What I have learned in the place where I live...

I moved to Rosedale this past summer after growing up in beautiful, eclectic, and unique downtown Bakersfield (laugh away at my adjectives you non-Bakersfield readers), and what I have learned has been astonishing. As I sit in my bed writing this, my education about this west part of town has been increasing...at this very moment.

Facts about Rosedale:

1. It is true. Everyone drives a mini-van.

2. Police officers live at every other house. There are two police cars parked at the entrance of my neighborhood and I laugh every time I drive by there; the cars are never gone. Do the cops even work?

3. There are dogs and cats absolutely everywhere. They bark. They meow. They sit at your doorstep. They try and enter your house. They run through your backyard. They get hit by cars. They chase. They growl. They trip their owners while on a walk (sad to witness that one).

4. There are solicitors that come by ALL THE TIME. While on a run one day, I saw a sign taped on someone's door that read, "No Soliciting." It made me laugh. Who would tape that tacky piece of paper on their door? But then I learned....now I don't blame them! It seems like every other day, a new group comes by, either offering bibles or the perfect stain remover to get that black stain behind me out of the carpet.

5. It feels like it's SO far away from the rest of the world. Maybe times are changing, but if I ever want to drive to "town" I want to pack a suitcase just in case I don't make it home that night.

6. Most people who live in these houses are the typical American family...2.5 children, 1 dog, a mini van, soccer games every Saturday, on and on. Not that I am ragging on the American family, but where is the diversity?

7. Christmas decorations are out of this world.

8. The fog is pretty thick.

9. Every other house is the exact same. I would say there's no character here, but that may be offensive.

With all that said, Rosedale is not my favorite place; I would prefer living somewhere else. But on the flip side, I live conveniently close to work (as close as you can get at least) and I live with some sweet, fun, caring, and joyful roommates who always do the dishes.

little white house and lots of prayer.

There's this little white house I drive by every day to and from work. There are no other houses that surround it. I have never seen anyone outside of it and I have always wondered who lives in it. The house is beaten up. The walls look like they may fall down any day now. The grass is dirt. There is a metal swing set in front...with no swings. There is one tree. And I think that is about it. I drive so fast past that house and always, I mean always, wonder who lives there.....

....a few weeks ago....I discovered it was one of my student's. He lives there.

.....a few weeks ago.......I began to pray. I began to ask myself why I went to work everyday and why I drove past that beaten up white house everyday. I was drifting from the idea that I am at this school for my students and falling into the trap of getting my job done...almost feeling as though I am teaching in an empty room. I forgot these kids are MY students and they are REAL and I am there for THEM.

Teaching has been tiring. I feel like a failure everyday I leave that campus and drive the long trek home. I was mad at myself because I felt like I was not working on my relationship with my students. But then I began to pray that God would put a desire on my heart to love these kids with a love they have never received before. I asked Him to give me certain kids who had lives that you only see in awful, made up movies. I asked Him to give me patience. I asked Him to remind me everyday why I drive that long trek past that beat up white house.

My prayers have been answered. This past week has been incredible. I can't describe the love I have for my students and how I got it. There is no description but the Holy Spirit inside of me, guiding me, giving me the words to say, and ultimately loving these kids. He's answered those prayers. I drive past that house each day, pray for my day, pray for my students, and pray for that little one living in the house.

Just yesterday, one of my toughest students, who I do not get along with to say the LEAST, approached me with this statement: "School is cool, but even cooler because you are my teacher."

That's why I drive that long drive past that white house everyday. But thank GOD tomorrow is Friday. :-)

up again.

I'm up and running again. We'll see how long this lasts.

A few weeks ago, I decided to once again start blogging. Mostly because I wanted to have a safe place to share my experiences in my first year of teaching. By safe, I mean a place that I know my thoughts will be there when I sign back in. The few weeks went by and I did nothing to make my dreams become a reality...

...it wasn't until I began to read the book, Cold Tangerines by Shauna Niequist. I was given the book by a good friend who had also given me another one of her books awhile back that I could not put down. To no one's surprise, I can't put this one down either. I love it. I love the way Shauna shares her experiences. It is literally like reading someone's blog and not wanting to stop. As I read each chapter, I kept telling myself that I have got to start blogging again. So finally...I sit in my bed, the new Phil Wickham CD softly playing in the background (very good, but just like his others FYI), the window open with the cool Fall breeze running into my room, and the thought running through my head that I need to close my computer and go to bed. I have an early morning tomorrow. And a busy week. Lord knows my students do not want to see me grumpy. We've already discussed it.

