A Decade Later

My family has always traveled to major cities for vacations to do mainly 2 things: attend MLB baseball games and visit skyscrapers and tall buildings. In fact, since I was born I have been to 28 major league baseball stadiums and countless skyscrapers. I have always been fascinated with both. This particular story and trip is one that I will NEVER forget.

When I was 16 my parents, my sister and I along with my Grandmother went on our usual summervacation consisting of tours of baseball stadiums and baseball games. This particular year we were traveling to New York City to make up a Yankees game we missed a few years back due to rain. We were all so excited because on this trip we were also going to be able to not only go up into the Empire State Building which we had done on previous trips but also go up into the World Trade Center observation deck as well.

We had determined that we like to go up into skyscrapers not only during the day but also at night. We had been to New York City before and been up to the Empire State Buildings observation deck many times and decided we wanted to see the city's skyline at night so we waited until dusk to make our way down to th World Trade Center. This was towards the end of our trip and we were coming from Wall Street and the stock exchange and on this night the traffic was very heavy. We finally got there around 8:40 or so and had to park and then make our way to the desk where observation tickets were sold. We purchased our tickets and began to look around the area of the exhibit called "A View from the Top of the World". This was an area that had shops and restaurants around the inside of the observation area. We wanted to go outside but by the time we made it to the elevator to take you outside, it was closed. We heard a worker say "I am sorry but the outside observation deck is closed for the night". I remember my sister and I BOTH crying and begging our dad to take outside. A very kind and friendly man named "Radalfo" came up from behind and said "Sir, allow me. I will take you outside."

Radalfo took us outside and allowed us to look around and see the city from the a very personal stand point. Radalfo showed each of the four sides and told us countless facts about New York and its' heritage. Finally after what seemed like only a few minutes someone else came out and told him it was time to go. He apologized so kindly to us and showed us the elevator. During the ride down to the gournd level, Radalfo shared some of his life story with us. I dont remember any other skyscraper elevator operator in all my years but him I will never forget.

Fast forward to September 11, 2001... I had made my way to my 8:00 Music Theory class and was early and waiting for the teacher to show up. I was talking with some friends about the previous weekends OU football game and out came my teacher in a panic. He said "The World Trade Center in New York has been hit. Class is cancelled." At first I did not believe him. I thought "I bet it wasnt HIT but just a bomb threat".

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As I got up to make my way back to my dorm, I noticed the campus to be much more somber than usual, even for a Tuesday morning. As soon as I walked into my dorm lobby, there were screaming and crying and I knew something terrible had happened. I went up to the 8th floor where my room was and turned on the TV. Sure enough, I saw a terrible thing. President David Boren cancelled the rest of the classes that day and I pretty much watched coverage of the whole event the rest of the day. I saw things I hope I will never see again. I remember calling my mom and just crying with her saying "I hope Radalfo made it out alive".

Unfortuneatly, we never learned Radalfo's last name so I can not look up to see if he survived or not. But my family and I agree he more than likely did not since he had the attitude he did and treated us the way he did. I am sure he helped other escape before getting out himself. He just had that type of heart.

As the days, weeks and even months afterwards unfolded we saw the buildings fall and the countless lives that were effected by those terrorists attacks. I was not direclty affected but I felt the pain and agony that many felt as we saw the worst attack on American unfold. I did not lose my child or spouse or family member of any kind and I feel for those that did especially on an anniversary such as this one but even in the midst of tragedy, I am grateful. I am grateful for life and especially life eternal. Psalm 46:1- "god is our refuge and strenght, a very help in times of trouble". God is there with you even amidst tragedy. Give your heart to God and He will take care of you.

September 11, 2001... I will NEVER forget.

