while it's still in theatres and pay the extra $2 for the glasses. (Or, if you are one that is super ahead of the times - rent it and watch it on your new 3D television.)

Over the break, we also rented Easy A with Emma Stone. It.was.a.gas. The writing was some of the smartest, wittiest, implicitly adult humor I've ever seen. It is not your typical high school drama/chick flick. I loved it. You should too. And Emma Stone is flawless, Stanley Tucci was hilarious and Lisa Kudrow is quite scandalous.

We also finally saw The Town starring Ben Affleck and Jeremy Renner (of Hurtlocker fame). It wasn't as much of a thriller as The Departed (comparable as they were both shot in Boston) but it was well acted, well plotted and had an excellent cast. The Town left me rooting a bit for the bad guy - you know, the gun-toting-bank-robbing-womanizing type.

HOUSTON RESTAURANTS

I had a ladies lunch at Flora & Muse in CityCentre after Christmas and enjoyed the food but most of all, the company I was with. I wasn't blown away by anything there - the menu was average for a bistro, rather lengthy and many options. I had the Cobb Salad, delicious and fresh and abundance of avocado. The environment and decor made the bistro. They also offer a high tea menu...might have to go back and try that. I'd be interested in going again to check out some more of their many menu options.

Today, I finally got the chance to eat at Tiny Boxwood's off Alabama with a dear friend from college. I won't say much other than it was delicious, had a peaceful atmosphere, was tucked away in a garden, and I wished I could try just about everything on the menu. I settled for the Steak and Avocado salad and it was good - not great, due to the abundance of citrus in the dressing. My friend for the Blue Cheese Buffalo Burger and it was divine. Must head back to Tiny Boxwood's soon...

BOOKS

I've finally finished the first book that is on my 2011 reading list: First They Killed My Father by Loung Ung. It was a heart wrenching account of a 5 year old girl's life in Cambodia during the Khmer Rouge genocide under the rule of Pol Pot. For whatever reason, I've always had a fascination with learning about the mass genocides that have occurred in the world's history since I visited a Holocaust concentration camp in Austria. The Cambodian genocide of the 1970's was one that I hadn't had much knowledge about and after reading FTKMF, I feel fairly well educated on the subject. I highly recommend it if you are intrigued to learn more.

SWEET INDULGENCES

I've made no secret of my love for Crave Cupcakes in Houston. In my opinion, they outshine their competition. As I was picking up 1 or 2...or 4 to-go today, I had a craving for coffee so I ordered a latte. The response from the cupcake gal "Would you like a regular latte or a cupcake latte?" Me: "A cupcake latte? What is that?" Cupcake Gal: "It's a latte that we sweeten with our cupcake icing so the latte tastes like our cupcakes!" Me: "I'LL TAKE ONE!" And sure enough, I watched her make the latte and she put actual scoops of vanilla icing in my latte. Pure sugary joy for my soul. It did not disappoint. So now I sit here enjoying one of my many cupcakes with a cupcake latte by my side to fuel my evening.

So, that's as far as my mediocre opinions will take me on this lovely, gorgeous Saturday night in Houston. I'm hoping soon to steal the remote from my playoff watching husband and pop in our latest Netflixed Mad Men DVD. Cheers!

Recipe: "Day-After" Brunch

2011-01-02T17:55:00.000-06:00

On the day after Christmas, I invited my in-laws over for a brunch. Believe it or not, it was my very first brunch to ever cook for anyone other than Dan or I. It was a nice, healthy, post-Christmas Day detox. On the menu:

"Day-After" Brunch

Fruit, Yogurt and Granola Parfaits

Bacon, Avocado and Feta Salad

Charred Asparagus, Herb and Jack Frittata

No recipe needed for the parfaits: just layer your favorite fruits, yogurts and granolas in a cute serving dish. Since I no longer drink, I needed to find a use for my martini glasses!

Bacon, Avocado and Feta Salad

10 oz. package of mixed salad leaves

8 slices of bacon (cooked and crumbled)

2 ripe, sliced avocados

8 oz. of crumbled feta cheese

Freshly ground black pepper

For the dressing:

1/4 cup white wine vinegar

2 teaspoons dijon mustard

3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons honey

Combine salad ingredients in your favorite salad bowl. Whisk dressing ingredients together in a bowl-add to salad as your taste desires. If I didn't have a husband that had an aversion to tomatoes, cherry tomatoes would have added a nice touch!

Charred Asparagus, Herb and Jack Frittata

20 asparagus spears, trimmed and cut into 2 inch slices (I used the thin spears - if you buy thick asparagus, only 8 are needed)

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

8 eggs

6 scallions, chopped

3 tablespoons chopped, fresh parsley

1/2 cup shredded jalapeno jack cheese

1 tablespoon butter

Salt and pepper

Toss asparagus with olive oil, salt and pepper. Grill on a stovetop grill for approximately 3 to 4 minutes until charred. Set aside to cool.

