Songs of Faith- "Wherever He leads I'll Go"

Well, I have been in Houston for 10 days now and have had about that many interviews for possible Music/ Band positions since getting down here. Most of the places I have interviewed are not going to be able to officially offer the position until after July 4th but some have said this coming week. All my life I have had to play the "Hurry Up and Wait" game. Once again this is a lesson in patience. Of course I have shared with you many times my dis-like of this lesson. For example; I carried Natalie Grace 43 weeks before she finally decided to make her arrival, Chris and I also had to wait 17 months before even being able to conceive this wonderful blessing called Natalie Grace and most recently, Chris and I had to wait 20 months for him to find a job. Now the time has come and I am looking for a job. I feel very confident in being able to get a job but I know that this too is just another lesson in patience.

I have had an offer given to me but it just doesn't seem like the right job for me and my life right now. It is not centrally located to my current living situation nor is it the type of job that I really want for me and my career in the long run. In addition to all of this, it is not the type of school I would like to be teaching in. All of these things lead me to believe it is not where God wants me to be. I keep holding out for more or a better job, even though I KNOW this is not the right job (at least I don't think so). I woke up last night with the song "Wherever He leads I'll Go". I sat up immediately and began thinking "Why would I be thinking of that song?" I was then led back to this job situation and began to pray and ask God to lead me. I then began to recall the rest of this song:

Wherever He Leads I'll Go

Take up thy cross and follow me

I heard my Master say

"I gave My life to Ransom thee

Surrender your all today"

Wherever He Leads I'll Go

Wherever He Leads I'll Go

I follow my Christ who loves me so

Wherever He Leads I'll Go

This may not be the situation that I envisioned but it may the one God did. I just have to be open to his plan and be willing to go wherever he takes me. I know God will provide for me the right job at the right place/ school and at the RIGHT TIME! I just have to be patient! Thank you Lord for Your continued blessings!

Wherever You lead I'll Go!

Songs of Faith Part 4- "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus"

Well this week I have had two interviews and both of them seemed to go just OK. During the first one, the principal didn't seem to feel well and was distracted. During the second interview, the principal seemed well... not all there. I still have not heard back from some of the interviews that took place last week and I am beginning to get a little "antsy" and worried for that matter. During my very long and frustrating commute home from my interview today, I was reminded of a song and hymn about not fixating on the things of the world but looking toward God for EVERYTHING.

Last night, I went to the Wednesday night service and choir practice with my in-laws even though I did not really want to. I ended up having a good time and was reminded of this Biblical truth and this hymn- "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus". I am reminded that even when I am worried about which job I will get and where I am going to ended up come August, that should not be where my eyes and heart are focused. "And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of his glory and grace." Wow... what an amazing statement. If we all will just Turn to Him all of our worries will just disappear.

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus

O Soul are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see
There's light for a look at the Saviour

A life more abundant and Free

Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in his wonderful face

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim

In the light of his glory and grace

Take time to think about the words of this precious hymn. There is light for a look at the Saviour and you too can see this light if you will allow him to come into your heart.

Thank you Lord for your continued blessings. I know you will take care of me. He will take care of you too!

"It's the end of an era"

I experienced my very own "FRIENDS" moment this weekend. On Saturday night Chris, Natalie and I went to our friends house in Norman for a going away pool party. This was a usual thing we did with these friends when Chris and I lived in Norman (Not the going away part but the pool party).

These friends were really Chris' friends but they have become mine as well throughout our six years of knowing each other. Jeff Hill, Chris Calvert, Phil Clark and my Chris were great friends who met at Bethel Baptist Church in Norman in 2001. In 2006 when Chris and I got married I joined this little group and ever since then it has grown. Since then our little "Sitcom" has changed SO much. Obviously, Chris and I have had a baby and moved to Shawnee but each of their lives has changed as well. Jeff has found his soul mate, Wendy, and they have married and now have their own child, Patrick Daniel, who is just adorable (I felt a little bit of the "baby fever" again last night as I was holding him). Chris Calvert is taking up a new trade and hobby of welding, Phil has changed jobs and LOVES it and now Chris and I are moving to Houston. All of these events make it feel like the ending of some 1990's sitcom where everyone tears up and walks out of the apartment at the end of the episode.

I got teared up last night as we were saying our goodbyes and giving each other hugs. Although these were really Chris' friends, they became my friends as well and I am truly grateful for the friendship they have given to my husband. As we pulled out of the driveway last night, Chris said "I can say with much confidence, these were and will be the best friends I will ever have. God has blessed me so much through them". We both were crying (I was balling my eyes out). It was a VERY long drive home from Norman.

Jeff, Chris Calvert and Phil I would like to personally thank each of you and your respective families for your friendship to Chris and I. We love you and will NEVER forget you!

