Julia's thoughts, opinions, stories, and more...

Emily

2009-11-03T17:10:00.005-06:00

11-6-09, From Emily's dad, Jeff:
Emily has developed a little case of pneumonia, so we have started her on antibiotics. Pray for her to get better and that she has a restful day. Continue to pray for strength for Karen, my mom, Karen's mom and myself as we take turns spending the night/days at the hospital with Emily. Pray for wisdom for each of the doctors taking care of Emily. Thanks for all the prayers and encouragement you all have given to us the past several weeks.

Emily in her Halloween outfit...

Emily the Scuba Diver on Halloween...

Emily's dad Jeff sent an update today (11-3-09)...
Emily is still in ICU and still on the ventilator. Many of the test have come back negative, however, they have sent off for another test last week that will take another 8 weeks. We would like for you to pray for each of the doctors to have clarity of mind. Pray for patience and strength for Karen, Emily and myself. Pray for complete healing for Emily. We appreciate all the prayers that we have had over the past 7 weeks.

Monster Mash

2009-10-31T09:50:00.000-05:00

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And I was like, why are you so obsessed with me?

2009-10-28T21:09:00.005-05:00

The title is the first line spoken in the Mariah Carey song "Obsessed." I love that song. I guess you could say that I am truly "obsessed" with it! :) I wouldn't call myself a HUGE Mariah fan, and I don't think I would buy tickets to see her live or anything, but I was thinking about it today, and I have EVERY cd she has ever put out, and I have LOVED every one of them. So I guess that does make me a big fan of her music. Some of my childhood favorites of hers are Always Be My Baby , Hero, and then of course her collaboration with Boyz II Men, One Sweet Day. I always wanted to be a singer, so I used to stand in my room and belt out Mariah Carey and Toni Braxton. Turns out I don't have the same vocal skills they do, but I still love singing along with them! :)

Speaking of music, John Mayer has a new CD coming out. He has already released the first single. I'm not crazy about it, but it's okay. It talks about "getting stoned" though and that's just not my thing at all, so maybe I just don't relate to it. I do like that he mentions Austin though! :) Anyways, the reason I bring this up...sometimes I watch/listen to VH1 in the mornings when I am getting ready (I detest the morning DJs in Dallas, I miss Bobby Bones from Austin), and the video for "Who Says" came on today. I have always had a crush on John Mayer, but in this video he is extra amazing. He looks so handsome in it, so that makes me love the video (even though I don't really love the song). Taylor Swift also just re-released her CD with extra songs. Lady Gaga is releasing The Fame Monster in a few weeks and I can not wait! She just released the first single, Bad Romance and I LOVE IT!

Still on the subject of music, I AM GOING TO A CONCERT on Sunday! :) Yay! Stacy and I are going to see Hanson and Hello-Goodbye. This will be Stacy's sixth Hanson concert and I am so glad that she turned me on to them. They are also activists which makes them EVEN COOLER! They have evolved since the days of Mmm-Bop, and are an amazing band. If you are not familiar with their music, listen to the song I posted below.

Stacy and I also just joined Dallas County Young Democrats and we are going to their Speaker Series and Reception on November 13th. The founder of TOMS shoes, Blake Mycoskie, is going to be there, and I can not wait to hear what he has to say!

Today I had "CPI" training. This is non-violent crisis intervention training, where you learn how to safely and legally do restraints. They are always used as a last resort, but in my classroom I can see how it is important to know what to do in these situations. I felt like I was training to be a prison guard or something though, it is kinda scary to have to think about using these techniques on students, and I really hope I never have to. I am glad I will know how though, in case a situation does arise. The training flew by today (part of that is because it was only 8:30-2:30, with a morning break, an hour lunch, and an afternoon break, and because we were up practicing the holds and restraints), but I still would have rather been at school with the kids. I love my job. I can't believe how much I miss them when I am gone. I wish I could adopt all 12 of them. Okay, maybe not, but I wish they all lived on my street so I could go and play with them whenever I wanted. Okay, that doesn't sound right either. I'll just say that these kids have already made a HUGE impact on me, and I can't imagine not getting to keep up with them after this year. I wish I could be in touch with them forever. There, is that better? :)

Zac is sick. I think he has the flu. He already put in for a sub tomorrow (Thursday...his game day...this is a big deal) and he is going to try to get into a doctor first thing in the morning. His fever is 103 right now. Bless his heart. I am glad that he only has one more week of football...all that work takes a toll on him, not to mention the added stress that goes along with it! :(

Well, that is quite a lengthy blog. I guess I had lots to say. I still have even more to say, but I will save that for another day. I will leave you with a pic that made me smile. If you have seen The Hangover, it should make you smile too. This is my creative friend Kenji, at a Halloween party...

