My New Venture

Okay, so many of you know that I have been contemplating changing my career for years now. I began the search about 3 years ago. This spring I really got serious and applied to everything and anything I thought I would enjoy. I did a bit of research and talked to lots of people. I was determined to not go back to the classroom this year. Well, I waited and waited and heard nothing for months. July 21st came along (weeks after it is okay to break your contract) and I found another job opening in our district called the College Readiness Specialist. I thought I would give it another shot - what could I lose? About a week later I got a call about coming in for an interview and I was ecstatic but also nervous about what my principal would say. No principal wants to be looking for a teacher replacement 3 weeks before school starts!

Although I was very happy to be considered for an interview I was not very hopeful - it just seemed impossible. The day of the interview I walk into a room full of very intimidating and important people. I panicked immediately for I was expecting a preliminary interview! I was extremely nervous and thought for sure I'd blown it. As I walked out, my would be boss says "Your Principal speaks very highly of you" . . . . . oh, no, he already knew! (He and I had already talked about me looking for other jobs.)

On my drive home I almost cried - here had been my chance and I wasn't as prepared as I had wanted to be. I prayed for peace and gave it to God saying I did not want this if it wasn't his will! A few hours later I got a call from the Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Education saying I was the candidate of their choice!!!!!! AAHHHHH! How could this be? Later I found out that there were 18 applicants, 6 interviews and I was the top pick for all the interviewers. Let's say that I can clearly see God's hand this. I am so amazed and humbled by his love and provision.

Well, the venture just begins. As the College Readiness Specialist I have many duties such as supporting our 6 high schools in increasing numbers of kiddos taking college prep courses and tests. There's a lot of managing and coordinating involved. I have my own office and I love it all so far! I am a bit frightened about the great responsibility I have especially because so much of this is new to me.

Oh, and my replacement was found a few days after my interview. She is really qualified and comes highly recommended so my Principal is happy. I'm also grateful to him since I know he had much influence in the District's decision.

I have no pics of my office or our dinner celebration at Perry's but I promise I'll post some soon!

The best part of this job is that I get to thoroughly enjoy my weekends and I don't have to worry about lesson plans, disciplining children or waking up at 5:00am. Yippee!

Hispanic Women's Network of Texas

I'd like to thank Phillip's aunt Frances for inviting me to this wonderful women's conference here in Houston last weekend. I met a myriad of successful and inspiring women including Judge Aida Salinas from McAllen and Alma Riojas who served on President Reagan’s Transition Team and in the White House Personnel Office specializing in Hispanic and women’s recruitment and placement among many other wonderful accomplishments.

Needless to say I learned so much. This conference could not come at a better time since I was able to get so many leads and contacts that can help me in my new job.

Here's a pic of Aunt Frances and other ladies from her HWNT Chapter in San Antonio.

The last night of the conference there was a banquet in which my dear husband was our date!

400

The weekend began with a huge family reunion on Phillip's side. Phillip's great grandmother had 7 siblings and each sibling averaged about 7 children. So, the reunion consisted of all of those folks and their kids and their kids. We think there were about 400 people there. Each sibling's family wore a different colored shirt.

Here is Phillip and his dad and you can see us standing in the very back of the group picture. There were so many of us that the person taking the picture for me could not fit everyone in one or even two pics.

Wii Wars

So, we have the greatest time playing the Wii, especially when family, friends and neighbors come over. I've never been one to be good at video games but I am pretty decent at tennis, bowling and even boxing. I've beat Phillip at bowling (something that never happens in real life)! Here are a few pics our version of Wii Wars.


I never thought I'd see Nancy Martinez, Pastor Ruben's wife punching the air to win a boxing round. It was hilarious! She called me a week later to tell me she was still sore.

This weekend was also a lot of fun as we battled Phillip's cousin Kris and her husband Patrick.

Here's a little cousin on cousin rivalry.Kris Won!

Time to redeem the family.



I kicked everyone's butt in boxing!

It was ladies night - we beat the boys in almost everything.

Projects

We have soooooo many projects in store for our home like installing wood floors, building a deck, furnishing many rooms, etc. These of course are going to take a while. This weekend we did tackle a small project. We painted our first accent wall! Here's the before picture.

Here are some after photos.

During the day.