I can Remember... A recap of the past 2 years with Natalie Grace

Two years ago yesterday I woke up thinking I was going to have a baby. I was over 43 (Yes... FORTY THREE) week pregnant and I was not leaving the hospital without my baby. I went to the hospital for an scheduled induction and I hope she would arrive quickly. The birth story although long is so amazing. When I arrived at the scheduled 7am, the medicine used to induce was not there and I had to wait for someone to go and get it from Midwest City about 25 miles away. Chris and I sat there patiently and still thinking, "It is no big deal, the medicine will arrive and then shortly after that, the baby will come." HAHA... we were so naive. To sum the story up, approximately 23 hours after I finally got the medicine, I gave birth to Natalie Grace Davis via emergency C-Section. On August 25, 2009 God blessed Chris and I with the most beautiful gift, Natalie Grace. Today is her 2nd birthday and I spent most of the day just reflecting the past two years and how grateful I am that God chose me to be her mother.

In the past two years so much has happened to our small family of three.

I can remember the first time we brought her home from the hospital. Our two beagles, Abbey and Oxford, were so interested in her and jealous that she was getting all of my attention at the same time.

I can remember the 1st two nights in our house and how incredibly long they seemed. I swear as soon as I would get done feeding her... she was awake and crying for more. I thought "Sweetie, I am not a real cow, at least give me a minute to refresh!"

I can remember my mother-in-law, Jackie and my mother, Shirley helping me take care of her and just modeling how to be a mother and what to do. Honestly, if it weren't for BOTH of them, I would not have made it... Literally. I had so many panic attacks and anxiety issues those first few days and weeks.

I can remember the times we would put her on her tummy for "Tummy Time" and she would scream and cry and give me the look of "Why are you doing this to me?" She HATED "Tummy Time"! And then, as if out of NOWHERE, she decided to roll over. (This was the beginning of her movement phase. Which she is still in and I am sure will be from now on.)

I can remember our very first OU Game together! She has been my little OU Sooner since the day she was born! Boomer Sooner!

I can remember her very first Thanksgiving and Christmas as well as her first snowstorm in Lubbock, TX. We dressed her in a jacket and mittens and took her outside to the 4 foot snowdrifts and sat her on top of the snow. (I don't think she liked it)

I can remember the first time she sat up and immediately smiled at me as if she knew she had just achieved something.

I can remember the first time we feed her rice cereal and then yummy baby food and how much of a mess her and I was afterwards.

I can remember coming to my band concert at Grove and holding her plastic Saxophone and try to play along with us. She loved my bands even while I was pregnant, although trumpets seemed to always be her favorite. She would ALWAYS kick during brass class! I wonder what this means!!

I can remember her 1st trip to the beach when she was 2 weeks from her 1st birthday. She could not walk but I wanted her to be able to SO BAD. She loved the water so much and would crawl as far out as she could before getting tumbled over. She played and played and played and then fell asleep in the car before we even got out of the beach parking. She stayed asleep for 3 1/2 hours which is her longest nap to date.

I can remember the first time she took any steps on her own and how she walked all the way down our hallway to get to me and then fell RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME!

I can remember her 1st birthday and waking her up at 6am in the morning and singing "Happy Birthday" to her. She tore open all her gifts and shoved her cake and cookies in her mouth so fast.

I can remember her first time to Trick or Treat and go to a carnival. She dressed up as a ladybug and loved EVERY minute of it!

I can remember the first time we sang "Happy Birthday" Jesus on Christmas night and ate a birthday cupcake in his honor. (This is our family tradition and I am so happy she likes it)

I can remember her first Easter Egg hunt and how she found so many eggs that she had to dump out her basket and pick them up again.

I can remember our first family vacation to San Antonio and how much she LOVED the "Kiddie Park"

These moments in our lives come and go without us even taking time to reflect and think about how precious life really is. Chris and I prayed and prayed and prayed for little Natalie Grace and she is a TRUE gift from God. I hope I will be able to reflect upon this gift for many years to come.
Take time today to remember your children or your childhood and thank God for his many blessings.

Natalie Grace, I love you and I am so glad you are my daughter. Happy 2nd Birthday Nattie!

Good Luck Honey!!!

Tomorrow, August 22, 2011, my hubby starts his new job and new career. He has been without work for about 20 months total and is so EXCITED to start work. He has chosen teaching and I can already tell he has a passion and calling for this career field. He has been so excited and anxious for about 1 month if not the whole summer and tomorrow is his big day. It seems like he is always telling me a new way he will teach and what he will do in his classroom.