Why do I tire of counting sheep, when I'm far too tired to fall asleep?

2009-10-26T21:03:00.004-05:00

As usual, I have gotten busy and although I have a hundred pics and stories to share, this is not the time. I have a big paper due tomorrow and I am working on it now. Actually "NOW" I am blogging, but I am taking a brief break from writing. I have this amazing song stuck in my head, and I just wanted to share it with whoever is lucky enough to read my blog. :) I am sure a lot of you have already heard it. I love it. I really think everyone would love this song...it's so happy sounding. Ladies and Gentlemen, please listen to Fireflies by Owl City.

You would not believe your eyes
If ten million fireflies
Lit up the world as I fell asleep

'Cause they'd fill the open air
And leave teardrops everywhere
You'd think me rude
But I would just stand and stare

I'd like to make myself believe
That planet Earth turns slowly
It's hard to say that I'd rather stay
Awake when I'm asleep
'Cause everything is never as it seems

'Cause I'd get a thousand hugs
From ten thousand lightning bugs
As they tried to teach me how to dance

A foxtrot above my head
A sock hop beneath my bed
A disco ball is just hanging by a thread

I'd like to make myself believe
That planet Earth turns slowly
It's hard to say that I'd rather stay
Awake when I'm asleep
'Cause everything is never as it seems
When I fall asleep

Leave my door open just a crack
(Please take me away from here)
'Cause I feel like such an insomniac
(Please take me away from here)
Why do I tire of counting sheep
(Please take me away from here)
When I'm far too tired to fall asleep

To ten million fireflies
I'm weird 'cause I hate goodbyes
I got misty eyes as they said farewell

But I'll know where several are
If my dreams get real bizarre
'Cause I saved a few and I keep them in a jar

I'd like to make myself believe
That planet Earth turns slowly
It's hard to say that I'd rather stay
Awake when I'm asleep
'Cause everything is never as it seems
Because my dreams are bursting at the seams

Test...Success

2009-10-21T21:03:00.007-05:00

I found out Tuesday (at school) that I passed my "EC-4 Generalist" test!! (This certifies people to be able to teach early childhood up to fourth grade, and questions cover content as well as situations and how to approach problems, design lessons, and teach material.) The magic number to pass is 240, and the best you can get is 300. I got a 276, and I was VERY happy with that! It is actually a tough test, and it's very lengthy. (You are allowed five hours, but I took just a little over two...but that is still a long time to have to focus so hard, and it is a lot of reading.
When I got my results back and finished jumping up and down, my teacher left and went to Sonic to get us all drinks to celebrate! They were so happy for me, and with me...it was a great feeling! In fact, we all went to dinner together tonight. I am so lucky to love my coworkers!

The next test I take is called the PPR. It stands for Pedagogy and Professional Responsibility. Whereas the last test is more about the "what" of teaching, this is geared to the ethics and laws and "rules" of teaching. I am not as worried about this one. Everyone says "don't imagine what you'd do in a real classroom, but instead think of the "ideal world." I will be taking this test in the next few weeks.
Those are the only 2 tests that I am required to take for my degree in Elementary Education. Since I KNOW that I don't want to teach elementary, I plan on taking a few more tests after I graduate. I will FOR SURE take the Special Ed. test, and most likely I will take the Bilingual or ESL test. The only problem is that these tests cost $120 each, plus a lot of stress, and a huge chunk of time. I know it is worth it though, and make me that much more marketable. The more certifications I have, the more people will want to hire me, and the more I will be able to do. :)
--------
This has nothing to do with state tests, but on the subject of education, I had my formal observation today, by my University Supervisor. She is so sweet and everything went really well. The kids were awesome, and I felt like it was smooth. When we were going over my evaluation, she said "well, I tried as hard as I could to think of three suggestions or areas to improve, but I could not come up with any, so I just wrote three extra compliments in that section." :) This has been a good week!

Still waiting and praying....

2009-10-21T21:00:00.001-05:00

I wanted to post another update, as I know many of you are praying and keeping up with Emily's journey. This was sent to me today, by her dad Jeff...

