My turn!

So I was reading my friends' posts and was taken aback by all the exciting things they were writing about, and life-altering events. Then I realized I haven't blogged about MY life-altering event. Although, anyone who reads this already knows, so I probably don't even need to talk about it.


But I'm going to anyway.


Luke and I are expecting a baby in June. RAD!


So far the baby has not made me sick, but only given me headaches and a little uncomfortable-ness. Also, it's required me to make minor adjustments in my wardrobe. I'm sure every pregnant woman feels like they are being watched by EVERYONE, and EVERYONE evaluates their decisions. I, however, have 150 pairs of eyes looking at me everyday. And it's not just a look, like one might receive from a passer-by in the convenience store. It's like a check-you-up-and-down look that a person has time for while watching your teacher recite the spelling words. Yesterday one of the seniors at school asked me this honest question: "Is it a compliment to tell you that you look fat?" I said no. Then she said, "Well, it's only in your stomach!" I doubt that. A fifth grader came up to me at recess the other day and said, "I can tell you're going to have a baby." I asked her what she meant by that and she said, "I just saw your stomach."
Now, before you start picturing what I must look like, let me assure you that I look the same, the only thing is that now it almost always looks like I just ate a large meal. You know, the little bloating effect? Well, anyway, it's really not bad, friends, it's just that I think these well-meaning students are LOOKING and WAITING oh so patiently for a change, and they get excited when they think they see one.

We're excited to find out in February if it's a boy or girl, and will probably start shopping for things this spring.

So, that's my news!

Does that beat Debra's new house?? :)

It's your day, your special day...

28 bottles of water (ahh, refreshing)

big basket of fruit (yum!)

student-made stories

"81 reasons why we love Mrs. D."

songs and well-wishes

Chick-Fil-A

chill time at Barnes and Noble

full night with Jr. High youth group/discovering a birthday twin/water at Applebees and a waiter who lost interest in us, but still gave us free birthday brownies

husband entertaining with winter breath

coolest blanket ever made by Grandma Demarest--she made a quilt out of many of my old t-shirts from highschoool. So cool

inbox overflowing with birthday wishes

I feel so loved.

Non-conformist

My favorite actor is Jeff Goldblum.
I know this is the reason that I like Jurrasic Park and Independence Day so much. Before you ask, I have not really seen anything else that Jeff Goldblum is in. Am I a true fan if I've not saught out to see "The Fly" or other Jeff Goldblum flicks. I think so.

I like Jeff for many reasons. He's tall, he stutters, he's quirky, seems happy in real life, and I think he gets mocked a lot; so I'm going to stay by his side. I also really enjoy how he talks.

I watched Jurrasic Park the night before I got married. I can't help but think that on some deep level I was saying goodbye to Jeff. Luke was now going to be occupying so much of my admiration, but I have to admit, there's still a place in my heart for Jeff. Last night when I watched Jurrasic Park again (still enjoy it just as much as when I saw it on TV for the first time) I couldn't help but think that there were not nearly enough scenes with Jeff Goldblum. The movie could have been so much better. If only Dr. Hammond would have listened to Dr. Ian Malcom. Jeff was sooo right. "Life finds a way." Well put, Jeff. Well put.

Please enjoy a video I found of Jeff selling the Apple Computer back in the 90's.

I got served

Today I received a subpoena from a very cordial gentleman. He came to my room at school and said, "You've been served." No, he didn't say that specifically, but I wish he would have. So, I got served. I've had two boys, in different years, in my classroom that now have parents going through a divorce. Their mom wanted me to come to court and testify to how good of a mom she is. Their father wants custody. For what it's worth, I think she should keep the kids. Unfortunately, I won't get to to go to court as planned until a few more months from now because there is no judge available for the original date. I was kinda excited to do something new. Sigh...

Happy Grey's Anatomy Premiere Day!

Woo Hoo.

Happy Office Premiere Day!

Can't wait!

Happy Birthday Julianna at the Omaha Zoo!

Why can't we do this everyday?

Are you there?

My life stood still

My world begins again

It will be different now

My God is a different God now

My sub knows my class better than I do

I will make sense of it all...maybe

My heart feels different

My mind may be far away

Bear with me

http://www.mitchellfh.com/obituary.aspx?MemberId=31402&MName=Collin%20Curtis%20Smith

Here's where you'll find me.

I've completed my classroom. Another year of teaching fourth grade at Siouxland Community Christian School coming up! I'm excited about this year. I think it will be a good one. I've had a lot of time to prepare, so I'm feeling relaxed going into it, and it doesn't hurt that I'll have an EASY class. Nine girls. That's it. Just nine. Just girls. I'm pumped.

I was telling my sister today that it will be great b/c if I'm ever in need of a time filler I can just throw out the option of braiding hair, or drawing on backs. What girl doesn't enjoy those things? Of course there will probably one girl who doesn't like doing those things, but my odds are good. Any girly activity suggestions?

So, here's my room. Come visit anytime!