Lemondade

On May 27th Chris and I found out we would be moving to Houston for him to teach 9th Grade Algebra at Aldine 9th Grade Center in North Houston. This also happened to be my last day of school before the summer. We were supposed to be leaving town for a family reunion this same afternoon. We learned he would need to be finger printed and then come to Houston to sign his contract all before June 3rd. We had a great time at our family reunion and then made our way to Houston for him to sign his contract.

Friday came and went and he still had not signed his papers. We stayed through the weekend and then said we would leave on Monday afternoon if he had not heard anything at that point. Monday at noon he called and they said they had not got his results from his fingerprint yet. We began to load up and go. Then he got a call saying he needed to come and sign his contract at 4pm on Monday. Wow... this was so frustrating. We still need to go home and pack all of our house to get on the truck to move to Houston. While we were pulling out of the driveway to go and sign his papers, I get a call to come and interview for an awesome job. Of course we decide to wait another day to go home so I can go to my interview.

Today, as I was in this interview I get another call to have another interview tomorrow. I tried to delay it and come back next week or even "Skype" it over the Internet but NO Luck. So as of right now, we will not be coming home until Thursday. I had already set up a meeting with our realtor as well as several doctor's appointments to close us out in Oklahoma. This is crazy!!!

I guess this just goes to say: "If life gives you a dilemma, make some dilemonade" (LAME I know but so so so true!)

On the Market for 1 week/ Songs of Faith Part 3- God is in Control

Kellie Job Hunt Update:

Well... it has been A WHILE since Kellie has been on the market. I have been settled for so long that I practically forgot how to be "on the market". Today while still in Houston waiting for Chris to sign his papers I went to a teacher job fair. It was for a charter school in the Houston metro area. I got there about 30-45 minutes before it "officially" started and found that me and EVERY other teacher known to man was at this job fair. So I checked in and then wandered down the hallways of this Regional Education Center to find the end of the line. I waited in this line to get into the interview room for nearly an hour. After finally getting to the interview room, I found the "Specials" table as they call it here in Texas (Music, PE, Art and Languages other than English- LOTE). There I saw about 10 other people waiting to speak to representatives from this school. I took up a chair and sat down. There I sat for another 2 hours before the interviewers said "We are going to take a quick 5 minute break". Ahh!!!!! I was so frustrated. Finally, after 2 1/2 hours in the interview room waiting to talk to someone, I made it to the table. I sat down and did the whole interview process and then at the end they said "Wow... that all sounds great but we don't have band at all and only a hand full of music classes and they are all full and are no openings." Seriously... Wow! I didn't even know what to say! I shook each of their hands and then walked to my car to make the long 50+ minute commute back to my house. I have already decided, I don't like having to look for a job! I just pray that God will provide for me the perfect job in his timing (Of course that final phrase is what is going to kill me! I have NEVER been good with patience. Remember carrying that baby 43 weeks!!!!!)

This brings me to my Songs of Faith Part 3: God is in Control

I also use this song as a worship to God each morning and evening in my quiet time and as I practice my saxophone. When I was in high school and I would practice for All-State I would each of my practice sessions with this song. I would also play the verse and the chorus and then hold my small little silver cross and say a prayer asking the Lord to help calm my nerves and help me know HE was in control... no matter what. I ponder upon these words today as I reflect on my day today. He is in Control and will provide.

Chorus

God is in Control

We believe that His children will not be forsaken

God is in Control

We will choose to remember and never be shaken

There is no power above or behind him we know

Oh, God is in Control

Verse
He has never let you down

Why start to worry now

He is still the Lord of everything

He is still the loving Father

Watching over you and me

God is in Control. He is today and will be tomorrow. I have Faith that he will take care of me. Why start to worry now? Again, what an amazing testimony of Faith. I just hope and pray my life will be this testimony.

Songs of Faith- Part 2: Great is thy Faithfulness

It has been a long and hard fought 19 months but by the Grace of God, Chris, Natalie and I have made it through to this day. On October 18, 2009 Chris was laid off his job at Velocity Express in OKC. Our precious Natalie was only 6 weeks old at the time and all seemed so hopeless. Chris and I prayed each night for a job to become available to him so we could provide for little Natalie. Days and weeks passed and nothing seemed to come to us. We never lost the faith. We kept praying and reading our Bibles together, even having devotionals together. Weeks turned into months and then an entire year. It seemed like it was NEVER going to end.

It was about November 2010 when I began to encourage Chris to look into teaching. He didn't really like the idea at first but as additional weeks and months passed he began to see the necessity of finding a job. While on Christmas vacation in Houston, Chris decided to enroll in a program called Texas Teachers which helps people get certified to teach in Texas. Chris, Natalie and I left Texas that January morning with intentions of having a better life in the very near future. About 5 months later, after 100s of hours of online courses and studying for certification tests, Chris was offered a job at Aldine 9th Grade Center in Houston, TX to teach 9th Grade Algebra.