We want to thank everyone for the prayers for little Emily. There has not been much change in her condition. We did try to remove the ventilator on Sunday, but Emily was not strong enough to breathe on her own. We have a couple more test that we should get back very soon. We are already planning a meeting for next week to brainstorm with all the doctors to see if we are missing anything. The doctors are working really hard to try and formulate a diagnosis and they are using all available resources to help themselves. Pray for them to have clarity of mind. Pray for strength and patience for Karen and I. Pray that Emily has a miraculous healing.

The good news is that through all this, Emily still has been able to give us smiles. Karen and I are able to hold her in our arms each day, and Emily has gained some weight. She is at 8lbs 1oz.

Wedding Bells

2009-10-18T13:50:00.000-05:00

Last weekend, my best friend Kenji got married to a girl from our high school that I was also good friends with. This is only the second wedding I have attended of my childhood friends. (Carrie's wedding this past August was the first!) Needless to say, it was SOO very emotional. Kenji and I were inseparable in high school, and we also went to the same college! We even had matching cars and matching necklaces! :) He was like a big brother to me through all those years, and I am so lucky I had a protective boy best friend who could look out for me and call me out when I needed to be. There is so much less drama when boy tells you you're being a brat. :) I can't explain in one post (or even a million) how much my friendship with Kenji means to me. Just imagine your favoritest bestest friend from high school, and that's what he is to me. We haven't been as in touch the past few years and we both would like, but we have so much history, we can not talk for a few months and pick right back up where we left off. I was so proud and happy to see him marry such an amazing girl! They are both very lucky and will have such a joyful life together! Maybe that's why I felt like my heart was going to explode out of my chest on their special day! (Not to mention it was gorgeously planned and executed, they looked stunning, and it was so personalized...they played only Beatles music before/during the ceremony...It was so "THEM!") Here are a few pics...
The ceremony overlooked this gorgeous lake, the weather was cool and crisp and perfect.
Look how happy the lovebirds are!!
I loved the back of Tara's dress! Isn't the broach (which she added) the "cherry on top?"
Zac and I with the bride and groom...
BFF means Best Friends FOREVER!! :)
Zac and Kenji played football together at McMurry and were in the same social club, along with these other guys. It was so fun to see college friends we hadn't seen in ages!
And of course I got to see a lot of Mac Knights that I hadn't seen in forever. I loved my high school experience! We laughed and shared so many amazing memories at the reception!
Clinton was the other person (besides me and Kenji) that went to McCallum AND McMurry.
This was on the way to the car after the "send-off." I did not want the night to be over! What an amazing night!!
Of course we had to take a family pic with Molser when we got home. :)
Congrats Tara and Kenji! We love y'all so much!

Highs/Lows

2009-10-18T11:26:00.001-05:00

Highs and Lows for the past week or so. (H=high, L=low)
H-Taking our class to the state fair, and Zac taking a day off work to join us! :)
L-Having surgery, swine flu, and an upper respiratory infection in a 5-week period.
H-Loving my job and my kids and my coworkers, more than I ever thought I could love any of the above. I even went out with a few of my work friends after school one day this week!
L-One of my professors is a bit unpleasant. She loves for us to feel inadequate, instead of feeling confident and successful.
H-Dinner with Stacy on Thursday night, followed by a visit with my in-laws at Zac's football game. They won with a trick play in the last seconds...very exciting. I love seeing Zac's kids hugging him. Click HERE for details and a few pics.
L-Varsity has only won 1 game. It has made for a hard season for the guys. It's awkward being a coach's wife and having people come up to you and ask "why can't we win?" Ugh!
H-Recently downloaded a bunch of new music and have been enjoying getting to know it. I love a all of it, but if I can only make on suggestion, check out Bob Schneider's "Lovely Creatures."
L-Being asked weekly by a foster child "can you please adopt me?" Heartbreaking.
H-Relaxing weekend with Zac. Yesterday the Horns won, we ate some yummy BBQ, went to a movie, had Jason's Deli (yum!) for lunch today, babysitting a real cutie pie this afternoon.

Emily Update

2009-10-17T16:43:00.001-05:00

from Jeff, Emily's dad...

Thanks for all the prayers and support over the past month. Emily is still in ICU and on a ventilator. We are still waiting on a number of tests. There is a small chance that Emily could have botulism, but the good news is that this disease is curable. Pray the test is done quickly. Pray for all the nurses and doctors that they are able to figure out a diagnosis and treatment for her. Pray for Karen and I to have strength each day. Good news is that Emily weighs 7 lbs 12 oz, which is almost 1.5 lbs gained since being in the hospital.