I'm off to pick out my outfit for the first day of school!

Joshua Radin

I'm loving Joshua Radin right now!

Check out his music if you can. Maybe you have a subscription to an online music provider?? Check out Joshua Radin!

Happy Anniversary, Luke!

Thanks for three great years, Luke!

Maybe Keith and Mandy want to use this picture as their posterboard for camp next summer? :)

Renaissance: Correctionville style

This last weekend was an unexpected enjoyment.

A friend of the Demarest family wrote two fables that were set in the Renaissance era. Luke and I refused the offer to be in them at first, but then were suckered into it. We had one scene where Luke was a prince and I was a peasant. We were in love. I was pregnant, but Prince didn't know it. He left me to go explore the world. Feeling alone and without other options, my character got an abortion. I had to act "disshelved." That was a challenge, but I think it affected some people. In the other fable, Luke and I were just townspeople with a daughter waiting to partake of a feast. There was a man on stilts...this was so fun to see. These pictures feature Luke juggling, Luke/Deb/Gabe/Terri/"daughters" in line for feast and waiting, finally the tall man is standing up next to the castle. Later that night at Gabe and Terri's new digs we played Sequence and Apples to Apples, then went to lay in the road and look at the meteor shower. What a great night.

Sunday morning saw Luke attending church in Sioux City, and me in Correctionville. A tubing trip planned for Sunday afternoon and Luke's inability to go b/c of work was the reason for our split. I had some alone time in a park before the service for about an hour and felt refreshed. My church service was great and the subsequent events for dinner and tubing felt God-ordained. Finally I had the chance to talk with Terri, new sister-in-law, about faith and where she's at now. I'm so thankful she's in our family now.

So, weekend was good...got to make them count now that there's only one left until school starts.

Jerry Gazaway

I thought for sure I'd be able to find a picture of Jerry online somewhere, because everybody knows Jerry Gazaway, but alas, there is no picture, and not everybody reading this will know Jerry Gazaway. What is the world coming to??

Today I am at Panera and I was reminded of Jerry Gazaway. Jerry is a friend from Marshalltown who is best remembered by me as the man who took me and my sisters closest in age to Burger King about two Saturdays every month during the summer, and sometimes during the school year. If we were lucky, after lunch he would take us on a "who cares tour" around Marshalltown. To me, Jerry was the man who had lived in Marshalltown for FOREVER and who had a story to tell about every place we saw. Sometimes he just drove us around and showed us all the places in Marshalltown where he had put in playground equipment. Even though he had lived there so long, he still managed to get "lost" and would need our directions to get us home. He was the first person I knew to own a cell phone and it was hilarious to call Mom from the car as we pulled in. Cell phones were crazy! Jerry would also take us to roller skate at Skatetown every once in a while. What a great sport he was. I'm not sure now what he did for all those hours as we skated and danced on the floor. I'm sure he was just happy to see us having fun, and happy to give our mom a little bit of a break. Sometimes we got to invite our friends to go skating with us. That was just amazing. This is when Ashlee Duimstra was introduced to the wonderful Jerry.

The reason I thought of Jerry today was simply because I was sitting here at Panera (heavenly in itself) and I saw a man who was probably Jerry's age when he took us out (50's), sitting with four girls. They were probably his daughters, because there are probably not many people in the world who would treat multiple girls, they are not related to, to lunch on a Saturday afternoon out of the goodness of their heart. God knows we needed Jerry, maybe he needed us too.?. Anyway all these girls looked related and I'm willing to bet they got to pick Panera this morning. We always picked Burger King. Jerry would say we could go ANYWHERE, but we always said Burger King. If it were now, I might pick Pizza Ranch; the best thing to happen to Marshalltown since the Greg Roush family moved back. :) As the man left with his daughters he looked incredibly happy. That's what I remember about Jerry too, and about us as we left with our Happy Meal toys. We always ordered Happy Meals, even though Jerry would tell us it was not McDonalds. I think at some point we finally did start ordering Kid's Meals.

Thank you to Jerry.

Why must we all get older? This makes me so sad. I think this would be a good time in my life to hit the "Freeze time" button. It's a little depressing to think about how the Jerrys in my life are day-by-day getting older and I'm not there with them to enjoy our days together. I may see these friends the next time I find myself in Marshalltown, but it doesn't seem like enough. By God's grace I will be able to adequately express my thankfulness the next time we meet.

I can't think of the verse right now, but I know that somewhere in the Bible it says that if it is possible for you to give, you should give without hesitation. Give time, money, and PRAISE. I love giving and receiving praise. Time and sometimes money are a lot more difficult for me to give. I hope I can praise the Jerrys sometime soon.

Now it's time for the best part about Panera: the icy mocha. YUM.

Farmers Get a Snow Day!

I wonder if the farmers thought of today as a snow day. I get really excited when it snows and school is cancelled. Today it rained all day (first time that's happened this summer by the way) and I was excited for the farmers. I was also excited for the construction workers. They got a "snow" day! I should probably call it a rain day.

