OH NO! FLY AWAY BIRDIE!

But, he didn't make it! I hit my first animal today on I-45. This bird was in the middle of my lane and he didn't make it. After a couple of thumps and a bunch of feathers seconds later, I was so sad to see my first catastrophe. Sniff, Sniff.

I wish it could have flown away.

No Shopping for me~

Today is President's Day and we had to go to work. So while the rest of the world was off and shopping I was telling my kiddos about the 2 presidents Washington and Lincoln. Some of my kids refer to ole' George as "George Bush Washington." Hey, they made the connection. :)

Today was my first day back after missing a whole week. It was a whirlwind getting back in the swing of things. But,
Guess who's back, Mrs. Mercer's Back. Back Again, Tell a Friend. Guess who's back...

I missed a fun weekend with my girls who I MISS TERRIBLY! I missed getting together with one of my favorite red-heads and I missed the March of the Siggies! I missed seeing my cousin and aunt who were visiting my cousin. I missed out on a fun car trip. I just missed out!

Happy Valentine's Day

Meet My Date!

Some people prefer to wine and dine on Valentine's Day. A day full of sweets, card, and love!
Not me. For the past 2 years I have had porcelin instead of diamonds. Last year, Michael and I went out to eat and right after we got back from dinner I got the stomach flu. :) Still won't eat Pei Wei.

This year, I have been sick for almost 5 days with the fever, aches, chills, and the infamous nausea. This time I am alone. I have had to call in reinforcements today as it was my lowest point yet. (I am trying to blog to keep my mind off other things-at this point I am trying anything!)

But the true valentine story is yet to come... The best present EVER!

After feeling so bad and not being able to care for myself today, I told my husband- I NEED YOU! So at this moment, my knight in shining pickup (with doggie in tow- another story. Coop didn't like Zeke. He was evicted. I am glad cause I missed the little guy. ) is coming to my castle of disease to rescue me. Or at least get me a cup of ice chips. ISn't he wonderful!! After making the 12 hour drive 4 days ago, he left after work and is drivin through the night to help his sick wifie girl. Through sickness and health! I know even though I am going to miss a really fun weekend with all my girlfriends, my family, and even an interview (shucks!) at least I have my sweetheart on Valentine's Day.

Oh, Kindergarten Let Me count THE SICKNESS!

I have had some weird things over the last 3 years in Kindergarten. Pink eye like 20 times. The fabulous stomach flu. But, this one tops my list. Fifth Disease! It is a flu like virus most common in children. Commonly known as "The Slapped Face" sickness because after the virus runs its course, you get a lovely bright red rash on your cheeks! Spread by all the sneezing and hacking going on in my room. I have "felt the spit" many times this Winter season. Since Saturday, I have felt like the flu. Gross, Gross, and alone! After going to the Dr. today, he let me know that 1-it is not the flu 2-no cure or meds for what I have. Just lots and lots of IB Profen. Tonight, my cheeks are a lot rosier than normal. Yup, just as I thought. Fifth Disease! What worries me though is Michael went to bed EXTRA early with the same exhaustion that I felt on Saturday night. Now this could be normal exhaustion. I mean the ppor man drove 12 hours to see me this weekend. Then he worked ALL DAY Sunday only to be kept up at 2 am when I was about to puke! Or it could be the disease...No, no, no! Don't let Michael be getting it too! We are suppose to see each other for a long weekend, but if he has this- I don't know if I can get it again?! It is a good 4 days off your feet and out of work. But one thing is for sure- I won't be seeing my friends over the weekend that are with child. VERY DANGEROUS FOR ANY PREGNANT LADY. Sorry girls, I will be a lunch in spirit. :(

He's Gone.

*tired to post yesterday. technical difficulties*
Sniff. Sniff.
I didn't think I would miss the little guy, but life without his little green eyes looking at me is kind of lonely. He made the 6 hour drive to Abilene without a flaw. But Zeke is a great traveler. Remember, he made the "Great Evacuation" and went 24 hours in his little carrier. However, this time he made the last 1.5 hours INSIDE THE CAB! Michael said he just curled up on the seat. He would lick Michael's hand and then go back to sleep.

While the boys were traveling, I was getting sick. I am still battling the mysterious. I think it is Fifth Disease. It is floating around the Kindergarten hall. I have had a fever, aches, and chills. I am waiting for my rash to appear in a couple of days to confirm my suspicions. Michael just thinks it is another bug. Well, I hope it is, too.