Of course, we all this all to our good and Faithful God. Each and every morning during my prayer time and each evening before I would go to bed, I would sing one of my favorite hymns: Great is thy Faithfulness. I used this song most of my adult life to help me get through difficult times such as this. The words are so simple yet so deep.

Verse 1:
Great is thy Faithfulness
Oh God my Father
There is no shadow of turning with Thee
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy Faithfulness
Lord, unto me
Chorus
Great is thy Faithfulness
Great if Thy Faithfulness
Morning by morning new mercies I see
All I have needed thy hand hath provided
Great is they Faithfulness
Lord, unto me

(Verse 2 was always a real tear jerker so I will include it as well)
Verse 2
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide
Strength for today and bright hopes for tomorrow
Blessings are thine with 10,000 beside.

These words are really all that got me through most days. I often times would sing this song during the day and even wake up at night humming this song and crying at its most powerful words. During this last month while Chris was in Houston interview and I was at home by myself, I spent many additional hours at school just practicing my saxophone and playing this hymn over and over. This really is my life-song!

God truly is amazing and if he can do this is my life, he can do it in yours. If you don't know him as your personal saviour, take time to say a prayer and ask him to come and live in your heart. This could be YOUR story one day!

Notes from Students

This week we said goodbye to our 8th graders. I usually get a note or card from a few students and I put them in my folder full of memories and thank yous. I got one this year that really went over the top. It was from an 8th grade boy who has really come a long way not only as a musician and student but a person as well.

I began teaching him in 4th grade and he didn't really like music class. He seemed to always be getting into trouble. He decided to join band in 5th grade and really liked it. He continued in 6th and 7th grade even when some of his friends decided to quit and do other things like sports or art. This year he showed leadership and maturity that I have not seen from 8th graders at my school in a long time. If the band was being dis-respectful or loud during a rehearsal, he would say something and they would listen. He also did this at lunch and other times I would see him around the school.

He brought me a hand written letter on Tuesday saying his goodbyes and thanks. This was more than the usual "Thanks Mrs. Davis for helping me learn music or my instrument." This was a heart-felt thank you for helping him become who he was and how I have helped him grow into what he wants to be. He also mentioned how he doesn't know how fun band will be without me next year. He told me I made band fun and enjoyable. He came by 3 separate time on Friday to give me a hug and tell me thank you! Wow... I cant believe I made such an impact on him!

This note really hit me hard. I always take time to reflect each year but I feel I will be doing alot more reflecting this year. I feel that I have actually made a difference in this kids life and helped him become who he wants to be. Isn't that what we are called to do as teachers? I feel like I have made a difference. Wow... it is a GREAT feeling.

Thank you young 8th grade boy for helping me become who I want to be. I wish you luck!

Songs of Faith: Part 1- When it looks like you've lost it all...

My family and I have been going through some really rough times and I am brought to my knees on a daily basis and all I can think about are songs of praise and promise.

In October of 2009, Chris was laid off from his job at Velocity Express in OKC. This was a shipping and receiving company and it required him to work long and HARD. Our little precious Natalie had just been born in August so we were scared yet somehow happy at the same time. Since then Chris has worked about 4 months for the US Census and that is all. His unemployment benefits has elapsed and we are working off just my teaching salary. This makes for some pretty small meals and very little entertainment.

In December of this year, Chris and I had reached near rock bottom and we prayed for God's guidance. Through prayer, God guided us to the thought of Chris working to become a teacher. Since that cold December evening, Chris has completed his "Alternative Certification" classes and passed 3 separate content tests to become a teacher. This entire spring has seemed like a never ending battle of what to do next. He began by taking a Math 4-8 test and then he extended his chances of getting a job by taking the generalist 4-8 test. Finally after a seminar given by his "Alternative Certification" company, he discovered he really should be teaching High School math so he then took 2-4 weeks to study for that test and took it. He passed with 296/300!! I was so impressed yet not at all surprised. He is a true genius!

Well... here we sit now without a job offer for him and he has been constantly going to interviews. This past month especially has been really hard on both of us and I am constantly reminded "Jesus will still be there". This song was released by Point of Grace in the mid 90s and was brought to my mind on more than one occasion this week. The words are so simple and yet so true.

Things Change, plans fail
You look for love on a grander scale
Storms rise, hopes fade
And you place your bets on another day
When the going get tough
When the ride's too rough
When you're just not sure enough

Jesus will still be there
His love will never change
Sure as the steady rain
Jesus will still be there
When no one else is true
He'll still be loving you
When it looks like you've lost it all
And you haven't got a prayer
Jesus will still be there

This is the song I will sing each and every night.
Jesus will still be there!

