Arrived

For my regular subscribers, I apologize for taking so long to write a new entry. Life's been hectic with packing and saying too many sad goodbyes. But I have "arrived" at my new home (at least for the next year Lord willing) in Louisville, Kentucky! Moved in last night with the Allen family (Rob and Amy and two kids Spencer-4 and Sammy-2). Met the other 10 interns at the Welcome Center this morning and had our initial orientation with Barbara and Sherry. Lots of paper work and confusion, door codes and policies...and I'm still alive. Had lunch with the elementary team (great sweet tea at McCallister's..mmm) and then back to orientation with computer tech lady, Leeta K, she was awesome! Got set up with email and my new voicemail - I sounded like a goof! Found my new desk area, not really an office, but hey it's mine...and I tracked down a chair to use! No computer, no phone, no nothing, but pens, tape, 2 staplers, 3 hole punch that belonged to a girl named Stephanie, and post-it notes. I trust my computer and phone will come later. Called it quits for the day and headed home. By the way - gas prices jumped like $.30 today....RIDICULOUS!! Hung out with Spencer and Sammy tonight - way cute! Read my New Staff Guidelines Novel and filled out more paperwork...caught up on my bloggin...and now heading to bed! Hope this finds you doing well...miss you!

Awkward Moment at Wal-Mart

There I am minding my own business, making my way to the "hair product" section, when I happened to look up at this "friendly" couple at the end of the aisle. They didn't seem to notice me and continued on with their groping session - incredibly disgusting! I've seen some PDA in my time, but this was ridiculous! And let me tell you...if anyone ever grabbed my behind like that in public, I would probably turn around and smack him upside the head! Seriously...get a room! End of story. And for those of you who care, I was brave enough to grab my hair spray and leave, hoping they wouldn't follow me to the razor aisle:)

Going to the Races!

I had my first experience of going to the Quincy Raceways last night. My friend's dad was racing and she invited a bunch of us to come and watch...so we went! My friend, Ben, decided he wanted to sit close "to be in the action"...okay, Ben, that sounds great! We sat in the fourth row from the track - great action spot! The cars start to come out of the pit and race around the track...a couple rounds into it, Ben started us in clapping for them (thought that's what you're supposed to do). Then my friend Jessie leans over and says "it's just their warm-up rounds". "Oh, oops"...so I look around and sure enough, no one else is clapping.

We had a good time - racing is a fun thing to watch, but next time I think I will sit up a bit higher in the stands. Oh, didn't I tell you...it was a dirt track...yeah, we were covered in dirt by the time the races finished. It was all over our faces, clothes, blankets, purses, hair...eww! And we won't mention the extreme headache and nausea part from the fumes and watching the cars go round...and round...and round. I think maybe the corn dog played a part in it to...I camped myself on the floor by the "white throne" last night. It was a glorious site!

Star Wars

For those of you who aren't Star Wars fans, May 19th means nothing to you. For the rest of us, it is a day that will forever remain in history as the day when Episode III was released in the theaters. For those of you who are intelligent, you went to bed at a decent time last night. For those of us who are idiots, we went to the midnight showing of Episode III and finally got to bed around 3 am!

My good buddy Neal hooked us up with tickets he won from a raffle and so John, Sha and I went to the 12:01 showing. We waited about an hour in the theater before the movie started and I about fell asleep. Smart one I am, I bought a HUGE Coke to keep me awake and drank the whole thing before the movie started. Now, for anyone who is a genius, one can figure out how long it took before I had this HUGE urge to use the restroom. I'm a retard...but there was no way I was missing a millisecond of that movie...so I held it for 2 hours:)

The 12:01 theater was the first one to sell out...extreme die hard fans...costumes and all! Which made the experience even funnier when the theater employees shouted "Turn off the Light Sabors!!" The movie was awesome...thanks Neal!

