Haney Family Chronicles

O State Fair, How I Love Thee

2009-11-24T08:55:00.000-08:00

I am slowly starting to update my blog. I love blogging so I don't know why I am such a slacker. The state fair was months ago but I have so many pictures that I had to post!!!

Every year it is a tradition that my parents come and visit us and we go to the State Fair of Texas. I look forward to it for a whole 365 days. My family loves food and we will try anything.

I get so excited for the State Fair - it feels like Christmas!!! I realize that it goes against everything I teach about Nutrition- and I am completely honest with my kids about it. They all were so excited to hear about everything i ate in detail. They couldn't believe I ate so much junk. I also went back again for the spam contest for school and I ate another funnel cake. I felt like I had to admit that. Just being honest guys!!

Family Pic. Patrick was taking the picture- or he would be there too!

Look how happy we are....it's because we are about to eat a bunch of grease. Yay! Patrick's beard got shaved soon after this event. Sometimes I miss Wolverine but I really am glad to have a clean shaven husband back!

V saved her bag. I ate my whole bag. Reminds me so much of our childhood. I am such an impulse eater. It was worth it.

Mom and V

I love theese potato chip fries!!! I get them every year. They are so salty and greasy...perfect combination.

My dad and his corny dog. Side note: Patrick's corny dog fell on the ground....I am not going to tell you the rest but we did not buy a new one. Do the math. :) My husband isn't afraid of anything.

Sausage on a stick brings so much joy to people. Too bad they only come once a year.

I thought it was funny that the fried butter sign said "Big as Texas." Ha ha. I still ate it.

I LOVED the fried butter- it was like a butter warm biscuit. Yum!!!

This was my apple, covered in peanut butter, covered in caramel, then battered and fried!!! It was good but the apple was really frozen. I still ate it because it had peanut butter on it. My favorite!

Me and the fried butter- what a pair. :)

State Fair, hurry and come back soon!!!

Good Bye Lakewood....

2009-11-06T11:53:00.000-08:00

We are saying good bye to Lakewood tomorrow...it is a sad day but we are excited to have more space. (and a dishwasher!) We have loved our little home and Maggie will miss her window. I will post more photos soon of the new house!

Girls Weekend 2009

2009-09-30T13:44:00.001-07:00

This past weekend was my annual college roommate girls weekend 2009!!! We had so much fun and loved every minute we got to spend together. We were roommates at Baylor and all got along so well. We have tried every year since college to get together and for the most part - we have done it! This year we traveled to Austin to a spa hotel on the Lake. It was so relaxing and fun. We could have fun just about anywhere though. :) I am so thankful to have such good friends who know me well and are a constant source of encouragement.

The Lobby of our hotel- we were going to eat at the Oasis!
Mere and Mandy

Jen and Melissa

I found this in my old pictures- this was maybe 5 years ago?? Not even sure! Mere had shirts made for us and we all had them on. Notice my pink scarf/belt- that was in at the time...I promise. (glad it's not anymore- it is not flattering in the least!)

The Big Thirty

2009-08-26T13:23:00.000-07:00

A little over a month ago I turned 30. I think it was harder turning 29 because I knew that in a year I would be 30 so when my birthday came it wasn't as big of a deal as I thought it would be. Patrick, my sister and my parents all helped throw me a super fun party at our house. Of course, we had a ton of amazing food prepared by none other- my sister the chef. I felt really special. All of my family was there and alot of our friends.

It is so weird to me that as you get older you still feel the same age. I feel like I felt at 17. (minus a few back pains here and there) My best friend Meredith and I would always play the song "Dancing Queen" and yell " young and sweet only 17" really loud when we were 17. I am just not sure if that would sound as good yelling "young and sweet only.....30??!!" But, I feel like I was yelling "17" just yesterday. The 20's are gone my friends, and I might be ok with that. I like how much more ok with "who I am" at thirty. I mean- I still struggle with shallow stuff people- varicose veins (I don't like them- not one bit), hormones- I have major hot flashes now- or I am hoping our air just doesn't work? AND- my trusty metabolism is going down hill....but it is alot shorter list than it used to be. I do hope that in my thirties I will start to let even those petty things go and really appreciate myself for who God made me to be. ABBA needs to do a remake of Dancing Queen for the older more experienced woman. Maybe I will track them down and make a request. :)

Things that make me happy :)

2009-08-23T20:41:00.000-07:00

Getting flowers for $3.99 at Tom Thumb

Yes- they were only $3.99

My Best Friends
Making peanut butter m&m chocolate chip cookies.

Using 4 sticks of butter to make peanut butter m&m chocolate chip cookies.

Letters from my husband from over the years.

Maggie

Have a great week everyone. Happy 1st day of school tomorrow. :)

We're Back!

2009-08-02T17:27:00.000-07:00

Yes. It has been awhile. A LONG while. I have so much to post that it is a little overwhelming, but I think I am up to the task. :) In 2 short weeks we will be going back to school. Summer will be over. I feel mixed emotions. I really start to miss my students in the summer- but once it starts it is like getting on a roller coaster that doesn't really stop for 9 months. We had a training day last week and I was able to go to my room for the first time and I have to admit- I have missed it and it feels like home to me. I am also getting all new appliances and new tables and a new desk. It is like Christmas! I can't wait. Our ovens/stove tops were a little shady. Every time we turned one on it started to smoke. Plus- one of my students accidentally melted plastic all over one of the burners and it really stunk. I am excited to go work in my room this next week and unpack all of my new supplies and prepare for my new kiddos. Yay! :)

Ok. Where have we been the last few months. We haven't been home that's for sure. We have only been home a fews weeks this summer- the rest spent traveling with family and working 2 different special needs camps. Patrick and I really have a heart for teens- obviously- we work with them 9 months out of the year. I am so thankful that God lead me to marry someone who shares an equal passion for loving kids who need to be loved. That is why I think I love my job so much. I get to work with my husband and watch him work so hard with kids- some who don't want to be loved and don't want to learn. He has an amazing ability to motivate and inspire kids to be good at science - even when they think they are not. I have had so many students come tell me how much he has helped them. Kids will come and tell me that without him they wouldn't have passed the TAKS and wouldn't have passed science. It is really neat to be able to see him work SO hard at something and see results- kids who are finally understanding science that have had a hard time in the past. It is pretty incredible. All that to say- that we were able to go work at 2 camps this summer together that were life changing.