In the evening.





More to come!

Summer Happenings

With all the jobs in the world I never imagined I would be teaching summer school . . . . but I am! You probably think I am completely insane, especially since I have been wanting to change careers. Let's just say that one of the reasons I am doing this is "Because Dave Ramsey said so!" We are doing the "Financial Peace University" course at our church and we are really motivated to finish paying off our debt. One of Ramsey's suggestions is to work an extra job. Summer school only lasts about 16 days and the pay is pretty good so it was the perfect opportunity. Not to mention the fact that the job fell into my lap by some miracle of God. So, I have been really busy with that - the days are arduous but very rewarding.

Although I've been working we've still had some time to do some family and friends stuff.

Last weekend one of our small group couples got baptized. We are so blessed to have been part of this special day.

The boyz at a fellowship night playing Mario Cart.

Eric giving Andrea a ride on his Harley.

More to come!

Desperate for Summer

We have a few weeks before summer break and many of us are anxiously awaiting. There is much work to be done around here and I am looking forward to not waking up before dawn. I'm also planning on working this summer, not anything too demanding but just enough to keep me busy and out of my husband's hair (he works from home). I have also been on a frantic search for a new career. I had previously talked about this with many of you and expressed my desire to explore other things. I go back and forth with this since I would have to make many changes - some positive, some negative. If you think of me please pray that the right thing would come along. I am pretty determined to find something even if it means I'd have to work summers.

So the family came out this last weekend for Mother's Day. It was so nice to see them all. We had a great time playing the Wii and cooking out (bought our first grill). My parents approved of our house and are really excited for us.

That's all for now. I'll have to write more later.

Con mucho amor . . . .

Oh, so much to talk about!

Praise the Lord! I am writing from the comfort of new home! We are settling in nicely. We are so marveled at the way God orchestrated everything. We had planned to buy a home next year and had no idea we would be blessed with this home at this time. We are so grateful.

So, I have been MIA since December when we found the house. Between closing, moving and settling in, time has just flown. So, here are some pictures of our Home Sweet Home! We hope to change a few things down the road - and yes, we plan to settle down here if God wills.

Here's the info. The house is 2,900 sq. ft. It has 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a study, a game room, and a huge backyard. Yes, we got a plasma. Doesn't it look good above our fireplace? We need a cabinet for the DVD player, Wii and cable box.


Check out our new GE fridge! It is the coolest.
Okay, so we need a bigger dining room set and some decorations.

Another awesome blessing in our lives has been our couples Bible study group. We meet on Wedneday evenings for dinner and our study. We are currently doing "A Biblical Portrait of Marriage." Pastor Ruben was gracious enough to give a talk to the group this last Wednesday. It was wonderful having him here to give advice and answer tough questions about Christianity. Here are some pictures of our group meetings and fellowships.

Baptist Student Ministry Girls Reunion

The Baptist Student Ministry was a huge part of my college experience. I met many lifelong friends there as well as my husband Phillip (actually met him through my BSM friends). Last month we had a mini reunion at one of the girls' home. It was a lot of fun catching up, playing games and eating great food. Here's the proof.

Let the Christmas Parties Begin!

Our couples small group kicked off the 2007 Christmas parties with a Pajama White Elephant Breakfast Food Fiesta!

Over the Hill!

I can't believe I haven't posted since September - school is just kicking my butt!

Well, people, it has finally come. I am now officially over the hill. I turned the big 30 last week. I promise you I have started to feel the effects of old age. I've had coffee three days in a row (I NEVER DRINK COFFEE!), I'm exhausted, immaturity gets on my nerves more than ever . . . I can go on but I will stop and post some pictures of my wonderful costume birthday party!

The cake matched the party invitations perfectly!

I want to say thanks to my friends Samantha, Lora, Whitney & Jamey, Andrea, Carlie & Eric, Michelle and Becky for all their help planning and making the party a hit. You all are awesome! I especially want to thank my husband Phillip for cooking the most delicious brisket, sausage and fajitas ever. He was a star - everyone said so. I also want to thank the fam for coming out. I loved being able to share that day with both my friends and family.

Yes, that's my hubby dressed as Cartman from South Park!

The Bucher's all nerded up!

What's a party without karaoke and a little hot potato (horse)?