Sunday, July 31, 2011

Homesick

Yesterday evening we hung out with some Seminary friends, Brian and Tonya.

We had yummy ribs for dinner, talked, and took a nice walk around campus.

When we got back to our apartment I decided to settle down with a free book that I downloaded on my kindal.

Oh how wrong I was!!

WHy!! WHY DID I START READING THAT BOOK!

I read for about an hour and a half. So caught up.

The story was of a young country girl living at home. She was a wild, red haired, freckled face kid and she enjoyed playing on her families farm.

The descriptions and details were wonderful. The author described the smell of the grass and feel of the suns heat.

The book went on and told about how the little girl was growing up. Summer was over and school was starting. She didn't want to go to school so she ran and hid down by the river......
and on and on.

I didn't finish the book because for some dang reason it made me cry!

I know... pathetic! haha

I have not ONCE gotten homesick here in NOLA until last night!

That book made me miss home and think of my family and friends.

I laid in bed, Chris was snoozin away, and I couldn't go to sleep.

I had a self-proclaimed. Pitty party!

Why me?
Why do we have be the ones who move so far away from home?
Why do we have to be the ones that put their lives on hold?
Why do we have to miss everything?

Little tears were rollin down my cheeks. My shirt sleeve was damp because there is nothing worse then a pillow wet with tears.

I started thinking about my mama and daddy,
my mean stinkin, but oh so sweet doggie, Maggie,
my sweet friend Amanda and her wedding planning,
Chris's family bar-b-ques and swimming at the pool...

I know it was just a down right cry fest!!

Seriously I have not cried once about going or coming to New Orleans! We have had so much fun here and I love it!

But that dang book!!

As I laid in bed I started praying!
I started out praying to God about all my complaints and "Why us's?" I prayed about how I want a baby one day and right now it looks like the time will never be right for one. I prayed about Chris and always workin so hard. I prayed about me and how I wish we could just be normal.

As I continued on my tears stopped and my sniffles ceased.
The Lord sent his comforting hand down and calmed my sadness.

I started thinking about how incredibly lucky we are. How we have such wonderful families that would do anything for us. I have a great job teaching this year and we are capable to allow Chris to keep his focus on school and not have to work.

I imagined how the Lord was probably laughing at me. I imagined laying there with his sweet hand rubbing the tears from my eyes and my hair from my face.

I imagine if I could actually hear his words he would have said something like this,

"My sweet daughter. You should not be worrying or pitying for yourself. For see, I have a plan for you. A plan so great, that I made you just for it! One day you will see. One day you will look back and see that it was all SOO worth it!
You may not have your reward here on this Earth. But I promise that your reward is waiting you, with me, in heaven.
Now just close your eyes, and get some sleep. For weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing shall come in the morning!"

Let me just tell you, this morning I got up and went straight to my kindal and deleted that horrid book!

Today has been a much better day, and I actually feel good knowing that I got all that emotion out.

Does that ever happen to you?
Does it ever just feel good to get it all out?

Okay, Okay enough with being homesick!
Have fun my peeps in Georgia,
I'm gonna go get me some Cajun crawfish in gumbo, sit on the shores of the Mississippi, and laugh with my sweet boy at all the strange people we see on the street!

Friday, July 29, 2011

Let Me Tell ya a Story


Once upon a time there were 5 little babies sitting on a bed.
One Fell off and bumped his head.
Mama called the doctor and the doctor said,
"NO more babies sitting on the bed!"

Wait Wait.... back up.....

sorry I got distracted,
 wrong story!

Ok, let me try this again.


Once upon a time there were five, delicious, scrumptious,

 little babies sittin on my sweet little kitchen counter.



When all of a sudden......

A big, mean,

incredibly handsome,

Bagley boy ate one!!

Now this was no ordinary boy,

he usually has a craving for oreos and milk,
 but with these helpless little babies,

he just can't help himself.

While we was still chompin' on the first, he grabbed another!


Poor babies,
they just don't stand a chance!

He was hungry,
an nothing,
NOTHING,
gets in the way of that Bagley boys appetite!


Then there was 2.

Only two little peanut balls left!

Oh NOOOOOO.........


All of a sudden, in the blink of an eye there was one.

One poor,
lonely,
peanut ball.

All by his lonesome.

The sweet, innocent, beautiful, amazing talented, smart Bagley girl
just couldn't resist!

Before the Bagley boy knew what hit him,
she snatched it up,
and gobbled it down!


Nadda, None, Zero

The boy and girl were so sad.