Tomorrow begins Week 8 (or 9, I'm not sure) of school. I cannot believe how quickly these first two months have flown by. The weeks have been fun, exciting, tiring, stressful, overwhelming, rewarding, tough, and worth it all. I love my students, love the people I work with, and love the place I am at...which makes up for all the stress pimples I get on a weekly basis. Here's to another week full of surprises and many learning experiences. Not just for my students. Mostly for me.

call me an intellectual nerd.

I am totally okay with that.

Lately, I have been reading books. And lots of them. It is most likely due to the fact that since Borders is going out of business, I spend lots of time and money there buying these incredible books that I can't wait to read. The last one I just read was Prodigal God by Tim Keller, a must read if you want to know all about the "other" brother. It's a short read, small book with big letters and lots of spaces. That is my kind of book.

Before that book, I read Radical by (I forget) while I was in Mexico. I highly do not recommend that book if you are on vacation at an all inclusive resort. You will leave feeling very spoiled and guilty for the vacation you thought you would greatly enjoy. Read it and you will competely understand.

Currently, I am reading Letters to a Young Teacher, which is just okay, but very encouraging as I begin a brand new year next year. This is the kind of book you can just pick up and read little bits at a time when you feel like it. I really like those kinds of books.

Along with that book, my true nerdiness is beginning to shine. Teach Like a Champ is what I read when I bask in the sun on a warm, bright day. The title says it all. Most girls read these Karen Kingsbury novels, books that make them cry...the list can go on, but I am not that kind of girl right now. I am the kind of nerdy girl who is reading lots of books, constantly writing intriguing quotes in my journal, and beginning to watch the Real Hosewives less and less.

Who knows how long this will last, but for now, I will continue to read these books, make frequent stops to Borders as they lower prices everyday, and watch the crazy moms on Real Housewives every so often when I get a chance. Like I said, I am totally okay with that.

my sweet bargains.

I am all about the bargains these days. I have always wanted to be a true bargain shopper, but never took the time to educate myself, set aside a good part of my day, and actually bargain. But those days are over and I have an empty classroom with not much dinero to fill it with.

And that is okay...because I am now a certified bargain shopper.

Today, I went to a "Junkster" sale...so it was called. It happened to be at my old elementary down the street from my house. My sister and I trotted down to the school in our "workout" clothes only to be asked by my dad on the way out, "You're wearing that? You are representing the Pierce family now, you know." Oh please Pop. I said no more and headed for the door.

This "Junkster" sale gave me three filled grocery bags of BOOKS. I was thrilled. I immediately began grabbing as many books as I could see in sight. I figured the seller would sale them for a dollar or so. Not too bad. When I asked her how much they cost....a quarter. That is IT. Just a quarter. 25 cents for chapter books that will work perfectly in my classroom.

I walked away with 40 books today. Not bad.

Another bargain came last week when GW School Supply held a yard sale. Can't be any more perfect than that. Teachers selling their old things to me, a brand new teacher who has no idea what she is doing. I once again grabbed as much as I could and thought would be useful in my classroom. Although I did find many bargains, some of those teachers were STINGY. And by that I mean, when I tried to bargain, they would not budge. Please, their stuff wasn't THAT great.

That is my hunt this summer. Find yard sales and great deals at local stores. I want to be able to say that everything I found for my classroom was bought at a very inexpensive price.

....let the hunt begin...

Three tacos, a margarita on the rocks, and a bowl of ice cream later....

......I'm full and ready to blog.

These past few weeks have been...whoooo....hoooo.....CRAZY. As I look back at the past years, April and May seem to always be the craziest months out of the year. These past two months of this year have been nothing but crazy. So the trend continues on.

With all that said, what attributes to this crazy time is the fact that God answered my prayers in a way that I can do nothing but thank Him, praise Him, and fear Him more and more each day.

My one prayer request this past year has been answered. I was offered a teaching job.

