Do I need 'that' virtue?

From this moment on...I will call you...blog friends...(bf's) for short!

I've mentioned this before, but I LOVE the way my shampoo and conditioner smell. I know that's a weird way to open a post, but I'm feeling a little random at the moment! In case you're wondering...in case you even care a little bit...it smells like vanilla mint...!

If you're still reading, bless you, bored much?!

Bridesmaid dresses, TAKS, and grocery shopping were on my agenda for today. It was a perfect Saturday...even the fact that I had to be at the school at 7:30 AM! Trust me, the hardest part was waking up....with no Folgers in my cup by the way! My Mom called to tell me that she found one of her favorite stores, and when I jumped up and down, and exclaimed with her...{yeah right}, she replied, "Jarvis Noelle...I wouldn't trade you for the world"....I'm counting on it Mom!

I could really feel Jesus today! He was close, and trust me, I didn't mind one bit. I couldn't help but pause, and try to hear what was being said. I've been ALL over the place lately, and sometimes, I feel like I'm involved in 50 things, but wonder am I effective in anything. Maybe I should change wonder to worry...sometimes I'm so short with my kids, that I pray that they'll forgive me the next day...they do. They truly are the perfect illustration of Christ...SOMETIMES!

I guess what I'm trying to say is that I just need to do better. Be more intentional, patient, patient, patient...did I mention patient?! I think I'm good at showing grace to those I love, but I need to work on showing grace to those who have wronged me too. Really, I just want to be like Him, and I fear sometimes that I'm not even on the map! Do any of you ever feel that way?

I'm off to 1. dry this hair, and 2. iron my church clothes! So excited about worshipping tomorrow!

I'm trying...

Because I really can't/won't go into details, just know that things around here have been interesting to say the least. I made a decision that one day I just may share with all three of you who read my blog, and I'm certain it was the right one. As of today, I'm sure only one other person on the face of the earth agrees, and she's bound by BFF law.

When I made this decision, it wasn't to be mean spirited, cold-hearted or immature. It was honestly the best decision for me at the time, and one I feel Supported in. However, not everyone is seeing my point of view. The details are still a little too raw for me, and this may be something that remains hidden in the pages of my journal, but I've learned a very important lesson throughout all of this; judgmental people STINK! And to think, that so used to be my struggle....is this how it feels to be on the other side of that sin?

I was sulking to a really good friend of mine today, and her sweet reply was, "don't take it out on me..." (I later received permission to continue my fit...but only for today). My reply, "I'm trying." And I was, but sometimes, when those gates open, how super hard it is for you to close them. I mean, I'm trying to pretend that sticks and stones may break your bones, but words will never hurt...umm....so NO! I'm trying to muster all of the patience I have with my students as we enter TAKS season on Wednesday. I'm trying to pretend that I am becoming more open...that I'm not so closed off, and that I don't break out in hives when I consider being really 'naked' (not literally peeps) with the ones I love. Maybe it's OK for me to be guarded, cautious, skeptical...but geez...it's exhausting. At an attempt to show a little shoulder...I'm trying to pretend that I don't see my 30th birthday turning the corner fast, the look in my Mother's eyes when she holds my cousin's baby...the way she says what she'll do when she becomes a grandmother...more like 'if!' Oh goodness...I'm so trying!

I'm trying to tell myself that one day, I'll be so knee deep in itty bitty baby laundry, spit up, stinky diapers, formula...etc, that I'll long for the nights when I could go home, eat Apple Jacks for dinner, and go straight to bed. I'll long for that girl who could help a friend in need without considering anyone else...who could stay out dancing all night(ok, maybe I'm making this part up)! Who could hang out with her favorite people in the entire world, and not look at the clock to hurry home....but today, I'm that girl that turns the lock on her door and walks into an empty BUT quiet house, or better yet, who is Ms. D to about 154 wild, crazy sophmores. Two of which just stuck their heads in my door for a quick "I love you." SO SWEET!