Emily Kate

2009-10-04T10:13:00.000-05:00

I have a huge favor to ask of anyone who reads this. Please pray for my cousin Karen's daughter, Emily. She was born in June, and only weighed 3lbs 7oz. She did really well and grew in NICU and got to come home, and continued to grow at home, but right after 2 months, Emily started to have severe reflux and started not wanting to eat. They have done several types of tests to figure out if there are any other issues, but didn't find much out. On Sept 11, Emily was barely eating enough food to survive, so the doctor had her admitted to the hospital. Again, the testing began, but this time, Emily started getting weaker. The doctors have started to look more and more at genetic disorders. Last Tuesday, Emily stopped breathing and was rushed to ICU, where she has been since. They are now waiting on the results of the genetics test, which should take 3 to 12 weeks, depending on the test. Please pray for strength for Karen and Jeff. Please pray for strength and recovery for little Emily. They tried removing her respirator last week, but she was not strong enough to breathe on her own, so they had to re-intubate her. Please also pray for the doctors, and that the results come back sooner than expected. Here are a few pictures of the little sweetie...

Thanks for your prayers, and please feel free to pass on the word.

Football Season

2009-10-03T11:53:00.009-05:00

Even though football season is half way over, I feel like it is just beginning. But that is probably just because I was not feeling well, then I had the surgery, so I missed the first three weeks of football season. Last week we played the number three ranked team in the state, and well-I'll let you judge by Zac's face whether you think we won or not. I think sometimes he kind of detests having a wife who is so camera-happy. That's okay. He'll live. :)Yeah, we lost, but it was a fun game anyways. Meredith and I went together, and there are always so many cute coaches kids. This is one of the cutest girls ever, and I think he is one of the cutest boys. I think they should get married. Yeah, they're only two, but just look how precious they are together!
So we have already played five games (our record is 1 win and 4 losses), and only have five more to go. It's going by pretty fast. This might be Zac's last year coaching, since he will finish his masters in administration in December. Kinda weird to think that this chapter in our lives is coming to an end. Better enjoy the frito pies while I can! :)

Fun links:
-Thanks to Hot Topic, you can now shimmer like Edward. Haha!
-To see "100 of the best Youtube videos," in under 4 minutes, click HERE.
-Have you heard Britney's new song, 3 yet? I am pretty much already obsessed with it.

I have (and hate) H1N1.

2009-09-29T11:16:00.006-05:00

I have Type A flu. It's miserable. I wanted more "ME" time, but this is not exactly what I was thinking. It's day two of being home (instead of at school) and I don't even feel well enough to read or get the smallest tasks completed. I can pretty much just lay here. It's miserable. My entire body aches...it's pathetic. In fact, I am about to go back to bed. But if you didn't know anyone with the Swine Flu yet, now you do!!!

On a good note, I can't wait for this...

Football Weather

2009-09-24T22:51:00.003-05:00

I don't know about where y'all live, but a cold front has come to town here! Yesterday the temp was in the 50's and 60's. I felt like it was freezing. I know that this weather in the spring (after a long cold winter) is reason to break out the summer dresses, but since we are so used to the 100 degree heat, this feels fr-r-r-r-reezin'! Okay, maybe not freezing, but certainly nippy! Especially when the sun sets. Tonight was the first football game of the year that was chilly. There is something exciting about a cold football game (not too cold though, because then it's not exciting, it's miserable!) and a cold Varsity game (with band and cheerleaders and people in the stands and stuff) will be even better. I think I might even get a hot chocolate tomorrow! I'll let y'all know! :) Zac's team did great tonight though and it was very fun to watch. He is so good with the kids, I feel so proud watching him. The way he interacts with them is very heartwarming. He puts a hand on their shoulder to talk to them, or holds both sides of their heads with his hands, which would look strangely romantic, if they didn't have helmets on, haha!!
Here is our picture from this year's Football media guide...

