YIKES! It's been Three Months Since I Last Blogged!

I know. I know. It has been way too long since I last posted. I can sum up the reason in on word...FACEBOOK! It is so much easier to update a status rather that rant and rave in a blog. But I am not willing to let go of the practice of blogging, mainly because I can link my blog to the news reader on Facebook . So now the challenge is to make the effort to write more than a quick status update. I have lots of topics of late that would make good entries but I don't want to overwhelm my readers with a mile long post, so I will keep it to what has been on my mind as of late. My Daughter.

See most of the blogs I read are those of women my age that have school age children on down. And let's face it from the ages of zero to ten and 364 days old what they do and say falls into the categories of amazing, funny, smart, insightful, sweet, loving, etc, etc. As mothers we can't wait to share their actions with the world, we love them, we are proud of them and we want the people in our lives who love our children to share in our joy. If blogging would have been "all the rage" in Emily's early years, my readers would honestly have just gotten sick of all the many stories I could have told of her greatness....HAAHHA!

But as I entered the blogosphere, Emily was knee deep into her teenage years, nope let me restate that, she dove in head first and was dragging Chuck and I behind her through the muck and mire like an unwanted flotation device that she wished she could abandon! At times, Chuck and I could hardly raise our head to get a breath, we felt as though we would just drown, but we held on for dear life. Honestly, I just did not feel right about writing about the turmoil, for fear that it would scare the pants off all my friends who have yet to discover such bliss. I guess I took the position, "If you can't say anything nice then don't say anything at all!" (Well, at least on my blog.) But through it all we loved her, showed concern for her actions, prayed for her, had others pray for us, and presented a united front as parents (Chuck, BTW is the best tag-team partner anyone could have!)

In this world there are many parents that will face much harder circumstances than myself, and I am sure there are those near-perfect parents that will never endure the circumstances I faced because they did in fact raise "perfect children", but if I may offer some advice. If you are one of those "near perfect parents" out there and you have one of those "near perfect" children hit adolescence and seem to lose their mind. DON'T be afraid to talk about there actions then, too. Even though I did not write about it on my blog...I was an open book to my work friends, and church family. And a good number of those folks had lived through the teenage years with there children. They gave us support, lifted us in prayer, and were honest about the actions of their children. This was important because it helped us to realize that sometimes the actions of a child are NOT a direct reflection of their parents. They are teenagers making their own choices...knowing full well they are wrong!

I can't say with 100% assurance that we don't have obstacles to face in the future where Emily is concerned,but I can honestly say I am really enjoying my my daughter and thankful for her presence in my life everyday... regardless of the DRAMA she can sometimes bring along... :-) So pardon me while I tell you all about all the "CUTE" things she has done lately...

• She is an independent thinker.
• She likes to talk politics with her daddy.
• She is a girl with STYLE... She took her clothes she no longer wanted and sold them to Plato's Closet/Consignment Shop for $50 and then went to Goodwill to shop.
• She is accepting of others and has a heart for the underdog.
• She is a responsible student.
• She starts her first job next week.
• She bought her own car.
• She talks about what she might want to do as a future career.
• She TALKS TO HER PARENTS...even about boys that like her or boys she might like.
• She makes time to watch a favorite TV show with MOM ...and we have even included Chuck into the fun!
• She still calls me Mommy.
  

I just wanted to take a little time to brag on my daughter...I am allowed....I AM HER MOTHER!

Vegas VayCay: Part I

Sunday 7/27/08

4:30 PM_ It’s official! Vacation has begun. It started today with getting ready on the home front to leave. We sure will miss the kitties, but I am glad they have each other. We decided to leave earlier than expected so we could stop and get some lunch. It only took us two hours to arrive at GSO Airport. Now we have a little bit of a wait until we actually depart but that is what you get when you go for the cheap seats. Chuck and Emily are having fun checking out the airport and people watching. I need to sign off now and use my time wisely. I still have a term paper to write, well actually two more.

Sunday 7/27/08

9:45 PM_ We arrived in Houston about 8:00. Emily survived her first plane ride, but due to a slight cold her ears did not like the descent. I have never been to this airport or Texas for that matter! I will be here till about 11:45PM. Yep, you guessed it our flight is delayed. So when they say “Everything in Texas is Bigger” they mean it! And layovers are included, apparently. So we strolled to the shuttle monorail, and on to our gate, and I found electricity, so I could continue to work on my paper and this blog, But I decided not to spend the $7.95 for 24 hours of Internet use, because it will force me to pick apart the my already downloaded resources for my research paper. I am easily detracted and would have wanted to spend my $7.95 on facebook, twitter, updating my blog, and consuming my many RSS feeds! Taking the time to write this update is enough to keep me off task.