So, my goals for this summer are getting checked off one-by-one. Since this is my first summer at home since we've been married, I had many things I wanted to do that I just haven't had the chance to even think about. (Anyone who teaches may understand how certain things seem impossible during the school year.) For example, I used my bread maker and my fancy salad bowl. It seems ridiculous b/c I could have easily used these things earlier, I don't know what I've been waiting for.

Anyway, another goal I had was to kayak down the Little Sioux River. Luke and I started at Noon today and in 2 1/2 hours we had rowed 20 miles. It was a perfect day to do it--very cool and breezy, and we finished right when it started raining. I love going down the river. We've tubed before, and swam it, and gone in a canoe. This time it was just me and Luke and it was peaceful on the river. We saw blue herons and dodged sand bars. I thought the day couldn't get much better...but then there was a thunderstorm! Yes! I wished there was a video store around so that I could rent Twister.

I just got back from Texas!

AND Alaska! The top two states in size in five days...not bad.

Yesterday I flew into Dallas after a six hour flight overnight from Anchorage, Alaska.

I was a little delirious due to lack of sleep and all of a sudden it hit me that I was in Texas. I said out loud, "I'm in Dallas...I'm in TEXAS." I was only there for about an hour, but I managed to navigate my way to my gate by using something they call Skyflight (picture a tram), and do some shopping, call Kelli, and soothe my stomach.

Funny that I was so excited about being in Texas since I just spent four amazing days in indescribable Alaska. Kelli and I figured out that on our first night there (Thursday) we were up until 6 am Iowa time. The clock in Alaska was only showing 3 am, but my body knew better. I don't know how I did it, but I managed to stay awake the whole three hour drive home so that Allison wouldn't fall asleep driving. I think it helped that it was still light enough outside to see the outline of the mountains and the water. It was so amazing even at night, so broad daylight was going to be sweet.

(This is a picture of Grotto Island. We saw it on our boat tour. It is home to sea lions and puffins and other fun birds.)

We slept until noon Alaska time, and set out for a walk on the town of Seward, Alaska. This was our first look at the mountains, water, greenery. This first day was overcast and a little cold. The next three days were bright and sunny. All the regulars at Kenai Fjords National Park told us that our days there were simply amazing for weather. Maybe the most beautiful they've seen all summer? It's arguable. Allison works for the park giving boat tours and leading hikes, and working in the visitor center. She knew so much, and I feel like I took home with me about half of the information she's carrying around in her head about Kenai Fjords NP. It was great to go on vacation and learn so much. I bought a book about the park to help me remember what I've learned.

So, my favorite things:

• On our first day there we found a gazebo by Resurrection Bay. The three of us read some scripture and talked and prayed. Connection is great. I discovered the truth that when we're believers the type of conversation that uplifts us the most is when we can discuss the things of the Lord. This is us by that gazebo. It's funny that this picture was taken at like 10 PM.







• On our second day we went on a boat tour. I was looking forward to this the most. We got to see FIVE whales. Four of them were Humpback whales and one of them was a Fin whale. We were very privilaged to see a Fin whale because it is the second largest whale (after the blue whale), and they are rarely seen because they can dive very far down, and stay under water for 45 minutes sometimes. We were in the cabin getting ready for lunch when all of a sudden the boat stops and our captain, who was very energetic and informative, told us we were fortunate ones. He spotted the spout from like a mile away, and rushed to catch a peek of this whale. He had no idea where it would turn up, but God was good and we spotted the arch of his back many times. I hear we got a great view because they rarely breach or fluke. The Humpback whales, however, were much more active. Once we saw a mom and a calf feeding (see picture at right). They come up and skim the top of the water and take in hundreds of gallons of water. When they go back under the surface they skim the water through their baleen (like on Finding Nemo--did you ever notice the lack of teeth?) which filters out the nutrients. Later we saw a Humpback playing in the kelp, and then two more Humpbacks who were breeching (like in the picture if you click on the name above). Other wildlife: puffins, stellar sea lions, murres (the penguins of the north), and a sea otter (this is exactly how we saw our little sea otter). One of my favorite things on our tour was seeing the Aialik Glacier. It's a tide water glacier that was calving This was just amazing to me. It was so loud when the ice hit the water. I liked navigating through the ice covered waters. It reminded me of Titanic and it sounded cool when the ice hit the boat. Also a little frightening, but our friendly captain assured us all was well. The waters were so calm for our tour, and our captain told us we honestly had a great day for a tour: calm waters and lots of sitings. The tour lasted about 6 hours.