Quickie

2009-09-23T21:41:00.003-05:00

-We had to get a new latop. Ours would not turn on, we took it in, and the motherboard was out. It costs like $500 to replace that, and you can get a new laptop for $500, sooooo...this is my first post from the new computer. It's an Asus, and is supposed to be amazing. I had never heard of this brand before but the super friendly, smart, and helpful guy at Best Buy swore it was great. Plus we got an amazing deal on it. Windows 7 is about to come out, and this has Windows XP, so it was cheap...AND we get to upgrade to Windows 7 for free when it is available. He hooked us up...it was nice. What is not nice is dropping $700 on a random Monday. (After we bought the insurance and paid to get our stuff off the old laptop's hard drive, it was a bit expensive.) Oh well...we are both in school and we both NEED a laptop, so it's not like it was really an option. At least we got a sleek computer with nice specs. OH-Oh-0h! I can't believe that the first thing I said wasn't that we have a camera on our laptop now! I didn't even realize it when we bought it, but tonight when we were picking it up from Best Buy I accidentally turned it on. Guess who gets to Skype their awesome cousins living in Paris, London, and Edinburgh now? It's ME!!!
-Kids are dropping like flies at my school. I think that there were 100 people absent Monday, and 140 absent yesterday. There have been 60+ confirmed cases of flu. My district offers flu shots at the very end of October, but I don't think I'm going to wait that long. I think I might go ahead and try to get one this weekend. Geeze, just all this talk is making me feel germy. Since I am in a contained classroom, it's even a little worse. We have had two out with flu, and there are only 12 in our room. Yikes! I am taking Vitamin C though, and drinking Emer-gen-C, and using Germ-X like it's nobody's business, so hopefully these things will help protect me. Hopefully!!
-Do any of you have twitter? I love it. I didn't like it at first, but now I get on a lot. Let me know if you have it, so we can follow each others tweets.
-Y'all my good friend Michelle (from Burnet, who also lives here), her father passed away last weekend. He is two years younger than my dad and died of heart stuff. Life is so so precious. And death is so so final. Please pray for Michelle and her family. What a rough and unexpected loss! I can't even imagine.
-Zac's birthday is coming up. Yay! That's all! :)

Catching Up...

2009-09-19T12:59:00.006-05:00

It has been way way way too long! Since I last posted, I have completed five weeks of a new job, (a month of school), and had a somewhat serious surgery. Obviously I don't have enough time to cover it all, but here are a few quick things I will say...
-I love my job. Love it. I have 11 kids in my class and every single one of them has touched me in one way or another. I feel blessed to be in an atmosphere that has so much love and caring, every single day! We tell our class we are like a family, and we really are. I love my co-workers, and I feel like Zac probably knows the kids too, since I talk about them so much.
-As much as I love the kids and the "work" I do, I am so exhausted at the end of each day. (It doesn't help that I had surgery the second week of school, and have not quite felt myself since then, but that is getting better.) I stand ALL DAY LONG, which I have gotten used to, but it seems that I am more "emotionally" exhausted than physically exhausted everyday. Some of our kids have rough lives and I just want to bring most of them home with me. It's sad to see these kids have to persevere through so much. They are amazing, and never seem to complain, but part of that is because they don't know any different. I do, though. One of the kids came up to me this week, and whispered a simple three-word sentence, but it made me tear up. He said "You're so loving."
-I think about blogging all the time. I will hear a song or read about something and think "oh, I wanna blog about that" but then I don't get around to it. Hmph, another thing I have learned about having a full time job, is that the evenings are so precious. I am having a hard time balancing work and "me time." I think I am getting better at it, but for awhile it was kinda discouraging. I am someone who needs LOTS of sleep, but since I'd get home from work at five, and then Zac would get home around 6, we'd eat dinner and visit and watch our shows or whatever, I didn't really have alone time (which I used to have all day long, every day). So instead of going to bed early, like I should have, I would stay up and play online or read, or watch a show or something to unwind. I know that it's impossible to ask anyone to sympathize for me, since most of my friends and fam have had full-time jobs for years now, and they have had to figure out this balance long ago, but I'm just saying that I am just now getting the hang of it. I guess I got used to having lots of "me" time, so I was sacrificing sleep to have some. I am better now, but gosh, it sucks having to get things done in the evening and weekends. I like getting things done during the day (which I can't do anymore, since I'm at work now) and just relaxing on the weekends and evenings. I have class every other Tuesday from 4:30-10, and then every Thursday and Friday, I try to go to Zac's football games. It's busy. I know, I probably sound bratty. Sorry. I'll stop, but I do hope you know what I mean. It's just challenging, that's all. I can't even imagine being a working mom. How do you do anything, and when do you sleep? I have SO much admiration for working moms. Truly! I really don't know how they do it! I fear I am making myself sound weak or whiny, but I'm just being honest. I think I am transitioning fine now, but I'll admit I love my alone time. It's a good thing I LOVE my job!!
-Last, but not least...I graduate DECEMBER 19th! That is exactly three months from today! I can't believe it! I am so excited! Now...I just have to get through 6 more hours of classes, projects, and two big state tests.
**I know that this post was very poorly written, I'm just too lazy to change it. Forgive me? Okay, now here is a video to make you forget about my "stream of consciousness" writing. Wouldn't it be fun for this to be Zac and our future daughter? :)

very touching...

