What happens when you go so long with out making a post is that you don't even know where to begin.
Well, let's begin with today and work our way back a little bit to update you on the life of the Ishmaels here lately.
Today, I took my third midterm of the semester, and it marks the beginning of my spring break! I've been looking forward to this break for a while now! It would be even better if Searcy Schools (where Eddie works) had the same break. Oh well, I guess that's life.
So... what's on the agenda for my spring break?
Well I'll be in Jonesboro some, of course. There might be a quick trip to Cherokee one day. I will probably do a little shopping and scrapbooking. I plan to sleep in, clean, and if I have an ambitious day towards the end of the break, I might start studying for our therapy test that is the next week... but we'll see. ;-)
I'm not sure I've blogged about this yet, but Eddie is the new Youth Director at our church! This is way exciting for us! We've been able to make lots of changes and recruit more kids. We've got some amazing support from the parents of the youth members. We had a bake sale last weekend after Mass and raised almost $300! We got a grant from the Diocese and we've been able to buy a TV, DVD player, and a new youth program for Catholics called Life Teen. Also new to the Parish is the Youth Mass that we are having on the third Wednesday of every month. I can't wait to see how our new priest contributes to this event.
Well, I know that I'm missing a lot of updates that have happened in the last few months. I promise to be more dedicated to my loyal readers. Life is good.
If you know me very well, you know I don't quote scripture very often, if ever. But I would like to leave you with this... it will be on the back of our new youth group t-shirts:
Do not fear, for I am with you, Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you. Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10
Friday, March 11, 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011
Basically, it is the best thing since scissors and glue!
To my fellow crafters, scrappers, and creative ones... I wonder how I've had a Cricut for a year and not known about this software!
http://www.craftedge.com/index.html
This is called Sure Cuts Alot. Basically you can download files to cut from online... NO MORE CARTRIDGES! Buy and download the software, today! You can use ANY FONT that is on your computer! No more spending $50 for a font cartridge!
This was one of the first things I cut using this software!
Download Inkscape for free and you can take any image and convert it to an svg file (the type of files used by the Sure Cuts Alot software). www.inkscape.org
Here is the file for the Red Wolf. There are two layers, so two files:
Red Wolf Red Layer.svg
Red Walf Black Layer.svg
There are lots of videos on Youtube that you must check out to fully understand the awesomeness of Sure Cuts Alot (SCAL)!
http://www.craftedge.com/index.html
This was one of the first things I cut using this software!
Download Inkscape for free and you can take any image and convert it to an svg file (the type of files used by the Sure Cuts Alot software). www.inkscape.org
Here is the file for the Red Wolf. There are two layers, so two files:
Red Wolf Red Layer.svg
Red Walf Black Layer.svg
There are lots of videos on Youtube that you must check out to fully understand the awesomeness of Sure Cuts Alot (SCAL)!
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Looking back at 2010
So it has been a quite some time since my last post. Life got a little crazy with Eddie's new job, finals, and of course the holidays.
Finals turned out wonderful for me... well maybe "wonderful" isn't quite the word, but I was very pleased with my grades and a huge improvement from last year. It is always good to have some encouragement and a reminder as to why I'm torturing myself for 8 long years of my life! It would call this semester a complete success!
Eddie started a new job at Searcy Schools just after Thanksgiving. He's working with the special needs kids. He always has a story about the kids in his class. Some stories are hilarious, particularly how he argues with the 8 year olds. Some stories are sad and remind me to be very thankful for the blessing in our life. Good days and bad days, he loves his new job and the people he's working with. Hopefully it'll be one step closer to a social studies/coach position. Also, he's starting his Master's in June at Harding, which is exciting and scary all at the same time.
The holidays were simply fabulous! We went to Cherokee for the week before Christmas. I worked for Dad most of the week. Good news... he didn't fire me before Christmas! It is always eventful when I work with my dad, especially for a week.
We spent Christmas Eve with my mom, went to church, and dinner at Pizza Hut (of course!). Christmas Day we went back to my mom's house for lunch and presents with the Malones, Granny, Shirley, and Mom. The twins had a blast with all of the attention and new toys to play with. I'm the best aunt ever! I got them build-a-bear wolves with ASU shirts... however, Brock enjoyed the box that his came in more than the Red Wolf itself. Should've just bought them the boxes, I guess. Haha! We did dinner at Dad's. More toys and attention for the boys. It was such a wonderful Christmas with them around and it will only continue to get more fun. Next, year they'll be more excited and understanding about the whole event.