SO I am back... 1hour and 40 minutes to go! Emily is people watchin’ and messing with her split ends. Chuck is reading a book, I know shocking! And I am blogging, reading my articles and fleshing out that outline, all while listening to one of my many playlists. Ah technology, its great if you want everyone around you to leave you alone, but even this lover of everything techno can see how it keeps us from connecting face 2 face with those around us.

Monday 7/28/08

We got here early this morning around 1AM and to our hotel/room by 2AM. SO it was brush your teeth and say good night! It is now 8ish Vegas time and my sleeping beauties are still sleeping. I am a morning is every timezone, so I am itchin’ to get going!Got the computer working…with some troubleshooting involved…seems to be the story of my life. Getting ready to call my Grandma and set a plan for later this evening. We are going to explore “The Strip” today. More updates later!

Just 4 Fun!

Welcome to the Family!

I would like to introduce you to the newest member of our family.

Pedro

Prom 2008

My little peep went off to her first prom tonight! She attended with a friend of hers. Ironically, he attended W. Elementary School when I was a teacher there. He is a very nice young man. Oh where does the time go!

Holy Antler Sheds! I am a Mythbuster!

He he he he! I just won a bet I made with Chuck! It all started as we were watching Mythbusters. They were working on a myth that involved a moose. The cast was making observations of a real moose for part of their experiment, but the moose did not have its antlers. SO, I happened to say something about... maybe it sheds its antlers...like a deer. Well, Chuck immediately questioned this statement as if it were not true. I replied, "Yeah, a buck will shed its antlers." Now Chuck is a questioner , and not a hunter,and totally did not believe my statement. He immediately went to the computer. I stopped him and said, WAIT let's bet! We set the terms of our wager, which will NOT be documented on this blog because trust me it would definitely fall in the category of "too much information." For any hunters out in the blogosphere...you know where this is going! I was right! Antlers are the fastest growing tissue in the animal kingdom.
I just had to celebrate this moment with a blog entry, because these moments are few and far between! Special thanks to GOOGLE!

What Do These Things Have in Common?

Chuck: Deadliest Catch
Karla: Survivor
Chuck:Blizzard
Karla: Seven Deadly Sins
Chuck: Empire State Building
Karla: Marathon
Chuck:Burt Reynolds
Karla: Black Mamba

They are to topics ,Chuck and I came up with as we challenged each other to an impromptu game of Pictionary on our white paper place mats at the local BBQ joint! Chuck is always thinking of cute ideas to keep thing fun and exciting. It was a fun dinner date! I wish I would have kept the "mats" I could have scanned them if for everyone to see. SHOOT!

Kendra, You Were Right!

Just Saturday, I was talking to my sister about one of our favorite shows Biggest Loser and we discussed a comment she placed on this blog...that "I bet it comes down to a pound!" Well, Kendra you were right! Bernie, one of my favorite contestants and one cutie pa-toot-ee, WON the $100,000 prize competition for those who got sent home! He even beat Mark!

Now, let me pause for a commercial break promoting my DVR! It allows me to fast forward through commercials and use it to manage my tv watching in such a way that I can watch two shows during the same time period. This is at this very moment allowing to maximize my multi-tasking! At least that is what I am tellin' myself. YEAH TECHNOLOGY !

Back to TBL! Did you hear Ali was a former swimming champ!? Big deal if you come from Casa de Ontiveros! Finally, we have a female winner! Way to Go ! ALI! So what have you done today to feel proud?

Virginia Tech: We Remember, I Remember

As a citizen of a southwest Virginia community that borders Virginia Tech, this week will hold many memories of the events of April 16 and the memories of the lives lost on that day . All though I did not attend Virginia Tech, I know many individuals who are alumni, who currently attend Tech, or who work at the university. So on that horrible day, it was not hard to find someone who was in direct contact with a loved one currently on campus. Conversation that included, " Yes, I heard from my kids, they are OK." or " My husband is locked down in a building near Norris Hall".

One of the victims of the the tragedy was Henry Lee. He attended a local school system, my former employer. I never had the privilege to teach Henry Lee, but from what I know of him, he held many of the characteristics of other immigrant children I did have the privilege of teaching. He respected his teachers and classmates. His family honored teachers and placed education as a high priority. Henry worked hard to do well in school and accepted new challenges. He like other students are grateful for the opportunity to learn because they know that education will open the doors for having a great future. It is such a shame that Henry's life ended so tragically. Henry Lee, I will remember the example you set. Your were a person who valued your friends and family, knew how to have fun, and yet also found a way to pursue excellence.