Also, my car is in the shop. Thursday I was driving to work and the oil light came on. When I got home, I checked the oil and there WAS NO OIL ON THE STICK. Michael drove it to the shop the next day and they told him about a temporary pan. After much invesigation, Michael determined Wal-Mart had damaged the car a year ago when he took it there for oil change. (This was a point of tension cause I told Michael not to take my car to Wal-Mart. It is now a big "I told you so." Cheaper isn't always better.) Michael has filed a claim with Wal-Mart but until then we have to foot the 500 dollar bill. To make it even more complicated, I HAVE TO HAVE A CAR because there is no one to take me to work anymore. Lucky for us, my parents left yesterday on a 7 day cruise. So I am borrowing their car.
Crusin in a Lexus. :) Not bad, at all.

This living on your own was tough this weekend with all this car stuff and sickness. I need my husband!!!!

Happy Birthday, honey. I took him to the coolest birthday among emus. :) We went to one of my student's birthday parties and it was a wildlife park and they have all these exotic animals just running around. They come right up to your car. It was funny.

I'm Moving, Too!

Ruff! Ruff!
I am moving to Abilene too. I am going to live with my new friend Coop Campbell. I am so excited! I will have a friend to run around with and chase. I promise Mom, I won't dig up their yard or run away. I will keep Dad company. I hope he walks me around ACU and maybe I might even meet some more new friends!! I will miss you Mom.
Love,
Zeke

Dear Zeke,
I am happy for you! Daddy misses you so much and Mommy just can't play with you as much as Dad does. I will see you in 2 weeks. XXXOOO
Love,
Mommy


(This is me and Daddy evacuating Houston.)

I am really relived that Zeke is moving. I just can't take care of him the way he deserves-not to mention HE WONT GET MY WORK CLOTHES MUDDY EVERY MORNING~~~

bYE,bYE Zekie!

101

Yesterday, February 1st marked 100 day of Kindergarten! I made it!!!! It has been a long road, but we celebrated yesterday with a few low key centers. Actually, it was all day. You know, counting to 100 takes a LONG time. We made froot loop necklaces. Instead of our normal Math Work Places we had 100s day work places that they enjoyed.

Can you name 100 people you love? Well, we can. My picture is our class heart full of 100 people.
Even "Mrcr" (that is me) made the cut! I am loved!

My weeks seem to get busier and busier. I lose a husband and triple my responsibilities. Go figure. I am enjoying my Beth Moore study despite the EVIL Galleria traffic (and 2 hour commute) to get to her. She is so funny. Tuesday she told the sweetest baby story that made even me tear up.

Still waiting for our house to sell. It showed today and I just know they are the ones because I can't keep doing what I am doing. Something has got to give. I know an easy fix- Does anyone want a cat or a dog or both!!!??? My husband would be heartbroken, but I would at least get some sleep. The cat keeps me up all night long. I got about 3 solid hours last night-Thanks mavie!

Well, it is day 101 and I am ready for day 102. I get to see my #1 this weekend! :)

1, 2, 3, 100!

p.s. Any cures for Sharpie on a new sweater?

I just have nothing new to say!

I know it has been such a long time since I posted, but I have nothing to say. I might be retiring from the blog world.

Just business as usual. Work, Housework, and sometimes Hubby time.
Things are good though. Just praying and waiting for our home to sell! It has been quite FRUSTRATING, but we know it will sell at the right time.

School is great, but really busy.

Counting down the days till Spring Break-a whole week with my precious husband!!!!!

Yipee!

I get to go see my hubby this weekend! Yea! I thrilled and can't wait to have an adventure in Abilene.

Other good news, one of my students moved away :( but now I only have 21! One makes all the difference in moving around and fitting into my tiny room.

I got to go shopping yesterday for the first time in a long time and by some snazzy clothes.

I got to spend the night with Mee-Maw and take her to church the next day. We had a good ol' time.

I have been leaving on time at work. WOW! First time in 3 years that I am able to let some things go. Maybe it's that I am not returning...

2006 HAS BEEN GOOD!

Seeking his kingdom. The things I need have been given to me!

End of an Era

As you all know, my Houston days are coming to a close. As we are relocating to Abilene, everything that I have come to know and deeply LOVE as "home" is changing. I also was born and raised here in H-town, so I have a deep love and passion for the city. I along with other true Houstonians actually love the humidity. (It is so much easier to breathe than dry air!)
But, things keep changing around me so fast I just don't know how much more I can take!!!!