Beat eggs in a bowl. Once beaten, stir in the scallions, parsley, cheese, asparagus, salt and pepper to taste.

Melt the butter in a large, non-stick skillet. Add the egg mixture and swirl until it covers the entire bottom of the pan. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the eggs start to firm underneath. Place the plan briefly under a hot broiler to cook the top of the frittata, until it begins to bubble and brown.

Slice like a pie, in wedges. Serve with sour cream, salsa, extra cheese or lemon.

Maybe you can treat yourself to a post-holiday, New Year brunch soon!

Photobooth Fun!

2010-12-30T09:30:00.015-06:00

At my cousin, Brooke's, graduation party, we had a photobooth with hilarious props and even more hilarious people to wear them. I thought I would share a few pictures. If you ever want to spice up ANY kind of party - kid's birthday, wedding, couple's shower, etc. - this is the way to do it. We "hired" a photographer (a family friend who has been photoboothing it for years) and she provided the props, all we had to do is kick out any sense of decency we had in a public restaurant and get busy! It also doesn't hurt that we're a pretty fun group.

Book Club

2010-12-29T13:53:00.001-06:00

Last year my #1 New Year's resolution was to read more. To be precise, 12 books in 12 months. Let's see if I did it:

1. Superfreakonomics by Steven Levitt & Stephen Dubner

2. Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas

3. This Much I Know is True by Wally Lamb

4. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

5. The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson

6. The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson

7. Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

8. The Help by Kathryn Stockett

9. Little Bee by Chris Cleave

10. Survivor by Chuck Palahniuk

11. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

12. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

13. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

TAKE THAT NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION #1...I did it! I beat you. I win, I win, I win. And guess what, NYR#1? I have two days left in the year and I'm 50 pages into my next book so I might just have to finish it to prove that I not only beat you, but it was a blow out.

For 2011, I'm going to up the ante...18 books in 12 months. Here's how I will be starting:

These 5 titles are sitting on my nightstand right now:

{A memoir about a young girl's life in Cambodia during the genocide that began in 1975 at the hands of the Khmer Rouge.}

{A classic.}

{Sylvia Plath's semi-autobiography.}

{A story of twins born to an Ethiopian man and British nun and their life between the two.}

{The stories of Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba and Mary.}

Short Christmas Wrap-Up

2010-12-29T09:04:00.000-06:00

I wanted to post a short wrap up of our Christmas "season"...nothing too elaborate, not many pictures, just a few words to share how blessed Dan and I were this season.

On Christmas Eve, we headed over to Dan's parents to have lunch with Dan's brothers and extended family from San Antonio. We ate good food, watched movies, chatted, opened some very neat presents and then...Dan got miserably sick and we searched for an urgent care clinic on Christmas Eve. Joy to the world. Needless to say, we very much enjoyed our time with them and would have loved to have extended it but Dan was just up for jingle bells and chestnuts roasting on a open fire.

{The Paschal/Birdwell clan on Christmas Eve.}

On Christmas day, I (along with a heavily drugged up husband) went to my parents house in Richmond to spend time with them, my brother and his wife. Since I didn't get the opportunity this year to cook our Thanksgiving meal, I wanted to spend most of my day in the kitchen with my momma. Boy did we cook! On our Christmas day menu was:

Roasted Turkey

Brown Sugar Shallot Sweet Potatoes

Brussel Sprout Gratin

Hot Corn

Sweet and Sour Green Beans

Truffle Oil Macaroni and Cheese

Caramel Turtle Cheesecake

{My plate piled entirely way too high.}

After exchanging gifts and dinner, we played a traditional game of Yahtzee. (Not sure why this is "our" family game but I've been playing it since I can remember how to add!) It can get quite intense and heated between us and with 6 now playing...well...let's just say one time we had some bruises and pulled muscles.

{Ferociously adding up the scores.}

In all, it was another great Christmas season. We were able to spend time with family in Tyler, Longview, Houston and the suburbs. We are thankful to have been given a life that allows for much celebration during this time of year.

{The Gipe/Hudson/Paschal clan on Christmas Day.}

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T09:00:00.002-06:00

From our little family to yours, Merry Christmas.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given: and the government shall be on his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

Wrapping Up The School Year

2010-12-24T20:09:00.000-06:00

The end of the 2010 school year came QUICK! It is amazing how fast 80 days of school can pass. It feels like just yesterday I was helping my kiddos write their names, now we are working on writing complete pages! They have grown so much in just 80 days of school (yes, we count up day by day...just waiting to get to the 100th day of school celebration)! Here's a peek at some of the things we did in the last few days of school.