Oh! Eddie got me and iPad for Christmas! That was exciting! I love it. I haven't figured out the extent of coolness, but enjoying what I know so far.
I have a new book recommendation!
Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble, a Paranormal Romance / Urban Fantasy (Book 1 of the Jolie Wilkins Series) by H.P. Mallory
If you like the Sookie Stackhouse Series, you'll love this. The main character, Jolie, finds herself in the middle of an underworld war and in love with a charming warlock. She's clumsy, awkward, and not quite sure of herself, something that most girls can relate to. I finished this in a couple days and moved on to the second in the series. I highly recommend it! It is only $0.99 on the Nook at BarnesandNoble.com. I'll let you know more about the second book when I finish it!
Anyway, I hope that 2011 will be just as wonderful as 2010! We've had several changes and adjustments in our lives. But, isn't that what makes life exciting?! Without the unexpected it would just be so boring! God won't give you anything that you can't handle.
Things to look forward to in 2011:
4th & 5th semester of pharmacy school
Eddie's Master's program
Disney World (Christmas Goal)
A teaching/coaching position for Eddie
and all the unexpected blessings in life!
Happy New Year from the Ishmaels!
Finals turned out wonderful for me... well maybe "wonderful" isn't quite the word, but I was very pleased with my grades and a huge improvement from last year. It is always good to have some encouragement and a reminder as to why I'm torturing myself for 8 long years of my life! It would call this semester a complete success!
Eddie started a new job at Searcy Schools just after Thanksgiving. He's working with the special needs kids. He always has a story about the kids in his class. Some stories are hilarious, particularly how he argues with the 8 year olds. Some stories are sad and remind me to be very thankful for the blessing in our life. Good days and bad days, he loves his new job and the people he's working with. Hopefully it'll be one step closer to a social studies/coach position. Also, he's starting his Master's in June at Harding, which is exciting and scary all at the same time.
The holidays were simply fabulous! We went to Cherokee for the week before Christmas. I worked for Dad most of the week. Good news... he didn't fire me before Christmas! It is always eventful when I work with my dad, especially for a week.
We spent Christmas Eve with my mom, went to church, and dinner at Pizza Hut (of course!). Christmas Day we went back to my mom's house for lunch and presents with the Malones, Granny, Shirley, and Mom. The twins had a blast with all of the attention and new toys to play with. I'm the best aunt ever! I got them build-a-bear wolves with ASU shirts... however, Brock enjoyed the box that his came in more than the Red Wolf itself. Should've just bought them the boxes, I guess. Haha! We did dinner at Dad's. More toys and attention for the boys. It was such a wonderful Christmas with them around and it will only continue to get more fun. Next, year they'll be more excited and understanding about the whole event.
Oh! Eddie got me and iPad for Christmas! That was exciting! I love it. I haven't figured out the extent of coolness, but enjoying what I know so far.
I have a new book recommendation!
If you like the Sookie Stackhouse Series, you'll love this. The main character, Jolie, finds herself in the middle of an underworld war and in love with a charming warlock. She's clumsy, awkward, and not quite sure of herself, something that most girls can relate to. I finished this in a couple days and moved on to the second in the series. I highly recommend it! It is only $0.99 on the Nook at BarnesandNoble.com. I'll let you know more about the second book when I finish it!
Anyway, I hope that 2011 will be just as wonderful as 2010! We've had several changes and adjustments in our lives. But, isn't that what makes life exciting?! Without the unexpected it would just be so boring! God won't give you anything that you can't handle.
Things to look forward to in 2011:
4th & 5th semester of pharmacy school
Eddie's Master's program
Disney World (Christmas Goal)
A teaching/coaching position for Eddie
and all the unexpected blessings in life!
Happy New Year from the Ishmaels!
