Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Boyfriend Material


I Want!

I want him!
 
This is my absolutely, hands down, most favorite singer right now. 
 
He's a bad boy!
He's rockin' country!

He's hot!
 
Eric Church where have you been all my life?



Rant and Rave

Living alone, one doesn't have another person to rant and rave to; however, there is social media like twitter and Facebook.  The problem being is that I hate those that are evasive or vague in their status updates and I'm not one to go off on others via Twitter.  Yet, I want to just speak my mind freely and without judgment.  How do you survive when you can't just let loose? 

The fortunate thing for me, at this point in time, is that I don't think anyone reads this blog anymore so here I go....

1.  This is a rant against myself for believing in lies and strongholds of the enemy.  As a Christian I know that God has given me dreams, desires and the oomph to go in certain directions.  The problem is that I've been praying for a relationship and a full-time job for years...it seems like forever and yet nothing is happening on the home front.  I know I am doing all the right things...I pray, I read my Bible and I feel like I am doing exactly what God wants me to do!!  However, how do you make yourself not feel like a major failure?  How do you stand secure in the promises that God has given you?  How do you not let frustrations and insecurities get the better of you.  I do so well for months and months then I emotionally, verbally vomit on someone close to me. Such a messy situation...I just gotta figure out how to overcome this!  Suggestions?  Is there some invisible person out there that can answer my questions?  I've seriously been considering seeing a Christian counselor, but would they really do for me?

2.  This next rant is against people.  I think I've figured out why I'm ok with being by myself!  It's so much easier than dealing with the hemming, hawing and misinterpretations of what you say.  I try to do nice by people and tend to come out looking awful.  They either think I'm off my rocker, a complete bitch or they just completely misconstrue everything I say.  I admit, I'm in an awkward spot in my life.  I think I can do everything on my own and don't like to share work because I feel like I can just get it done right by myself.  Yet, on the other hand, I don't like sharing work because that's how I bury my insecurities....how can I hide if I don't have anything to hide behind?  I think I'll stay on my couch with a good book.

3.  The next rant is against every stinkin' school district that I've interviewed with over the last five years!  What is wrong with me that you won't hire me?  Do I stink when I come in and interview?  Is my skirt stuck in my pantyhose?  Do I have boogers hanging out my nose?  Why oh why do you not hire me?  It's been five long years since I first received my teaching certification.  At this point I should be applying for permanent residency and yet my certificate hasn't even expired yet seeing as how I've never taught somewhere full-time.  Do I look somewhere else?  Do I go to another state, again as I did a few years ago?  Do I start a new career?  I've talked with someone about a possible career change; however, is it the right thing to do?

So I wonder if anyone will see this and actually take the time to read it.  With my luck people I don't want to read this will somehow find it and I'll have to explain myself; I just need a place to let loose!  :)

The real question right now is am I really going to hit "publish"?  Do I publish and then just bury my posts with some pictures and such with Seahawks pictures because we are going to the SUPERBOWL!!

Monday, May 06, 2013

Oh I had this post written about pity parties, temper tantrums and insecurities; however, I think I just needed to write it out to get some of my frustrations out.  They definitely weren't words for the whole wide internet world to hear!

Instead?

Love God, Love People and Love Life!

Monday, February 25, 2013

Getting to Know God

Last night at youth group one of my girls was mentioning how she wasn't able to sit and write her blog posts...she LOVES to write about Jesus!

It got me thinking today that I love to write about my Jesus too...and I have the perfect opportunity right here.  I don't know who will read or if anyone will read; however, I am going to try and take the opportunity to share more about Jesus.

The last few months have been an uphill, downhill and back uphill kind of life.  I was told no on some things like buying my house and I still haven't landed a full-time teaching job; however, I know that God's perfect timing is in place!

For me personally, the last few months has been about exploring new giftings from the Lord.  I am in my WORD daily and allowing God to work in me and through me like never before and as a result I believe that God is letting new spiritual giftsto come to the forefront of my life.  It is a bit scary at times, but mostly it is exciting to see how God is going to use me.  The gifting I'm seeing is that of a seer or someone who sees visions.  I'm seeing it be very active as I read my word and I'm faithful to respond when the Holy Spirit says to share with someone specific.  Honestly, it is a bit unnerving to see how God is going to use me, but oh so exciting to be a part of the Kingdom and what He is doing in my community.