• On day three we went on the Lost Lake trail in the Chugach mountains. I was excited for an envigorating hike and I got it. I felt like I connected with nature and at many times longed to be able to come back to specific spots all by myself so I could really reflect. I guess I'm an introvert. There were times when we could see the bay, and the mountains, and the meadows of wildflowers. It was like The Sound of Music made reality. My legs got extremely tired and it felt good. Early in our hike we spied a black bear about 400 yards away walking where we would soon pass. Awesome to see a bear, and adventurous to think about romping in his territory soon. We yelled and sang as we passed the spot we saw him at. We never saw the bear again, but I'm certain he saw us. My favorite part of the hike was when we came across a lake that was hidden and appeared all of a sudden. We stopped to eat our lunch there and I couldn't resist taking a picture by it. We found a cabin that was in the middle of nowhere and climbed up a ladder to sit on the porch. We were like little birds perching on a tree limb to rest. The spot overlooked Seward and the bay and the rough terrain in between us and the rest of civilization. Allison has a great picture of our spot we found, and other great pictures of our hike that I will hopefully get soon. Kelli has better pictures of the whales, so I'm hoping to receive some mail from them soon.




• On our fourth day we partook of Alaskan-caught fish. Yes, it was fried because that was all our meager cash flow could afford, but I'm still proud to say I've had fish from Alaska. Halibut, to be exact, and it was so good. This picture shows one of the many crazy big halibuts that were caught in Resurrection Bay the day we went on the boat tour. This is one of the sights that awaited us when we got off our boat. The owner of the fish is the man standing at the very left in the picture. He was from TN, I think, and this was his first time fishing in Alaska. We spent some time in Anchorage at the best book store I've ever been to. It's called Title Wave Books. They sell new and used books, music, journals, cards, coffee and so many other things. It's Panera meets...best book store ever. You can trade in your books and buy so many others. I may do some shopping online!



• During our walk around Seward we saw the historic memorial dedicated to the Iditarod. This was so exciting for me because I do a unit every year on the Alaskan Iditarod Race. I guess Seward was the first starting point before Anchorage. I love my picture here under the sign that says, "Mile 0". I'm pumped to show this picture to my fourth graders next year. They will love it.

One thing I was nervous about were my flights. They were fine: freeing and toturous. It was hard to be so tired and not be able to sleep, but when you do sleep, you wake up with a very stiff neck. I enjoyed my uninteruppted time. I started and finished a book: Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry; a sequel to The Giver. I watched a movie: Bewitched. I listened to music and even chatted with my neighbors. So, I have many more pictures, and many more stories, but...you know. I'm available if you need more. :)

The sun'll come out tomorrow!

I hear the sun really does come out in Alaska, for like 20 hours at a time.

I'm leaving for Alaska tomorrow! My flight leaves at 4:30 PM. This is my first solo flight, and I'm a little nervous. I'm sure it will be fine. I just hope I don't miss a flight. I actually looking forward to the time I'll have on the planes and the lay-over time. I'm taking some books and Sudoku and an mp3 player with a screen, so I can listen to great music and even watch movies.

Of course I'm most excited for the time I will spend in this amazing state with my two friends Allison and Kelli. I haven't seen Allison for five months short of three years. It will be wonderful. I'm excited to see Kelli again too. Every time I see Kelli is nothing short of extraordinary. All three of us together will be hilarious.

So, here I come, Alaska! I hope to see mountains, water, whales, other large wildlife, and wide open spaces of grasses/flowers that go on forever! Going to bed when the sun is still up will be a fun experence. Wow, what a great opportunity. I'll miss Luke. I think he'll be ok, though. He's said many times that he's an "out-of-sight, out-of-mind" kind-of guy. Do you think that applies to wives too? Probably not.

Fall on me

I've never been so excited to hear the sound of rain!

It's raining right now...this is a sound I haven't heard for about 4 weeks, I promise. I'm sad because I don't think it's going to last very long. Seriously my lawn is dying. Bring on the rain!!

In my head

Ah! Load up the bike and drive to Sioux City...this will be great.

I have no idea where the bike trail starts, but I think it's by the Pavillion.

I can't park where I want to, the road is blocked. I'll have to park here in the casino lot. It feels kinda weird to park in the casino lot.

What in the world is going on here? There are people everywhere!

I'll ask this man.

Hmmm, after my ride should I stay for the parade and fireworks? I'll decide later. I can't believe people are already gathering for this thing...it won't start for another 2 hours. I guess you have to in a place like Sioux City.

Whoa! Don't hit the little kids...just get off and walk it until you're clear.

Ok, all clear. How long will I ride? Honestly, I could go forever. The weather is great.

This is totally reminding me of the summer I rode my bike lots of times on the George Wyth bike trail in Cedar Falls...3 years ago.

That was before I was married. I lived with Paige. We watched Alias.

I've worked at camp since then. I wonder what they're doing at camp?

Ah. There's the river. Beautiful.

Whoa! Big bug! Duck! HA! Kelli would have freaked out!

It's fun to smile at all the people I see.

I love this part: the path is completely shaded by trees and it smells like Hidden Acres.

This must be where the path ends. Am I in South Dakota? Cool! A pool with a waterslide. Wow, this is going to be my new spot. Lots of grass to sit on and it all overlooks the pretty river.

Ok, heading back. Whoa, was that Liz Mathews?