Future Dates

With so many things to do and so little time left, I look at my date book and sigh. My heart saddens when I think of how little time I do have remaining in Quincy with my friends and family, but still has some excitement when I ponder what the next year will bring.
Some things I'm looking forward to...
-2 more Thursday nights of Fuel and playing with the worship gang!
-Friday's my last day of substituting (hopefully forever!!)
-Our "Deck Party" on Saturday (praying it all gets finished in time)
-One more week of Monday night sand volleyball at the KofC (we may not win alot, but we have fun)
-Having a cookout at the Rector's house Sunday night and getting to hang with Cameryn - one of the cutest little girls ever!!
-My last Life Group outing with my girls next Wednesday (incredible group of girls whom I will miss dearly).
-The big Gus Macker weekend - who can forget that!
-Two more Sundays of worshipping with family and friends.
-Random and impromtu hang out times with friends and family.
-Lots of hugs:)
-The big move Sunday, May 29! (can't say I'm really looking forward to that right now)
-Meeting at the Welcome Center Monday morning, the 31st at 9:00am to start my internship.
(That's all that is "penciled" in right now...)

In sitting at the Bee last night talking with Ret and Pam, I spoke up about my recent fears and doubts of moving when everything is finally starting to click here in Quincy. Ret asked "so are you wanting people to talk you into staying or going?Cause I can try to talk you into either." Most weak moments I would have begged for justification and reasons to stay (heck, I've been trying to think of any reason), but there's that little voice again telling me "Go...I'm in control...trust me...this is where I've led you and want you for now". So, I shut off my thoughts and try to be still and know He is God.

CCCB Alumni Reunion

The 2005 graduates of Central Christian College received their long-awaited diplomas Friday night and we watched as they gracefully walked across the stage (some praying they wouldn't trip)in their stunning black robes. Being an alumni of what 3 years now, I have sat through some incredibly boring graduation ceremonies in my day, but this year it was done in record time! Praise Jesus! I went to support some of my dear friends, Ricki Bell and Samantha Armstrong. They were part of the freshmen class when I was a senior (cool bunch of kids - my brother John being one of them).

The real party didn't start til afterwards at the receptions, where we raded the food line for some delicious homemade goodies. I fondly remember my dear friends, the Sanchez's, natives of Mexico, who's mom is an incredible cook. They would make some of the most delicious Mexican food you ever tasted! Mmmm...

Well, back to the point of why I am writing...the Alumni Reunion! I ran into a ton of friends I went to school with and here are some of their updates:

-Stan and Misty: have 2 adorable boys now and living in Illinois. They both look fabulous! So good to see them.
-Monte and Amy: no children ;), but are moving to Joplin because of Monte's new job. He will be the new drummer for Foundation Red!! Way to go:) Miss you guys already!
-Scott and Sara: have new little baby boy - way cute!
-Jesse and Julie: have new little baby girl and living in Arizona!
-Caleb: moved to Nashville and doing great with his new job at the Greg Oliver Agency. Look for his CD in a few years:) We're proud of you...just don't forget us!
-Ryan and Kristy: still not engaged!! Don't worry I gave him a hard time:) But other than that seem to be doing good!
-Nate and Anastasia: have two kids now and have a full time ministry.
-Ricki: coming to join the Quincy family at least for awhile since she is now gradgitated. Love ya Ricki...wish I was staying. Thanks for the bed.
-Amber: heading up north again to do an internship with same church. Children's ministry is the way to go, I'm tellin ya!
-Samantha: her and Andy seem to be doing great. Think she is moving to Rolla...good luck!
-Michelle: she is still so cool! Living in Illinois with her parents (I'm there with ya babe - there is light at the end of the tunnel!)
-Jessica (although not present): starring in a play/musical (doing what she was born to do)! Missed her, but excited to be moving alot closer to her in a couple weeks!
-Matt (although not present): now engaged! congrats and blessings:)

I know I probably missed someone...if I did, just leave me a comment and make a fool out of me!