Wednesday, October 03, 2012

Busy, busy, busy

I know that not many read this blog anymore, but occasionally I still like to post about life and how things are going!!

I have been going about 150 mph since school started in September, and I haven't even landed a full-time teaching position yet.  I started the year with a long-term, 5-week sub position at one of the high schools.  Sadly, I finish this job on Friday and I will dearly miss all the kids and my para-staff.  I have been in a high needs special education classroom where I have kids that are in wheelchairs, some are autistic and some are very highly functioning, and all are super fantastic. I've been in this classroom before so it was easy to come in and start the year with them.  Besides, I have some super awesome women who work in this class and they make all the difference in the world...way to go Kathy, Jacki, Jenny, Laura, and Marcelina!!!

I am starting a 3.5 month long-term position in a week teaching 6th grade LA and Social Studies, which is my endorsement area so I am looking forward to teaching a subject that I am really qualified to teach!  It is going to be a bit of a shift from high school special needs to sixth graders. 

I am still praying and holding firm to the calling God gave me to be a full-time teacher.  Sometimes I still get discouraged that I started my fourth year of teaching this fall without landing a full-time position.  However, God has been so faithful to provide for my every need...these long-term positions are surely a testament to His faithfulness.  And I am blessed to know that I have made an impact on the lives of hundreds of students over the last three years.  I still believe that He has the perfect position for me and that my prayers for a full-time job will be answered.

There are moments though that at age 38 (which just happened a few weeks ago) I don't feel adequate or worthy of God's blessing.  I'm sure that there are people of every age that feel this way; however, God doesn't want you to EVER feel as if you don't deserve all the blessing He can pour out over you.  I see God's blessing in so many aspects of my life and I feel overwhelmed that He has chosen ME!!!  He provided a job this summer that paid bills until I got paid for teaching this fall (in fact, I have been able to keep this job throughout the school year by working on Saturdays and I think I'll be able to work during Christmas break!!  The extra money is actually paying for me to go on vacation during Spring Break!), He provided me with long-term positions from the very first day of school this year.  He has provided me with an awesome church family and He has blessed me with a house.

Due to a change in housing situation I have searching for a place to rent come Novemberish, and all the places I have been looking at are running pretty high and then you have to add in utilities and such.  So I decided to take a leap of faith and see if I would qualify to buy a home.  I meet with my friend who is a real estate agent and then meet with a mortgage broker just about three weeks ago to discuss my options.  I was nervous and fearful about the situation...I honestly thought he would just laugh once he looked at my financial situation.  BUT NO!!!  He determined that I would qualify for a home loan.  Flash forward to this last weekend and we went and looked at four houses...I feel in LOVE with the second one I saw.  Bids were due by Monday night and by Tuesday I was told "Congratulations, Your bid was accepted"!  I signed initial paperwork today and sent them overnight to start the ball rolling!

I AM BUYING A HOUSE!!

How crazy is that?  I honestly didn't think it would go this fast but I prayed going in, "Lord, they will be done.  If you want me to purchase a home open the door (and windows) of opportunity!"  And by golly He has...in a BIG way!  It hasn't sunk in yet and I am still feeling as if I just stepped over the thresh hold of adulthood.  What is it about buying a home that makes a person feel as if they are finally a true member of the adulthood club.  So weird....I know!  I know it isn't an easy road as a homeowner.  I know that it will have its ups and downs and I am more financially responsible then ever before...I know that I will need to find some roommates for the first few years....I know that there will days I will cry and days that I will over analyze ever step I've taken and wonder if I made the right decision.  But I will NEVER question whether I am worthy enough or adequate enough to receive this special BLESSING, because I know that God loves me, watches out for me and loves to pour out blessings on His children.  I stand here with open arms simply saying, "Thank You Abba Father!"