Careful, that guy looks kinda scary. Look behind you...good he's not following you.

Why does it seem like there are more hills on the way back during every bike ride? Well, there probably isn't...it's just that I'm more tired. But my pace is still really good.

I'm back at the beginning. There are more people now. Loud music, mardi gras beads, colors, inflateables.

Boy, I'm glad I don't work at a public school. If I did I might know some of these people.

Maybe I should work at a public school because then I would know some of these people. So many are in need of a Christian influence it seems.

All done. I feel like I've just crossed through Arnold's Park...or Adventureland midway.

I'm not going to stay, there's just too many people and I have no friends to be with. Too bad Luke is at work.

How old am I?

Three reasons why I feel like I'm ten years old again:
1. I went to the public pool today
2. I walked home from the pool and there was a big hill, but it was nowhere near the size of the hill that we had to ride our bikes up when coming home from Crosby. I remember thinking there's nothing worse than having dead-tired legs from swimming, and then having to ride a bike up a horrible hill.
3. I looked in the mirror after swimming and my face was covered with freckles. It made me think that at any moment someone would come around the corner and say, "You must be Deborah because you have more freckles."

What snew?

Today I got to make a batch of Almond biscotti dough! It was really exciting because I knew I could do it and I have complete confidence that it will make the best almond biscottis that store has ever seen! Oh yeah!

Luke got me flowers today. 20 red roses. Whoa. This is the most amount of flowers he has ever gotten me. He felt bad about missing dinner tonight because of work, and he missed out on cleaning. We're having our Bible study over tomorrow night and, I'm going to be honest, I feel the need to impress. Everyone in our Bible study is an architect, literally. So, Luke was feeling bad...and now he's bummed b/c our new TV has no signal coming in.

Speaking of new TV, anyone interested in having a "new to you" TV? We have a very nice TV that needs a new home. Here are the details if anyone is interested:

This is a 30 in. widescreen 1080i tube TV. Comes with a free TV stand if you want it! I think Luke is selling it for $200.

And finally, Grey's Anatomy became my reality the other day. I was working at the bakery and it was way too hot!!! I'm talking over 100 degrees in the back where all the ovens are. There is an air conditioner, but obviously not a sufficient one. I work with about 4 high school aged girls and one of them got too hot. She sat down at a table and put her head down. I was sweeping near by and told her to drink some water and rest. Then I heard a loud "thump!" The bin she was carrying hit the floor and she was laying across two chairs. I ran over and called her name and quickly assessed the situation. I promise that I was thinking, "What would Izzie do?" Her eyes were open, and I realized she had hit her head on the chair next to her. I thought she had passed out, but wondered if I should check her pulse. I decided against it and just raised her up. She came to, and she put her head between her knees. I could feel that she was shaking. She was as white as a sheet. Her mom came and took her home. She has been at work this week, so everything is ok again, except that the heat problem is still ridiculous. However, I like the boss now because she let me use the mixer today! Woo hoo!

Summer Starts

Wow, this summer so far has been theraputic and amazing.

Yesterday I bought a pool pass for our town pool. I haven't had a pool pass since I was 12. It's no Crosby, but it will serve its purpose for Luke and I to swim some laps daily if possible.

I started my job at Peggy's Biscottis and I'm loving it. I do the same thing over and over again and that's wonderful. There's no homework, no prep involved...I just show up and wrap/ship biscottis for 3-7 hours depending on the day.

I've also taken on a student for the summer. One little boy from my school wants to skip a grade, fourth grade, so his mom asked me to catch him up this summer. It's mucho work, but good enough money to make it worth it.

I'm getting really excited for my trip to Alaska, the biggest state in the U.S.

The last time I had a summer like this (part time job, tons of free time) was the summer before I got married and I was living with Paige. Paige got me hooked on Alias. So, keeping in sync with that summer, I've gotten hooked on another ABC show: Grey's Anatomy. I've watched season 1 and am in the middle of season 2. The DVD was produced by the same company as ALIAS, so I hear the same little melody at the beginning of each Grey's Anatomy disc. It's these pleasant reminders of my time with Paige that keep me going. :)

My twin sister Elizabeth revealed to us that she's pregnant! I've been praying for this baby and feel like it's practically my own. Hey Liz, you know how we share everything...

It's 5:45 on Monday, I'm sitting in Panera, and I've had the whole day off. Yes, every Monday is my day off. I start the weekend early too: Friday at noon. Long weekends all summer...this is great.

No summer is complete without a family vacation. Luke and I have been to camp to visit friends already, this weekend we'll spend with my family in Marshalltown, and we are giving serious thought to a Disney World trip with camp friends. That trip won't happen until November. There are some reservations, but, that would be so fun!

I've had some luck with growing things. It's just too bad that everything that's bloomed is potted. I'm still waiting for my planted seeds to sprout and grow. I'm watering them faithfully and talk to them every once in a while.