Camp Barnabas. We were able to go with our church in June to this camp in Missouri with about 50 high school students. Each student was paired up with a child who was disabled - mild to severe. Our high schoolers were responsible for their child 24 hours a day. I was a cabin mom in a very tough cabin. Our girls were mostly non verbal and couldn't do anything on their own. Watching the girls from our church care for them so unselfishly was so humbling. I learned so much about serving others. It is so much easier to serve others whole heartedly when you have no choice. When I got back to Dallas I realized that it was harder to be unselfish when surrounded by people who could do things for themselves. It hit me that I want to live my life like I did at Camp Barnabas- loving others without condition- like God has called us to do. No matter what. It is such a hard thing to do. I really want to love my students that way too- especially the hard ones. That is my vision for this next school year. I hope to write more on that later as I process it before this year starts.

Ok- finally- pictures from our trip to Camp Barnabas!

One of my favorite campers, Mia. She laughed so much- it was awesome. She was such a joy to work with.

My Cabin. This was on Oregon Trail night. We had so much fun blazing the trail. :)

Nerd Night. Yes- that is Patrick's actual lab coat from school and his actual glasses from his Science class. I am wearing his "math counts" shirt from when he was a math-alete. I am married to a math-alete- I am the luckiest woman in the world. :)

She had on his lab coat- she is so precious!

One of my campers Alyssa. She was so sweet. She smiled constantly.

I took this picture. It is one of my favorites. :)

Patrick's cabin praying over the cross.

Kaiya with the camp dog. He sat with her the whole night.

One of my 9th graders in my small group that I lead. Emily did such a good job loving the kids that week. I was so proud.

Those are a few pictures from our summer. I have much more. We also just got back from another camp and I can't wait to share about it. I really am excited to get back into blogging. My drought is over. :)

Master Gardener, AKA :mom

2009-05-11T07:48:00.000-07:00

This weekend my mom came to stay with us and she helped us work on our yard. It was really fun and I learned alot about gardening. I let all our plants from the fall die which was a traumatic experience for me. I felt so bad. This spring/summer I am going to give it another try. Coincidentally, my mom got me plants that do very well if one forgets to water a few days in a row.

Maggie's favorite spot. Notice the blinds are all bent up a bit- Maggie loves to chew them and play with them for hours. Whatever floats your boat Maggie. :)

Our little home. We love it. I absolutely love having a front porch. (minus the bugs that are attracted to the light at night) It has been so fun to sit outside.

I just added the pillows from Garden Ridge. I also got those three citronella candles from Target. They work really well and don't smell funny like some citronella candles do.

My mom: the master gardener! She worked so hard on our yard! Thanks mom! We had such a fun weekend!

Overall, we had a great weekend! We spend yesterday afternoon visiting Patrick's parents and wishing his mom a Happy Mother's Day. I will give updates on how the plants are doing- hopefully it will be a good report. I really don't have a death wish for them- I wish them a long and happy life!

Fabulous Fruit Pizza Fun Day!!!

2009-05-08T11:38:00.000-07:00

They made a peace sign with their blueberries.

I love these girls! Thias is from Brazil!

I just uploaded this picture and realized that this student is sporting a sharp knife ....ooops- I promise he was using it for fruit and not some sort of gang activity.

So- we made fruit pizza today! It is a fun and easy lab. My kids did tell me that it was too sweet and that it wasn't their favorite. I guess something that tastes like heaven isn't good enough for them. :) Who doesn't want huge slab of sugar cookie smothered in cream cheese/marshmallow cream?? They were really cracking me up today. One boy came and complained that someone stole his piece of gum and I told him that it sounded like a personal problem- not my problem. Then he proceeded to tell me " it's hard to find gum these days lady." I guess the economy is affecting his 14 year old life in a rough way. I was like- seriously?? Yes- that is my first period class. I do love them. :)

I have mentioned that I love my job- and I really really do. I love these kids! They really bring such joy to my life every day. I know this is where God wants me for now. I am so thankful for a rewarding job even on the really hard days. (like yesterday when one of my students hit another one in the face in class)

Our Tuesday

2009-05-08T07:44:00.000-07:00

This past Tuesday Patrick and I had tickets to see "Rent" in the Dallas Summer Musicals. I have never seen Rent on stage but I do have the CD and I absolutely love the music. It was spectacular! I love music and the cast had incredible voices. I have a secret dream to one day be in a musical. At Baylor my sorrority performed in something called "Sing" and those are some of the best memories I have of college. (except for when I dislocated my knee cap at Sing my sophomore year- but that is a whole other post) It is hard to explain to someone that didn't go there- but it was so fun to practice and finally perform in front of family and friends. I was always on the back row due to my incurable uncoordinated dancing ability but I was proud to just be up there with everyone else.

The only picture I got was at our house before the musical.

At our High School every year we have a special program called "Lighthouse". It is a ceremony where every teacher picks one student who has been through hard times, risen above challenges, made a difference, changed their ways, etc.... you know what I mean. I knew exactly who I wanted to choose this year. I had Israel when he was a freshman- four years ago- and he definitely didn't look or act like he does now that he is a senior. He is the first to admit that he made some mistakes and wrong decisions his first few years of High School. After I had him, a couple years later he started to come and visit me and I noticed a dramatic change in him. He dressed sharp and was polite and respectful, he cared about grades and school and just seemed to be a different student all together. It is stories like this that remind me why I love my job. Getting to see kids change is one of the most amazing experiences as a teacher. I sat with Israel in the program and presented him with his award. We talked about college and how he really wants to go to college and what steps he needs to take to get there. He also had Patrick for IPC too-which is fun. We are both so proud of him and what he has accomplished the past 2 years!