He said he has made lots of friends during the teacher in-service and cannot wait to start working with them. In fact, he told me on Saturday, "I am sad... I don't have morning duty with any of my friends". I could not help but laugh and continue to listen to him.

He is going to be SUCH AN AMAZING TEACHER and I know he will do well. I love you Chris and I cant wait to hear about your first day!

Good Luck!

Who is really driving you car?

This week, I started the always needed Staff Development meetings at my school. These were alot different from anything I have experienced since it was in a massive school district and I am used to a tiny district.

Let me give you an idea of what I am talking about:

(I am leaving the actual name of my district out for necessary reasons)

36,000 Pre-K to 12th grade students
25 Elementary Schools

7 Middle Schools

5 High Schools

And

In the top 15 biggest districts in the state of Texas

I showed up to the "New Teacher Orientation" with about 200 other people all of whom were so grateful just to HAVE a job in this Texas Schools budget crisis. The following day I showed up to my campus along with about 90 other teachers and administrators. That is 100+ employees at my campus and I am one of 25 elemenataries. The enrollment for my school is pushing 1100 at the moment and we have not even started school. This is unbelievable to me and I am not used to these large numbers.

Now to the point of my blog today... I went to the Fine Arts Meetings on Friday at one of the high schools and there I sat with over 200 other music and art teachers. I felt like I was back at TMEA or some other conference with all of these teachers. We went around the room and introduced the "newbies" as they called us and then started the meetings. As we went around the room, there were only about 10 actual new teachers to the district and several other people just got moved around from position to position within the district. I was the ONLY new music teacher and there was only 1 other Middle School Choir director hired. Even after we went through the intros and I had determined that there weren't any band jobs open in this district and I was lucky to have this job in the first place, I continued to sit there and ponder my situation.

Now if you know me AT ALL you know I am a very ambitious person and I have LOTS of career dreams and goals. I left OU in 2005 with a "plan" and I was going to achieve this plan soon. I left and went on to teach at Bowlegs which was an amazing experience and then on to Grove which again, if you know me, you know I have often preached that it was a best job I will ever have. I was able to do what I LOVE, which is teach band, and even get my Masters degree while there. If you would have asked me 3 years ago about where I would be when Chris and I moved to Texas, I would have said "Teaching band at a High School or a Middle School in a "major" district". Well... I got the "major" district part right as you can see from above!! But for the past few weeks I have been sad and frankly depressed about not teaching band anymore. I love teaching and I love kids but band was MY path.

So I am basically having a pity party in my head yesterday while looking around the room at these other band directors. There were not that many but I just couldn't help thinking:

"God, why couldn't I be one of those?" or

"How am I ever going to be able to teach at the collegiate level if I can get a HS Band job?"

or the thought I kept coming back to was

"Will I ever be able to get back into band once I spend a few years in elementary?"

I want to do big things in my career like teach band at a "major" district and work alongside really important and talented band directors and even go on and teach band at the collegiate level. This has ALWAYS been my dream and still is I guess, but I sat there for close to an hour just getting all jealous and upset that I couldn't have what I always wanted.

At the break between clinics, 2 other elementary music teachers came up to me "Hey Oklahoma (I find it humorous everyone around her calls me that!), we have a job opening for the District's Elementary Honor Choir Director position and we looked at your resume and you seem perfect. Want the job?" Here I am still in the fog of my own and I am a little startled. I talk to them a little longer and then accept the job.

All of this is just to show you that God works in mysterious ways. There I was basically questioning God and HIS path He chose for me and getting sad and depressed thinking I knew which path was better for me and out of nowhere, God sends these people to guide me further along HIS path for me. Now we are ALL bad about wanting to do things OUR way and go down OUR path but we have to remember that God chooses a path for us and it is HIS path that we flourish on the most. Since yesterday I have thanked God many times and spent lots of time in prayer about why God put me in an elementary school and what I will do while I am there. He has guided me down HIS path to love and care for these children. These kids will be unlike ANY OTHER I have EVER taught. The demographics alone will be uncharted territory for me and I know He put me here for a reason. I just have to follow His will and not worry about MY road but continue down HIS road. I have to remember that I am NOT THE DRIVER of my car. God is the driver of my car. He has chose the path and He knows what He is doing. I just have to LET Him be the driver.