Today I was walking home from my tanning appointment (because of Luke's brother's wedding in July. I'm a bridesmaid.) and I walked by Casey's. A man held the door open for me. I had no intention of going in, but I didn't want him to feel stupid, so I walked in. I pretended to look in the candy aisle, waited until he was distracted with the soda fountain, and split. In the end I was the one that felt a little stupid. Oh well, his feelings were spared.

Can't wait!

This is where I'm going this summer: Seward, Alaska! Check out this site: http://www.sewardak.org/ It's so beautiful!

P.S. I'm going to the Omaha Zoo this Wednesday and am looking for some company. It's a field trip, but all my kids will be with chaperones. Anybody want to spend some time with me at the zoo??? Just thought I'd ask.

It'll all be over soon!

The busy-ness has not calmed down recently, but it will all be over soon, as there are only four days left of school. I'm thankful for an afternoon home to get some things done. One of these things is to update my blog. There's a song that I'm really into right now. Here's a listen if you're interested:


Well, Luke and I both have jobs for the summer which is an answer to prayer. There won't be as much money in it as we were hoping, but we're still glad for the opportunities to be home and to stay busy this summer.
Breaking news: I'm going to Alaska this summer! I'm really excited about that. My friend from college is working at a national park there this summer and asked if I would come visit her. I said of course! I definitely had to think about it b/c that's a pretty big trip, but I just couldn't pass up the opportunity! I'll go July 12-17. It'll be amazing.

That's it for now. I'm going to go do some school work.

I love ketchup!

My mouth waters when I see this commercial. I love ketchup...probably a little too much.
Try not to drool friends.

So sleepy!

Our cats have been spending literally night and day outside recently. They are all tuckered out! It's pretty cute. If you're wondering Han is in the first picture and Pumpkin is in the second.

Adam Shew makes an appearance

So I'm going a little crazy with the posts, but I thought it would be interesting to show you proof that Adam Shew is in our bathroom.

And while I'm at it, here's a spring picture of our kitchen and front room/sitting room, but we never sit there. However, Holli slept there once!

You can't miss it

If you know the Demarest family for very long you'll soon find out that MacGyver played a significant role in their childhood and seems to come up at least once at every family gathering. Here's to MacGyver!

Crazy Beautiful

Thank you to the random movie I watched last weekend that inspired the title for this post. (Suddenly I'm reminded that Spider Man III opens this Friday. Anyone following my thought process??)



Crazy Beautiful definitely describes the last week in its entirety. There were crazy parts that made me want to rip my hair out...and there were parts with pure beauty.



CRAZY

• I was in charge of an online testing procedure that involved the K-3 grades. I put a lot of effort into getting ready for the testing that would start Monday of last week. Our smallest class, 8 students, went first and it was a disaster. What followed was pure frustration and the harshest phone call I've ever initiated in my life. I told the test administrator that we quit! The program was not ready for us, so we don't have the time or patience. I know, I feel bad that it had to happen too, but it HAD to happen.


• Last week was Teacher Appreciation week. This will also be under my Beautiful list. This made for a crazy week b/c every morning was like herding cattle as the kids got all out of sorts over what the special was for the day.


• Luke spent an hour outside trying to start our very old lawn mower so he could catch up with our lawn nazi neighbor. It never started.


• Even though last week at school was supposed to be a week of special-ness for the teachers and staff, everyone was feeling the pressure of the end of the year and extra curricular activities...it seemed like everyone at school was having trouble with something or someone. I got so tired of the way we were letting ourselves be overcome by evil and sin. I know for me it caused me to really be in prayer for the people I work with and for myself.

BEAUTIFUL

• Last week was teacher appreciation week. One day was flower day--they were so beautiful! Another day was fruit day--ahh, glorious fruit! As you know we've been trying not to buy groceries...I've been looking forward to fruit day for weeks...it's been so long since we've had fresh fruit! :) Also b/c of TA week I got a massage on Friday afternoon and the lady told me my shoulders are in terrible shape. This may be why I discovered last summer that I can no longer throw a softball. Ouch!


• I got to see my family again this weekend. This time we really got to talk to each other as opposed to seeing them in passing, which is what happened two weekends ago. It was wonderful and so fun.


• We got a new lawn mower!! Luke got some cash for TA week, so we used it to buy a new-for-us lawn mower! It hums like a bee. Speaking of lawn...anyone know how much it costs to get your lawn treated for dandelions and other weeds??
• We are officially debt-free when it comes to school loans as of this week. Praise God!

Not sure if the intensity of the craziness came across, or the loveliness of the beauty was adequately expressed...it was a week that reminded me that God is in control and He's watching our reactions.

But you don't have to take my word for it! Buh, duh, da.

New toy

Luke and I got Guitar Hero II this Easter weekend.

So fun!

It's the gift that keeps on giving.

Such a fun game to play with family and friends...so look for it at the next fun evening with the Demarests near you.