Convertible Revelations

If you are a frequent reader you know that during spring break Chuck & I purchased a VW Cabrio Convertible. And for the next week it seemed like everyday was cold and rainy. Now this was not the case, there were a few days that I was able to put the top down. We knew when we purchased the car we were going to have to get one of the seams on the top repaired. So on Wednesday evening we took it to the shop, and wouldn't you know it ...the weather was beautiful on Thursday and even more so on Friday! Friday, I had off from work and had many errands to run and would have loved to run all over town with the top down! Finally the shop called and my dear neighbor drove me to the shop to pick up my car. I was able to do some "running" around with Chuck during the early evening hours. While driving I have had some "convertible revelations" rolling around in my head.
1. I am wondering to my self if I am in fact having a mid-life crisis;and if I am... isn't it a little pre-mature? At this rate I will only live to 70!
2. Driving is fun again... even at rush hour...and even behind ignorant drivers!
3. I love listening to my customized play lists on my iPod while driving.
4. Due to the cold and dreary winter weather, i do believe I was Vitamin D deficient. So my top- down- dose- of-sun has helped bring a spirit of well being!
5. It is important to have a beverage while driving your convertible because you have a greater propensity to dehydration. Sonic's Strawberry Limeade is a personal favorite.
6. I am not as vain...so what if my hair is not perfect, I have a CONVERTIBLE!
7. It elevates u 2 a new level as a chauffeur for your daughter and her friends.

Can you tell that I am enjoying myself!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Spring Break Surprises

The end of Spring Break is fast approaching...I can not believe it is almost over...so let me update you on the many happenings of this week.

My vacation started off with me falling sick on Thursday, leaving school right at the bell, taking a nap, and then going to bed by 8:30. I was feeling much better by morning, which was a good thing because I had to go take my GRE Test. Fortunately, I got the score I needed for acceptance to Liberty University for their Ed.D program.

I did not even buy a new Easter dress this year because I have learned that I would rather be warm, than in my spring floral sun dress freezing my tushy off! So I wore my black suit and a bright pink sweater that in my mind was springy! I am glad I did because our church is on a mountain top, and the wind is always fierce up there...and it was freezing!Inside was nice and warm and we had a fabulous Easter Celebration. Parkway's service included an illustrated sermon by Pastor Ott. The service titled The Nickelodeon Man included a great message, inspiring music, and delightful dancers. Chuck was involved with practice & each performance behind the scenes operating the video techno elements. That afternoon we went to Chuck's mom's house for lunch and time to visit with all the many relatives from his side of the family. It was quite humorous watching the 50 + crowd tinker with their RAZOR cell phones. I wish I would have had a video camera so that I could have posted their "tutorial" on YouTube!

For the second year in a row, I had plans to go NO WHERE! and at the beginning of the week with temps in the 30s I was none to happy about my circumstances. NEXT YEAR ...Puerto Rico here I come! So I decided early on that I was going to have a mini vacation each day, doing activities that I normally do not do. So each day this past week I have gone to The Panera Bread Company for breakfast, gotten some rays via Ocean Tan, and worked out at the Y on ONLY the circuit weight machines with ABSOLUTELY NO CARDIO all week! I hate cardio. No one should be forced to do anything they do not like to do while on Spring Break! Now upon return to my home, I spent most of my day reading. Each day I would catch up on all the blogs I subcribe to on my RSS reader, and I even bought and read a real book with real pages. And honestly, I thought that I would take more naps but I did not really need to because I was able to wake up at a reasonable time! Now this was my regular schedule Monday through Thursday.

Now, I know that my friends out their in the world with little ones are wondering how in the world did Karla get away to do this everyday? Well it is one of the perks of having a teenage daughter who likes to sleep till noon on her Spring Break and go spend the night with her many girl friends. So most of the time I was home about the time little sunshine was beginning to rustle!

On Friday...

I got to spend the entire day with my husband because he was off from work. So I convinced him to join me in my Panera ritual, and he agreed to do so after we did some other quick errands. We were also going to go test drive a convertible. After the test drive, discussing the possibility of purchase, and a trip to the bank, I drove it off the lot! I know! I can't believe it either! This is a milestone in my life because I have never driven anything of a lot before in my life. Chuck and I have always been very blessed to have vehicles come our way in very unexpected ways. So the Lord has once again given me the "desires of my heart". I have wanted a convertible for about five years. It finally has happened. It is perfect for me... It is not brand new or anything is is actually 10 years old, but it only has 60,000 miles on it! We got a great deal on it! I have to say that is is better than any ole' trip I could have taken. It was even warm yesterday so we were able to drive around all over with the top down. Can you tell I am excited!
Reality is setting in and I am beginning to fashion all kinds of "to do" lists in my mind. This year Spring Break has fallen very early for us in the education world. And now our mind shifts to thinking about how long it is going to take to get to almost the middle of June! But I have the rest of the day and a fabulous last day of rest to look forward to as I wrap up Spring Break 2008!