Muddy Buddies

2009-04-03T09:20:00.000-07:00

Okay People. I got my first taste of what would have happened if I would have joined the Army. FYI: I never wanted to join the Army but I think people who do are awesome and courageous and just plain studs. Patrick and I signed up for the Mud Run which was last Sunday. It was basically a 10K with about 10 army obstacles throughout the course which we had to complete. I want to preface this post with the fact that I am not an athelete, have never been an athlelete, and do not see myself being an athelete in the future. I signed up on a whim because I thought it would be a challenge and something fun to do with my husband. The week before the race is when the anxiety started. What if I am last? What if I embarrass myself? I literally played the scenes over and over in my head. You know- the ones where you are in last place and everyone is waiting for you to catch up and you feel like a huge loser. Yes- I have those visions sometimes...I admit it.

So- on race day, in my new cargo pants from Walmart that were so high waisted it was scary, I did the mud run with about 10 other teachers from my school plus some friends and spouses that came to join us. Patrick was great. He waited on me and encouraged me. At the beginning of the race, I thought I was going to die when we had to run in freezing cold muddy water that was up to our knees....my nightmare was coming true as I watched everyone run past me. I literally had to tell myself that crying during the mud run was for wimps and I was not going to be a wimp! Patrick realized that I had lagged behind and came back for me which was awesome because I almost quit right at that moment. So, we ran through the mud and up walls and over logs and down a really fun muddy slide that left some bruises in unfortunate areas. At one point I thought- hey maybe I should train for a triathalon but I realized that I must be delerious due to bumping my head on a log or something. We also had to crawl on our stomachs under some kind of wire for what was probably a mile. (ok- that was a lie but it sounded good) That was probably the worst part. I really felt like I was getting a glimpse of what it must be like to be in basic training. The volunteers manning the station kept yelling at me to get back on my stomach because I had resorted to just crawling on my knees. (I guess it looked like I was cheating) I was like- really? You are yelling at me to get onto my stomach? Have you ever been this close to the ground and inhaled grass and roots and gotten mud slung into your eye? ( that really did happen) I held my tongue. No need to start a brawl when you are with your principal and co-workers. So- I finally finished in 2.5 hours and then had the pleasure of stripping down to my spandex bikers and getting hosed off by a fire truck. I know you are jealous. And, yes, I had to wear nasty spandex biker shorts in front of my principal. I was so humiliated. I did have on a tank top too thank goodness.

Anyway, I survived. We had fun. I actually did it.

I am SO glad it's over. :)

Spring Break and More....

2009-03-27T13:14:00.000-07:00

While Spring Break was a few weeks ago I am just getting around to posting some of our happenings! We went to Tyler and hung out with my parents and my besties from High School! It was so much fun. My parents got a new puppy Sadie who is full of life - literally. Kelly came in to visit and all 4 of us got to spend 2 days together with the kiddos. It was so relaxing and a nice break! I love going home to see family and friends. I wish I had time to do it more.

Hudson loves to blow bubbles with Ginger!

Samuel is so funny! He cracked us up all weekend!

Mere and Samuel

One of the millionth self portriats we have of the two of us!

We also celebrated Patrick's moms 60th birthday! We went to Gloria's to suprise her. It was really good!

Two of our crazy nephews!

Patrick's mom Debbie! She is awesome! :)

Patrick and I. :)

It's greek to me!

2009-03-09T10:07:00.000-07:00

Ok....A new Whole Foods opened 2 minutes from our house last week. On Sunday Patrick and I took a stroll through it and I found this. (see above!) I have been reading alot about greek yogurt. I love yogurt and I frequently try out different varieties. This particular greek yogurt has no fat and 14 grams of protein! Yes- 14! Wow! I know- can you believe it? And- it is SO good. I tried the plain and it wasn't bad but very tart. This brand- chobani- has the non fat with the fruit on the bottom. I bought strawberry and blueberry and have loved both. It is the best- so rich and creamy and I love that. Only one downfall- it is a little pricy. It makes a good dessert- and it keeps you full because of all the protein. Anyway, thanks Greek people for making such good yogurt even though I may have to get a second job to keep buying it! :) Happy Monday!

Jason = Jerk

2009-03-02T20:58:00.000-08:00

Oh my gosh. I am stunned. Seriously- why have I been subjecting myself to this torture for the past few months. I had quit watching the bachelor for the past few years but this season I thought- hey maybe he is a good guy?? WOW I was wrong. I knew something was up when Chris (what is his job anyway??) came on and said that this news was going to be so sensitive that they had no audience. Then when Jason gave that horrible crappy speech about it just not working out and he couldn't stop thinking about Molly- I'm sorry- what!? I almost threw up. Yes Jason, relationships are hard. Yes Jason, it is not going to be a walk in the park- be a man and work through the hard times. I really don't know what happened with Melissa and Jason after he proposed but it sounded more like he had the issues not her. That show so doesn't portray how God wants men to pursue thier wives....yet I watched it and now I am regretting it. (how many times can Jason say the word regret in one show by the way?) I feel so sorry for little Ty- who is so innocent in all of this mess. Hey Ty- here are two women who want to be your mom....now here is your mom! Wait- no- here is your new mom....wait....
Another thing- did Jason really almost fling himself off of the balcony because he was bawling his eyes out? I was not feeling sympathy for him- only embarrassment. Please stop crying for just one minute and figure out what in the heck you are doing.

Ok- I really don't know the whole story- but I do know that a Melissa was hurt and I feel for her. I hope she is able to find a man who wants to pursue her and make her feel wonderful and want to fight for her. :) That is what all women deserve!

If you guys didn't watch the bachelor...then disregard the above venting. I am sure you will be hearing about it in the magazines. Ahhhhh! The madness!

Good night to all.....