So as I've written this post, and received a little love, I can gently hear that in this season, I'm not going to get what I want, but what I need. And that's a job I love, friends and family who rock my world, and a single life that is ready to serve...that'll just have to do!

Call me Cranky!!

Tonight, I'm thankful for this arena from which I can stand and WHINE!!! So, I'm warning you now...if you could care less, "X" out of this screen.

I don't feel good! Really! I mean what gives, I take vitamins EVERYDAY for this! I'm annoyed, short-tempered, and impatient today! I hate when I get like this because when I'm cranky, I'm forced to sit down and...think...GASP!!! You may be chuckling right now, and I realize that there's the rebuilding of Haiti, and the genocide in Darfur, but if I can just have my moment, I'll be finished before you know it!

It's not that I despise thinking, I just don't like to dwell on those things that annoy me. Notice how I said annoy...insert make me sad! Oooohhh....I said it...SAD! HA!

I'd like to think that these feelings are here because 1. I only have one working nostril, 2. my house is a mess, and that makes me crazy, 3. I can't think of another one...oh well!

I think the only thing that can help me at this point are french fries...BUT, you guessed it, I'm sick and I don't feel like rising from the couch. Not to mention that I made it home at 2:38 today, and was knocked out by 2:40. I think I woke up around 7ish....it was lovely! And I'm ready for Round II!!!

If you're still here...bless you! I'll be better tomorrow...after I get those fries!

~Nite

A Doozie of a Day turned GREAT!

I try not to have bad days...I feel that life is way to short to mope around for an entire 24 hours, but today was a doozie. Not the entire day, but certainly enough of it. I'll spare you the details, but with the TAKS test 2 weeks from today, this English II teacher is on the edge! I want my kids to do well, and they just don't seem to share my sense of urgency....pray for us ALL!

I know I promised to do a giveaway, and to post pics from my trip to Little Rock, but I'm a little behind on schoolwork...(as I type away on this post)! I promise to do them this weekend, along with laundry, cleaning my home...you don't EVEN want to know, homework, and on top of that, a jam packed weekend schedule! I'm tired just thinking about it! I'm already looking forward to my Sunday afternoon nap!

I will post these pics though. It was one of the highlights of my day! I came home and crashed on the couch.....only to be interrupted by the UPS man! Now, to be honest, I couldn't remember what I had ordered, then...I saw this label...

Excitement set in as I remember my Valentine's gift to myself!

I couldn't wait to lift that little lid...

Oh Tory...how I love thee!!! In case you're wondering...the bestie called me from work to tell me that these beauties were on sale! Great timing and GREAT shoes!

I hope you all have a great Thursday! The kids come late tomorrow, and our girls are playing in the play-offs....pray for them!

It's LOVE Day!

I'm home, and tired, and watching the All Star game with Jonathan, and I have TONS to write about! BUT, you'll have to wait until tomorrow! I also have pics to post!

Happy Valentine's Day!! I had a great day! Hope you did too!

And it starts!

Busy, busy week ahead! On Friday I FINALLY leave for Little Rock to head to the Junior League ODI Leadership Conference! I'm pretty excited about it! I'm hoping to stumble upon some cute shops for accessories, and of course...some good eatin'! So blogland, if you have any suggestions about what to do in LR, let me know....I'd greatly appreciate it!

FYI, I'm staying at the Peabody, so I'm pretty excited about seeing the ducks!

Anyone love Beth Moore like I do? I keep hoping that I'll run into her one day while out and about in town. She came to our Holiday Market last year, and imagine my disappointment when I learned that I missed seeing her....so sad! She's so real, relevant, and has such a heart for Jesus. I honestly couldn't tell you my favorite study by her...I.love.them.all!

Well, she has a new book, and I can't wait to begin reading it! It's called, So Long Insecurity:You've Been a Bad Friend to Us!