Girl Power!

I know that I have not blogged in a very long while! I have been too busy organizing my Google Reader and reading everyone else's blog! But again, I find something absolutely blog worthy...well at least in my mind. Just like my last post it has to do once again with a TV show! This time the TV reality show Biggest Loser! Yes, I admit it I have a problem. I love to watch TV... I am actually addicted! The first step to beating an addiction is to first admit you have a problem. That is what I keep telling myself.

Tonight on Biggest Loser justice was finally served as the two final women demonstrated they too could triumph and send two well deserving pompous, cocky, overconfident blue team members below the yellow line! Congrats to Ali & Kelly. You kick butt! I promise to post some entries of substance in the very near future! But hey it is Spring Break...

LOST

I must make a few comments on my favorite show, LOST. The new season is better than GREAT! It is fierce! Now I have been a faithful fan since the first episode. Chuck...not so much! But this season, he sat down and watched one of the recap shows and got up to speed. So now I have a LOST buddy right in my very own home! Last week came the best quote ever from Chuck. He shouted out," We are 40 minutes into this show and have not gotten one question answered!" HAHAHAHAHAHA! Welcome to LOST, baby! Can't even tell you how many times I have yelled out in the past two years in frustration, "I know I am getting answers, people, problem is I do not know the questions yet!" I feel your pain, Chuck, I really do !-)

Now, to comment on this week's episode. I wrote down in my notes...Yes! I take notes while I watch LOST! STEP OFF! "First, flash backs, then flash forwards... NOW...time travel!" Don't get me wrong, I absolutely loved this last episode. We all love "a love story"and if Desmond & Penny's love can survive eight years apart with no contact, a mysterious island, and time travel there is hope for "long lasting love"for us all!

I will SHOUT into the Blogosphere!

Okay- I have been totally bogged down lately with the INs and OUTs of life that I have been neglecting my blogging duties both personally and professionally. Time to get caught up! My first post tonight is in honor once again for the great God I serve. As some of you know, my sister Kendra has been battling colon cancer since early in November. Today, Kendra posted an awesome entry on her blog, just days after surgery, that is SO uplifting, that I must send you off into the blogosphere so that you too can receive a blessing from her words! Take time to read "From a Mass to a Peanut!". Love you to bits, Kendra! You have been a great example to all of us on how to place all our faith, hope & love in Him!

Thank you Lord for watching over my sister and giving her great doctors. Thank you for placing in her life a strong, loving, supportive, Christian husband who encouraged and held her hand through every step! I will shout into the blogosphere, that I serve a great God, a loving God, and Healer! We give all the glory honor and praise to you, God, for what you have done, and what you continue to do!

Project Runway Favorite Quote

Fierce, fabulous, & flawless!
-christian

I Serve an Amazing God!

I want to SHOUT it from the rooftops that, "I serve an amazing God". A God that is so patient and who never gives up or leaves. Okay...Pastor Moe... this post is for you! God has really placed on your heart some very timely messages in the past few months. I know that I am not a lone Parkway attender who could say "these golden morsels of truth have fallen on good soil."

So why today? Such a proclamation. I mean this statement was obviously true yesterday and has been for all time. He just did not start working today. But that is what is so great, He is working all of the time. But today He allowed me to "see" a portion of the bigger picture and work as His instrument. Thank you Lord.

Let me set the stage:
God has been calling me to action and into his service in a particular area, but He kept reminding me of this one specific area that was needing some SERIOUS attention before all that God has for me could really manifest. And honestly I have made it much more difficult than it had to be! And in yet another sermon on the mountain... God was trying to get the point across to yours truly!!!!

November 25, 2007 Pastor Moe was discussing living a life of surrender. He went on to talk about the life of Mary. "Mary lived a life of surrender. Think about what would have happened if Mary had not surrendered to God's perfect plan? Now...Think of all the people who can benefit if you live a life of surrender! When you live a life of surrender you are living for the bigger purpose. It will allow you to know God in a deeper way because as we live a life free of our issue we are now able to see a clearer vision of our part in God's plan for our life.Remember not my will be done, but yours God!"