Ahhh, Panera

So here I sit at one of my most favorite-est places in the world. I like it when there are people to share it with, but today it's good too. I'm alone, but yet not alone. I'm aware of all the people around me: the college girls softball team with laughter and smiles, the dad with his daughters hanging out on a Saturday afternoon, elderly couples, and elderly women talking and drinking coffee. What a wide range of people! Panera reaches all age groups. I'm listening to KLOVE online so my mind is flooded with praises as I look around. Every once in a while I look outside and see three men dressed as Uncle Sam and the Statue of Liberty. They must be selling something. Tax help maybe. I'm also aware of the presence of the Lord. Partly because some famous Christian singer just whispered in my ear how the Lord is always with me no matter where I go. Maybe Sara Groves will whisper in my ear soon. That would be heavenly. I used to come to Panera with my girlfriends when I was in college. So, I also like to come to Panera to feel young and reminiscent.

Spring break has been great.
I've done a lot of relaxing--enjoying the break from an alarm. I love staying up late and sleeping in. I wish I could drag myself out of bed earlier. When family changes come, there will be time for early rising, so I'm enjoying sleeping in for now. (no, I'm not hinting at anything.)
Over break Luke and I have been attending practices. Track practice everyday at 1 PM. Also, play practice every night at 7 PM. Tonight is the first performance of our play. I'm ready. There is a Sunday afternoon performance too. I'll honestly miss the excuse to see my friends and family when it's all over. I won't miss all the extra driving we've had to do to get to practices. We bought our Saturn Vue last May (over Ebay!); it is now almost one year later and we've put about 20,000 miles on the Vue. I'm enjoying the Vue, but I'm not sure that's normal to put on that many miles in just one year. I heard somewhere that 10,ooo miles is normal. So, we're trying to cut back. We also haven't bought groceries besides milk and bread and hygiene necessities for like 2 months. We're using up everything in our cupboards. It's like a game. When Luke's mom heard this she started inviting us over for dinner more frequently. I hope she knows she's only contributing to our goal to see how long we can go. :) We're very thankful for her generosity.

Also over break: I got a part-time job for the summer. There is a shop in Moville that sells bakery type food. Most of their business is baking and then shipping pasteries to other businesses. They have regular employees that need to take time off in the summer to take care of their kids, so they need someone to cover those shifts. I volunteered, and over the phone I got the job. I'm thinking it's going to be very part-time. If I worked the whole time they were open the most I would work is Tues-Fri. 8:30-3:30. I don't think they'll need me the whole time, however. I'm praising God today because He provided a way for me to make some money, no matter how part-time it might be. I'm praying today for Luke to be able to find something he will really enjoy and feel satisfied with. "Jehovah-Jireh" means "The Lord our Provider". Lately I've been leaning on that heavily.

I could keep writing and telling, because that's what Panera does to me, but I will stop.
Here's to more times at Panera, and more alarm-less sleep coming in June.
Maybe next time I'm here I'll be with friends.
Anyone?
You never know what will happen when you're here. Man in a kilt? Men in Statue of Liberty costumes?

Another one bites the dust

Have you ever had your day ruined before lunch time?
That happened today.
But I realize I have a choice: I can make it not ruined anymore.

Lord, please help me to hold my tongue!
Tomorrow's another day.
It'll help that I'll be at home most of the day.
I'm coming up on a week of rest and relaxation.
Spring Break!
My prayer is that the Lord will continue to remake my mind so that I don't get so stinking impatient and tempermental all the time.
Some people say I'm not being tempermental, but when I live with the world's least likliest man to ever get tempermental it makes me feel like a horrible person.
Luke is like the law that points out my sin (like what the law did in the old testament); thank heavens for Christ who is the new law and new covenant.
There is grace.
I know I'm not horrible.
I know Luke is not without sin.
He's just stronger in some ways.

I want to be a blessing...



Let it be said of us
While we walked among the living
Let it be said of us
By the ones we leave behind
Let it be said of us
That we lived to be a blessing for life

Let it be said of us
That we gave to reach the dying
Let it be said of us
By the fruit we leave behind
Let it be said of us
That our legacy is blessing for life

This day You set life, you set death right before us,
This day Every blessing and curse is a choice now
And we will choose to be a blessing for life

Let it be said of us
That our hearts belonged to Jesus
Let it be said of us
That we spoke the words of life
Let it be said of us
That our heritage is blessing for life

For your Kingdom, for our Children
For the sake of every nation

Light at the end of the tunnel?? YES!

In the past two weeks I have felt really tired and rushed and a little frustrated and even broken emotionally/spiritually.

I am learning about myself and Luke, our marriage, the people I work with and go to church with. I'm learning about trusting God for provission, and also to continue the good work that He is doing in me.

Luke has started coaching track. We are on week three. It's started really well. So many of the kids and parents are pleased with the program he is running. They've never had a track team before, so they're pumped about it. I've struggled in trying to get used to the really long days.