Tuesday, July 03, 2012

Las Vegas

 The first weekend of June I got to go to Las Vegas with my Mom, 80 year-old Grandma, Aunt and Uncle.  Mom and Grandma were just passing through on their way to visit my sisters in Idaho Falls and meet up with my Aunt and Uncle for the weekend.  I decided to tag along for the ride!
Mom!
 The ceiling down on Fremont Street!  What an amazing experience!
 Me, Grandma Pat, Mom, Aunt Helen and Uncle Dave!
 Grandma Pat had a few dollars to spend and did well for awhile, but in the end lost it all (psstt...me too!)
 My dream in Vegas is to see Elvis!  However, the only Elvis' I saw were these three Mexican Elvis impersonators...who I think might have been tipping the bottle back a bit if you know what I mean!
 When in Vegas you see the most random things...this guy was hanging out at Caesar's Palace in his bathrobe!  I sure hope he had skivvies on under there! 
 At the Bellagio...Going on a hot air balloon ride is on my bucket list!
 Lunch at the Paris Casino!
Mom and Auntie Helen!

Fun times were had and you know what they say..."What happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas!"

Friday, June 08, 2012

New Babies

My family has been growing by leaps and bounds over the last few months...in other words, my sisters have been busy!!  
This beautiful lady is Angelina Rose born on May 14th, born to my baby sister Camille and her husband Joe.  She joins big sisters Dajia and Elliana!  I've been told that she is going to be called Annie!
Isn't she precious? 

This handsome little man is Jonathan Arthur and he was born on March 19 to my other sister Shannon and her husband Ernie.  He has four big sisters and three big brothers...I'm sure he'll be well cared for!

Sunday, February 12, 2012

My Favorite Song Right Now





What an amazing voice!  She deserved all the Grammies she won tonight!

Friday, February 10, 2012

Anti-Valentine?

Possibly...just possibly I am anti-Valentine's Day!  

Really, is there any good thing about Valentine's Day if you are single?

Just sayin'!

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Rooftops

Here I am before you
Falling in love and seeking your truth
Knowing that your perfect grace
Has brought me to this place
Because of you I freely live
My life to you, oh God, I give

So I stand before You God
I lift my voice because you set me free

So I shout out your name from the rooftops I proclaim
That I am Yours, I am yours

All the good You've done for me
I lift up my hand up hand for all to see
You're the only one
Who brings me to my knees
To share this love across the earth
The beauty of Your Holy Word

So I kneel before You God
I lift my hands because you set me free

So I shout out your name from the rooftops I proclaim
That I am Yours, I am Yours

All that I am I place into Your loving hands
And I am Yours, I am Yours

Here I am, I stand with arms wide open
To the one, the Son, the everlasting God



Throw in the Towel...

Do you ever wish you could throw the towel in on this thing called life?  Just buck it all and join the circus; run away to a deserted island; or simply hide out in a strange city where no one knows you?

A bit drastic I know...but sometimes, like now, I just want to run away!

I'm tired of hearing, "No thank you!  You need more experience for this job."

I'm tired of seeing more bills than income.

I'm tired of being single and childless.

I'm tired of snow causing me to have no work.

I'm tired of dreams seeming to not come true.

I'm tired of life sometimes.

I'm the Queen of "It's ok..life goes on!"  And I know it does.

So what do I do? 

"Stick out my chin and grin and say, 'Tomorrow, tomorrow...the sun'll come out tomorrow!'"

No, even though I love that philosophy, I put out my hands and ask for the Lord to come and fill me, guide me and direct me.  I pray for a different door or window to be opened.  I pray for understanding, mercy and grace.  I pray that I have a better attitude.

I praise the Lord for good and bad times and I ask to be taught a lesson in the midst of everything I go through. I give Him all the glory!  I know that He is doing a good work in me!  I know that He NEVER leaves me nor forsakes me and when I am hurting the most He is carrying me in His arms!


Thursday, December 29, 2011

December in Review

 Of course, the season can't start without posting a letter to Santa!  Elly and I went to Macy's over Thanksgiving weekend and wrote all the things she wanted.  The most important was a PINK BARBIE HORSE!

 Cheese!  This girl is hilarious!  I love her!

 This is Dink!  You might also call her Jocelyn....we celebrated her 2nd birthday over Thanksgiving as well!

 I took a day to decorate my house for Christmas...look carefully...what do you see at the top of the tree?  

Of course, it is a TOP HAT! 
 Team Switzer and I went to Bellevue for a day for some shopping, dinner and a visit to Snow Flake Lane.  The inside of the mall was beautiful!

 Part of Snow Flake Lane was the drummers playing and the snowing falling right at 7 o'clock pm!

