Merry Christmas

It has been a great day!

God is good!

I am thankful for my family and friends. We had candlelight communion last night and gathered for lunch at mom's today.

Merry Christmas to all and be blessed!

My Today,
Christy

2 Weeks to Rest

I am so glad to have a break. I don't have to go back to work for 2 weeks. Yeah!

Today was Pajamas Day. We had fun in our pj's.

My Today,
Christy

Well I am now 40!

Not so bad!

Had a great day!

My Today,
Christy

Turning Forty

This is my last night as a Thirty Something. I have never given any birthday of mine a second thought. This one has come with alot of thought.

This morning was rough. I was having an ugly day. You know how they are... hair won't do right, zit right between the eyes, try on three outfits and you don't really like any of them. You know... an ugly day. I got over it when I got to work. 5 and 6 year olds don't care what you look like. Not too many years ago I had a sweet little child ask me if it was Horrible Hair Day - I thought I was having a good hair day too.

Tonight my husband threw me a surprise party! It was nice. They had colorful balloons! It was great.

My Today,
Christy

The New Look!

I love my new family room! I let Gary pick the colors and he did good. I was nervous about painting this wall "leafy green", but I am glad I did.

Tonight, I am sitting by my fireplace enjoying our new look.

My Today,
Christy

I hear Santa...

I think my family can rest assured that Santa will be coming to our house. The first coat of paint will finish drying this morning and the second coat will go on this afternoon!

Yeah!!

I was a little worried about the colors at first, but I really like them.

Pics to come after we finish!

My Today,
Christy

Painting!

Finally the wall paper is out of the way in our family room and dining room!

Let the painting begin!

My Today,
Christy

Fun With Friends

Today was great!

I spent time with friends. The children practiced for their Christmas program. I prepared the Jesse Trees for service tomorrow. (only the lights - decorating durning service). Bought a Pack-N-Play for the nursery. Fish fry at Phil and Kim's. Gator- Alabama game at the church. (Go Gators!) Royal Ranger - Missionette Christmas party at Frank and Linda's.

We ate, ate, and ate again!

We have laughed at some great stories too!

Leslie's was my favorite. The picture I have in my mind of getting a 100 pound "chicken" dog out of a jeep. It was raining. She put a wet slippery board ramp against the seat. Grandma standing at the bottom and Leslie trying to pull the dog down the ramp. To hear her tell it was great.

It was a good day.

My today,
Christy

Washing Dishes

If there is one thing I hate to do, it is hand washing dishes. It is the worst. When Gary and I got married he promised to help me with the dishes. He did, he bought me a dishwasher. We lived in a small apartment with a small kitchen, but we figured out how to get a portable dishwasher in it. Looking back it seems crazy. There were only two of us - how much of a mess could we have made?

Well, 20 years later and I still hate doing dishes.

My dishwasher died about 6 months ago. I decided to wait before I bought a new one. It has given my family the opportunity to develop a hate of washing dishes too.

Today was a wonderful day! I got a new dishwasher!

My Today,
Christy

Christmas is coming...

Today Tyler asked, "When are we decorating for Christmas?" I replied, "After I get all of the wallpaper down and paint the living room." My entire family looked at me like I lost my mind! They informed me they wanted a Christmas tree before next year.

Oh ye of little faith.

Maybe having to wait to decorate can be the motivation I need to tackle my wallpaper again.

I hate wallpaper!! When we bought this house it was in every room but 2 and I was in love with it. Feelings do change! I have one more room to finish. Pray for me!

I keep having flashbacks...



I know we can do it...

I think I can, I think I can!

My Today,
Christy

I Love My Daddy!

This week I have had the privilege of spending time with my dad. We ate and shopped. The older I get the more I realize how much I am like my dad. We like to find a good deal. Sometimes you have to buy something just because it is a deal.

We celebrated my upcoming birthday. He was so young when I was born. :-)

We are waiting in the airport to fly home.

It has been a good week.

My Today,
Christy

Let it Snow!

Snowing in Virginia!



It didn't stick to the ground for long, but it was so much fun!!






The weather is so cold!


We are having a blast!



We had to stop and look at the old cemetery...
my families idea of FUN!
Some of the headstones went back to 1842.