Thank you Lord for your continued blessings!

What an AWESOME Break thus far

Chris, Natalie and I have spent the past week with my family for Christmas. We were able to go to the Butcher Shop in Longview and eat some of the best burgers ever as well as some great tasting desserts. This was also were Natalie ate a foot long hot dog! I guess she was hungry too :)

We also started a few family traditions.

Chris and I were basically trash talking to each other about how good our cookies were, we decided to have a "COOKIE WAR"! This was between Chris, Allison (my sister) and I. I ended up not making them because I was still recovering from the massive amount of food I ate the night before. Allison made Mocha Chocolate Chip Cookies and Chris made Fig and Walnut Cookies. Chris went to the grocery store about 3 times to get all of his ingredients and one ingredient was more per pound than a T-bone steak! CRAZY! We had our family friends judge them and Chris came back the winner.

We also watched "Christmas Vacation" on Christmas Night. Allison had never seen this and she LOVED it! This will be a tradition we carry on in the future. Such a funny movie!

We also started our "Davis Family" tradition of making Christmas about Jesus and his birthday. We read the Christmas Story from the Bible and Natalie did really well. She loves it when Poppi speaks and she loved to respond back to him while he was reading. We also each took a turn to say a Christmas prayer and Natalie was well-behaved during this part too. In addition to this we sang "Happy Birthday" to Jesus and then had a birthday cupcake for him. This was really cool and I enjoyed having a tradition like this. I plan on doing this EVERY year with all my kids!

We also were able to go out on 2 date nights and an evening with a long time friend. This was a great opportunity for Chris and I since we rarely ever get to go out since the lack of babysitter! It was great to go out to eat and not have to leave extra tip for the mess Natalie made or eat quickly so to get Natalie out of the restaurant! I actually enjoyed the meal! It was awesome!

Finally, today we spent the morning with my sister Allison since it was her birthday! She is 23 and she is loving every minute of it! I made her some cupcakes last night and then gave her a cupcake stand to hold them! It is really awesome!

Overall, Chris and I had a blast and are VERY grateful to my parents and sister for such an amazing week. We are going to spend New Years with Chris's parents in Conroe and then head back on Saturday or Sunday! It is going to be EXCITING!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Diet Problems

Well... Chris and I lost over 70 lbs between us on the HCG diet since October. It was a long and hard process but we each dropped the weight. We have been on the maintenance part of the diet for about 4 weeks. The maintenance part of the diet is not bad at all and Chris and I actually enjoy this part of the diet. Since coming to my parents house for Christmas, Chris and I have each gained about 5-6 pounds. We have ate so much stuff. Today we didn't eat breakfast or lunch in hopes of dropping a few pounds. Tonight we are going to eat Tur-duck-en. I have never had this before so I am really excited! Hopefully, we will be able to drop the extra pounds quickly. Starting on the 1st, Chris and I will be on the 2nd round of the HCG diet. I am praying that each of us will be able to drop another 25 or 30 pounds. Thank you Lord for the pounds we have already dropped. I will let you know how the Tur-duck-en turns out!

Date Night (Two nights in a row)

Thanks to my mom, dad and sister, Chris and I have been able to go out on a date 2 nights in a row. We planned on going out and eating at a favorite restaurant of ours in Tyler and going to see the new Harry Potter Movie. We did this on Sunday and had a great time. I really enjoyed Genghis Grill. This time Chris and I decided to get the never ending bowl and try all of the special bowls they recommend. These bowls were OK but next time we are going to just eat our own creations. I LOVED the Harry Potter movie. I have not read the books but I have seen all of the movies and recently since the new movie coming out, I have seen each movie in order several times. This movie was AWESOME and I cannot wait for part 2 of the final movie to come out.
Today, my mom, sister and I went out and shopped all the "After Christmas" sales. We found lots of bargains and items to buy. I didn't spend much at all but used several coupons to get about 5 dress/ work shirts. They are all a size smaller thanks to the weight I have lost doing my HCG diet. I am very excited about this. Chris and I are doing another round in January so I am anxious to get into an even smaller size. Once we got home from shopping, Chris said he liked our date last night so much that he asked my mom to babysit again so we could go out again. Of course, without delay my mom said YES! So... Chris and I were able to go out on 2 dates with FREE babysitting! Thank you Mom, Dad and Allison! Chris and I really appreciate you!


Once again, this goes to show that God is good and his blessings never cease! Thank you Lord for your many blessings!

What an amazing Sunday!!