2009-09-19T12:42:00.000-05:00

You all know that I have a big place in my heart for kids with special needs. I thought this story/video was very neat, and I think you will like it too. (Get a tissue...)

Here is the description of the following YouTube video..."Freshman Matt Ziesel scores a touchdown against Maryville. Below is a little write-up from the Ziesel family for those of you not familiar with Matt: Matt is a special athlete who has Down Syndrome. He loves football and has grown up in an environment surrounded by sports. His father is a coach/ athletic director, and all his siblings play sports. He grew up at athletic events, and has always been a cheerleader. He registered as a freshman at Benton High School -Saint Joseph, MO this year, and told his mother and father he wanted to play football. The team takes good care of looking after Matt, and he is still the cheerleader on the sidelines. He puts his pads and helmet on, stands next to Coach McCamy and waits for his turn to play. Over and over during the course of the game Matt will say, "Coach McCamy, I am ready! I am ready Coach!" On this Monday night coach gave him a chance. The Cardinals were down by a few touchdowns with 15 seconds left. Coach McCamy called a timeout and asked the coach of Maryville High School if they could run their "Matt Play". He agreed and this is where the video begins. Thanks to Coach McCamy and the freshman coach at Maryville, Matt and his family will cherish his moment forever!"

Imagine Leadership...

2009-08-19T23:06:00.002-05:00

This week I am doing teacher inservice for my new job. I am SO excited about my new job and the people I will be working with! (That's a whole other post though!)
The video below was shown at one of our meetings, and I thought it was blog-worthy. It's only six minutes, and offers some pretty good food for thought! I know I'M ready to be a better person and leader! :) Enjoy...

Captain Random

2009-08-13T09:43:00.007-05:00

-Zac and I were watching Nacho Libre on TV the other day and Zac said he wanted to dress like Nacho for halloween, and wear "stretchy pants." I just realized that for the last several years, about once a month, Zac tells me what he wants to be for Halloween. We have NEVER dressed up for halloween or even gone to a party, so it's pretty funny that he puts so much thought into his "costumes." I do have to admit that he is pretty darn creative though...if you ever need an idea, hit him up!

-Did you see this article on MSN about redheads? Interesting!!

-I'm going to Houston this weekend for Carrie's wedding! I can't wait. It will be so much fun. Saturday, Madeline has a birthday party to go to, so Andy is going to take her to that and then pick Zac up from the airport. Zac's flying in because he has a scrimmage Saturday morning. My dad won't be able to go because he has his Midland High class reunion...I can't believe he graduated from high school 40 years ago!! So that leaves just me, Mom, and Liz to have a girls day Saturday. It will be fun! I think we might go to one of my fave Houston restaurant, Barnaby's. (Even if you don't care where we eat, you should click on that link to see how precious the website is, and see why they named it Barnaby's!) Here is a pic from Carrie's bachelorette party, which was a few weeks ago...
-I started watching the "True Blood" series. I like it a lot, but I have to admit that I like the "Twilight" version of vampires much better. Maybe it's just because Edward is way hotter than Bill. Anyways, I still love True Blood, and I plan on posting all about that...later.

-I can not wait to see this movie! Not only does it have Sandra Bullock, one of my favorite actresses, but it is about high school football. I can't tell y'all how many times Zac has wanted to bring a player home, knowing that he had a bad home life. This movie looks so touching, AND it's a true story!

-Here are a few of my favorite songs right now. (*Disclaimer-I like the song, not neccesarily the video. I just include the link to the video so you can hear the song. But most of you ignore this section of my blog anyways. Are you even still reading this? If you are, leave me one or two of your fave songs in a comment, and I PROMISE I will listen to it, beginning to end!)
Knock You Down by Keri Hilson (featuring Kanye West and Ne-Yo)
Party in the USA by Miley Cyrus
You're a Jerk by New Boyz (this song is awful, but for some reason I LOVE IT! I turn up the radio everytime it comes on!)
Love Drunk by Boys Like Girls
Best I Ever Had by Drake
Down by Jay Sean and Lil' Wayne
Please Don't Leave Me by P!NK (what an awesome name! hehe)