I used this song in a blog earlier but it brings me back to the hymn "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'll follow my Christ who loves me so

Wherever He leads I'll go

I don't know what else is down HIS road but I am open to it!

"Thank you God for your continued blessings and I ask you help me to be open to Your path and what else you will do in my life while along Your path. Thank you."

I cannot wait until Wednesday to see these kids and just love and care on them. They are the reason I am there in the first place and I hope to be the love and compassion they may not see at home. I hope you will take this story and think about if there are areas in your life where YOU are the driver instead of God. Let him take the wheel and guide you as you go along the path you are on.

"God is good... ALL THE TIME!"

Life is Hard... But God is Good

I recently attended a "Ladies Night Out" event at Mims Baptist Church with my Sunday School class and was so enlightened by Christian Radio DJ Susan O'Donnell. She said she was a Christian Comedian and made me laugh several times. She used this light-hearted-ness to help share her very moving testimony and shed light on how blessed we really are and how no matter how deep your "pit" is... God is right there and is in control. As I sat there listening to her share her testimony and how she got out of this "pit" in her life, I began to reminisce the last 2 years of my life and how I have thus far come out of what seemed like a never-ending "pit".

I have shared many times about Chris and the how him getting laid off in 2009 changed our lives forever but this was yet again brought to the forefront of my mind during this ministry event on Friday. There were times where I too got on my knees and begged God to help me get out of this "pit" and hole. I cried and cried wondering how we were ever going to get by and how we were even going to have a roof over our heads sometimes. As Chris would go to interview after interview and come home and nothing turned out, I would question God and his power. Of course, I knew this was wrong but just as all of us do, I began to wonder "Why are you letting this happen to me?"

This trial went on for about 9 months and I just couldn't seem to pull myself out of this "pit". Chris and I were really struggling financially and emotionally and I wondered how "WE" would survive. About June of last year, I decided I had a long enough pity party and for whatever reason, I heard God speaking to me. He said, "Kellie, I AM in Control and I will provide for all of your needs." Somehow over the next year God DID provide for us and we were able to survive financially and emotionally and now our marriage is stronger than ever. It was about this time that Chris decided it was time to look to another career path. He continued to go on interview and nothing came about but I trusted God and let him take the burden.

In January of 2011, Chris took the plunge to become a teacher and began taking online courses to get a teaching certificate in Texas. By March of 2011, he was in Houston interviewing and completing the necessary tests to get his certificate. The following 3 months after these interviews was in and of itself another "pit" but here I sit in Houston this evening creating this memory. On May 27th, Chris was offered a teaching Job in Aldine ISD and accepted. This was my last day of school at Grove and I literally had 4 hours to tell all of my students and fellow teachers I was leaving. The following month of June was another test of Faith for me as I was looking for a job but on June 30th, I was offered a job in Spring ISD and accepted.

These "pits" in my life have helped me grow not only as a Christian but as a wife and a mother as well. There was never a time in these past 2 years that God wasn't there beside me the whole time trying to help me get out of this "pit". Speaker Susan O'Donnell sang a song entitled "Life is Hard... But God is Good" that really spoke to me about how no matter how deep your "pit" is, God is in Control and he will take care of you. I am so grateful he has and is taking care of me.

God can take care of you too, if you let him.