My Today,
Christy

Joy can be simple...

Who would have known the City of Ocoee could make a boy so happy?

Today was Careers on Wheels in Kindergarten. The city brought out some very cool machines for the kids to look at. They had a great time, but it was a very cold morning.

One of the trucks was very special to me. The fire truck! The truck that came out was, as Judah says, "Our truck". The guys who responded to Judah's accident. In the past I was able to say thank you to all of the men who worked on Judah, except for one. He was not at the station. Today, I got to meet him and say thanks! As I described that day to refresh his memory, he said "Oh Judah!" He remembered his name.

I love when the firemen come to the school and talk to the kids. I am so thankful for the work they do.



My Today,
Christy

It's Official! He's Done!

What a great day.

He is now Master Pastor... lol

Gary says, "Tag you're it."

Am I ready to go back? Maybe.


My Today,
Christy

Game 2 - Rays Win

The World Series! A great trip!

The Rays won and the family had a great time!

My Today,
Christy

Cute - Cute - Cute

Cradling her arm I heard, "Mrs. Howell my hobo hurts."

"You mean your elbow." (I had to laugh.)

You got to love 'em!
My Today,

Christy

Do hospitals give frequent flier miles?

Well, we were back in the emergency room today. I think Judah likes to see if they have any new machines or medicines.

He needed stitches. Four stitches.

He took an elbow in the eye, while playing football with the neighborhood kids. You can imagine there was a good bit of blood since it was an injury to the face. I stayed calm and he dreaded another trip to the emergency room.

Everything turned out fine.

My Today,
Christy

Student Council

My daughter, Charis, is running for Student Council Secretary. She has been practicing her speech and we made her campaign signs. I am very excited for her. I am surprised that she is going to make a speech - she is so shy. I am proud of her.

The slogans she decided on are...

Two, four, six, eight! Vote for Charis, don't be late!

If you want the best, you have to vote for the best!

Vote Charis for Secretary - I am Charis Howell and I approve this message.

My Today,
Christy

Word of the day...

What is crazy?

That was the question one of my students asked yesterday.

It wasn't the mental type of crazy, but the silly, unbelievable kind.

It fun.

My Today,
Christy

What do you say?

Catchy phrases... where do they come from?

Every decade seems to have some.

Hey Daddy-O!
Gee Wiz
Groovy
Peace
Cool
Awesome Dude
Like Totally
Fly
Sick

What's next?
(New poll - don't forget to vote!)

My Today,
Christy

What makes you tired?

It is weird how some things make you tired and other things don't. I work with kindergartners everyday and sometimes I come home very tired, but for the most part I have enough energy to keep up with them. Yesterday and today I have been DIBELS testing and it made me so tired. You say the same thing over and over again (totally scripted) and after about 30 kids a day, your eyes want to roll back in your head!

Sitting in a waiting room at the hospital is another thing that makes me tired.

Sleeping too long makes me tired.

Wearing a jacket too long makes me tired.

Maybe I'm not normal!?

My Today,
Christy

Dibels

Have you ever been told one thing by one person and the opposite thing by another person? From the same company? It can be very frustrating.

That happened to me today. One said, "Yes, you can use this test." Another said, "No, you cannot use this test." I said, "You have got to be kidding me." This lasted almost all day and I still don't know that the two figured out what we could do.

I went ahead and used it... the question is now ... will it count?

Was it Mr. Owl who once said, "Perhaps the world will never know."


My Today,
Christy

Play it again Sam!

Today I have had a saying run through my head. Over and over again!

"Say it ain't so Joe."

I don't know why but it has a catchy tone and I guess I enjoy hearing it in my head.

Over and over again.

My Today,
Christy

It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown

Fall is in the air. I am enjoying the cool weather in the mornings. It is great to be able to walk out in the mornings and feel the crisp air.

The pumpkins have arrived at the church too. Lots and Lots of pumpkins.

Best of all the Storyteller is coming back... we loved our story last year at school! We are eagerly awaiting it this year!



Could it be Sue?!!

My Today,
Christy

What else don't they understand?