For see, they loved their peanut butter balls.

They were simply the best!


Ohhh.. Thank Goodness!!

There was a whole other bag full in the fridge,
 just waiting to be eaten!

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Southern Summer, Barefoot, Blue Jean Night

(Whoa-oh)
Never gonna grow up
(Whoa-oh)
Never gonna slow down
(Whoa-oh)

Yeah, caught in a Southern summer, barefoot, blue jean night

(well, maybe, minus the blue jeans:)


The past couple of days Chris and I have been living it up in Panama City Beach!
We had such a blast!

It was so nice to get to see family and have fun relaxin!

I really enjoyed getting to lay out on the beach. Even though the water was full of nasty, stinky, seaweed! Yuck!

Chris enjoyed..... humm....

Chris enjoyed pickin on Brandon, Blakie, and Megpie,
runnin into the waves on the beach,
cuttin up and being silly,
long talks with Papa,
seein his Mama and Daddy,
ruff rousing with Alex,

ohhhh yeahhh.. he also enjoyed...

bringin in my clothes from the car,
making the long walk from parkin the car into some far distant parking spot,
gettin sun burnt on his little nose,
riding while I drove three hours home,
carrying my beach chair, beach bag, and towel for me down to the beach...

ummm... hahah I think he had a great time!!!

I sure do love me that Bagley Boy!


Blakiepoo surfing some waves!

Brandon as a piggie:)
(He is gonna kill me when he sees this picture)

The guys being... well guys:)

When Paula, Christi, and My-My were little they played with spinning tops. Paula was so excited and played with this top for a couple of minutes.
Aww.... they are all so old:)
Just kiddin' they are the best, cutest, old ladies I know!

Ashley was chillin on Christi's bed! I think she snatched that football from the boys!

At the dog races. I lurve this picture of Paula and Blakiepoo!

It was hot! We were waiting at the restaurant Boon docks. Chris was so excited to take a picture!

With Gary! The Birthday Boy!
Yepp... Gary is 50!!
Wow..... uhhh... man.... that's old!!
We now can call him old man!

(Gary Gary, drives very scary)
(Just a little inside joke)

Alex and Paul rode a slingshot swing!

Their faces were priceless!
Yes my friends, we recorded their whole ride!
It won't be long till it will be available for view on facebook.

Now ain't that just a fine lookin family!

The whole Carder Punks!

Ok now.. what is up with Chris and I!
My eyes look demented in this picture! What was I lookin at! And Chris's eyes of course are closed!
Al and Ash look good!

I love these Peeps!!


I had mixed emotions about leaving.
It is always hard to leave Vacation at the beach and head back.
It is especially hard when you have 15 other people constantly saying,
"Aww don't leave"
"Come on, just stay another day"
"Y'all are leaving already!"
"I wish y'all wouldn't have to go"
and so on and SO ON!!



As we crossed the 5 mile long bridge into NOLA I was ready and excited to be home.

.....home.....

......home is where the heart is......

.......Well, my heart is with the Lord......

and right now for us,

he is in New Orleans:)



Saturday, July 23, 2011

Summer Lovin'

Yes my blog has a temporary new look!
Chris and I leave for Panama City, Florida in the morning, beach bound:)

Ahh.. Can't Wait to be soakin up those rays!!

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Happy Happy Happy!!


Wow!! A couple of weeks ago I got the keys to my classroom.
I dragged Chris to the school because he HAD to see my classroom.


Chris took one look around and said, "Wow!! There are desks, a board, little computers. Yep, I think it's a classroom!"

He can be very sarcastic sometimes. I gave him my evil eye look and he closed his mouth! haha


Aren't the little cubbies so cute!!
This area right here is going to be transformed into the reading "Pig Pit."
I am doing my classroom as Mrs. Bagley's Barnyard Bunch!
Isn't so Cute!!!
(Chris is totally rolling his eyes right now! haha)



We spent about an hour in the classroom. I unlocked all my closet doors and looked in!

I am speechless! I am blessed by having so much supplies! I don't think I have to really buy one single thing for the classroom!

I already have plenty of books, games, manipulatives, construction paper, glue, scissors, folders, and ETC.



This is the view from my desk! I can not wait until I get to come in and set up all the little student desks and put up decorations.

Right now my room is being used as a Nintendo Wii room for a Summer Camp, so I am not allowed to really go in and do any rearranging:)


I am one very HAPPY Girl!

This here is a teachers paradise! One classroom, that is as CUTE as can be!
Now all I need are 19 little bodies to fill it up!!