http://youtu.be/W-zKcebFnNo

Today in History

July 31, 2005 was a very exciting day in my life. On this day six years ago, I was happily dating a young man named Chris Davis. We had met at Bethel Baptist Church in Norman, OK where he helped me in 3-6th grade Children's Choir. We had been dating for about 6 months and had pretty much knew we were soul mates and destined to be "Man and Wife". We had talked about marriage a little and I had declined at least 2 band directing positions so I could be near him knowing this was the real thing. I woke up on his day like every other Sunday morning. I got up and read my Bible, got ready for Church and went to church. I also helped in 4th grade Sunday School at Bethel Baptist Church and Chris had decided he would come and help me teach SS when the new SS year started in August. On this particular morning I was leading the worship songs and having a great time with the kids and out of nowhere came Chris. I didn't think anything about it really and just thought he was coming to get a hint of what 4th Grade Sunday School would be like. I finished the song we were singing and by the time it was over, the rest of the Singles Class where Chris was a member was also standing at the back of the room. Chris came forward and said he had an announcement. Again, I didn't think too much of this and thought he was going to introduce himself to the kids as their new teacher and helped. Instead,he said "Kellie, you are the love of my life and I truly enjoy your company". He then in front of the Bethel Baptist Church Singles Class, the 3-6th Grade classes and all the teachers plus a few others who knew about the event, he got down on one knee and said "Kellie Klingsick, will you marry me?" He put the ring on my finger and I was still a little shocked. I jumped and said "Of course I will".

I gave him hugs and kisses and hugged everyone. By the time the Singles class had left the room, the rumor was out and people who I barely knew were congratulating me. I had to call my parents ASAP. This was not an easy task since my dad is a Baptist pastor and was already "on duty". I called his church and told the Deacon, Bro. Ted, it was an emergency and to go and GET MY DAD. Bro. Ted did just what I asked and my dad came running... Fortunately it was NOT the news my dad was expecting. My family and Chris' family were very happy of the news. Bethel Baptist Church and Arp Emmanuel Baptist Church (My dad's church) both made announcements at the end of the service about our proposal and engagement. And... to this day, my mom ALWAYS has her cell phone on her just in case.

Now don't get me wrong... EVERYONE remembers their wedding proposal but ours is truly unique. How often do people get engaged in Sunday School? Children's' Sunday School for that matter! I often look back on this day and think, if this is the way we started our life together, we will have a great foundation to build upon. Since that day in history, Chris and I have grown not only closer together as husband and wife but also closer to God and the church. Unfortunately we are no longer members of Bethel Baptist Church in Norman, OK but it will FOREVER be in my heart. Chris and I have served in many other churches in our time together and I know we will continue to do so and train our children likewise. This is a perfect picture of the scripture "Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will NOT depart from it". This is the verse I base my parenting on and I look forward to the day that my children share similar stories with me.

The past six years have been a blessing to me and I thank God every day for bringing Chris into my life. As much as Chris and I have been through in these six years, the past two in particular, I still know he is my soul mate and I am just as happy as I was on this day in history. Chris Davis, I thank you for allowing me to be your wife and I love you VERY much! I cant wait for another 6+ years. You are amazing and sometimes I cant believe God chose me to be your wife. I am so lucky!

On this day in history, Chris and Kellie got engaged. The rest, as they say, is HISTORY!

This week in the life of Natalie's Toddler Bed

When we moved down to Houston we decided it was time at 22 months for Natalie to get used to a toddler bed. It took us a while to get it all settled but this past Monday we got it all set up in her room and was ready for the first night. On Monday afternoon for her nap and then again on Monday night she went right down and didn't throw up a fight or anything. Then came Tuesday...

Tuesday night she would NOT go down. Chris tried to put her down several times and she didn't want any part of it. She would shake the sides of the bed and yell "Mama...Dada". Now back when she was about 7-8 months old we "feberized" her and let her cry herself to sleep which has paid off enormously as she sleeps about 10-12 hours a night. However, once she started asking for Chris and I, we gave in and I took her to the living room to rock her. I ended up rocking her most of the night (which I LOVE to do and was not a problem). After I tried to put her back in her bed 3-4 times without any luck, I decided to take her to our bed where she would spend the rest of her night.