I have a great class this year. We have alot of fun and I forget that many of them are still learning English. For the most part they are all bilingual. They get a kick out of teaching me to speak Spanish and laugh at me when I say words funny. I do however forget that their vocabulary is limited in English.

This morning my students were working and many of them began to talk to each other. So I gave them a little reminder to stay focused on their work. "Ok, get busy." "Boys and girls you need to get busy." After a few reminders, one of my students looked at me and said, "Mrs. Howell what does busy mean?"

Wow! I didn't realize that many of them didn't know what I was talking about. We stopped and talked about "busy". It took me a minute to think about how to describe busy. I showed them how I could be busy and then how not to be busy.

We talked about "busy" all day. One little girl said "Guys do working."

I love my class.

My Today,
Christy

Granny's in the Garage

Back nine years ago my husband's grandmother passed away. She was an amazing woman of God. Everyday she would pray (and I mean PRAY) for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was known as Granny and Big Granny. No other person in this world could make a homemade sweet potato pie like Granny.

Granny loved to go out on her boat, by herself, and fish even though she could not swim. One of her son-in-laws would kid with her and tell her to tie a rope around her waste so if she fell in the lake and drowned, we wouldn't have to drag the whole lake for her body.

Granny lived a long good life. When she died it was hard.

We went up to Sneads, FL for the funeral, saw many friends and family, and returned home to Central Florida.

About two weeks had passed since the funeral, our son Judah came in from the garage. He was about three years old. He announced to everyone that Granny was in the garage. I was confused and for a moment I thought he must have seen someone. I went into the garage, looked around, came back into the house and told Judah no one was in the garage. He assured me that his Big Granny was in the garage.

I took him by the hand and together we went to see Granny.

When we walked in I asked Judah, "Where is Granny?" He pointed at a pile of objects stored in the garage. I was still confused. "Judah, Granny is not out here." "Yes she is." Judah was convinced. "I don't see her", I said. "She is in there," and he pointed.

As I looked at what he was pointing at I realized what he meant. There in front of us was the car top carrier. He thought it was Granny's casket. He thought we had brought her home and stored her in the garage. I don't know how long he thought she had been there. I had to open it an show him we were not keeping Granny in the garage.

My today,
Christy

The Muppets

I loved the Muppets! When I was in high school, I watched them every night. It came on at 7:30 p.m. and I was sitting right there. I loved Pigs in Space. The old guys that would heckle the show were so funny. I would always root for Gonzo when he would try to shot himself out of a cannon. I remember when Ralph would play the piano. Animal and his band were great. Oh! The Swedish Chef was so great! I remember it like this, "Heng borng snorng, Born heng schedo schedo, Heng boar snoar, Heng bork shnork, Heng bork shnork shnork! (With a thick Swedish accent) Today we make a baked chicken. First we need a chicken. Here a chickie, chickie, chickie." And he would chase the poor little chickens around the kitchen.

I'm sure if I do a youtube search I won't have quoted Chef correctly.

I always loved cartoons - Cartoon Saturday! My favorites were Underdog, and Hong Kong Phooey.

That must be why I like working with kids. Kindergarten suits me.

What were your favorites?

My Today,
Christy

90 Years Young

Last night was so much fun. We were privileged to celebrate Gertrude Cale's 90th birthday. Her children honored her and enjoyed an evening with friends and family. There is one thing about this family, they really know how to throw a party. We laughed and joined Gertrude for a dance or two. She has so much energy. When we left at 10:40 pm she was still going.

She gives all women a star to reach for. She is a very classy lady.

My Today,
Christy

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

Our first class movie! We have had a great time reading Chicka Chicka Boom Boom and making Chicka Trees. What a fun class I have!

My Today,
Christy

Cancer

What an awful thing. This week I got some great news and some bad news. First the good news. My friend Tara is in remission! Praise the Lord! She has been through so much with her cancer. I am so glad she got a great report.

Today, my daddy called and let me know that he has cancer. We don't know exactly what that will mean for him. He has some more tests this week and will know more after that. Just pray for him.

My today,
Christy

Run, Run As Fast As You Can

Practice, practice, practice. We know what to do! This was our Tornado Drill. We trust we will never have to use it, but we are ready.