They have closed my old summer stomping grounds-AstroWorld and are auctioning off my favorite rides of the early 90's. Can I get a "Greased Lightning?!" Analee and I had summer passes and in elementary we would spend all day there having a good ol' time.

The kicker of today though is...
DARCY IS LEAVING THE BEAUTIQUE! Yes, it is true. The lady I have come to trust with the lovely locks of mine for the last 10 years is starting her own salon. I can go in and sit in her chair and say with confidence, "Whatever you think." and still come out looking good. 2 Years ago I even gave in to the color world and she took these virgin locks and made me blonder. (That look can be achieved-not natural.) She even chopped off my long, long locks after we got married and gave them to locks of love.

oh man, too many things changing for me to keep up. I will just hope that this is the last of the monumental changes in my life. Haha!

Leavin' On A Jet Plane

Sunday was our 1st day at Highland and it was a great start. Everyone was very friendly and intersted in both of us. We are excited to be there and begin our ministry! In fact, Michael has already started work... in Nashville at the NCYM conference.
We got to see a big dust storm and the clouds of smoke on our way to the airport last night. We both left on a jet plane and are back at work.
It is hard to say goodbye at the security walk throughs. I wish you could say goodbye at the gate.

I have many report cards to work on tonight- comments and all.
Back to Work. :)

Seeking God's Kingdom

"Seek God's Kingdom

and all the other things you need will be given to you."

Luke 12:31

Tomorrow Michael and I take one giant step of faith-We leave for Abilene. Nothing has really fallen into place since Michael has accepted this job, actually. It has been one hurdle followed by a challenge and nothing is nice and neat. We are both really sad about living apart. (Hey, I thought we were done with this when we got married!) But, despite the 3 years now of being out of Abilene and being together, we have come full circle and are back in our traditional mold of long distance. I know it will be fine, but my heart will long for my hubby who I love so dearly. We have been full of tears lately.

We want our house to sell, but no bites during the holidays.( Which I wouldn't expect it to anyway) I am just praying that this will be answered with the new year and be one of things God will give to us. It is hard to try to begin a new chapter of your life when you really can't because of your responsibilities elsewhere. It is especially hard for me because I have no place to call my own there and help me make the real life connection with the move. Michael has already set up his office and has a new job. So he is excited and has some sense of belonging already. Without a home and a job for me I am just floundering about without any real since of "home" not to mention, I have huge for sale sign in front of my home.

And then all the other stressful details that have kind of imploded at this time to just make life a little more complicated.

Tonight I told God I just needed some of his wisdom and flipped open my new bible (this really neat magazine style bible my dad gave me for Christmas) and He told me Luke 12:31:

Seek God's Kingdom

and all the other things you need will be given to you.

So with that to say, here we are seeking... And trusting that all these other things will be provided.

Here is to a new year of Seeking His Kingdom.

Happy 2006!

Party, Party, Party

La Te Da!
This week is full of parties! I love parties! I love the cookies, stories, and of course the outfits.

We kicked off our Holiday week by going to our Young Couples Christmas Party which was really a SURPRISE goodbye party for us. It was so sweet and sad. A little sweet and sour if you will... But we will miss them a lot, a lot, a lot!

Saturday Michael and I had a pajama day party!!!! We slept in and bumed around till noon!!!!! It was so great. It had been ages since I slept that much. But I guess we needed it. We went to the galleria for some holiday shopping which is like a party for me.

Wednesday we will have a High School party! I am sure there will be some cookies there too!
(It might be a good thing Michael is leaving in January so I can start working off all these cookies.)

We have our class party on Thursday and I am not as excited about that one. The kids are always SOOOO excited and are sometime out of control. I am also worn out after that!

Friday is a party all day because it is OUR LAST DAY OF 2005! Can I get a what, what!!! It is also my team party which will be lots of fun to. I have to come up with a good gift for the Chinese Christmas exchange!

Saturday kicks off the 1st Christmas for us too. We will have Christmas with Michael's mom.

Party, Party, Party! :)

not much to say...But so much to do

I have been soooo busy in all areas of my life but none of it is really eventful enough to write about. But I will anyway!

Work is nuts-o! Always is at this time of year. I don't think I will ever get done the things I have to complete ASAP.
The Kids are SUPER excited. Always are at this time of year.
Will Christmas Break get here already?!