Beginning in August 2011, I will open my classroom door to 24 fourth and fifth grade students. Man, am I excited!! I have never been more excited actually. When I got the phone call, I screamed, could not stop shaking, and yes, I began to cry. It truly is an answer to prayer and I can do nothing but give the glory to God.

Now the fun begins. I have a blank slate for a classroom, no money to fill that space up.......but I do have lots of energy! Let the fun times, the hard work (the very hard work), and the chance to be a light in little ones lives begin....

pray.

I think prayer is such a simple task, yet hard to accomplish...for me at least. I can pray. I will pray. But I don't always believe what I pray. I am like the father in Mark with the sick daughter and Jesus tells him to believe. The father replies...."I do believe, but help my unbelief." I am that Father. I can sit and pray. That's easy, but I don't always believe that what I pray will transpire.

This leads me to the prayer that I have been praying for over a year now. I want a teaching job. I am ready for one. I feel prepared. I am excited. I am willing. I know God has this specific place for me. A specific classroom with the name "Miss Pierce" inscribed on a wooden block placed perfectly in the center of my old, antique looking wooden desk right next to the apple a student brought me last week. So I not only pray for the opportunity to have that teaching job this year, but I pray for His Will to be done.

Now it's time to believe all that I pray. I have an interview this coming Monday at a school I would LOVE to teach at. It is exactly the kind of place I want to be. I pray for it and I ask you to pray for it as well. I want the job...I get the chills just thinking that I may possibly have this opportunity.

God plainly tells us that He answers our prayers when we ask. So why I don't believe that, who knows. But it is time to start believing what I pray. Sit back and watch the Lord provide.

"To the faithful, He shows Himself faithful..." -Psalm 18:25

me gusta Cancun.

I have decided to stop posting albums on Facebook. It may be because I don't feel like I need to share so much of my personal life with the facebook world. Or it could be because I already spend too much time on there as it is. Making an album would just add to that. Or it may even be because I am getting more mature, more wise, more sophisticated and I want to save all the cool pictures for my blog. Who knows what the case may be, but with all that said, I sit here writing with itchy, peeling skin because I just got home from Cancun. It was a trip with the family to celebrate some major met goals, and boy, did we celebrate. We celebrated so much that we all came home with Montezuma's Revenge. For those of you who do not know what that is, look it up. It's real. Trust me.

The trip began with an early morning flight. We arrived at our resort to be handed glasses of champagne while our bags were personally delivered to our room. That's when the trip began....

The lobby.

After we settled in, we went to the first meal of the trip. A delicious meal overlooking the ocean. And after that, we found out that room service will give you anything you want. In that case, we took them up on the offer. Midnight rolled around. Teddi and I made a phone call. A cheeseburger, french fries, and delicious taquitos were delivered to our room.

A typical day in the life of a Pierce on vacation looked like this: Wake up, take a short run on the beach, either order room service or go to a restaurant for breakfast, lay out, lay out, get a drink, lay out, read, lay out, take a nap, each lunch, take a nap, lay out, get a drink, maybe take another nap while laying out and then finally head inside. Boy, did the days wear me out.

Nights were always fun. We would dress up and head to one of the six restaurants they had at the resort. Every place would serve at least a four course meal that was to DIE FOR. A few times I really thought I died and gone to heaven.

A few excursions were penciled in...if you count snorkeling, traveling to a town, and going to the spa. But when we weren't doing those things, we were either eating, sleeping, or tanning. It was great.

Thanks to Megan for getting her Master's. Thanks to Doug for passing his CPA exams, and thanks to me for graduating college (in four years with my credential thank you very much). Without these accomplishments and of course, my parents for giving us this vacation, it would not be possible. As they always say, "This trip deserves to be in a photo book."

His will.

I have to say that this is the year in which I have learned that God's will is not only the best for me, but it will be done. I can't begin to think of all the things I tried to do, whether that be moving away, finding a full time teaching job, and even the little things....when they were not in God's will, they did not get done.

At first, I was frustrated and kept asking God, "why, why why?" Then my mindset began to change. I really began to learn about God's will. I threw my hands back and said, "Alright God, you know what is best for me. I will do my part. I will do what I am called to do and let You work everything else out."