In Science, we talked about and experimented a lot with water, first examining it with our five senses. If you can read the poster we created, you will see that they thought water tasted like "lemon & watermelon", sounded like "hitting a rock with a hammer", and smelled like "dirty cheese". Hey, if that's what they observed, then who can correct them?

We did an experiment with surface tension to see if common objects would sink or float in water. They were AMAZED to see that one of their heavy, wooden, play blocks actually floated.

I revamped my centers and they each now have a very clear objective: things they must-do and things they may-do. Mustard and Mayo pictures do the trick!

In reading, we talked a lot about comparing and contrasting different stories. Here is the display outside of my classroom.

We compared two stories about pandas: one was an expository text and one was an animal fantasy.

Then we compared a text about George Washington to life now-a-days. Then: they road horses to get around. Now: we use cars and buses. Their artwork improves every day! I love how creative they are getting with their art.

Here's our Christmas tree from our party last Friday! Ornaments decorated by my kids during their free time in class, gifts underneath were for the gift exchange. We had a very fun, yet crazy week celebrating the holidays! I will sadly admit that class party days are NOT my favorite day of the week. (Most teachers would agree...I think.)

I've been on vacation for a week now and I am already missing my kids! I think we'll have an awesome Spring semester now that our testing is complete. And there are a lot of changes in store for my school in the next semester and year to come that I am kind of excited and nervous to be a part of...I'll write about the changes in due time. I know I say it a lot, but I just adore my kids this year! They are a special group and I can't wait to get back to them.

Celebrating art, design, and BAB!

2010-12-19T00:13:00.000-06:00

We've had a fun and fabulous past two days celebrating my cousin, Brooke's, graduation from the Art Institute of Houston. On Thursday we headed to Winter Street Studios for the WearLove Art Gallery event. Brooke was showing two of her pieces, a table she crafted with her bab logo and her wall art installation.

{The bab leg of the table. bab=Brooke Ann Bowman}

{A close look at the wall installation.}

{The artist, bab.}

{Myself in front of my favorite panel.}

{And then we found this off of Washington!}

And on Friday evening, we celebrated with a snazzy, delicious, hilarious and perfect graduation party at The Tasting Room. It was a true reflection of our family and how we love to celebrate one another's accomplishments and successes. Take a peek at the evening!

{Welcome to the party!}

{Crave/BAB cupcakes. You've never had your face on a cupcake topper?}

{Wish tree.}

{Do it.}

{My handmade tags.}

{bab artwork on display.}

{Wine wine wine.}

{My parents.}

{Hubs and I.}

{The BAB that always gives us a reason to celebrate.}

{My mother and her siblings testing out the photo booth.}

{Cousins=the kids of the family.}

Celebrating Brooke was the best way to spend the past two days. She is truly a remarkable talent and has the world at her fingertips. I've been so fortunate to have grown up with a cousin I would consider my sister.

Brooke, you deserve every good thing that comes your way. Your life and talents are admired and the light you bring into my life is precious. Here's to YOU.

Here's where you'll find me tonight!

2010-12-17T10:00:00.003-06:00

CORRECTION: This is where you would have found me THURSDAY night!

Celebrating my multi-talented cousin, Brooke Bowman, as she displays her art work! WearLove Art Gallery!

Looking for a great gift?

2010-12-13T10:00:00.001-06:00

Give the gift of music through the new Breakaway Ministries live CD recorded at Texas A&M. One artist it features is Aaron Ivey, who is the worship leader at my home church in Austin, The Austin Stone Community Church. (Yes, I still claim the church despite my residence in Houston.) He is truly a gifted worship leader. Find it on iTunes! You won't be disappointed. It will carry you through the holiday season and on into the New Year.

Hug Them Tight

2010-12-12T14:16:00.001-06:00

Recently, my sweet husband's grandfather passed away and we've been spending the past week celebrating his life through stories of memories, looking at pictures and memorializing him with a simple and elegant service. Additionally, one of my best friends just lost her grandmother last night. They both passed on after their spouses so I believe that they are both wonderfully happy reunited with their loves in a pain-free, Christ adoring heaven.

I think that grandparents are too often overlooked as people who will always be there, will unconditionally love regardless of how we let our lives zoom by before them. Yet, the are our greatest source of wisdom, information and intelligence beyond our knowing. Spending just a day with a grandparent seems to fill your heart and soul with so much joy that you wonder, why don't I do this more often?