My husband is leaving soon. Sniff, Sniff...
I am at a loss without my sidekick.

We have said our goodbyes at church. Another Sniff, Sniff.

Christmas Shopping-So not done!
Christmas Cards-So not done!

I want and need to catch up with so many people, but the timing never seems to work out.

With life so uncertain and chaotic I find myself relying fully upon Him. He is my one constant and giving me peace as the transition seems to become overwhelming at times. Not to mention heartbreaking...

"Oh, NYC!"- Annie

NYC...
EVERYONE IS GOING!

It is a phenomena right now. 2 girls on my team have just come from NYC. I think most of my girlfriends have been over the last year. People from church have just returned from the city.

EVERYONE...
EXCEPT ME!

I have been dying to go my whole life. I am a huge fan of anything from the city. Friends-huge fan, shopping at Bergdorf's-one of my favorites on the computer, anything Broadway-pick me!, SJP-I love her and Carrie is one of my favorite girls!, ALL my ABC soaps and soap stars-have watched my whole life, NEED I GO ON, BC I CAN...

I won't be going to that city anytime soon. How does Abilene compare? We will be going there soon...

I will have to get my fix with

Tuesday and Wednesday nights with Carrie Bradshaw
Pull out my Friends DVDs
And watch SOAP net tonight
bergdorfgoodman.com

I heart NY!
And I have never been.

Deck The Halls

FaLaLaLaLaLaLaLaLa!

Well, today I started decorating for Christmas. Yipee. It looks so cozy in our home. I enjoy decorating anytime of the year, but I especially love the holidays. I got to put out my new Christmas decor for the last time in this house. Sniff, sniff.

We went to Abilene to search for a home, but we are still searching. However, while we were gone we had some showings!

I have got to get busy on my Christmas shopping. I am trying to decide if I will go through the Friday madness or not.

For tonight, I will relax in my new Winter Wonderland. :)

Mrs. Viola Swamp

I was visiting with one of my many Kinder teacher friends and she was telling me a story I had to share! Enjoy. :)

My friend read to her class a classroom favorite Miss Nelson is Missing. If you aren't familiar with the tale, a teacher is having trouble with her class showing respect and following the classroom rules. So she dresses up as the "Evil Substitute Viola Swamp." She is a mean sub and all the kids miss their teacher and learn to appreciate what they had. When Miss Nelson comes back, the kids are angels.

Well, five year olds can have some trouble separating fiction and reality.

One of the students in my friend's class went home and told her mom about the mean sub they had that was sooo mean and that she even tore up their homework! This mother was up in arms and was ready to talk to the principal about Miss Viola Swamp. First she mentioned it to my friend and asked, "Can you request substitutes?" My friend responded with yes wondering where this conversation was going. The mother went on to explain her concerns. "My daughter came home and told me about Miss Swamp and could you request her not to sub in here again?"
(hee-hee) My friend responded, "Well, Miss Swamp is fictional!"

I LOVE KINDERGARTEN!

Making A List, Checking It Twice

We have been working on a list of homes to check out next week when we make a visit to our new c-i-t-y.

I hope that we fall in love, but nothing on my list is as perfect as my home right now! And who knows, maybe we will get a bite this weekend on our home!

Now, if I could only find a job too...

Garfield will be teaching my class about Thanksgiving courtesy of Garfield's Thanksgiving. :) Hee-hee. Thanksgiving Break Here I Come!

The Nutcracker

My favorite shopping affair! Every year the guild for The Houston Ballet Company puts together a extravaganza full of thousands of sugar plum fairies and chocolate covered apples! There are all these really unique booths for home decor, clothing, food, ect. Today was my day! I went with my mom and we tackled the crowd. As I squeezed through to get the hot item this year (glitter Christmas Trees) I got giddy thinking of Christmas. I love to decorate for Christmas. This will be our second and last Christmas in our house... :( I told my hubby that regardless I want to decorate for Christmas even though we will just pack it up along with the whole house as we relocate to Abilene. Yup, that's right. This city chicka is going to play country for a while.
But no worries...I have already made my plans for returning to the Nutcracker next year. It will be a true vacation.

Hmm...Maybe a new beating path

You Should Get a MBA (Masters of Business Administration)

You're a self starter with a drive for success.You'd make a great entrepreneur.

What Advanced Degree Should You Get?

After today, this might be a good sign for me. :