And that is exactly what He has done. When I sat back and actually let Him guide my life, I began to see all He is doing and all the good that comes from it. He really does know what is best. And when we sit back and let Him actually work, man, He does a lot. The best part of it all....it is good.

When I begin to feel discouraged, overwhelmed, or discontent I remind myself that...

-His Will will be done in my life.

-His Will is what is best for me.

-He is sovereign.

-He is faithful.

I will sit back and let Him be the driver of me and not the other way around. Because Lord knows I am one horrible driver who never pays attention, never follows rules, and believes I can text and drive at the same time.

"Our Father in heaven

hallowed be your name.

Your kingdom come,

Your will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven...."

..........

...some interesting things I have either been learning,

discovering, or thinking about lately....

1. Hulu now charges $7.99 a month to watch their shows! So much for trying to watch Teen Mom 2.

2. Redbox has an app. You can find the closest Redbox to you and even see what movies that box has. Are we in the 21st century or what!

3. Tupman, CA is really a town. Smallest town I have ever seen.

4. When I was in Kenya, we had to hand wash all our clothes which was a difficult and time consuming process. Apparently, we weren't very good at it......... if we were, the kids would not have taken over and given us dirty looks. So anyways, I think it is so crazy that all I do here in America is literally throw my clothes into this huge metal machine, pour some soap in a dispenser, push some buttons and an hour later, my clothes are fresh and clean.

5. 89,000 avocadors are used on a daily basis at Chipotle.

6. CSUB is in fact run by the state...according to the police officer who pulled me over at 6:30am.

7. Starbucks offers ceramic mugs to those who are drinking their coffee in the store. Now I don't have to feel so bad about throwing away my paper sleeve. I do wonder how many people sink out of the store with their mugs....

8. Kids are getting worse and worse these days. It really makes me so sad...for a few reasons. One: I signed up to be their teacher. Two: My own children will be home schooled, sheltered, loners because I will not allow them out into the crazy real world. And I told myself I would never home school my kids.

9. April is right around the corner and I will be gone 13 days out of the 30. Ohhh my. I literally just realized that.

things.

....things I do....and things I don't do....

-I pick my split ends. Way too much. My mom tells me my hair is going to completely fall out one of these days.

-I press snooze too many times. They say that if you place your alarm on the other side of the room, it will force you to get up. Not that I have ever done that, but one of my old roommates did and it never worked for her. If it didn't work for her, it ain't gonna work for me.

-I pick my nails when I am nervous. That's why I keep them short.

-I cook. And I've been getting pretty good at it if I do say so myself. My mom recently began cooking these crazy meals...she told my dad she has a tough competitor.

-I comment about EVERYTHING. Sometimes funny. Sometimes honest. Sometimes dumb. But I always have a comment. I am a woman of many words.

-I look at expensive clothing store websites and try to mimic the model's clothing. The only difference is that my clothes come from Target, Old Navy and TJ Maxx and theirs is expensive.

-I drive fast. I have always wanted to be a race car driver so I pretend like I am one.

-I do not sit on public toilet seats. Although research has shown that the toilet seat is the cleanest part of the bathroom, that's just gross. I don't want someone else's butt to come into contact with my own.

-I do not touch cats. No comment.

-I do not bake. Too many times have I messed up recipes and ruined what could have been a little piece of heaven. I have given up on all baking. Plus Panera Bread's anything is amazing.

-I do not like to read instructions. Of any kind. This is the part of my personality...I do not like to be told what to do. I want to figure it out on my own.

-I do not drive more than 5 miles when my empty light is on. I give everyone a hard time for running out of gas so I can never be the one to do it.

-I do not leave the house without my Aquafor. For you non-aquafor users out there, Aquafor is a vasaline like chapstick but 100 times better than vasaline.

-I do not like to sharpen pencils. As a teacher, I feel like sometimes that is all I do and I hate it. The sharpeners always ruin the pencil and I stand there for 5 minutes trying to fix it.

Of course I have more things I like to do and more things I do not like to do. I just can't think of them right now.

time to...

start blogging again!

I can't believe I let it go so many months without updating something I really love. Really, it's something I really love to do.

I was re-inspired to start writing again when I began reading this book, Bittersweet. The author writes about her life and the struggles she faced during a time of transition. She is such a creative writer in sharing her thoughts, and I said to myself, "It's time. It's time to start this blog up again." I was inspired.