The Gingerbread Man created quite an adventure for us today! Over the long weekend our room took on some water and maintenance had to dry our carpet. We decided the Gingerbread Man must have snuck out when they were not looking. Yesterday, we made Wanted Posters for our hallway. We put out the word he was missing.


Today, the Gingerbread Man left a clue on our door - Walk, walk as quietly as you can, you can't catch me I'm the Gingerbread Man. The hunt was on! We looked in the Clinic, the Music Room, the Playground, and the Media Center. Finally, we found him in our room with Gingerbread Cookies for us! Yum! Yum!

My Today,
Christy

The First Week Of School

I only had three days with my new students this week, but they were great days. It has been very interesting. My students are all from families that speak English as their second language. I teach the ESOL Sheltered class for Kindergarten. Many of them speak their native language at home and only use their English at school. I, on the other hand, speak only English. I speak no Vietnamese, no Portuguese, no Creole, and hardly any Spanish. If I actually tried to use my Spanish I think I would get into trouble for saying the wrong thing - so I don't even try. I am glad my students are not like that. They are brave. Some speak English very well and others don't say much, but they can understand me pretty well. Sign language is a great way for us to communicate. One of the first signs we learned was for the bathroom.

I really think this year has been the best beginning of the year I have ever had. These boys and girls are so smart, fun, sweet, and loving. I am looking forward to having a great year! Hopefully it is back to work on Monday.


We are reading different versions of The Gingerbread Man (The Gingerbread Girl and The Gingerbread Baby). We have our own Gingerbread Man (stuffed doll) in our room so we are making sure to lock the door when we leave so he doesn't go wandering around the school.

My Today,
Christy

Rain, Rain Go Away

Finally! Tropical Storm Fay is headed away! Hey, Hey, Hey, Good-bye!

Leaves and limbs all over my yard, the pool is full of water, but everything is fine! That's what is important.

My Today,
Christy

Here we go again...

Great first day of school. When will our second day begin? It is hurricane time, so who knows. It won't be tomorrow.

My Today,
Christy

Great Commercial

I found it...

I Miss That Commercial

I haven't seen my favorite back to school commercial.  I am very disappointed - I love commercials.  

Picture in your mind...

The family is doing back to school shopping.  The kids are dragging along, while mom and dad are joyously putting school supplies in the buggy.  You hear the cheerful music...

"It's the most wonderful time of the year!"

So funny!  I love it!

Two more days!

My Today,

Christy

New Friends

I met 8 new students today.  They are wonderful children!  I know we will have a great year!  A couple of my students don't speak much English, but we got along great!

It was so nice to have some of my old students come by to see me too!

I went to the killer spin class tonight - so after my long day and a hard workout, I am tired.

My today,

Christy

Remembering Kindergarten

Today I posted my kindergarten class picture on my classroom door.  The year was 1973-74.  I remember my teacher, Mrs. Hollingsworth.  Her husband was my 7th grade band teacher.  I know the names of several of my classmates and even graduated high school with a few of them.  Where does all the time go?  

In 6 days a group of little faces will walk in my room to begin their kindergarten career.  I hope they have as much fun as I did.

I am thinking about the next poll question I am planning to ask, but it will take some work on your part.  The question is "Did you or your mom cry on your first day of kindergarten?"  I know that some of you may not be able to ask your mom, if she has gone to be with Jesus, but see what you can find out or remember.

My today,

Christy

My Class List

I got my class list today.  As I read over it and try to say the last names it reminds me of when my mom was a substitute teacher.  She wrote her name, Mrs. T, on the board.  When she would call roll, she had a hard time with some of the names.  If any of the students poked fun, she would write her whole name on the board for them... Mrs. Throckmorton.  

I am looking forward to my new year.  I have 14 students so far.  Back to work!

My Today,

Christy

It Looked Like Cliff Diving To Me

It is not fair when the family teams up against you.  You see them plotting and whispering.  Then they look at you and giggle.  You know they are up to no good.  Then they share their wonderful idea with you.  Nervous, uneasy, "freaked out" to sum it up.  My sweet family wants to throw themselves off a cliff.  Gary says it is only 20 feet tops.  Charis' feet maybe.  It seemed so high and my babies went crawling up the mountain to jump to the water below.  "Confidence builder", Gary says.  "Scare mom half to death", I say.