Today I was able to sing a song as a special in my dad's church in Arp. He is the pastor there and has been for about 15 years or so. I grew up singing with my mom or singing solos at church. When I was in college I would travel up to see my grandparents in Wichita, KS and would sing a special on Sunday morning at one of their churches. When I attended Bethel Baptist Church in Norman, OK I also performed with the praise team.

I began playing my saxophone at my church ensemble when I was only 14 years old. This was really fun and I knew I loved to worship by playing my sax. I continued this into college where I played in the orchestra/ band at Bethel in Norman and became a music intern and band director. When I got married and moved to Shawnee, I also continued to play my saxophone in the worship orchestra. This is so great because I am able to give the talents the good Lord gave me back to him each and EVERY Sunday at church.

Today as I listened to my dad preach I remember the joy I had when I sing at church in not just play my saxophone. I love to sing! I wish I could do more of it at my current church! What an amazing Sunday morning service today at AEBC! Thank you dad for a great sermon and service and thank you Lord that I could worship you through my singing!

May God bless each of you as your conclude your 2010!

What a Joy is Christmas!

Well the past 3 Christmas's for me have been truly amazing! Not to mention the other 25 but lets start here:

2008- We found out we were going to have Natalie Grace!

2009- I got my Masters from UCO

2010- I received the "Teacher of the Year" award from my school.

It is always so wonderful to spend time with your family! It has been a true blessing to be able to be here with my family and Chris and Natalie! This year we decided to start "Cookie Wars" with Chris, Allison and I. Each of us will make cookies each Christmas/ Thanksgiving and have some family friends judge them! This year Chris made Fig and Walnut cookies and Allison made "Mocha Chocolate Chip Cookies". Chris's cookies won by 1/2 of a point! Congrats to Chris!

Today we celebrated Christmas and started our very own "Davis Family Tradition" for Chris, our kids and I to continue for years. We read the Christmas Story in the Bible and then sang "Happy Birthday" to Jesus and had a cupcake for him. We also discussed and prayed with little Natalie. I am so glad that we will be teaching our kids the REAL meaning of Christmas! I owe this all to my parents who did the same for me!

We got tons of gifts and I am so grateful to Chris, Allison and my parents for all the wonderful items I got today! So many things that we will have to just come back to Tyler some other time to get it all! Little Miss Natalie got a wagon, Mega Blocks table set, A PINK Tee-ball set, a "Natalie" doll and tons of other stuff. I got a beautiful "Family Blessings" picture frame, A Cuisinart Griddler, a New York Yankees snuggie and lighted wall sign, a beautiful sweater and necklace set; not to mention the tons of other items I got my my family.

It seems with each Christmas that passes, they only get better. God is so good and I am so blessed! Thank you Lord for my family and the joy we share together! Thank you Chris, Allison, Mom and Dad for helping make my Christmas PERFECT!

Merry Christmas to all my friends and family! Remember... JESUS is the REASON for the SEASON!

God Bless you!

What a crazy and yet AMAZING December

My December has been so crazy. Of course, December for a musician is ALWAYS crazy but this year was just out of control. Here is what my schedule looked like:

December 3rd- I took my 3rd Graders to Rose Manor Nursing Home to sing to the residents

December 9th- I took my 4th graders to sing to Rose Manor; I also had a Pep Band Basketball game that night
Rose Manor is ALWAYS my favorite time of the Christmas Season. I have always been a fan of going to a nursing home and singing or playing my saxophone for it's residents. I used to play fr my hometown's nursing home once a month. I also played at the nursing home in Norman while in college. I think it is really important for our young students to get out and show a service to their community and this is a great way to do so. We go and sing Christmas Carols and walk up and down the halls giving out cards, ornaments and candy canes. The adults and students alike love it. It is my favorite thing of all!

December 10th- "Grove's Got Talent" Vocal Auditions
"Grove's Got Talent" is a school wide talent show that I developed to help the band department at Grove. It is similar to "America's Got Talent" and this was the vocal auditions (#3) for the whole school. This failed miserably due to technical difficulties and just bad luck I guess. I was "boo"ed by the students for making them go back to class and several sets of parents were not happy with me and told me why. It was a terrible day!

December 10, 11 and 12th- IBC "The Promise of Christmas" Musical Production
This was the annual "Cantata" or music program at my church. I am the orchestra director there so we had been working on this for weeks but it was time to perform. It actually went REALLY well but just time consuming!

December 13th- Grove Christmas Band Concert
We always have 1 in the daytime and 1 at night. This year since Chris had not been working he piked p the trumpet and began to play with my 5th graders 2 days a week. He was supposed to play with us on both concerts but little Miss Natalie decided to get sick that weekend so we had to take her to the doctor instead. It turned out she had an ear infection so daddy could not make either concerts. This was sad for me because I was really looking forward to having Chris play with us and this was the VERY FIRST TIME that I did not have ANY family member in attendance. Good thing I have it on DVD! Natalie is feeling much better now... Thank you Lord!