So here goes nothing. I'll write my thoughts, whether they be funny, sad, profound, insightful, silly, crazy, boring, or anything. I'll write them down and you can read 'em. Hope you enjoy.

Reflect.

Thinking of the year 2010 brings back many, many memories. As I sit with some hot cocoa on my velvet salmon colored hand-me-down chair (very cute I must say), I reflect on the many things that happened this past year. And there was a lot. Years go by so quickly, but so much happens in each of them. Year 2010 has been a year of adventure, change, growth, and new experiences. This year stands out compared to the rest...we'll see if 2011 does the same...

-JANUARY-

Month 1 is tough to beat. A few days after the new year, I embarked across the country to Kenya with a team of 9 others from Biola. Safe to say this month was life changing as well as a great beginning to the new year. I came home with a new outlook on life as well as a passion and confirmation that I want to be a teacher.

-FEBRUARY-

The first day of month 2, I found myself getting up rather early for my first last day of school. Instead of riding my bike to Biola like I did the semester before, I grabbed a cup of coffee, gathered my teaching supplies, and headed to a brand new elementary school to start student teaching. I was definitely nervous. Everything was going to be so new. Instead of seeing friends during lunch time, I would be sitting in a teacher's lounge with new faces. I liked to call myself a real "adult" during this month.

With all that said, this experience was phenomenal and confirming that God's timing and placing is divine.

-MARCH-

Not too much rings a bell for month 3, but what does come to mind is this...

My housemates and I loved to pull pranks on each other. Every chance we got, a prank would be pulled. This one particular prank, though, stands out. It was a Sunday night. Friends were over, but not too many housemates. My roommate and I thought it would be really funny to take Rachel's (housemate victim) clothes...ALL of them...and hide them. We did and we left. Rachel came home to find an empty closet.

A few hours later, we come back. I noticed my bed side lamp was out in the living room. I thought it was kind of funny, but didn't think much of it. Later, I went into my room to put something away to find that the two beds that used to be in my room were GONE. I screamed and began laughing. We ran outside searching frantically for our beds, but they never turned up. It was not until almost 1am that Rachel, the housemate victim, returned our beds.

14522 Biola Ave holds so many memories.

-APRIL-

Month 4 was a very busy month. It began with Easter at my aunt's house in Santa Ynez, then I was home for a week to spend time with my family and relax. Teddi's prom just happened to be the week I was home, so I got to take lots and lots of pictures of her and actually see her all dressed up in person!

Another weekend was spent throwing a bridal shower for my cousin that was put together by myself and the bride's sister-in-law. I'll be honest, though, I really didn't do much planning.

Probably the best weekend of month 4, though, was celebrating my golden birthday on the 22nd! A big group of my girlfriends and I got together and went out to dinner. It was so much fun to have friends all the way back from freshmen year around one table...one friend coming all the way from Missouri. :-)

-MAY-

Month 5 was a staple month...because...I graduated! It was a busy month of hanging out with friends, staying up late and getting up early, and lots of last minute run arounds so I could walk across the stage. It was the last full month of sleeping in our house and the last full month of making sweet memories at Biola. Month 5 was bittersweet, more bitter because I was not ready to move on.

-JUNE-

Month 6 brought about many changes. I moved out of our house, cried like a baby, and moved all my things home. I really didn't know what the future held at that time and remember the reality of needing to make decisions set in. It was a tough month, to say the least. I felt like I had so much on my mind that needed to be taken care of, but I was not ready for it.

After being a nomad in LA for...just a week...I officially moved home and began packing two suitcases hoping I could get them under 50 pounds...

-JULY-

I got on a plane in California and got off in Colorado. For a part of the summer, I lived in Estes Park and worked at Camp Timberline. It was a GREAT summer where many memories were made. I was a camp counselor and basketball coach to some pretty awesome kids. Not only did the campers grow, but I myself, grew and learned so much.

Special Event- I was a bridesmaid in my cousin's wedding. :-)

-AUGUST-

Well, if I controlled my life with my nut sized brain, I would be living in Indonesia, teaching at a school right now. But at the end of July, I found out that my plans fell through, God shut that door, and when the end of camp came in month 8, I really had no idea what I was going to do.