My Today,

Christy

55 or Bust

This is amazing never before seen footage!  Make sure you share this incredible sight with all your friends.  It is breath-taking and heart-wrenching at the same time!  Heee-heee-heee!

  

The Lord has been dealing with my speed-racer husband about his driving habits.  He blogged a week or so ago about destressing his life and slowing down.  I am proud to say he is doing a great job.     

My Today,

Christy

To Be Young or To Be Old

When I was young I played with my cousins for hours.  We would ride horses and motorcycles, then go build forts and camp fires.  It was great fun and we have some great memories from those days ... so long ago.  

This weekend my mom's side of the family - the Lenhart's - had our family reunion in Tennessee.  We all met at my Uncle David's house, just outside of Nashville.  He has a wonderful place - 50 acres with rolling hills, a creek, horses, chickens, and even a little fawn.  A great place for my children to ride horses and  four wheelers, then go build forts and camp fires.  

One highlight of the trip was when the old guys (Gary and Kelly) played the youngsters (Tyler and Justin) in volleyball.  The dad's whooped their son's.   There were a few others that played in the game, but when you are as competitive as my family, it is all about father and son and one going down.  

     

We have had a great time.  I love my family!  Even if we are a little crazy.

My Today,

Christy

Take Me Out To The Ball Game

     

                               

What a fun night!  We just got back to our room here in Atlanta.  We meet Gary's mom and dad and went to see the Braves play.  The game was great.  The Braves won 9 to 4 against the Cardinals.  It rained a little bit, but that was OK.  We had a blast!

    

                             

Out of the Mouths of Babes

As a kindergarten teacher, I hear many amazing stories.  You never know what will come out of their mouths.  Tonight I was reminiscing with some friends about when my children were smaller and thought I would share a few funny stories.  

When Judah was about 6 years old, he loved to help at the church.  This particular Sunday it was raining and he had his umbrella, waiting to help people keep dry going to their cars.  He was walking one of his favorite ladies to her car and asked her if she had some chewing gum.  She would always try to keep gum around to share with him.  They were quite fond of each other.  But this particular Sunday she had changed purses and did not have any gum.  She said, "No darling, I don't have any.  I forgot it."  Without skipping a beat he replied, "I might just forget my umbrella next time."  

One hot summer day, our family was visiting some friends.  Tyler was 4 years old.  We stood at the edge of a stocked pond, where the children swam.  On this particular day they had their daughter and son-in-law (an engineer) visiting from Turkey.  This was one of those times when you are really trying to make a good impression.  We were doing a great job too.  Until Tyler, who was standing next to his dad, made an undesirable noise.   Yes, the one you hope never to hear in public.  He passed gas and it was loud.  Without hesitation Tyler threw his dad under the bus.  With a look of shock, this sweet little boy turned to his dad and with a gasp  said, "Daddy?!"  Gary was mortified.  What do you do at that point?  Tyler looked so innocent.  

When children are young they take everything you say literally.  I didn't realize how literally.  When one of our kids would ask to do something and it was not a good time I used the blanket answer, "One day."  So it went something like this...

"Mom, when can we go to Disney?"  "One day."  "Mom, when can we go to Chucky Cheese?"  "One day."   And then the question came... "Mom, when will I die?"  And I answered "Well, one day you will."  This answer upset Judah greatly.  He said, "I can't believe that the day I get to do all of those fun things, I'm going to die."   That would have been one busy day.

 

My Today,

Christy

Fun, Fun, Fun

I am back from the "tour" - all in one piece.  We had so much fun.  

I have to admit - I am getting the school teacher itch.  I have not done school work all summer, but I find myself looking at school supplies, surfing the net to my favorite teacher sites, opening old files, and wanting to go up to school and work in my room.  This is a good thing since I go back to work in two weeks.  The summer has gone by so fast.  I have had so much fun with my family.  

I still have two weeks to squeeze in some more fun.  

My today,

Christy

Memories ... They Can Be Loud

I am on the road making memories with my son.  I am making loud memories with my son. Wednesday night the guys played praise and worship at Sneads Assembly of God.  It was an amazing service.   I was so proud of the band. 