Wednesday came and the nap and evening routine was fine and you would not have even known there was an issue. Today arrived and after I returned from an in-service workshop at school I put her down for a nap and she seemed fine and didn't throw a fit or tantrum. Chris and I started to do stuff around the house and we heard a loud noise from upstairs. We didn't hear crying or anything so we overlooked the noise. All of a sudden Natalie comes running down the hall saying "Hey Mommy". She had jumped out of her bed, which has rails on it to try to avoid that, and OPENED the bedroom door and came running down the hall. Chris and I were floored and began to laugh really hard. Obviously, Natalie thought it was funny too. She giggled for nearly 10 minutes. Once she settled down I took her back to her bed and went through 5-10 minutes of:

"This is YOUR bed"
"This is where YOU take naps and go 'night-night'"
"You cant get out of your bed during the nap or 'night-night'"

So I put her down and asked "Can you show me you can do this please?" She smiled. I told her to have a good nap... She literally laughed at me and I could see the mischievousness on her face. I shut the door and told Chris "I bet she is out of there in 3 minutes". It has been nearly 20 and I have not heard a peep. I am not surprised at all she does this because I have heard MANY stories about me and my honery behavior. Not to mention to even more stories like this about my mom, so it must be hereditary!

I only hope and PRAY that she didn't figure out the entire situation in her head. Chris and I start our new jobs and careers in 10 days and we cannot afford long nights with a toddler that gets out of their bed.

Family Vacation #1-Day #3

After the long, hard first two days (and nights), Chris and I decided we were in over our heads and decided that maybe just 2 nights would suffice. We went ahead and check out of the hotel on Thursday in order to come home after a day of sight-seeing. Since Natalie had been throwing such fits and tantrums the previous day, we thought we would find a place "just for her". We found this place called the "Kiddie Park" which is literally a Children Under 8 Amusement park. We got there and it seemed just right. We decided to get her an All-Day Ride Pass so she could ride as often as she likes. This turned out to be a good thing since she LOVED riding the carousel and the other rides too.

This park had a large Carousel that was built to travel from County Fair to County Fair. Natalie loved the "horsies" and wanted to ride it non-stop. We encouraged her to ride others. They had a small airplane ride that was like swings at other amusement parks but it was just planes instead. These planes had guns on them and we tried to show Natalie the guns and she would often watch the boys on the planes in front of her shoot but she never did (That is OK with me...trust me!) She rode these airplanes about 5 times and loved every time.

She also enjoyed riding the cars at this park. They were set up to go round and round and she was able to honk her horn and wave at us while she went by. She rode this ride 4 times and finally on the last time she chose the pink John Deer tractor to ride.

She also rode the Mini School Bus ride several times. This was a small school bus that the park had made just for kids and went around small railroad type of track in a circle. Every time she rode it, she was the only one and was able to sit wherever she wanted. I think she really liked the privacy and being able to choose her own seat. She would run all over the park and say "Bus please, Bus please". She loved that ride. I think she rode this one about 6 times.

The boats have a very funny story to tell. On about her 3rd ride on the boats, she was put in the same boat as another small toddler boy. She was in the front of the boat and he was in the back. She kept turning around to show him how to steer with the steering wheel. He was very kind and didn't say anything back to her. She would say "Hello, wanna ride?". It was so cute and adorable but she definitely wanted to be captain of that boat and show him how it was done.

Between these rides she rode the flying saucers, the carousel and the Ferris wheel but like her Poppi, she didn't like the Ferris wheel and only rode it once. We also played some skeet-ball in the arcade. Overall, this was a FANTASTIC place and next time we go to San Antonio, we will start off each day at this park! Great times!

After the "Kiddie Park" we went to the San Antonio Children's Museum. This was downtown near the Alamo. This place seemed to have it all. They had a Ball Factory towards the front that had lots of little balls like you would find in McDonald's and you could place them inside this maze and watch them go everywhere. Natalie basically just liked throwing them around on the floor. They also had a small jet plane that kids could pretend ride in and be the captain. Natalie really liked holding on to that steering wheel!!!! She was able to explore a large version of a doggie house and climb through a doggie door. She also was able to milk a cow... That was so cool because I have never milked a cow either so that was awesome to me too.

I think the coolest thing in this museum was the HEB Kid Market. This was a very small market set up just like a grocery store. Kids were able to kid small carts and fill them with whatever they wanted. They had produce scales to weigh the plastic fruits and vegetables and even scanners to check-out with. This was very high tech and Chris and I were impressed. Chris and I both thought "Where was this when I was this age?" We loved it and would recommend it to anyone who has children and is visiting San Antonio.