To be known

2009-02-11T09:19:00.000-08:00

I have been out sick for the past 5 days and it has been awful! I hate resting- so 5 days of laying around was rough. Last week, I was thinking about how I have not blogged very much lately and I started browsing through my old pictures on my computer at school. I found alot of me and my wonderful friends. I feel really blessed to have such great friends who have walked through life with me for about 15 years. (give or take) My high school friends are very special to me and over the past 15 years we have been through alot of hard times and alot of great times. I love watching their kids grow up. I love the fact that they know me inside and out. I love that we get together as much as we can. I love that our moms are friends. :) It is good to be known- it makes it easy. I have found that as we get older making friends is harder. I guess we are so busy with our own lives taking time to really know someone - well- just takes time! So- here are some really random pictures - I wish I could dig up my high school pictures- they are funny! Maybe I will soon. :)

This is a few years back- I was tinkerbell and Darrah was the color green. I think she pulled it off. :)

This is Ginger's little boy Caden. He was so little then!

The day Samuel was born. He was so cute. I couldn't wait to meet him!

This is when I tried to have bangs...and failed. Kelly- you look really cute! Straight hair and bangs just dont go together. I tried again this summer and wore bobby pins every single day after I did it. Never again!!

This was our 10 year high school reunion. So fun!

One of our girls weekend at Ginger's house in Tulsa. Not sure why I look like I have to go to the bathroom. That pose remains a mystery.

My wedding shower at Mere's.

Caden's sip and see!

Mere and I on one of our many vacations we have taken together! I love this picture!

Kelly's baby shower.

Last, but not least my wedding day. Darrah- I am not sure where you are. (Mandy and Melissa- you either?) What a wonderful and special day. (minus the steamer blowing hot water all over my mom's outfit- but that was actually funny too)

Getting Krunk at Kroger

2009-02-05T07:46:00.000-08:00

I thought I would share what a typical shopping trip is like for me when I shop for my classes. This day I was shopping for Lasagna. By the end of the trip I could barely push the cart. When we make our Thanksgiving feast in November I have to push 2 carts. People are always asking me what I am making and why I have so much food. No one ever wants to get behind me in line....it's a hard job I have. :)

Overall, I love my job. It has it's ups and downs but I love my students and they make me laugh so much. I do get tired of loading and unloading my car with groceries but lab days are worth it. They have fun and I get to taste test most of their food- I pass if it looks questionable. :)

I am still here!

2009-01-27T11:44:00.000-08:00

Yes...it's me. I have not been abducted or become a hermit. I am still here- just trying to get my head above water. I will give you a quick update....

Patrick and Jen went ice skating at the Galleria. It was fun. What was not fun was the 100 elementary school kids skating with us.

My sister celebrated her 26th birthday. It is on December 25th. Yes- she shares a birthday with Jesus. Pretty big deal. She is the sweetest, most honest person I know.

Maggie has gotten really snuggly. I mean really snuggly. This is where she likes to sleep. Yes- basically on my face. That is the most awful yuck picture of me but I had to just sacrifice to show you her new spot.

Patrick and I went to Houston over New Year's to visit our good friends the Harps. We had a date night and it was so much fun. We saw the Curious Case of Benjamin Button and all loved it!

Yes- our husbands almost had on the same shirt.

Obviously- they were hamming up the awkward poses for the picture.

9th graders are AWESOME! :)

2008-12-16T09:06:00.000-08:00

This past Sunday we had our 9th grade small group Christmas Party. My co-leader Aimee and I love our 9 girls and have been meeting with them every week for the past 5 months. (Aimee has been with them for a little longer than that) The girls are so funny and make us laugh constantly. I always leave small group thinking- did I have that much energy in 9th grade? I probably did. I loved my small group in high school- we are all still best friends today. :) I am still trying to get through a lesson without them laughing or being loud- maybe it will happen someday. :)

This is Aimee. Love her!! She is a great co-leader!

We had just exchanged gifts. I am telling you- they laugh constantly!

I can't get them to take a serious pic to save my life. Murphy is hiding behind her tree.

Caroline- the sweetest girl ever! She just made Highland Park Belles. (Drill Team...yes- I went to mock tryouts- they had three really hard routines. She is a freshman and she made it- really tough to do!)

Emily, another Emily, Me, Maggie, Alexis

Chloie, Murphy, Caroline

Flinstone for a day....

2008-12-16T08:55:00.000-08:00

A month or so ago Patrick and I were honored to be asked to become "Fred Flinstone" and dance with the drill team in the pep rally. This was a big deal for me because it opened an old wound....I did not make drill team in high school because I have the coordination of a stick....I had to suck it up and go out there and be the best "Scarlet Sweetheart" I could be. Ok guys....all of the fear came back to me as I waited for the first 8 count and immediately forgot all the moves I had learned. (which is what happened in Drill Team tryouts 95...."tear") I managed to watch the person in front of me and tried not to embarrass Tiarra who asked me to be her partner. Sadly- Patrick did well and memorized most of the moves. I guess it just wasn't meant to be.

This is Tiarra. I just LOVE her. She always tells me "Stay real Mrs. Haney." --And I really try to stay real.

Not the best look for us. My club was dented. It looks like I have been beating Patrick with it. No one will ever know I guess....

Just kidding- it was dented when I got it.

Areobed....No more!

2008-12-16T08:49:00.000-08:00

Yay! We finally have our new bed! It came on Saturday and the Pottery Barn delivery service unpacked it - put it together - AND took all the trash! That is the worst about getting big items delivered- the trash that is left behind. It was so nice. Maggie has enjoyed looking out the window and we have just enjoyed not sleeping on the floor! We have matching curtains to put up on the window behind the bed- just haven't gotten around to putting them up yet.

7 random facts about me!!!

2008-12-04T01:06:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! One of my bestest friends Darrah tagged me! She is an amazing artist and an amazing friend. Her website is.....

http://darrahgooden.blogspot.com/ Definitely check it out! We have been friends for as long as I can remember and she has walked with me through some really rough times in my life. She also lived with me for 4 years and tolerated my cat Daily who may have had some ill feelings towards Darrah. Thanks Darrah for sticking it out!