December 14th- Redo of "Grove's Got Talent" vocal auditions
Thank goodness we were able to reschedule as quick as we did. This made it a little easier for me. We had 16 students sing and they were ALL AMAZING! We had a student with special need come up and sing and it really touched my heart! Not a dry eye in the place! Amazing!

December 15th- IBC Orchestra Christmas Party
Not a performance or anything but just alot of work on my part!

December 16th- Grove Elementary musical "The Incredible Reindeer"
Just like the band concert... we have 2 performances. The 1st performance was OK but the music didn't work right . Then the evening performance was AMAZING! I think it was my best Elementary musical to date at Grove. Chris and Natalie were able to attend! It was great!

December 17th- Rose Manor Nursing Home Band Trip
I took my 7th and 8th Grade Band members to Rose Manor to perform their Christmas concert for its residents. It was awesome! I think we will need to take them on tour and visit my own grandma in Wichita, KS!
Also on this day I was name the "Grove Teacher of the Year". This was a surprise because I was up against 4 of the best teachers in our school. Seriously... they were all awesome. I was shocked.

This just goes to show that God works in mysterious ways! It also show that God is working all the time. He gives us blessings when we need them the most! I am so lucky to work at such a wonderful school. Even if I am stressed to all get out and pulled myself way too thin... God works it all out. He can do this for you too! All you have to do is ask!

Thank you Lord for your many blessings! Thank you Grove faculty and staff for your kindness in voting for me. I am lucky to be working with you!

All of that happened in December but the most important thing of all has yet to happen. Jesus Christ was born for you and me because he loves us. Don't forget... Jesus is the Reason for the Season!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

13 months earlier

This past weekend Natalie Grace turned 13 months old. She is growing up too fast. She is practically running everywhere now. She just loves to chase the dogs and scare them away with her corn popper (Thanks Auntie Allie). She also likes to play on her piano from Gigi Jackie. Her and mommy have been working on playing with just one finger at a time and she seems to be getting better. Of course she constantly gets in her car and shuts the door and then looks at you like "Ok... I am ready for you to push me". It is so cute. She loves her new toys.

In celebration of her 13 months Chris, Natalie and I went to the Oklahoma State Fair. I had 1/2 a day of school on Friday so we decided to get there early before the massive crowds of people showed up. Natalie seemed to really enjoy it. The State Fair for me has always been about 2 things... THE FOOD and THE CAR SHOW. I really enjoy the food you can eat a the Fair. I think this all started back when I was in the Pride and we would go to the OU/ Texas game. After the game was over we always were able to have about 2 hours at the fair. This is wen I began to try the weird Fair food. I LOVE the funnel cakes you get at the fair. This year I ate another one of my favorites... Fried Twinkies. These are so good yet so simple to make. Natalie and I also ate:

Craw fish Etoufee

State Fair Corn dog (cant not eat one of these)

Fresh lemonade

Real Root beer

These are all such great items to get at the Fair. However, I noticed this time around how incredibly easy these food items were to make. I keep saying... "I could rent booth space and do this!!!" Seriously... someone was selling chocolate dipped cookie dough. this was basically 3 bite size squares of Pillsbury "Break and Bake" and then they dipped them in chocolate. I saw someone else serving fried apple pie. Again.. I can make pie!!!

Overall, Natalie, Chris and I really enjoyed the fair!

Reality TV Summer 2010

Chris and I are really hooked to reality TV right now. We like all of the popular shows like:

America's Got Talent (AGT)

Big Brother (BB12)
Amazing Race

Survivor

Apprentice

There are others but these are our favorites. This summer the reality TV shows did not let us down. America's Got Talent was really good. I enjoyed watching all of the acts and performances of the contestants. In fact, I am formulating a talent show at my school based off of this show. However, on the finale last night the announced the winner and I was SHOCKED! Included in the finale was a crazy male "lady gaga", a not so special soul country singer, an awesome fraternity group that did a light spectacle show and a 10 year old female opera singer. I have been amazed by Jackie Evancho, the 10 year old. I cannot believe that she can sing like that. I have also really enjoyed Prince Poppy-cock (The Male "Lady gaga") and knew he would go far. However, the results proved that Michael Grimm (The Soul Singer) won. Of course last year on AGT a singer won and I thought the variety act should have won. I was really upset.