Now this statement really stuck with me... I wrote it down... I typed it out and put it on a sticky note widget on my iGoogle page and trust me the Holy Spirit had this rattling around inside of me for months now. So I took some actions in several areas of my life and thought good... I am going in the right direction, that's good enough for now. (Hmmm...little negotiating with God...maybe...you think?)

Then enters David Tolan who joined us for our Missions Festival @ Parkway at the end of January. What is suppose to be a little "pep talk" for the participants of Random Acts of Kindness, KAPOW!, Hits me big time, and believe me it left a mark! Basically...God calling me to action in the area of my vocation! "God is waiting for people to cross barriers and possess/reclaim land in the name of Jesus!"... Okay God... I am listening... I am willing....I know... I have something I need to deal with!

On February 3rd, Pastor Moe is back up to bat, Consecration vs. Desecration. The message came from Joshua 3.5 Then Joshua said to the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.” We can not move on to the next thing God has for us until we deal with what could potentially hold us back or slow us down. I wrote in my notes from that message " we have to do it so that we know it was God not us". Okay, God I know what I have to do! ... the Holy spirit reminded me of an instruction given to me over a year ago, a directive that I had only partially obeyed. I am happy to report that I completely complied!

Now I have to admit, my flesh was sufferin' something fierce...and experienced a feeling of LOSS, but I kept saying, "I trust you God, it was the right thing to do. I may never know the outcome, but I know you will take it from here"and I prayed for two specific requests related to this situation... Today, I got a unbelievable good report. It is true "he has done great wonders" The events of today were no doubt 100% God'... My cup overflows with joy...

Winter Weather Event!

Two weeks ago we had a beautiful snowfall and I took a picture of the back yard and thought, "Oh, I need to blog about our first real snow". But, I got busy enjoying my snow day and let the moment pass.
Well... there will be no delay reporting this one! We have had a winter weather event that is absolutely blog-worthy! The first ice storm of the season has arrived. I was of course laying in bet at 6 AM hoping for a snow day. I got up to check the delays and cancellations. I only had a two hour delay, so I decided to go back to bed and snuggle :-) Well about 8:10 as I continue to struggle to get out of bed...Chuck and I hear this horrific sound. We both bolt out of bed. We go down to the main level to look out of our picture window. In front of our eyes is a huge section of tree down across the front yard and drive way! The first thing out of my mouth was "Thank you, Lord!" Now before you jump to conclusions, it was not because I was not going to be able to go to school! On the contrary, I really was thanking Him for protecting our house, both of our cars, the light post, and even the trash can! Chuck and I have decided to stop procrastinating and get that tree in the front yard taken down!

The New Year!

It has been awhile since I posted. Blogging seems to take a backseat to the craziness of the holidays. The month of December was full of wonderful events! Here is a quick recap.


* Emily decided she did in fact want to be part of the HS swim team.

* I as a result quickly set to coordinating a sport physical at the last minute.

* I have been reinstated as the primary swim team chauffeur.

*No excuse for not working out at the gym...if i am going to be there anyway for Emily's practice. (So, I am back on the wagon) Good thing with all the "celebrating" I did!

*Attended Colonial Christmas Bunko, Cloverdale Christmas Bunko, Colonial Christmas Staff Retreat, Cloverdale's Christmas Dinner, Lubeth's World Famous Christmas Party, Living Water Christmas Party, Christmas Eve @ Erlin's, Christmas Day @ Casa de Ontiveros, (Mom the food was spectacular, and nothing short of marvelous), Christmas visit with Chuck's Dad.

*Chuck, Emily, & I participated in the 2nd Annual Open All of the Gifts on Christmas Eve, so we can Sleep in on Christmas Day Celebration. This tradition was started last year at the request of the anti-morning folk that live with me. It is actually good for the only pro-morning person in our clan(me) because I get to enjoy the quiet of Christmas Morning, spend a time in quiet reflection with my Lord on such a fabulous day, and do not have to go into "Crazed Drill Sergeant" mode. It makes for a great start to a great day for all involved...very stress free! I am all for stress-free on Christmas Day! My advice...as your children get older...don't be afraid to tweak those traditions!!!!!

* Six month visit to the dentist.

* Attended Quality Teaching & Learning instructor's meeting in Raleigh, NC.

*Chuck met me in Raleigh, so we could celebrate our 12th wedding anniversary.

*Started an instructional technology blog called "What the Tech" for teachers. Well, and for anyone else who might be interested...let me give a quick shout out to all my home schooling peeps!

Tomorrow... things should get back to normal...HA...that makes me laugh....I think that I should actually rephrase that to...tomorrow things will be back on regular schedule! So hopefully more posts... on a more regular basis!