Ok....I am supposed to tell you the rules...

1. link the tagger and post the rules
2. post 7 random facts about yourself
3. tag 7 friends and link to them
4. let them know they have been tagged by leaving a nice little message on their blog

I am really random so here goes!

1. I love peanut butter more than anything in the world. I eat it straight out of the jar and I can sit and eat half a jar in one sitting. Peter Pan creamy is my favorite. I love anything with peanut butter in it. Peanut Butter M&M's are my first choice of candy. I used to mix peanut butter and chocolate chips and melt them in the microwave. SO good! Darrah and I made up some weird concoctions when we were roommates with peanut butter, cookie dough, marshmallow creme and chocolate chips.

2. When I was little I collected moss. Yes, I said moss. I am not sure why. I would dig it up and hide it on the roof of the house. I guess I thought it was rare?

3. I am a super hypo chondriach - I always think I have a disease or illness. I am addicted to researching my symptoms on the Internet. Yesterday I thought I had iron- deficiency anemia. I still think I might. If I take a prescription drug...like Zyrtec for example (which I just started for allergies) I somehow get every side effect it lists on the package. All of a sudden I get dry mouth, something swells up, I am nauseous, I have random pain, and I could experience burred vision. It is kind of funny but then kind of not I guess.

4. I am super emotional. I am a huge empathizer. I cry at commercials and just about anything. I also hate seeing homeless animals on the street- I always want to stop the car and rescue them. I actually have done it a few times and once I ended up with this huge old dog in my car slobbering all over the seats. I found his home finally after making some calls. Case closed. One dog saved. :)

5. I am not sure if this is a random fact but I feel like I need to put it out there....confess. I have been talking about "portion sizes" this week in class and how American's just eat too much. The portion sized served at restaurants are just too big- like 3x too big! I talked about "super sizing" and how horrible it is. Ok- so - last night at the Whataburger drive through I got a cheeseburger, fries and then....I "what a sized" it. I know- I am such a hypocrite. I felt like I needed to tell someone other than my students because then everything else I have ever taught them would be a lie. Whataburger has such good fries and I just gave in. Have you had one of their burgers? It is amazing. Their fries are good too- at least the bucket I ate last night was.

6. I used to work at a church nursery when I was 15. I got fired because I talked to much to my friends who would come and visit and not watch the kids. How sad is that. I hope those kids turned out ok.

7. Ok, last one. I think this is pretty random. I love working with high school kids. Not always because some are really disrespectful and that makes me sad, but most of the time I do. I love the stories they have and the things they say. They always find a way to make me laugh. They ask the funniest questions that I would not ever think of myself! They are so honest it is scary sometimes and don't have any problems telling me what they think of my outfit that day. I just have to take it with a grain of salt because I was their age once and I probably did the same thing.

That is me! Have a great day!

Haney Family Thanksgiving

2008-12-03T11:44:00.000-08:00

Ok. Ok. It has been way too long. I wanted to post something...so I decided to post the recent pic of the Haney family at Thanksgiving. His grandmother is 95 years old and an amazing woman. She is sharp as a tac! We love her and were so glad to spend some time with her during the holiday.

We also went to my parent's in Tyler but no pictures. I wish we would have. I do love my family and holiday's at the Hudgins are always interesting. Patrick and I braved the crowds on Friday and went to the Tyler Walmart and Target and of course I had to stop at Marshalls, and of course buy a purse. I love Marshalls. It is so fun to go and see what you can find! I almost bought a dress at Walmart but Patrick said I had 3 more just like it. He was right. I don't know what my facination with black dresses are. I put it back which was a huge victory! Yay for self control.

Our bed frame, who was graciously given to us by my aunt and uncle, has been experiencing technical difficulties lately. Two weeks ago we went and bought a new bed but it won't be delivered until around December 10th. Our backs started hurting so we quit sleeping on our old bed and have been sleeping on the aerobed until our new bed comes in. It has been kinda fun. Like a sleepover- except we are married and not 10 years old. Aerobeds are awesome. We love ours. We pick it up everyday and put it against the wall in the dining room just in case you were wondering if we just left it there. Sometimes I wish we did so I could lay around on it and watch TV but that would be just too down right lazy. We have to keep our dignity! :)

I am not sure if anyone reads this but I promise I am going to post more often. Promise!!!!

Tofu and my new friends

2008-10-16T14:39:00.000-07:00

Something you may not know about me: I am the sponsor of the Veggie 411 club. (A.K.A. the vegetarian awareness club.)

Something else you may not know: I am not a vegetarian, I am an avid meat eater and connoisseur.

A few weeks ago was the first meeting I was able to attend here at school. The vice president, Travis, made tofu enchiladas and vegetarian rice krispy teats. They were really good! Kudos to Travis for making the enchiladas- he did a great job!

The president and vp Kelsey and Travis. Veggie lovers and proud of it.

We are having another meeting today afterschool and I was supposed to have it announced during our 2nd peroid annoucements. I totally forgot so when the announcements came on I called the office in a frenzy and said "please announce the vegetarian club has a meeting in my room!!!" Somehow things got jumbled up in the process so when the announced it a few seconds later they said " vegetation club" instead. (I guess that would be a club for plants??) I guess it is about the same thing. Vegetation means plants doesn't it?? Vegetarians eat alot of plants....I guess. Anyway....I am sorry Travis. I will remember next time.

Meanwhile, I just made a frozen vegetable medly for lunch so I could feel a little healthy today. (the three pieces of stuffed crust three meat pizza and the oreo cakester that I scarfed down last night left me feeling guilty this morning) The vegetables, I could barely get them down. Yuck. I apologize Veggie 411 club if you are reading this - I just couldn't do it. I commend you though. You are some good people and I am proud to be your sponsor.

I did manage to find some ham that a student didn't want from their lunch. Whew. I was saved.

How the cookie crumbles.....