The count down to August 11th has begun!

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

NOBTS

New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary
Hope you enjoy this new cool video:)



Yepp......
This is where we live!
A lot of the shots were taken in our 'backyard'

Sunday, July 17, 2011

NOLA Fun!


Alex and Ashley are here!! WHOOPIE:)
We have been all cruising through town and trying to see what kinda trouble we can get into!

Unfortunately....

with the rain.....

we haven't got into much trouble at all!!


Yesterday we went and walked around the French Market. We did some shoppin.
Ya know Ashley, she did some GOOD shoppin:)


I like these masks!
Alex's has a really long noise
and
Ashley's is fire for her Fiery Personality!
I'm tellen ya what, this girl can come up with the fastest come backs!


I can officially cross off on my NOLA bucket list of taking a picture with a guy being a statue of me being a statue!

This guy was funny....

Especially, when he finally did move he sacred the pants off Ashley!!

Alex took this picture at the perfect time to catch that face!!


Today we have been down Bourbon Street and it starting raining
and tonight we are going on a Haunted Tour!!
Bwahhahhaha:)

Friday, July 15, 2011

Look Who's Here


Look Who's Sitting on My Sofa!!!

Yipeee!!!

Alex and Ashley came to spend the weekend with us!!


Thursday, July 14, 2011

Inspiration

Proverbs 31:10-31
King James Version
10Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
 
11The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
 
12She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
 
13She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
 
14She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
 
15She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
 
16She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
 
17She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
 
18She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
 
19She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
 
20She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
 
21She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
(Can I interject an AMEN here!!)
 
22She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
 
23Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
 
24She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
 
25Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
 
26She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
 
27She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
 
28Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
 
29Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
 
30Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
 
31Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.


My Inspiration for life.
 The kind of wife, mother, and person I want to be is described in the above passages.
No, I am FAR from perfect, but I can ALWAYS remember that I am a child of the almighty king, and he will give me the strength to do all things to please him!


Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Blakie PooPoo

I am dedicating this blog post to a very sweet and special boy.



Blakie!!



This morning I was catching up with a sweet Seminary friend named Tonya, and I recieved a text message that make me so happy!

At morning revival at Friendship Baptist Church in good ol' GA,
Blakie was saved!!

I love this little boy so much!

He has a such a great personality of his own!

He got saved after Papa delivered the messgae!

I only wish that Chris and I could have been there... but I am SOOO Happy!!


Little Blakie Poo Poo I have been praying for you for a very long time! Praying that the Lord would put a conviction so hard on your heart that you couldn't simply walk to the alter but you would have to run!

Prayers Answered!!

Ain't it sweet to hear that we will have another soul to rejoice with in Heaven!!


 
I have another special someone, without naming names, that I will ask all of you who read this blog to pray for!
This sweet special someone means a lot to me and I have been praying for them too to have their eyes opened and recieve the good lord into their heart! 

Remember to continue to pray for those who are lost!

I once was lost,
but now I'm found.
Was blind,
but now I see!!! 

Friday, July 8, 2011

Bucket List

I was looking at some of my friends blogs and several of them have made bucket lists. I immediately jumped in on the idea.

Except I am a big list person. I blame it on OCD, which runs in the family.

See I am the type of list person, where if I make a list, then I HAVE to cross everything off.

Sometimes I will even write something on the list that I have already done, just so I can then cross it off.

I make grocery lists and things to do lists.
Recently I have made lists for my classroom. Lists of things I need, lists of ideas for classroom management, lists of lesson ideas......

Yea, Yeah, I know I am obsessed with lists.

So when I started thinking about making a Bucket List, I figured hummm...

Maybe it is not the brightest idea for me to make a list of things I want to do before I die. Because I don't want to look back when I am old and see all the things that I didn't accomplish and have any regrets.
(or see all the things that have not been crossed off)

So I am making a Bucket List for New Orleans.
I thought that this would be a much better idea. I have included several items that I want to do before me move back to GA.

(that is IF we move back to GA after we are done here:)

My blog is devoted to our time in NOLA so I am going to copy and paste these things in a new tab that you will be able to find on the top of the blog screen.