 We love celebrating all holidays, so we celebrated Chanukah one night.  We, meaning Carter and Elly, lit the menorah and Holly read the commentary that went with!

 We also played the Draydel and guess who won?  

Oh yeah, the Lady who wore the "Lucky Shirt"...I took the whole shebang!

Christmas morning was spent down at my Mom's house!  My Grandma Pat was down here with us as well...love these women!

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

This is me!

Age 37

December 28, 2011

2011 was a good year, not the greatest, but good!

I'm looking forward to 2012 and seeing what God has in store for me!

Wednesday, December 07, 2011

Remembering Pearl Harbor

Did you take a few moments today to think of the 2,402 service men and women who lost their lives 70 years ago today?  

The attack on Pearl Harbor was one of the most devastating events to happen in American history (before 9/11).  You may read this having had a parent, grand parent, aunt or uncle at Pearl Harbor.  Some of you might have even lost a loved one that day.  While we can't bring them back, we definitely can take a few minutes to remember those individuals and send a thank you up for all their service and dedication to our country.  

While you're at it...stop a military man or woman and simply say, "Thank You", you never know when their life might be taken for protecting my life and freedom.

Tuesday, December 06, 2011

Stationery card

Peace To You Holiday Card
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View the entire collection of cards.

Friday, September 16, 2011

Blessed

Today was my birthday! I am blessed beyond all means and measures with all that God has given me! It might not seem "right" in my eyes the place I am in financially, with relationships and everything else; however, God has everything under control! I am constantly amazed by how much he loves me and how He never will forsake me!

Thursday, September 01, 2011

Hello September!


One says, "It's September!" and instantly your mind goes to all those cute kids going back to school.

I'd love to be one of those teachers going back to a full-time classroom; however, it still wasn't meant to be this year! I know that God has a better plan for me, but the willful human that is me would like to know NOW what is going on...but that is for another time and place.

I hear, "It's September!" and I instantly think that my birthday is almost here!

Yep, that's right! September 16th is just around the corner....I LOVE my birthday! I don't always get birthday celebrations but there is this little part of me that just gets giddy when September 1st is upon me because I like to celebrate all month long!

Do you get excited like me? How do you celebrate?

Any other September babies out there?

Friday, August 19, 2011

"What's Going on?"

Do you pray?

Do you expect to hear from the Lord?

I do! I do! I do!

But then again, sometimes I can't hear what he is trying to tell me. I get frustrated. I get discouraged. I get depressed. I get anxious.

It is a terrible feeling to not be able to discern the voice of the Lord during my prayer times. I think sometimes that I am so hung up on the big picture that He gave me a few years ago that my mind gets focused on how to achieve that big picture. And then when things are going desperately south (and I mean in a big way!) my brain is so far into overdrive that I can't stop and listen to the side trips that the Lord wants me to go on?

Make sense? If it does, please explain to me! :)

I know that the Lord called me to be a teacher! He gave me the means to go back to school a few years ago and get my teaching certification. However, the road since then has been filled with potholes, refining fires and many, many valleys! I haven't been able to get a full-time job. The first year I couldn't even get an interview. I've been going on interviews this summer (tons in fact) yet, I don't get the job. I've been subbing, but that doesn't give benefits or steady pay. I've had to work an additional part-time job to make ends meet. And as I type I have just about $75 to my name...bills aren't paid, credit cards are maxed, I'm not working and I'm feeling like "What the HECK!"

Someone asked me the other day over dinner have you just asked God, "What's going on?" It doesn't have to be a completed prayer, but a simple request. He told me, God will answer you. But I have to be able to hear Him. Sometimes I feel as if I've lost my hearing! But that's where I am right now, "God, what's going on in my life?"

I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that the Lord has something SPECTACULAR for my life. I'm being refined in the fire and molded by the master sculptor for a reason! The verse I've leaned on for years and years is "He will never leave me nor forsake me!" God isn't done with me yet...nor is He done with YOU! Thankfully I stand before a God who is mighty and I stand with friends and family who are praying for me daily!

A friend messaged me these verses the other day and I will leave you with them:

Psalm 25:4-5 "Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you."

Psalm 27:14 "Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord."


Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Yummy Goodness!


I love these!!! What is your favorite candy?