2008-10-10T11:12:00.000-07:00

I don't know where it all went wrong. I went to college, got a degree, have been teaching for 7 years...but yesterday it all went down in flames. I thought I explained everything to them. I thought they knew how to measure, I thought I was at least a teacher who could get a few good results. You would think that only one kitchen would make a tiny mistake, but when 5 out of six turn out the way they did, I left school wondering if I could make it as a news anchor. ( my dream job in high school) Today's cookies have been alot better today, thank goodness. I feel a bit more sure that I have the ability to teach the kids of the future. I just want to apologize if one day you go to panera and see a few of these on display. I tried.

It was bad y'all. Just plain BAD.

Sneaky little thing....

2008-10-10T10:46:00.000-07:00

No comment on this one....

This says it all....

2008-10-10T10:23:00.000-07:00

I was having a rough day on Monday and I talked to my sister Virginia and when she came over that night to eat dinner with us she brought me this card. (see below) Let me tell you- it was perfect! I would have already been in therapy if it wasn't for her....she is the sweetest most loving person I know. I always apologize to her because I wasn't the most angelic growing up. I think I got all of the temper and she got all of the "nice". Once I locked her out of the house and went out the back door to the front where she was pitifully sitting alone and pelted her with water from the hose. Why?? Probably because she wasn't doing her chores and I felt like it was my "duty" as the older sister to make sure they are done. I also stuck her toothbrush in vasoline and made her eat a rice cake with mustard on it. There is so much more but I don't want to lose any friends. ( I have asked for forgiveness I promise!) Finally, one day she had had enough. She socked me in the jaw. I will always remember that day. She didn't even get in trouble because mom knew I had it coming.

So, thank you V for all of the therapy over the years! You are always the voice of calm when I need it. I promise to never pelt you with the hose again.

I love you!

2008-10-10T09:33:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I was fortunate to meet 6 of my college friends in Austin for a much needed reunion. We had SO much fun. I love these girls! We basically laughed the whole time, brought our old college pictures, ate so much good food and just had a really relaxing time. I feel so blessed to have such great friends. It felt just like college again except we all stayed in the same place. In college we lived right next door to each other. I included pictures of our beautiful house on the river and some pics of us!!!

the kitchen!!
the living room....I fell asleep every night on one of those couches while we were all talking....sorry guys!
view from our back porch

Laura, Me, Shannon
Me and Kel!
Laura, Kel, Darrah
Mere, Me, Kelly
Our back porch...we drank coffee out there every morning
Bev and Kelly!!

BFF'S

2008-10-02T10:19:00.000-07:00

It looks like Maggie has a new friend. I came in to the bedroom the other night and this is what I found! She loves Patrick. She will sit by him and sleep next to him. She does look a little scary in this picture- her eyes are not always so green and goulish!

Maggie has arrived!!

2008-09-21T10:10:00.000-07:00

Finally, on Friday afternoon I was able to go pick up Maggie from the animal rescue shelter. All her friends had been adopted and she was the only one left! I am so thankful that no one decided to adopt her because it took Patrick and I two weeks to get everything worked out with our land lords. I had picked her out two weeks ago because she was so sweet and had been abandoned by her owner. She has been really shy the past few days but when you finally get her to come out from under the couch she is SO sweet and cuddly. Today she came out by herself and decided that she was feeling a little braver and tried to drink our coffee, eat our cereal and last but not least.....tried to slide down our new curtains with her claws. Awesome! She really has been alot of fun. Thanks Patrick for a wonderful one year anniversary present!

No, this isn't going to be our Christmas card. I would do it but Patrick would be mortified. :)
(of course I would put a santa hat on Maggie and wrap lights around her to make it more festive but whatever...)

yes, that is my husband acting like another cat on my shoulder.....

This was her first day home. She hid behind the litter box for an hour.

Robin's Engaged!!!!

2008-09-21T09:57:00.000-07:00

Friday night was Robin's 30th birthday party and surprise....she got engaged! It was so exciting and I can't wait to help plan for the big day! Robin is one of my dearest friends here in Dallas. We met the first day Darrah and I went to church when we first moved here. Since then our friendships have grown and we have all walked through the past 7 years of life together. I am so happy for Robin....she deserves the best!

Robin with her new beautiful ring!

Me, Robin and Darrah

Karis, V, Me, Robin, Darrah

Darrah and I

Donut Day!!!

2008-09-21T09:38:00.000-07:00

My kids are so great! They did such a good job on donut day....I felt so proud! This is only a few out of my 180....They make my job a fun place to be. :)

New House!

2008-09-09T08:05:00.000-07:00

Yay! We finally have a home! I love our little house and have been working every weekend to get it looking more like "home". I thought I would share a few pictures - it is still a work in progress but it is nice to come home to something other than boxes.

First Anniversary and Freezer Burn Cake!

2008-09-09T07:40:00.000-07:00

Hi Guys! Yes- we made it a year! Yay! I felt really excited yesterday when we celebrated being married for a year. Our first year of marriage has really challenged me to work on issues I really didn't know I had- and for that I am thankful. I am also thankful for my husband who is always quick to forgive and move on. (I am still working on that one....) I could write a novel on what I have learned this year- and maybe I will someday....but for now I am happy to say that we made it through year one and are so excited to start year two. I can't imagine what God has in store to teach me this year but I know it will be "to prosper and not to harm".

We exchanged gifts last night and I am sure I acted like a 5 year old on christmas morning when I got mine. I have been asking Patrick for a kitten for a year now and last night when I opened my gift it was filled with mice, (stuffed of course) cat toys and cat food. I looked at Patrick and said "Does this mean what I think it means??!!" He had been keeping it a secret from me - which is really hard to do. We are going to pick one out at a shelter as soon as we can.

We also ate our way gross freezer burned wedding cake. Don't get me wrong....a year ago that cake was the best cake I have ever eaten but I guess a year sitting in a freezer didn't sit well with our creme' brule cake topper. The real flowers were still sitting on top of the cake - we ate a few bites and then mutually agreed to toss it.

So- I inclued a few pictures of my fun gift and our not so fun cake....enjoy!!!