Mailbox Delight

2009-08-12T09:49:00.006-05:00

I have always loved checking the mail. When I was a kid, everyone in our house knew that I got to check the mail. If I was home and heard the mailman coming, I would meet him on the porch. If we were all getting home at the same time, they all knew not to touch that mailbox...that was my territory. My sister and I each had a few magazine subscriptions, plus I always loved reading the church bulletin, and my mom always got cool catalogs from stores. I just loved it. Anyways, now that I am an adult, let's just say that I do not find checking the mail nearly as fun. First of all, we have community mailboxes, so it's not right in front of our house. I think these are kind of annoying, but I know that more and more subdivisions are going to these. Secondly, our mailbox usually just has junkmail and bills in it...neither are what I call "fun." Well, imagine my surprise the other day when I went to check the mail and had a pretty package waiting for me! It had a heart right above my name and everything! :) It was from a college friend Katie, a beautiful Christian and Mom to a sweet and adorable little redhead, Cameron. We haven't talked in quite awhile, but started following each other's blogs about a year ago, and have been keeping in touch through that and facebook. (TGFT...thank God for technology!) I was so tickled and happy, I could have just stared at the package, thinking about what a thoughtful friend I have. When I opened it, I was even more moved. A simple post-it note read "Julia, Hope this book touches you. Highly recommended by a friend of mine. Love, Katie" The book is about a Ethiopia (specifically Addis Ababa) and the battles they are fighting daily. I have already learned SO much about the country that I didn't know. (Which I will share in another post...this book deserves it's own entire post dedicated to it.) This post is about the generosity and kindness showed by a friend who I haven't seen in over five years. (Or is it six?) Katie-not only will I be touched by the book, but I have been touched by your sweet thoughtfulness! I am blessed to have you in my life. Thanks so much for the book! You're the best! :)

I'm gonna be an UNCLE!

2009-08-07T14:18:00.003-05:00

Haha, I just realized that I said that wrong. I will still be an AUNT, but I am going to have a NEPHEW!!! :) My sister is pregnant, and will be having a little boy at the end of December! I am so excited! Here is his first pic on my blog...

I'm feelin so energetic, don't think y'all will ever get it...

2009-08-06T23:10:00.002-05:00

Have you ever found an artist that you LOVE, and you're like "how are they not HUGE?" "When are they going to blow up?" because you know they have massive potential and a mad amount of talent? Well, that is how I feel about BoA! If you don't like pop, you won't like her, but if you do like pop, or you are curious as to what I would buy stock in, if you could buy stock in performers, here she is!

Now, don't you want to "Report to the dance floor?!"

Blue Skies for Everyone!

2009-08-05T11:20:00.001-05:00

Thanks, Bob Schneider! I LOVE YOU!!!
This is a really old song, but the trusty ol' iTunes shuffle played it for me today, and put me in the best mood. I think I listened to it nine times in a row. (yes, literally) It is cheery, even though it sounds like it would be kinda dark. Anyways, it has a nice message...one I could use when I am finishing up projects due tomorrow and studying for summer school finals, and I literally want to poke my eyes out! ;) Enjoy!

Spit on the ground, hold your breath
Try and scare yourself to death
Bury your bones under the dirt
Tear your heart out, rip your shirt
Stomp your feet in disgust
Curse the gray sky if you must
But you'll find when you are done
They'll be blue skies for everyone

Drink your wine, break your heart
Give up the race before you start
Drop your drawers, roll around
Burn your house right to the ground
Go to sleep, hit your head
Scream until your face is red
And you'll find when you are done
They'll be blue skies for everyone

Blue skies, setting suns
Cherry pies, bubblegum
Lullabies, to come undone
Blue skies for everyone

So get right down on your luck
Spin your wheels until you're stuck
Wring the blood out, let it dry
Stick a needle in your eye
Dry your tears and drop your drink
Let me tell you what I think
I think you'll find when you get done
They'll be blue skies for everyone

Bob Schneider is an Austin guy who pretty much RULES! His music is awesome! Zac and I danced to "The World Exploded Into Love" at our wedding reception, as our first dance. If you are not familiar with him, you should check him out! ;) Fun sidenote: he dated Sandra Bullock for a few years, and I saw her at one of his shows once! 2nd funny side note...I usually like preppy jock-type boys, but I think Bob's hot in a dirty-rocker-soulful kind of way. haha!
Okay, and come to think of it, I love the words to "The World Exploded Into Love" too much to not share with y'all! It's a sweet song, and extra special and meaningful to ME! :) It's "OUR SONG!"