Thursday was spent in the "bus".  We stopped at a music store and that was like taking kids to a candy store.  But they have been so much fun.  One of them bought a harmonica and learned how to play it on the way to Mississippi.  We have laughed the whole way.  

Tonight they play at Pastor Eddie's church.  And tomorrow we head home.

I am ready to get back to Gary - I am homesick.

My today,

Christy

I'm Tired

I finally finished my day.  I actually started yesterday - I painted the bathroom.  It turned out so well that I decided to paint the kitchen too.   I like how they turned out!

Tomorrow morning the "tour bus" pulls out.  Embark on the Day is leading praise and worship at Sneads Assembly in Northwest Florida.  They are very excited.  The next morning we head off to Mississippi.  We are all going to have a great time.

We are building memories.   

My today,

Christy

Life Is But A Vapor

Tonight I went to a viewing.   It is times like these that remind you of how short life is.   January 6th was a terrifying day for my family.  My middle son, Judah, almost died.  He was out riding his bicycle when he crashed.  Three houses away, the brake handle had thrust itself through his groin, piercing through his right femoral vein.  In shock he stood and walked home.  Blood running down the front of his pants, he began to get light headed but made it all the way home.  Walking through the garage leaving a trail of blood behind him.  His face was gray.  He didn't yell.  He didn't cry.  He simply said "Mom, I don't feel too good."  I screamed for my husband.  It was so unreal.  I prayed.  We all prayed.  He lost so much blood.  I knew it was bad when the paramedics began talking about life-flighting him.  I had never seen so much blood in my life.  It was all over the floor, it was even on the ceiling.  

I can never express enough gratitude to the people who helped me that day.  Who helped my son.   Eugene, my neighbor, helped my husband stop the bleeding as best as they could until the fire department arrived.  After we left for the hospital, he stayed and cleaned up the blood.  Sandy and Susan cleaned up too.   When I walked out of my house it looked like a murder scene.  You would have thought there was no way someone survived.  Deanne drove me to the hospital - I was in no condition to drive.  Engine 25 from the Ocoee Fire Department arrived first.  We have been back to the firehouse to thank them.  It was a great experience.  The hospital, Arnold Palmer Children's Hospital, was the best!  I can never say enough good about the staff there.  His vascular surgeon, Dr. Charles Thompson, was amazing.  He repaired his vein by taking part of one of his other veins and patching the femoral vein.  

Judah spent a week in Arnold Palmer.  There are so many other people who touched our lives during that time.  I appreciate all of them.

It made me realize that life is but a vapor.  It can be 

gone in a moment.  I am glad our lives are in the hands of God.  He has a purpose for Judah.  It was not his time to go.  I am so thankful.  

It has been 6 months and he is doing great.  He will always have issues to deal with because of the accident, but over all they are minor aches and pains.  This picture is of Judah and his ICU Nurse.  She was great!

Make sure you hug the ones you love.  Cherish your time.

My today,

Christy

 

Enjoying My Summer

I love summer.  I like the hot weather that Florida has to offer.  I love the beach.  I love my pool.  I love to be warm.  

I love my job because I get the summer off.  I am a kindergarten teacher.  Teaching is a great job for me.  I work 10 months take 2 months off and then I am ready to go back to work.  The summer breathes new life into me - it refreshes me.  

So what am I doing to get rejuvenated?  This summer I am spending more time with my family.  We are taking trips and playing board games.  This is the first summer I have made the decision not to work (teachers have a habit of working when they don't get paid).  I don't have any continuing education classes or workshops and I am not going to school to work in my room.  Instead I am reading books - novels - not Dr. Suess, Fluffy, If You Give A Mouse A Cookie, not even Junie B.  can you imagine?  I have finished House, Thr3e, and about to finish Obsessed by Ted Dekker.  

I have some projects around the house.  This week I plan to paint the bathroom.  Then I am taking my oldest son on a road trip with his band.  They play in Northwest Florida and then in Mississippi.  I guess I will "drive the bus" and keep the groupies away.  We are making memories.  He is 17 and will be out of the house and off to college before I know it.  

By the time this summer is over I will be so ready to go back to work.

My today,

Christy Howell