In the Spring of 2009, my most adored and quite possibly the most important person who has ever walked in my life passed away. My grandfather, Perk, was my dad's father. He took care of my brother and I when my dad passed away and maintained a strong, form presence in my life until the day he died. I had the honor of sharing his eulogy at his funeral and I hope that my words made him proud. Here's an excerpt from my eulogy:

I grew up with a grandfather that visited my brother and I every chance he got. The news that Perk was coming into town ensured a weekend of athletic events, a trip to an all-you-can-eat buffet, a run around the basketball court, a big dinner with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers and onions, and a story about the Dust Bowl. Some of my greatest memories with Perk were when Jonathan and I would go visit him and my grandmother in Fairfield for a week or so during my summers. The highlight of our trips where when Perk would get out his big, brown, rusty tractor and let us drive it up to the 7-11 to get a piece of candy. There is no feeling like being on the top of the world with your Skittles in hand, sitting on Perk’s lap, and driving a big tractor through a small town.

Perk was the kind of grandfather whose every action was for someone else. Perk put a basketball hoop in his driveway in Fairfield for his grandkids, or any kids in the neighborhood that wanted to play. However, he was the first one out there to join you in a little game of Horse. Every time I saw Perk, he would pull out his wallet and hand me a dollar or two to “spend wisely”. As a little girl, I always thought “gosh, my grandpa is rich!” I remember asking my mom what Perk did as a profession and after I learned he drove trucks for a living, you can bet that I believed that truck drivers were the richest men in the world. I was so lucky I had a grandfather that was a truck driver because that meant there would be an endless supply of dollar bills for M&Ms and Snickers bars.
As you all know, Perk was an avid fisherman who could tell the tallest of tales about his days on his boats or on the piers. Perk would load us up onto his pontoon boat at the wee hours of the morning and set about making fishermen out of us. Fishing was something Jonathan took to a lot faster and easier than I, but I always had a grandfather that would bait my hook, cast it into the lake, keep his eye on my line, but put the pole in my hands to give me the glory when I brought in a tiny catfish.

For those of you that didn’t have the chance to call Perk “grandpa”, we all know how much you wanted to. I grew up with friends who were envious of me and my relationship with my grandfather. After a weekend with Perk, I would go to school and tell all of my friends about my amazing Perk and all we did together as they would sit there in awe. My stories were always surely followed with someone saying “I wish Perk was my grandfather.” Perk was famous.

My sweet Perk and grandmother Fern

It is increasingly important to me to care for my grandparents that are still with us. After all, all they want is your time.

As of late...

2010-12-06T16:28:00.000-06:00

Here's a little update on our life as of late...

Little Mack has been with us for almost 6 months now. He is the most precious doggie ever. Fingers crossed that Dan puts another Cavalier in my stocking this year! (Yeah...right.)

I have 10 teaching days left until winter break. Sadly, 4 more of those days will be spent with standardized testing that just wears my poor kiddos out. They are such great troopers - I am so proud of how well they've adapted to spending their mornings in front of a bubble sheet. They had a visit from St. Nick last Friday and each received a backpack full of goodies and learned of the Legend of St. Nicholas. (Not to be confused with Santa Claus...it's a whole different story!) Channel 13 Houston even visted and taped my classroom for the 11:00a news! I just adore my students and can't wait to start the Spring semester without tests to prepare for; I'll be able to prepare more neat, interactive, fun lessons.

Dan is in the thick of finals time - then only 1 year left of school! He'll be graduating next December. I'm so proud of his hard work in law school thus far.

We have some excited things planned for the holidays including:

Visiting family in Longview and Tyler
My cousin is graduating from the Art Institute so we have many festivities to attend to celebrate!
The Annual Timme Family Gift Exchange (with my mom's side of the family)
Celebrating my 26th birthday with my family in Nacogdoches while visiting my grandmother
Jonathan and Libby (brother and sister-in-law) will be in town for the holidays!

Oh, and as of late...I've gotten back to my natural roots and am a brunette again!

Hopefully you all have been doing well "as of late" too!

It's Shutterfly Season!

2010-12-05T10:36:00.000-06:00

I have long been a fan of Shutterfly and ALL of their products. One of my favorite products from them is their personalized stationary cards and thank you cards. I even gave some as gifts during my wedding! Their photo prints are so nice that I've printed many of our wedding pictures with Shutterfly - even up to their 16"x20" prints! Excellent quality. And with this being my first year as a married woman, it will be my first year to send out Christmas cards - I'm absolutely going with Shutterfly. Their cards are so easy to design and they have hundreds upon hundreds of options for every family. My favorite are their flat stationary cards. Here are some of the designs I'm deciding from for our little family.

The best part about Shutterfly right now? All of their Christmas/Holiday cards are 30% off!

Again, Shutterfly is also a great place for gifts. You can give the little personalized thank you cards as stocking stuffers, create a calendar for mom or grandma, or even this super adorable pewter ornament for baby's first Christmas (or ANY memory you might want to commemorate).

So if you're on our Christmas card list, keep your eye out for an adorable card from the Paschal family!