Baby Sea Turtle!!!

2008-08-07T14:29:00.000-07:00

Yes! I just was able to finally get a picture to upload here in Mexico. I absolutely love this picture. Patrick was taking pictures of the baby sea turtles right after they hatched out of their shells and this one actually looked up right at him. Isn't he adorable??!!! Watching them struggle down the sand to the sea was amazing. They have a hard life ahead. It is incredible to think that they have to make it on their own - from birth. The mom lays the eggs and that is it. Patrick, me, and my family loved watching them wiggle their way down to the ocean and then get swept up into a wave and then swim out to start their life. I came up with a motto that I keep repeating to myself. "If a baby sea turtle can make it, then so can I." I know it sounds corny but I have been feeling overwhelmed lately with life and what not and watching this event here on the beach in Akumal really made me think. These little ones have to first, break out of their shell and struggle to get down the beach to the water, and second they have to make it out in the ocean being so small and new to life and everything around them. They grow to be so huge and mighty- but they start so small. I don't know why it is sticking with me.....I keep repeating the motto and Patrick keeps laughing. I think I may be the only one in the family that got inspiration from the baby sea turtle but I think God speaks to everyone in different ways. Anyway, I am ready to go back to the US with inspiration from a baby sea turtle. Yes, I am!!! So- if you are feeling down, look at this picture of this little guy! I can send you a copy! :)

2008-08-07T14:07:00.000-07:00

Akumal, Mexico....

We have spent this past week in the most beautiful, peaceful place in the world! Akumal is about and hour and a half from Cancun and a hidden treasure. We have had no agenda and haved loved every minute of it. Our condo is right on the beach and we have spent countless hours sitting watching the ocean or the amazing stars at night. It is just another reason to thank God for His creation. Patrick has been loving taking pictures of the scenery and was lucky enough to get some great shots of a lightening storm last night. We also saw baby sea turtles crawling to the ocean for the first time in their life from their little nest in the sand. It was incredible!! I will update more later but I wanted to blog about this because I have been a lazy blogger this summer. We fly home tomorrow but are trying to live up what is left of the time we have here today. I have tried to post pictures with this but for some reason nothing is attaching. I will definitely post some when we get home to the states! Hope everyone is well....those of you that are still checking this blog. I promise I am going to get better at updating!!!

2008-06-08T20:59:00.000-07:00

Hello from East Texas!!! I know it has been well over a month since I have blogged, but I love the fact that I can just pick right back up again. I am in my home town of Tyler Texas. There is something so peaceful about coming home. I have lived in the same house my whole life, it's beautiful and green here, and I love spending time with my parents. Now, the real reason I am here....a call of daughterly duty. :) My mom broke a vertebra last saturday after a nasty fall off of a ladder. She was in the hospital until thursday evening and came home finally with a shiny new fiber glass brace. Let me tell you- it is one snazzy addition to any wardrobe. It killed me that I couldn't come home last week but we were finishing up school. This weekend I worked graduation which was great- but very time consuming. I finally was able to drive in today to get a crash course in nursing in about 5 minutes. My dad has been amazing. He does everything that she needs. It is really neat to see him in that role. I have a pretty wonderful dad if anyone hasn't met him. The accident happened on their 34th wedding anniversary. Happy Anniversary!!! My mom has been such a trooper. She is able to walk around with a walker and sit up on her own. I think she is making a great recovery already. We keep making her laugh - and she tells us to stop because it hurts to laugh. I think laughing is the best medicine. It's like taking one big vikaden. I guess I will have to hold off on the jokes. I have some great plans for us this week that include reading every magazine that we have, watching movies, painting nails, and figuring out how to wash her hair. The brace cannot come off - except for bed time. We think we already have a hair washing system concocted....we are going to give it a try tomorrow! Patrick and V will drive in Thursday night. Patrick starts summer school tomorrow. He had a "one day" break. He has been wonderful through all of this - he even surprised me with peanut butter m&m's for the ride to Tyler. Of course I ate them before I left Dallas. They were the small size ok!! I know what you guys were thinking.

It really does feel so good to be home. My parents marriage has been such a good example of working as a team to me. They have been that way ever since I can remember. They called themselves the "parent team". Patrick and I have been married 9 months as of today. Yay! I cannot believe it has been that long. It is fun to think that my parents are 34 years and still going strong. Thanks mom and dad for setting such a great example of faithfulness to one another and loving each other through the hard times. I can only pray that we do it half as good as you guys have. I am truly blessed! Here are a few pics of my mom and dad. Great Great people. I love them alot. :)

My mom came to Dallas for the fair. We had a blast. We tried every type of fair food there was. Patrick took a picture of me eating every one. I will have to download those. I have a fair food addiction. I may need help.

34 years ago!!! They are so young!!! I absolutely love this picture. It is my all time favorite. My dad helped my mom make her veil. I borrowed mine. Sorry Patrick. No luck there.

The fiber glass queen! Mom- you are amazing! You will be walking around here so fast by no time! Pretty soon, We are going to roll that walker down a hill and never look back!

Dad at his best! (cooking bacon!!) Virginia made him that apron for christmas. Some of my best memories are dad in the kitchen. He is a great cook. He is always taking risks and creating new things. I think that is where V gets her passion for cooking. I inherited mom's sense of humor, passion for talking and love for reeses blizzards. All three have gotten me into trouble.

My mom and dad. They look just as happy as they did on their wedding day.

On that note, I am calling it a night. I promise I will start writing more. (I really mean it Kelly!) I will update you guys on my week as a nurse jen. I am really excited to get to help mom and see my friends from home. Darrah and Kel- wish you guys were here. :) Good night!!!!

Haney Update, Ranger Game, and Tire Fiasco, need I say more?