I won't be able to start reading it till Friday on the plane, but I thought it would be fun to have my very first giveaway...!!! I'll post all of the details tomorrow!

We'll call it 'A few of my favorite things..' Giveaway!!! Be sure to come back tomorrow evening for all of the detials...you'll want to enter for sure!

Good night ladies! Here's a pic for ya... let me just tell you how HAPPY I am that I will be out of town for Valentine's Day! God bless me! I'm not saying that I get all down and depressed, but it feels good that I'll have something constructive to occupy my mind with! YAY!

April=Alica Keys

I have no idea what picture to post today....I didn't do a thing. I wasn't feeling well AT ALL, but I did manage to pick up a couple of things for my trip to Little Rock for Junior League ODI next weekend.

Can I just tell you how much I love the GAP? It never lets me down. I can always find what I'm looking for in terms of slacks for work, tops, and of course, JEANS! I did find two tops at Stein Mart that I brought home with me too. So it was a good trip overall.

Now I'm back home...in my favorite pj bottoms my cousin Amber gave me at Christmas. They're so soft and comfy...maybe that's what I'll post a pic of...HA!

Oh! I know what I'll post a pic of....guess who the bestie and I get to see in April at the Toyota Center?

I'm pretty excited about it! She's one of my favorite artists! Happy Saturday peeps...catch you tomorrow!

This I Know for SURE!

It's Show us Your Life Friday over at Kelly's blog, and today's topic is Beauty product tips...I'm in my element here....not because I'm Miss America or anything....just because I love taking care of myself!

Skin Care Regimen/Make-up:
EVERY lady should have one. I could hop on a soap box about this one, but I won't. I will say that to not properly cleanse and moisturize your face is asking for wrinkles, blemishes...NO BUENO. Yes, it's a pain in the neck, but so very important! I use Mary Kay TimeWise products. They work for me, and I think I look pretty young for my age (29)! I also use MK make-up!

I've always LOVED wearing make-up. I can remember begging my Mom when I was like 8 to let me wear lipstick...lol! Of course she didn't allow me to wear it until I was in the 9th grade (powder and gloss), BUT, funny story, in the 8th grade, I snuck and put on powder and lipstick for my 8th grade pictures. I totally didn't think about the fact that my parents would eventually SEE the pictures, AND the make-up...can you tell that I wasn't a very good sneak?

I ALWAYS wash my face before going to bed, and in the morning. I NEVER go to bed with make-up on my face! Yes, I use ALL of the above products!

Hair:
I.love.my.CHI! I don't know what I would do without it. I recently discovered that the Farouk plant is literally right down the street from my job/house! How cool is that?! I love how silky the CHI leaves my hair. I also use the CHI oil on my hair to help protect it from the heat.

For my shampoo/conditioner duo, I use Organix Teatree Mint. It smells so good....and minty! I can't help but smell my hair...don't judge me peeps! (I get mine from Ulta)
Body:
I have very dry skin, so unfortunately, I can't use lots of smelly BBW products. For shower gel I use Oil of Olay Moisturizing Winter Relief Body Wash. It has a light vanilla scent, which I love, and it really moisturizes my skin! I just have sensitive skin, and highly fragrant products mess me up! I like to keep my regime simple as possible.

Manicures/Pedicures/Waxing:
Self explanatory. I use OPI nail products! My favorite colors are Bubble Bath and Cherry Blossom. I've also recently discovered OPI Chip Skip! After what seems like forever, I no longer wear acrylic nails. I now prefer a fresh manicured look, so Chip Skip is my friend! It prolongs the polish for about 2 weeks! Definitely worth the $12 investment!

Oh! and those eyebrows....gotta keep those waxed! I'mlooking at trying threading one day....I'll let you know how that goes!

(photos compliments of google)

Youth Ministry curriculum!

I'm way excited about this!!! Can't wait to see this unfold!

Horrible pic taken by Inez the iPhone!