I came home and began planning where I could live. After much searching and planning, God (again) shut the door of what I thought I was going to do and I decided to live permanently at home until I found something that could work out.

-SEPTEMBER-

Month 9 was a month full of changes (once again). Now that I think of it, I feel like every month is full of changes. After searching what feels like forever for a full time teaching job and not finding a single one to even apply for, I started to substitute teach, something I was not looking forward to.

By the end of month 9, I was finally cleared to sub and found out that it wasn't so bad after all. I was feeling a bit down with everything that had happened in the months past and when I got to do something I love, my spirits were lifted and still are to this day.

Special event: My close friend from high school got married this month. :-)

-OCTOBER-

Month 10 was another busy month, a very good month. I began working full time substitute teaching and got to know a few schools very well. I now work at these most days rather than going to a new school each day (I actually feel like I know people now!).

Every weekend seemed to be filled with out of town events, putting miles on my car and pictures on my camera.

-NOVEMBER-

I'll be honest. Not too much sticks out in month 11. Thanksgiving. Family time. Working. Thinking of what is next.

-DECEMBER-

Who doesn't say that the month of December isn't busy for them??? It sure was for me. Beside Christmas gatherings, what sticks out the most for me is....I bought my first car! And my last until I pay this puppy off. Now I am learning what it means to be an adult.

I also worked down in LA for two weeks, lived in Marina Del Rey and commuted East every morning. Those poor LAers that do that every morning. I would be a reck if that was me; traffic is awful! On the bright side, I got to hang out with many friends every day!

***

It was a jam packed year that I will remember for a very, very long time. As I reflect, I am reminded how blessed I truly am in the midst of these changing times. I have learned how God is sovereign. He is good. He is faithful. And I will put my hope in Him.

"The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease.

Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself,

'The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in Him!'"

-Lamentations 3:22-24

Bring it on 2011.

little lamis.

One of my best friends, Dustin, and I, sponsor a little girl from Lebanon.

Name: Lamis

Age: 2

Born: April 24th. (That is two days after my birthday and two days before Dustin's. And yes, that is mostly why we picked little Lamis. We like to think of it as a divine appointment.)

Interests: Play with her toys. Helps at home by being good. (That is my girl!)

A few days ago, Lamis sent us a letter! Of course, she didn't actually write it because she is only two, but her writer said this. "Her parent very happy to have a friend for Lamis from a far country."

I got chills after reading this. It is so easy to make my monthly donation and go on with my life here that I forget what I am actually doing. Little Lamis now has two friends from a far country and I, myself, have a new friend from a far country. It can't get much better than that.

It is my dream and goal to continue supporting Lamis until she can support herself. It will probably be another 16 years that I get the opportunity to build a foundation for this little girl. 16 years is a LONG time and I can't wait to continue receiving letters from Lamis as she grows and have the chance to be a part of her life.

It is also my dream to visit her in Lebanon one day. But...there's a BUT. I don't keep up on my international news much, but Lebanon is not a safe place to go, especially if you are a Christian. The Christians and the other religious practices do not get along. I heard that one of the head guys at World Vision traveled to Lebanon and returned home, unexpectedly, very late. He was kidnapped and put into jail. So, this dream may have to wait a bit.

College.

It doesn't prepare you for much. You may come out educated in your field of study.

But...

You won't know how to balance a check book.

You won't know how to manage your money.

You won't know how to compose yourself during scary job interviews.

You won't know how to dress like a professional. You just got out of a place where dressing up was rare.

You won't know what it means to have a "9-5" schedule.

You won't have very many friends like you are used to.

You won't want to stay up late anymore. It's not cool.

You're Friday nights are shot. That work week sure did wear you out.

Hanging out with your parents all of a sudden becomes kind of fun.

Your weekend doesn't start on a Thursday night.

You won't be able to have anymore coffee dates anytime during the day. Remember, you now work during normal business hours.

You will think you can conquer the world three hours after you grab your diploma. That's a lie. We have to start at the bottom of the totem pole.

However...

College does present you with a few positive things.

Your independence.

Your own faith and dependence on something greater than yourself and your parents.

New friends. New places. New experiences.

And lots of fun.

I wouldn't change anything.

Today.

Today I miss.........