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Birthday, Babies, Witches, and Wizards
This will take a while to update you all on the life of the Ishmaels lately. But, let's start with Eddie's birthday!! Eddie and I are notorious for not being able to keep a secret. I was pretty impressed with myself for planning a surprise 25th birthday dinner for him in Jonesboro. A secret for a whole month... very impressive!We all had fun with his friends and family. I got to see a couple of my besties, too! Mandi and Lauren came! So excited to see both of them. Too much time goes between our visits for sure!
Last Friday was such a wonderful day! Heidi came to Little Rock and we had lunch with our "long-lost-cousin" Jason and went shopping. Fun day!
Then that night Eddie had bought me WICKED tickets for my birthday (keep in mind my birthday isn't 'til Dec. 3rd... told ya we can't keep secrets!). The show was amazing!
Sunday, we drove to Greers to meet the Malones for lunch and play with the boys. They are so adorable! They change so much between visits:s This video are just a little bit of our play time with Brock and Byant.
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| Brock crawling on Uncle Eddie |
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| Bryant |
Friday, October 22, 2010
Touchdown Ishmael!
Reality has finally sunk in. Football is a religion in the Ishmael household. Sunday, we watch the Cowboys. Monday, we watch whoever is playing Monday Night Football or highlights from the weekend. Tuesday and Wednesday, I get to hear the highlights from Riverview practices. Thursday, Junior High football at Riverview. Friday, well of course Football Friday Night. We have Riverview and Eddie's gone all night. He sits in the press box and talks to the coaches. I would go and be the supportive wife, but I wouldn't have anyone to sit with. I know, silly huh? Anyway, once he gets home, we have to find out if Valley View and Highland won and other various schools around the state. Then Saturday finally comes around, we're either on the road to Jonesboro for the ASU game or we're watching games all day on TV.
FOOTBALL is EVERYWHERE!!!! It is all he talks about!
FOOTBALL is EVERYWHERE!!!! It is all he talks about!
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Life as a Wife and Student
I wanted to update my loyal readers on the happenings in our little family since Eddie no longer works at the gas company. It has been wonderful with him being off much more these days. I missed him when he was gone. However, the draw back is that he is quite the distraction. Sometimes, my lovely husband, is quite the child. He gets bored easily and demands some entertainment. Since I'm in pharmacy school, it is sort of difficult to take a break and go do something fun and exciting when your "To Do List" keeps getting longer and longer. It's easy to get behind pretty quickly in this program. This week I'm playing catch-up from last week, learning about the heart, lipids, and fats- oh my!
One thing that has started that I've really enjoyed is teaching the 9th grade Sunday school class. Talk about a crowd that is hard to entertain!! I've tried to make the class as exciting as possible and I think it has worked out well the last couple of weeks. I bring candy and each one gets 2 pieces but they can't open it until the end of class because if they get called on to read and they don't know where we are, I make them give a piece back to me. The first week I did this, I got 2 pieces back. Last week, I didn't get any! Also, the book we have for this class is mostly about abstinence and chastity. I think that 9th grade is the perfect age for the topic, however, I've found that they get really bored with the same thing for an hour every week. My students had also complained a little bit about them not knowing much about the Bible and scripture. So my other idea was to have a separate lesson each week. It only takes about 5-10 minutes from each class. The unit that I have picked first is People of the Bible and right now were are learning about the 12 Apostles. Each week I ask questions from previous lessons and the student that get the right answer get points. I promised them a prize at the end of each unit and at the end of the year. I haven't quite figured out what the prize will be... but I'll think of something good. I think it'll encourage them to come and retain what I'm teaching them. We will see. I think I'll make another page on the blog to share what I'm doing in my Sunday school class in case anyone needs some ideas.
Funny Story- One of the classes this semester is Patient Assessment. This is by far- my least favorite class. Thank the Lord it is only one day a week. Each week we've been learning about different parts of a physical exam. At the end of the semester we have to perform one on a complete stranger for a grade. My biggest hang up so far has been the ears. I'm not sure why, but I have a phobia of ear wax. It's true. I am completely horrified of ear wax. It wasn't an issue on my dear, very clean friend, Kaci, who was my partner for practicing that day, but I think it may be an issue on this stranger we'll have to examine at the end of the semester. I don't really want to fail pharmacy school because of this patient assessment thing. I think there are two possibilities: 1 I'll get an A and move on with my life or 2 I'll fail miserably because of the physical exam grade, I'll need to reconsider my career choices and file bankruptcy for the school loans I have. :-/ I'll let you know what happens. Pray for option 1.