SO HERE IT IS:

NOLA Bucket List
(Things I want to do Before we Kick it out of this Place)

- Ride the cable car
- Ride in a horse and buggy carriage
- Sit in the grass for a festival concert
- Dance in the street to a random street music performer
- Buy a mask and wear it walking around the french market
- Sing Karaoke on the street
- Take my picture standing beside one of the statue street  performers of me trying to be a statue
- Ride on a steam boat
-Take a haunted tour
- Take a trip down the Causeway (a 23 mile long bridge!!)
- Climb in one of the big trees on Seminary Campus
- Stroll through one of the old Cemeteries
- Eat some real authentic gumbo
- See some alligators
- See some of the old Plantation Houses
- Go to a Jazz concert
- Go inside a Voodoo shop. (Just to see whats really in there)
- See a Marde Gra Parade
- Go to the Louisiana Children's Museum. (It looks so cool!)
-Go to the Audubon Zoo
- Take a Creole Food Cooking Class

Well, I know my list is long and I am sure that I will think of several more things that I want to add to this list. But for now, maybe I will be able to cross off several of these things before the next two years are over!

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Country Roads Take Me Home

Country Roads Take Me Home
To The Place I Belong
North Georgia, Mountain Mama
Take Me Home
Country Roads


This place is what I call, Paradise!

A couple of weeks ago Chris got a phone call from his third cousin, sweet Mikaela, asking him to Baptize her in the Toccoa River during the 4th of July Weekend. Well, he sure ain't gonna tell that sweet face no!

So we bought our tickets and made plans.

On Friday we landed in Atlanta, or as I like to call it,
HOT-lanta!! Yea-boy!! haha (just kidding)

My mom picked us up at the airport. She completely skipped over Chris and gave me a big hug! I am still her baby!
 Oh yeah... and she loves Chris too:)

We spent Friday night with my folks and then Saturday mornin' woke up early and made the treak up highway 60 to good ol' Suches, Georgia!

We had a blast. Chris got to act like the big kid he is.
We rode golf carts, fished, kayaked, joked, and
oh yeah... of course... ate good!!

It was nice taking a break and getting to see all of our great family!


We were showered with bear hugs, kisses, jokes, smiles, and laughter! It was so great getting to see all the kiddos! I sure did miss me some Brandon, Blake, and Megan!

We had a country band playin the mandolin, guitar, and banjo. It took some coaxing but the girls finally got up for some cloggin!

Ashley was really good! She had all the other girls beat, but they were all stomping it out pretty good!!


Saturday night we shot off the fireworks. As some of them old country folk would say.
"'dem there fry-er works, were de best I ev'r saw!"

They sure were good.

Chris's uncle Paul smoked two whole pigs for the weenend festivities! Paul is the kinda guy where you might ask, ummm... I wonder what is the
best way to cook ____ (fill in the blank)
and he can tell ya.

He can make it from fried rice, to steaks, to obviously whole piggies!

They were delicious!
(This is NOT a picture of the pig we smoked, but I thought it was funny so I put it on here)


On Sunday morning we had a great family church service. In the building out back from the cabin we all gathered around. Chris spoke a sweet message about Jesus praying that the cup would pass from him! It was such a personal service! I believe everyone was able to feel the spirit present.


Next came sweet Mikaelas moment. Chris, Mikaela, and Mike (Mikaela's daddy) all waded out in the water and found a good spot. We were singing old church hymns and watching.

It was so peaceful, looking down the river. I was imagining Jesus looking down, with a smile on his face. The angels were probably rejoicing at the sight of Mikaela proclaiming her salvation!



It was definitely the sweetest baptism I have ever seen!


Of course, we are baptist, afterward, we ate again!

The best sight for me all weekend was getting to see my sweet boy running around with the kiddos.
 He was free.
Free from responsibility.
Free from studying.
Free from worry.

It was nice to get see him back to his old self. He has been working hard at Seminary and takes seldom breaks. This weekend allowed him to run, play, and well... just goof off!


Shoulda' been a cowboy, shoulda' learned to rope and ride
I'd be wearing my six shooter, riddin' my pony on'a cattle drive!

Sweet Blakie made sure I got a picture of him to put up on my blog! He was sure was riddin good!

(Gosh he is growin up so fast! humm...... When he gets older I wonder if he will still let me call him Blakie.....)


Monday morning we woke up early and said our good bys. We left the sweet cabin and headed back to my parents so they could take us to the airport.

This was Chris on the plane ride back to NOLA. He was back into study mode and was readin one of 'em text bookies!

Umm... yeah.. this was me. I was conked out! Tired from all the weekend fun!
Don't judge me! I was a sleepy peepy:)

I took this pic for my daddy. We got peanuts this flight. Last flight we got delta cookies. I think I like the delta cookies better!

Leaving this time was a little easier. No tears!
Welp... Until we see ya next time!