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Simple Pleasures

Kelly over at Kelly's Korner posted about life's simple pleasures a couple of days ago. I've been swamped this week as a result of life and my knack for procrastination, so I'm just now getting around to this. It really doesn't take a lot to please me. In fact, my love languages are quality time, and words of affirmation, followed closely by acts of service, so...I guess you could say I'm cheap...HA!

So, in case you're wondering what floats my boat, or puts a smile on this face...here goes!

*reading a good book while sipping on a glass of sweet tea

*sweet tea...FOR REAL...I.LOVE.IT

*MAIL...LOVE it....not stupid bills, but cards, packages, magazines...catalogs...
*warm towels, socks, and t-shirts from the dryer

*washing clothes...it relaxes me

*my quiet time with Jesus!

*manicures and pedicures

*spending time with my family and close friends....remember...quality time...

*hearing Karmen say "Hey Garbis (Jarvis)...I miss you..."

*when someone really gets me...hard exterior and all...

*Mexican food, and green beans from P.F. Changs

*chips and salsa

*pictures and cute frames...I have a ton in my place...it's borderline ridiculous..

*the thought that one day I'll fall in love, and never fall out....and he'll love God more than me...

*Club InC...my church's youth ministry

*teaching...love my kids, love my job!

*listening to my iPod...I'm a lover of music...

*journaling/blogging...writing is an outlet for me...I think I might want to write a book one day...any suggestions on a topic?

I hope you've enjoyed my simple pleasures....what are yours?

P.S. My blog friend Julie over at BeB is hosting an awesome Valentine's Day giveaway. Click on her name or the cute button to the right to visit her blog, and enter the giveaway!

Pic#3

I love Houston, really I do, but the traffic...no bueno for me! It took me an hour to drive a trip that normally takes 25 minutes. Don't worry...I just sang loud in my car!!! I think I sounded good too! Ha!

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Pic of the Day!

This is what I do sometimes when I'm bored...take pics of myself! Ha! Special effects courtesy of picasa!

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Day 1 Photo

Welcome to my very first photo in my quest to log 365 photos. I know I said I would start this a couple of days ago, but I was waiting for a nice new month...maybe part of my Type A personality...(probably the ONLY thing about me that's Type A..ha).

Here it is....y'all know that I mentioned that I love stationary, cards, ect, and I found the cutest store on-line, called Curly Girl Designs. I ordered a couple of a cards, and a little wall plaque. If you're looking for just the right words, in a unique way...hop on over to her place....you won't be disappointed!

They Get Me!

I stumbled across these thoughts on friendship by George Elliott. Has anyone ever heard of George Elliott? Married to Elisabeth Elliott, author of Passion and Purity. BTW, if you haven't read this book, I suggest you read it...it'll totally change your outlook on 'waiting' for the right one.

I would say that I am lucky, but really...I'm blessed. I have great friends. Just yesterday, on my way home from church, I was thinking about my friends...people I could call when I needed something, and let me tell you...my cup runneth over! I'm not a very open person unless you're 'in the circle.' In fact, this blog is very hard for me. There's always an element of hold backedness....I know that's not a word, but hey, it's my blog...so I can make up words! However, I think this is partly because in my circle of friends, I'm spoiled. I don't have to say much. They catch my looks, scowls, connotations, actions, and know exactly what I am trying to say, many times, when the words won't come. They put up with my sometimes unsolicited advice, erratic thoughts and behaviors, goofiness, silly jokes, quoting lines from every movie I've ever seen, and if they're still around...my insecurities. They put up with a lot people...believe me!!!

On Friendship by George Elliott
Oh the comfort, the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person:
Having neither to weigh thought nor measure words;
But to pour them out just as they are, chaff and grain together,
Knowing that a faithful hand will take and sift them,
Keep what is worth keeping and then
With a breath of kindness, blow the rest away.

I hope you peeps out there in bloggy land have people who make your life that much sweeter! I don't know what I would do without mine!