Last night was also the BB 12 finale. I have only been watching Big Brother for about 4 summers but this has been my favorite thus far. I really liked all of the drama and for the most part, I liked all of the house guest. In the finals were 3 "Brigade" members and I really liked them all but Lane was my favorite. He always had the FUNNIEST Diary Room comments such as:
"$10,000? Do you know how many cases of beer that would buy?" ( I am not a drinker at all but I thought that was funny)

"It took forever... it was like waiting for the end of a Harry Potter movie" (Best ever)

I really wanted him to win but the other "Brigade" member won. The most shocking thing of the BB12 finale was that "America's Favorite" player was Brittney! REALLY?!?!?!? I really did not like her. Sh was so whiny! Ahhh.. drive me crazy.

I am ready for the fall shows. We DVRed Survivor and will watch soon and Apprentice starts tonight.

What an ADVENTURE

Well yesterday Natalie had her 1st trip to the Emergency Room. On Monday when Natalie woke up from her afternoon nap, she seemed fine. She drank her milk and even smiled. At about 5pm she threw up her milk from her 5 0'clock feeding. She seemed to have drank the milk fast so I didn't really think anything of it. Then I began to feed her dinner. She didn't seem as interested in her hot dog and green beans as usual. At about 5:15 she threw up again. Unfortunately, this was only the beginning. She continued to throw up about every 15 minutes and in between these "adult-like projectile" vomits she would have dry heaves and her stomach would contract. She was so miserable. I had called the nursery at the hospital to see what they thought and Walgreen's and CVS pharmacies too and they all said it was more than likely a 24 stomach bug and "This too shall pass" (BTW... I HATE that phrase :) ). Natalie was so uncomfortable but around 7:10 and after about 12 vomitting episodes and 3 baths she fell asleep. I thought the nurses and pharmacists were right so I felt relieved. At about7:45 she woke up. She seemed OK at first then, somehow out her tiny little body came more vomit. Chris and I decided we had enough. I called my mom and mother in-law whom both said to take her in. During one of these calls, Natalie threw up AGAIN!
We finally made it to the ER at 8:15. We were greeted by a friend from church and ER nurse who took us to triage and got the ball rolling for us. We were almost immediately sent back into a room to see a doctor. *Disclaimer- here is where my ranting will begin
This doctor was about 5 feet tall and seemed a little odd to me. He was repeating himself and just acting weird. He took the usual doctor test of the ear and mouth and eyes and then left the room. He then returned and said he would like to take some tests to see what is going on. Poor Natalie had to get blood taken and then have a strep test taken. She hated both of these. After about 1 hour the results from the lab work came in. The doctor came into the room and said, "Well after looking at the labs, I cant really put my finger on what is going on. I am not sure but I THINK it is NOT meningitis." (Enter Kellie Klingsick and the panic button) Wow... i was just floored. Meningitis had NEVER crossed my mind. The doctor continues "well she doesn't have a fever and she is turning her neck really well so it is more than likely not meningitis but I am not positive. I hope I didn't just worry you more." I think this comment should be entered into a "worlds dumbest statement" contest. It would win. In the mean time Chris is holding Natalie and just rolling his eyes in disgust of this guy. Chris said, "Thank man!" Chris knew I would be worried.
After another hour he came in and said, "Yeah I just don't know so why don't you follow up with her pediatrician tomorrow and just go from there". WOW!!!! Really... you went to med school and passed the test and all to tell me this! I was pretty mad. He did give her some rubbing lotion that would make the nausea go down as well as an anti-biotic to help with the bacterial infection. We got home at about 11:45. The good news was at this stage Natalie was so thirsty she finally drank pedialite and went right to sleep.
This morning Natalie woke up and was very thirsty. She drank several doses of pedialite and juice. We had to call and try to get in to see our pediatrician and the earliest they could see us was 1 so we arrived at 12:30 to get blood work done. Poor Natalie was so hungry and just overall tired and worn out by this time. The lab techs just couldn't seem to get a feel for her vein so they ended up poking her 3 times before they got any blood. After about 2 hours waiting for the pediatrician and the lab results we were told... "It is just a 24 hour bug"! Wow... I knew it! I feel so bad for Miss Natalie but really, I did all of this, didn't sleep at all due to a "meningitis" scare, took 1/2 day off to come to this pediatric appointment and your response is "It is a bug"! It is a good thing I just got up and walked away...
Through all of this I have learned why parents always say "The 2nd and 3rd ones take care of themselves". This statement obviously being about the 2nd and 3rd child. Let me tell you, our next little kiddo will just have to deal with it.
Bottom line... WHAT A Waste of time the ER, Doctor's office and overall medical experience is!

My Princess Natalie Grace Turns 1!

On August 25th, my little baby Natalie Grace turned 1! This past year has been such a whirlwind of events. I feel like it has just blown by. She has gone from a newborn to a crawler and now a walking, no make that a running, toddler. She has gone from just staring at me while eating to throwing food on the floor while she eats. It just amazes me how much she has changed and grown up. She is my little Princess Natalie. I prayed and prayed for her and God gave me so much more than I asked for. Thank you Lord for Natalie Grace.