THIS.

Probably because today's church service involved a speaker from Africa.

I want to relive the moments I had during the time I spent in Kenya. What I would give to go back to that place....

Brilliance.

My mother is a genius. There is more behind her than wanting to get on a bike and ride 100 miles or wake up at 4:30am to run 8 miles. Although she really loves to do that (who knows why), while not on her bike or wearing out her running shoes, she does have some creative ideas to room decorating. Not that I ever doubted she had this ability, but it really came out today.

Teddi and I both didn't know what to do with the many scarves that occupy our rooms. When thinking about it, I probably don't need that many scarves, but I will admit, I am addicted. We asked Mom what we could do with them and she came up with this brilliant idea. Buy curtain rods and place them over your windows. Hang the scarves to look like curtains. That way the scarves serve two purposes. And I LOVE it. Way to go Mom. I knew you'd pull through :-)

Happy fall.

I made Apple Cinnamon muffins and was really excited about it. They sounded so good on a fall day. I got a good deal on the muffin box. 99 cents from the discounted grocery store in ghetto Bakersfield. I found this place thanks to my mom. She shops there all the time purchasing the basics. The discounted store carries items that are damaged and close to their expiration date. And my mom shops there. Usually those who shop at this store are struggling families on food stamps and my mom goes there. She loads up every time too. I often have to remind her that she needs to leave some food for the struggling people out there. Rarely does she listen to me.

So. I baked these muffins. As I was taking out the ingredients, the mix smelled a little strange. I looked at the expiration date. 05/10. That's what I get for shopping at discounted grocery stores I guess. But, I decided to keep going and see how they would turn out. Not so good.

I got everyone in my family to try them. So maybe I lied to get them to taste it. They fell for it. They thought they were pretty gross. At first it was blamed on my baking skills, but I was quick to say that they expired 6 months ago. I was in the clear.

On the bright side, I got new Biolage shampoo for 6 dollars. Target sells it for 20.

Oh Max.

Max Lucado is one cool guy. And I say that because I met him. I would say we are pretty good friends now, but I don't want to push it. I got to meet Max at a concert held for World Vision a few weeks ago. Not only was it a good concert, but I felt so cool! I got a back stage pass to "hang out." No, I will not tell you how I got that pass, but I felt pretty cool wearing it.

When Max began to speak, he kept saying how beautiful Bakersfield was. He couldn't get over how many pretty trees we had and how nice the people were. I love Max. Pretty much for that reason. I was contemplating if I should bring my camera or not, but declined...I would get star struck by all the artists that I would probably make a fool of myself. Therefore, I have no pictures to prove that in fact, I was there.

All this to say.....I got one of Max's books called Out Love Your Life. I just started reading it and love it! A little convicting, but I think we need that in our lives. I am still at the beginning of the book, but it's deep. And really good. We are ordinary people who are made to do extraordinary things. Thinking of God's disciples, they were not great theologians..."Before Jesus came along, the disciples were loading trucks, coaching soccer, and selling Slurpee drinks at the convenience store. Their collars were blue and their hands were calloused, and there is no evidence that Jesus chose them because they were smarter or nice than the guy next door. The one thing they had going for them was a willingness to take a step when Jesus said, 'Follow me.'"

Good. Convicting. Creative. Pretty darn humorous. All Jesus wants us to do is follow Him no matter the kind of person we are. God tends to use those who think they are least prepared. I am one of those.

To top off the night, I received the book for FREE. Want to know how you can? Begin sponsoring a World Vision child and you can have your own. Your own book. And your own kid.

Two birds. One stone.

My camera is getting dusty and it's embarrassing. I want to be taking more pictures! I figured since I have been frequently visiting the homes of others and taking care of their children, why not work a little on my photography? Why not kills those two birds with only one stone?

I babysat for this family last week. I decided that as much as I love boys, I really enjoy babysitting the girls...they are the ones that get most excited about having dance parties.

We danced a bit. Painted a little. And even snuck a piece of gum when we weren't supposed to.

Meet Renee.

4 years old.

Looking to make her joy complete by laughing all the way until bed time.

Meet Lily.

7 years old.

Looking for someone to "boss around" (Only coming from her sister).

My paintings thank you very much.

Too bad we couldn't have spent more time together...