2008-04-15T20:27:00.000-07:00

Hi! Yes, it has been a very long time since my last post but I am making a comeback everyone!! Since I have last written I am going to sum up our life.....let's see.....hmmmm....
wake up
get to school (jen is usually late)
teach (patrick does more of this)
eat an extremely short lunch ( 30 minutes)
teach some more
leave as fast as I can (patrick tutors or works really hard)
get home
look at the laundry and decide to let it sit there another day
work out??? (sometimes)
talk about our day ( for me it takes 45 min, for Patrick about 5)
eat dinner
eat dessert ( I am addicted to dessert)
watch law and order svu- but we have seen most of these
go to bed
start again

On the weekends we have been sleeping in because we are so tired! Teachers will understand that in April and May you start to go insane and live in complete exhaustion pretty much all the time. We are counting down the days until graduation. (yes- we work graduation and wear robes and sit with the kids...it's fun!) I have been making cards and eating peanut butter m&m's...that is pretty much our weekends! This weekend I am meeting up with my college roomies to have a girls weekend in Tyler. I am so excited. Patrick will be all alone and I am sure he will find something to do. We also went to Canton last weekend which was an experience! I wish I would have had my camera...so many interesting things to see and people to meet. Canton is great if you haven't been!!! It is a must! East Texans are awesome! ( I am one so I can say that)

Ok...back to the real event! Last night we went to a Ranger's game and had a blast! First of all, the real reason we went wasn't because of the Rangers (even though I grew up loving them and had a HUGE crush on Pudge Rodriguez and was crushed that he was married and didn't speak my language) Anyway, the real reason we went was because my good friend Robin was recognized on the jumbo tron as her school's teacher of the year!!! Yay Robin...keep on teachin girl! (that was something my mom would say) (mom- that wasn't an insult- it is a complement I am turning into you! I promise!) So, we went to the game to see Robin get announced on the "tron" and took a few wrong turns and ended up missing the big sha bang! I'm sorry Robin!! I can only imagine that you looked amazing on the jumbo tron getting your honor. We did however get to the stadium and hung out with some good friends who we haven't seen in awhile.

The game was super fun- I didn't watch much of it but I did get to experience the best part.....the amazing food!!! Yum! It was like the fair all over again. I love fair food and game food is right underneath it. I started off trying to be healthy and brought smart pop popcorn in my bag so I wouldn't be tempted to eat sweets...but it all went down the tubes when I walked in the park and got my first whiff of garlic fries. It was over! So I decided that chicken fingers, waffle fries, garlic fries, and a huge sundae would be the healthy option. It was so good and I ate every last bite. I didn't have the fried cheesecake like I did at the fair but that's ok....I will cut the vendors some slack.

Ok....I will post some pics now. Me, Patrick and V ( my sis) had a great time!!!

We love hanging out with Jayden! He had so much fun!!
Yes...Patrick got his glasses at Canton...they have everything...get yourself there people!!

What you don't see is the enormous amount of whip cream that was on top of the sundaes. People were staring. I ate it fast so it wouldn't look so huge...I think it still looked huge.

My wonderful sister Virginia!

This picture was not staged. Patrick was doing the "wave". At least one of the Haney's participated. I chose to pass.
Christy and Jayden! :)

After the game we had a little mishap...we ended up having a flat tire on wonderful Hwy 360. My first time to ever be on the Hwy 360 and I got to see the shoulder for quite awhile. We pulled over and Patrick saved the day by changing the tire while V and I stayed in the car. It was a little stressful but all was well when we finally found that missing part that rolled onto the shoulder. Tricky little thing! (Patrick found it- I cannot take credit for anything) He put on the spare and we rolled slowly (not over 50 mph of course) back into Dallas about 11:30 pm. We went to Sears today after school and apparently it takes 3 hours to change a tire so we walked around Town East Mall. It is so weird to see students outside school. They stare at you like you are an alien and you shouldn't have a life except teaching. We laughed alot and finally got our tire and went home.

Well, that is the Haney update. So sorry for any mispelled words. I realized tonight that my spelling is getting worse. I spelled two words wrong at foundation group tonight. I mean- who says "faithe" isn't a word??

Good night all!!

Hawaii!!

2008-03-06T19:47:00.001-08:00

Patrick and I went to Kauai for our honeymoon. It was amazing! Definitely worth it! Here are some fun pics of our trip.

This is the rope that Indiana Jones swung on!!

Us Haney's love our shaved ice! We got it three times in one week! So good!

Leaving on the last day. I was smiling on the outside but crying on the inside. We got back on Sunday and went right back to teaching on Monday. Not fun!!

This restaurant is surrounded by the ocean. It was part of our hotel. The food in Hawaii is amazing. I would go back just to eat the food!

We heart Walmart!! We went there frequently to get things that were actually in our price range! We still have some really cool beach towells from the Kauai Walmart.

This was right before we went on our helicopter ride.

Patrick took some amazing pictures from the air.

These helmets are awesome! We had a blast going on our ATV off road experience! It was a 3 hour trip- we were covered in dirt by the time we got back. I definitely recommend it!!

In the helicopter! I got to sit by the pilot- Kirk. He had flown Ben Stiller to his movie set the week before. Hard life. :)

Our awesome chrysler sebring!! We drove around with the top down every day. Patrick is sporting the hat he got from Hal. (my dad)

Lots of orange colored fish. Just thought this picture was funny.

Getting to know the Haney's

2008-01-18T14:39:00.000-08:00

Hello! I can't believe I am starting a blog....but here I (Jen) am!! Patrick and I thought it would be fun to write our thoughts out on our blog because we both love to write....and I really love to talk.....so we will see how this all works out! We got married about 6 months ago in Tyler Texas surrounded by our wonderful family and friends. I feel so incredibly blessed to have such an amazing group of friends who have walked with me the past 15 years of my life. To have them stand by me on my wedding day was surreal. Patrick and I met teaching at the high school where we currently teach now. We were friends for 4 years before we dated and then got married. It has been fun to be "Mr. and Mrs. Haney" at school around our high school students. So, for now, we are learning daily what is means to live our lives as "The Haney's".

I am going to post a few pics of the wedding so you can get acquainted....

2008-01-18T11:33:00.000-08:00