Luke, along with the sophomore class, was in charge of the the formal for the high school this last Friday. I went along to help. I got to use my new chocolate fountain for the first time. Mandy Shew, if you read this, can you remind me of what you had for the dipping options at the staff Christmas party? Anyway, the formal was fun and entertaining. Luke was a trooper and stayed up till 6 am with the boys from the school. It was important to some of the parents to have supervision during the whole time the kids were up, so he was the one to do it. I went to bed at 3.

Luke and I are in an Easter play. We are going to practices three days a week in preparation for the big event. We will be performing twice at the end of the month. It's been fun, but I'll be glad when that is crossed off the list of things to do.

So, I feel busy. I've grown to really dislike the excuse, "I'm busy." Because really, who isn't? I'm more comfortable with saying that the things that were really easy for me to do and keep up with before track started, is now a lot harder.

I've discovered the reality of fear and worry in my life in the last month. All the while I've taught my kids about how we need to trust God with everything, I've listened to a sermon that confirmed what I've been thinking: I need to be in prayer more and just need to be abiding with the Lord. I've watched a movie that dealt with the source of my fear and worry and saw how my circumstances could be a lot worse. I've seen the folly of my words and thoughts. I've been so humbled. I've realized that what I'm fearing and worrying about is something that is not easily discussed, so who can I tell? God. I'm convinced He's trying to teach me to just come to Him. Tell Him...because Deb, you've done a lot of telling others about things lately, this is something that only He needs to hear about. When I've learned how to bring this to Him, I will be more likely to bring all the other things to Him that are so tempting to discuss around the lunch table at school.

Spring break is just around the corner. I'm so ready. March 26-30 will be heavenly.

Sing it Sara! You comfort me so!

"Rain"
by Sara Groves

Call it what you will, I call it rain
When troubles come and pan against my soul
Go in if you like, I will remain
And let the washing waters make me whole
Just when I'm sure that I can't bear the rain
A tiny leaf starts pushing through the ground
In a place where the soil was too dry to sustain it
A new tiny flower can be found
Once I was stuck, I thought things would never change
And I watched that cloud pass through the sky
And right before my eyes it took a different shape
And I knew, so would the clouds in my own life
Just when I'm sure that I can't bear the rain
A tiny leaf starts pushing through the ground
In a place where the soil was too dry to sustain it
A new tiny flower can be found
And I see Him in the rain
And I feel Him wash away
What I do not understand
So new life can spring up once again
And I see Him in the rain
And I feel Him wash away
What I do not understand
So new life can spring up once again
And the flowers come to show
That all that rain was helping me to grow

Life with Luke

So here are some of Luke's favorites. I sat down across from him while he was playing some video games. It was like pulling teeth sometimes, but I managed to find out a few of his favorite things.
Luke, what is your favorite...

song: "I can't think of one. Seriously, what music do I like? I don't know." Maybe some of you out there will be able to help him out. If we were judging based on what song he listens to the most often, I might say his favorite song is the theme from "Oblivion".

game: Monopoly, or as Luke calls it: "Monotony"

sport: football

drink: milk

food: KFC original recipe chicken thighs

color: chrome (is that a color?)

super hero: Iron Man

time of day: "9:00 pm."
"why?"
"fun stuff happens at 9:00."
I'm not sure what this fun stuff is that he's talking about, and since he was playing a video game he wasn't too specific. Whatever it is, I'm pretty sure I'm not apart of it, considering that's about the time I get tired.

season: summer "because of all the free time."

free time acitivity: playing video games. I saw that one coming.

cat that you own: Han.

Snow Day

Our first snow day of the year! I'm pretty sure we'll have another one tomorrow. Besides being able to catch up on daytime TV (Days of our Lives anyone? Patch and Kayla are back?), I've been well-rested, and have had lots of interaction with my cats. Luke did something amazing today. In the blowing and snow and frezzing-ness he went to the store to get milk and Diet Coke. My hero! Now I'm ready to be snowed in for another 12 days.

Just something I liked

I've been watching the new season of American Idol and loved this performance. It was aired last week sometime. I'll share it with you because I thoroughly enjoyed it.



Three of the four guys are still in the running.

I haven't picked a favorite to win yet. Sigh...no one compares to Taylor. Have a mentioned that I picked Taylor to win from the beginning? This is my favorite performance by Taylor last season. He's coming to Sioux City in March. I HAVE to go. Anyone want to contribute monetarily to my quest to go?? Anyone want to come see him with me?? I need company!

Valentine photo gallery

Maybe you were like me. When I was in elementary school I loved Valentine's Day parties more than any other party of the year. I don't know why that was. Maybe it was the excitement of delivering mail, the pretty Valentine boxes, or the wonderful feeling of getting something special from everyone in the class. I remember pouring over those Valentines for hours at home. Liz and I would compare our Valentines, and trade candy, and laugh really hard at the things the boys wrote. Yep, we were silly little girls.

I've decided one of the good, no, great things about being a teacher is that one still gets to experience Valentine's Day parties. The whole elementary school went crazy with pink and red as you can see in the pictures. These are some of my kids and some of their boxes...glimpses of the best party day of the year.