On her actual birthday we went out to eat at Chicago Street Deli on my planning period and lunch break and then after school we went to the park. She loved the park because she was able to climb UP the slide. She didn't want to ride down the slide... no, that was too conventional for my child. She was determined to get to the top of that slide.

After the park we came home and she got to eat her birthday cookie from Chicago Street. She was getting cake on Saturday at her party so we decided a small cookie would be fine on her actual birthday! She opened 3 gifts from Gigi Shirley and Mama and Dada. Gigi Shirley got her a bright red-haired doll. Mommy and Daddy got her a "Busy Ball Popper" and a "Laugh and Learn Puppy". She loved all of her presents.

On Saturday, August 28th we had her Princess Birthday party. We had "Royal Desserts" and punch. Natalie got so many gifts and she loved them all. I think my house can now have a sub-title of "Toys are Natalie's". Gigi Jackie and Grandpa got her new tennis shoes and a heavy winter coat. Gigi Shirley and Poppi got her a Princess Coupe Car, Learning Farm, OU Riding Horse, A massive stuffed penguin and a bath toy. Auntie Allie got her a corn-popper and a book of Princess stories. All of our friends also brought her gifts. Overall her birthday was so much fun and I thank everyone who helped make it a memorable day!

Love you all!

My 24 hours of waiting... best lesson in patience EVER!

One year ago today I was sent to the hospital to be induced. I was originally due on August 4th and after carrying my baby for an additional 3 weeks, my doctor decided it was finally time to go ahead and induce me. When Chris and I got to the hospital, I was exactly 43 weeks pregnant.

We arrived at 7am and were sent to a holding room while other patients who were there for scheduled C-sections were taken care of. Around 8 or so Dr. Trotter came in and said that the medication for induction was not at the Shawnee hospital and they would have to send someone to get it. There we waited yet again. The medicine arrived in the 10 o'clock hour and it was administer immediately.

After about 4 hours, I was not making any progress. At one point Dr. Trotter thought about sending us home and then come back later in the week. Fortunately, we did not do this. I pretty much had a "Kellie" fit as my mom would call them and said "No, I will not leave this hospital without a baby!" Both my -in-laws and my parents had driven 6 and 7 hours to see this and we were not leaving without a baby. So... at about 5 pm, Dr. Trotter broke my water. Then the story really begins.

I basically continued down the same path and didn't progress very much if at all. I was able to get the "Meds" and that made it a lot easier to rest but still nothing. After about 23 hours or so of actual delivery, the nursing staff and Dr. Trotter monitor my blood pressure as well as Natalie's heart-rate. My blood pressure was dropping way off and poor little Natalie was STUCK inside. She had twisted diagonally inside and was not able to move. Her heart-rate fell WAY TOO LOW for about 2 minutes. Dr. Trotter came in and said, "I think we will need to have a C-section". This was something I NEVER wanted to do so I was very upset. He left the room and as Chris comforted me, we prayed. Less than 90 seconds later he came in all dressed up and I asked "OK, when are we going to do this? Tomorrow..." He smiled and said, "NOW!" The nurses took everyone out of the room and then got Chris and I ready...

After 24+ hours (Well... really 43 weeks and 1 day) of waiting... Dr. Trotter cut me open and got her out in less than a minute. There she was... my beautiful and perfect Natalie Grace.

She is the most perfect gift from God. More on her later!

Welcome to "Davistown" was a big hit... Best 1st week of school ever!!!

I decorated my room this year with a theme of Baseball. I used Cooperstown, NY as my motto and just changed it to "Davistown". I then made all kinds of walls and areas of my room to go with this them. It was a HUGE hit. I did have to do some explaining with some little kids (and 5th grade girls) but overall it was an amazing success. Big thanks to my sister Allison and all of her help and creativenss for this room. I had the basic idea but she added so much to the room and I cannot thank her enough.

Also for the first time in my 5 year teaching career, I will have a student teacher. I am excited and nervous at the same time. it is kinda like being on display and observed each and every day. I had an AMAZING experience with my student teaching with one of the best directors in the state of Oklahoma. i know I will NEVER be able to live up to her expectations but I just feel really weird about it all. She seems so nice and really exctied (which is always good) but I am just nervous as what to do and how to use her. If you are an experienced band teacher or have had a student teacher observe you, some advice please.

To top all of this off, when I got home I saw Natalie playing on the floor. She smiled really big and then stood up and walked towards me in the doorway. She started saying ma ma ma ma over and over and then finally put her arms out for me to hold her. It just doesnt get ANY BETTER than this!

Overall, It was a GREAT first day of school. As mentioned before, it was my best day ever. I am really excited about the upcoming year.