One thing that has started that I've really enjoyed is teaching the 9th grade Sunday school class. Talk about a crowd that is hard to entertain!! I've tried to make the class as exciting as possible and I think it has worked out well the last couple of weeks. I bring candy and each one gets 2 pieces but they can't open it until the end of class because if they get called on to read and they don't know where we are, I make them give a piece back to me. The first week I did this, I got 2 pieces back. Last week, I didn't get any! Also, the book we have for this class is mostly about abstinence and chastity. I think that 9th grade is the perfect age for the topic, however, I've found that they get really bored with the same thing for an hour every week. My students had also complained a little bit about them not knowing much about the Bible and scripture. So my other idea was to have a separate lesson each week. It only takes about 5-10 minutes from each class. The unit that I have picked first is People of the Bible and right now were are learning about the 12 Apostles. Each week I ask questions from previous lessons and the student that get the right answer get points. I promised them a prize at the end of each unit and at the end of the year. I haven't quite figured out what the prize will be... but I'll think of something good. I think it'll encourage them to come and retain what I'm teaching them. We will see. I think I'll make another page on the blog to share what I'm doing in my Sunday school class in case anyone needs some ideas.
Funny Story- One of the classes this semester is Patient Assessment. This is by far- my least favorite class. Thank the Lord it is only one day a week. Each week we've been learning about different parts of a physical exam. At the end of the semester we have to perform one on a complete stranger for a grade. My biggest hang up so far has been the ears. I'm not sure why, but I have a phobia of ear wax. It's true. I am completely horrified of ear wax. It wasn't an issue on my dear, very clean friend, Kaci, who was my partner for practicing that day, but I think it may be an issue on this stranger we'll have to examine at the end of the semester. I don't really want to fail pharmacy school because of this patient assessment thing. I think there are two possibilities: 1 I'll get an A and move on with my life or 2 I'll fail miserably because of the physical exam grade, I'll need to reconsider my career choices and file bankruptcy for the school loans I have. :-/ I'll let you know what happens. Pray for option 1.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
The Gas-Field-Phase is FINALLY over!
Eddie no longer works for the gas company anymore and it is a wonderful thing!!
The company was bought out and was going through some major changes in the last month... so looking ahead, we decided to get ready to end this phase of our life. I'm so glad that we did that because on Monday, the head-honcho from the new owners came for a meeting and brought 2 options with him: 1. transfer out of district (i.e. pick up and move to West Virginia or Oklahoma) or 2. Start working out of district 14 days on 7 days off... Seeing that I'm in pharmacy school, option 1 was out of the question. Option 2 doesn't sound like a great idea either, leaving me 2 weeks at a time, I think not.
Anyhow, he took option 3... "I'll be back in a little bit to turn in my uniforms."
It's a bitter-sweet change. Bitter because of a pay-cut. Sweet because life is simple again. Eddie will be substitute teaching this year and wrapping up the loose ends for his teaching/coaching license. He's helping out with the football team at Riverview and loves it... Go Raiders!
One more change in this short time since we graduated college. Progress towards normal.
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17
The company was bought out and was going through some major changes in the last month... so looking ahead, we decided to get ready to end this phase of our life. I'm so glad that we did that because on Monday, the head-honcho from the new owners came for a meeting and brought 2 options with him: 1. transfer out of district (i.e. pick up and move to West Virginia or Oklahoma) or 2. Start working out of district 14 days on 7 days off... Seeing that I'm in pharmacy school, option 1 was out of the question. Option 2 doesn't sound like a great idea either, leaving me 2 weeks at a time, I think not.
Anyhow, he took option 3... "I'll be back in a little bit to turn in my uniforms."
It's a bitter-sweet change. Bitter because of a pay-cut. Sweet because life is simple again. Eddie will be substitute teaching this year and wrapping up the loose ends for his teaching/coaching license. He's helping out with the football team at Riverview and loves it... Go Raiders!
One more change in this short time since we graduated college. Progress towards normal.
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17
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