There is a universe that can't be seen
It's just a feeling if you know what I mean
A delectable dimension, undetectable by sight
It'll fill up your heart in the dead of the night
Some say its an astral plane
Can't be described, can't be explained

The world exploded into love all around me
The world exploded into love all around me
And everytime I take a look around me
I have to smile

Oh is our life just an illusion
There is no need to figure it out
The separation exists not in your love filled heart
But only in your mind
The real story's all around you
Even now it surrounds you
Even now I feel the power

The world exploded into love all around me
The world exploded into love all around me
And everytime I take a look around me
I have to smile

90s on 9

2009-08-03T15:40:00.008-05:00

My parents just returned from a week in Canada. While they were gone, we kept Rusty and also their car. I drove it all week and came to LOVE the satellite radio. Mostly, I loved one particular station..."90's on 9." Listening to all that fun 90's music brought back so many memories. I heard so many songs that I had not even thought of in forever! I am sure it will do the same for you...
Tub Thumping by Chumbawumba
Lump by Presidents of the United States of America
Breakfast at Tiffany's by Deep Blue Something
Wonderwall by Oasis
I Want It That Way by Backstreet Boys
Genie In A Bottle by Christina Aguilera
Waterfalls by TLC
Losing My Religion by R.E.M
This is How We Do It by Montel Jordan
Ironic by Alanis Morisette
Jump Around by House of Pain
Tearin' Up My Heart by 'Nsync
Plus, lots of fun songs by: Spice Girls, Third Eye Blind, En Vogue, The Fugees, Hootie and the Blowfish, Matchbox 20, Naughty by Nature, Ace of Base, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sublime, Cake, Dave Matthews Band, and more...
We think that decade probably had more one hit wonders than any other time. Zac and I also started talking about all things 90's. Sports, News, and my favorite...FASHION! :) We started comparing our high school trends with what is in style now.
We wore Doc Marten's...they wear "boots with the fur." We wore polo shirts tucked into high-waisted jeans...they have low rise jeans. You get my point. But I want to know what YOU miss about the 90s. Or do you despise the 90s? Either way, leave me your thoughts! Also, are there any MAJOR songs I missed? What songs take you back to the 90's?

Karma

2009-07-29T07:13:00.000-05:00

So I have been known to throw my gum out every now and than. (I know, I know...it's wrong! But I promise that I always do it under a bush or somewhere nobody should ever step.) Zac always tells me that one day I will step in the biggest wad of hot sticky gum ever, and he will laugh so hard when I do. (Sweet right?) Well, that day finally came, and I am lucky enough to have had a friend capture the moment...or at least a recap of the moment. haha! Enjoy...at my expense! :)

Madeline in Midlo

2009-07-22T13:39:00.001-05:00

A few weekends ago we had the awesome privilege of keeping my niece Madeline. We met my parents and grandmother in Waco for dinner on Thursday night, and got Madeline from them.
I set my alarm to go off at 7:30 Friday morning, so we could get to the Dallas Zoo when it opened at 9am. Silly me! Madeline woke US up at 6:30. I forgot that kids have their own internal alarm clocks! (Luckily, that was the earliest she woke up the whole time she was with us.) We arrived at the Zoo right at 9 and walked around a bit until Ellen and Nati and Claire arrived at 9:30. Madeline was so excited to see her cousins, and they seemed happy to see her too! Of course Claire was thrilled to see her best friend Zac! :) It was very hot, so we left by noon, but it was lots of fun!!

When we got home from the Zoo we all napped and then played in the sprinkler. We gave her this fun little sprinkler attachment for her birthday back in May, and she really liked it. Afterwords we came in and showered and got dressed to go out to eat for ME AND ZAC'S FIFTH ANNIVERSARY! :) We went to Outback, and it was scrump-deli-ump! (does anyone else say that, or just me?)

Saturday we made some cupcakes, went to the park, hung out at the house doing puzzles, and playing Candy Land & Hi Ho Cherry-O. She is at such a fun age! She also loves to read books to us. It is pretty accurate and very entertaining! That afternoon we went to Cody and Rheanna's house to see some Boston Terrier puppies, donkeys, cows, and horses. Madeline even fed a donkey!

Sunday we went to the park, got a snow cone, went swimming, and did a lot of hanging out. We had so much fun with her, and I think she had a blast too! :) She has such a sense of humor already, and kept us laughing with her little personality. She is one cute little lady!!