Adoption...What a Beautiful Thing

So, I spent the weekend in Warrensburg, Missouri (former place of ministry), visiting friends from Northside CC. It was a great 24 hours staying with a family I grew very close to while I lived there (The Hunts). Matt and Wini are an incredible couple and in the past 6 years they have adopted four children! Their first was their daughter Hailey, who is now 6 years old and quite the little lady. I went with her to get her hair cut this weekend (absolutely adorable). A couple years ago (the first year I moved to the Burg), they adopted Lacy, who is this spunky little girl that is incredibly full of life and always asking questions. I love her to pieces! She has some ethnic background, can't remember everything, but I know she is part Peruvian (she is dark complected, dark curly hair and simply gorgeous!) Then, about 2 months ago, they got a call saying they had been selected by a family and this time they were getting TWIN BOYS! They had 7 days to get everything ready before the boys would come! Normally, you have 9 months to prepare for something like this, but they got a week. They are saints! They welcomed little Jadon and Garon into their home and let me tell you these boys are bee-u-ti-ful little "mixed" babies! Dark hair and complexion, and blue eyes - they are going to be heart breakers!! Well, I fell in love with them at first sight and spent the weekend holding, feeding and burping them (cause that's basically all they do right now). Wini said in the past week though, they had just started to smile. So I got to see some of their first smiles:) How precious!

But adoption is such an amazing thing. In each case, these wonderful children could have been aborted, but the parents decided they wanted a better life for their children than they could give them...so adoption was the answer. And what a God-story each child has turned out to be! Matt and Wini are phenomenal parents and these four children are now going to grow up in a loving home where they will hear about God everyday and grow to know Him in a personal relationship. They will be surrounded by Christian love and support and never doubt for a moment that they were a mistake. And to be unconditionally loved by parents who are not biological...well, that's priceless!

Makes me think of how our Heavenly Father loves and adores us. How he adopted us into His family and now we are His. In his mind, there is no turning back...He won't give us back...we are stuck with Him forever. How beautiful is that? To be loved by such an incredible and awesome Daddy. Reminds me of and makes me want to sing the song "Abba, Father...I love you, Daddy". Beautiful and simple melody that completely expresses how I feel towards my Father. Fills me with love and gratitude this very moment...I am overwhelmed.

Always Picked Last

Today was Mother's Day and my family got together at Johnson Park to hang out and celebrate. (You know us...we like to have a party for every holiday under the sun!) We had some finger-lickin good chicken and tons of other goodies that were left out to graze by and eat. I played a little tennis and volleyball (got a good workout), but the highlight of the day was the softball game. Now, when it comes to softball and my family...there's no messin around. They are serious ball players to the core, playing every night of the week in different leagues around town.

As Shawna and I were heading over to the field, we were discussing how we were scared to play (or even make mention that we wanted to play for fear of being laughed at). We look at the field and noticed everyone out there already warming up and this is the best part...with their cleats, gloves and all the baseball gear the professionals use. (Mind you this is a fun family get-together). We stroll up, only one of us having a glove (and it was one we borrowed from my mom), wearing our capri pants, cute tops and tennis shoes. We made our way over to an empty spot in the field and started to throw back and forth. I begged my aunt, the captain, not to pick me last cause I always get picked last. She grinned and said "don't you worry!"

So the moment of truth came when every started walking over and they announced that the captains were going to start picking. Well, they picked the boys first and the ones with the "big guns" of course got snatched up in a heart beat. Then, they went to the girls....I waited and waited and waited. Sha got picked and I thought, well, maybe I have a chance? Then, my 5th grade cousins got picked and I thought to myself...."this is humiliating!" At that point, I wanted to walk away with my head between my legs. Then, my aunt Julie said, "Alright, Sara, you're with us." But what she was really thinking was "Crap, we got Sara, you think she'll be okay with being bat girl?" So, I joined my team and went ahead and just placed myself out in right field before anyone had to say anything.

I did okay in the outfield. Didn't get much action, except for when my uncle Matt hit one over the fence and busted someone's windshield...OOPS! They weren't even family members...BIG OOPS! So, we headed in for our turn at bat. I was the 3rd girl to hit...good spot in the line up I guess (I was just thankful they let me hit). I hit a grounder and got on base. And it just got better from there. Every time I got up to bat, I got a hit and got on base...Thank you very much!! I think I was the only one who didn't get an out and to top it off, I scored a run! So much for not wanting me on their team and for being the last pick! HAH! Eat it kids! It felt good...it felt REALLY good. Our team didn't win, but we made a big come back in the last inning from 11-2 and lost only 11-8.

You may be wondering how Shawna survived...she had some great hits and she caught two pop flies to right field (one being John's!!) haha:) Way to go girl!

Funny Kid Stories

So, I was hanging out at the Nobis house last night and after dinner, Loretta and I were talking about people's blogs and the different writing styles of each. During our conversation I came up with an idea for an entry to post...

I substitute teach almost every day of the week, which puts me in contact with a ton of kids. In hanging out with these kids, you pick up some great stories to tell other people. Whether they are hilarious things that the kids do or just my plain stupidity that deserves to be laughed at! So, here are at least the "Top 3 - Funny Kid Stories of 04-05":
(some of you may have heard these already...but they are always fun to revisit)

#3 - This one happened just yesterday in a Kindergarten class. There is a little girl in this class who has more moves than Britney Spears and more attitude than Queen Latifah, and yesterday her mom decides to dress her in a shirt which she tied up in a knot to make it into a haulter top (completely showing her midsection and underwear buldging out of her pants). May I remind you this is a class of 5 and 6 year olds! When I went over to this youngster and talked to her about how this is not appropriate to wear at school, she replied with attitude saying, "Well, my mama said I could wear it like this!" I smiled, sighed and repeated myself as I gently untied the knot and said "Girls don't need to be showing this much skin and we definitely shouldn't be showing our underwear." Case closed!
I moved on to help another table with their math centers. I bent over to help little Johnny with his paper when I hear a faint little voice saying, "Could you please pull up your pants?" I didn't pay much attention, but then I heard it again and then I felt a little tap on my back. "Ms. Mitchell, can you please pull up your pants, I can see your underwear." Now, how humbling and embarassing is that? The one day I forget my belt, thinking I'd be okay with a jacket covering it and the unthinkable happens. A Kindergartner calls me out! To me that's funny stuff:)

#2 - Another Kindergarten story (actually the first day I was ever a K teacher!) It was the first 5 minutes of class, I was taking role and doing the calendar with the kids on the carpet. I asked if "Susie" was here today and everyone said she was in the bathroom. I thought, Okay, no prob! 10 minutes later Susie has not come out of the bathroom, so being a good teacher I decided to go over and check on her. I cracked the door and was greeted by a huge repulsive gust of urine smell and a little girl crying. Her little voice squeaked, "I didn't make it in time." I tried to remain calm, but panic overtook me and I rushed out of the room to the nearest class and completely interrupted the teacher across the hall. Mind you I left my class of Kindergartners alone. I told her the story and she looked at me like I was an idiot and said (in an "I've been a teacher for 20 years" kind of voice) "all you need to do is take her to the nurse"! Great:) How easy is that? I'm over here freaking out, looking like a fool and all I needed to do was send her to the nurse! That teacher still looks at me like I'm an idiot. Oh well! Lesson learned: never question a Kindergartner when they say they have to go to the bathroom.

#1 - Funny how these are all Kindergarten stories - those kids are hilarious! This was a couple months ago at the same school as story #3, but different class. (Can't decide which class is worse at the moment). I was having a horrific day, PMS-ing, no patience, horrible class, the whole nine yards! During free-choice that day, I began coloring with some of the girls and listening to some of their conversations. When one of the girls directed a comment at me...
"Um, Ms. M, Darius was talking bad about you at lunch." (said with all the attitude you can muster) I replied, "Oh, what did Darius say about me?", curious to know. "Um, he called you White Trash!" "Oh, did he?" I said! With the day going like it was, I really didn't think it could get much worse, so the only thing I knew to do was laugh. So I shook my head, sighed and cracked up, "White trash huh?" I thought to myself "You're 5! How in the world do you even know what that means?" I guess I'm just naive. "White Trash"...that's a #1 keeper!