After the children's museum, we left San Antonio for Conroe. On our way out of town we drove by the new Grand Hyatt Hotel near the convention center and saw a large strike by its workers. There were cops everywhere and it was crazy! I had never seen anything liek this live so we took some pictures!We also drove by the AT&T Center to see where the Spurs play. It happened to be 2 days before the WMBA All-Star Game so we got out of there pretty quick if you know what I mean.

Overall, it was a GREAT family vacation and I cannot wait to blog about Family Vacation #2!

Family Vacation #1- Day #2

So it is Wednesday morning and we are all a little wore out and tired. Well... Chris and I are! Natalie slept just fine and is not tired at all. Chris did not go to sleep til about 6 and that is when Natalie woke me up so her and I went to the store to get some supplies we forgot. When we returned we all ate breakfast and then headed to the Alamo.

We got to the Alamo around 10:30 and it was already hot. It was about 98 at the time and it seemed much hotter. Natalie began the adventure just fine and was not cranky or fussy at all. We went all the way through the "Long Barrak" fine and she wanted to do just what we did and would stop at the signs we were reading and go "Hmm" just like Mommy and Daddy did. Shortly after the tour through the "Long Barrak" we went and attempted to listen to a tour guide give a depiction of the Battle at the Alamo. Natalie did not want to sit and listen so she decided to go up to the signs nearby and give her own tour. She would walk around the signs just babbling to herself and even other kids too. Finally we decided to go inside to get out of the heat but she did not want to go with us. She began a fit and oddly enough only mommy could fix it. (She is usually a "daddy's girl during fits" but not today. We ended up leaving the Alamo a littler earlier than expected and with a screaming toddler on my shoulder!

Since she was throwing such a HUGE fit we thought she was hot and went across the street to the Rivercenter Mall since it would be air conditioning. We went to the indoor playground and she was able to run around freely and play. This was great for us too because by this time it was about 104 and a heat index of 110 with high humidity. As crazy as it sounds after that sentence... we then decided to go on a river cruise along the San Antonio river!

The last time I went on this river cruise was when I was in the OU Women;s Basketball band at the Final Four. The band got on one of these boats and played Boomer Sooner and other OU songs while going down the river. The fans from the other schools "boo"ed us and even threw food at us. I had pasta in my saxophone at the end of that boat ride. This ride was a little different but the same frustration at the end of the ride!! Again, it was very hot outside and we were all tired and sweaty. Natalie loved the boat at first but then as the shade left us and we were all packed into the boat like cattle, that fascination began to dim away. She dropped her juice all over and kicked the stupid Florida Gator fans next to us so many times they told me to pick her up so she would stop. I was not thrilled with them but I held my tongue and picked her up. Our tour guide was very insightful but this time I just wanted a short cruise with little commentary. Needlesstosay, we were all glad when we returned to port.

After that, we made our way to the Hard Rock Cafe which Chris and I always go to while on vacation. This began when we were on our Honeymoon in London. I had been to a few Hard Rock Cafe's in my life but NONE like the one in London. Then when Chris and I went to Washington DC we went there again so it has been like a tradition for us and I hope we will continue to do this on family vacation wherever possible.

After that we decided to the Tower of the Americas. This was really cool because EVERY time I came to San Antonio for Band or TMEA I always wanted to go there but never did. Towers and tall building is also something my family did on vacations so I felt like I was passing in on to Natalie Grace. She loved the Elevator ride to the top and she also loved running around the observation deck outside. Again, this fascination was shortly lived. She began to get really tired and fussy and the observation deck time was over. We made our way back down to ground level and went to the "Skies Over Texas" 4D movie. This was really cool since I have never been to a 4D movie. Again, Natalie was not impressed and basically tried to get out of the room the whole time. It was basically a 3D movie with chairs that move and even smells that fragrance out to you and things that poke you on your chair. It was very neat.

We made it back to our hotel around 5 pm with a toddler who fell asleep in the car only to find that our room had not been cleaned yet and the maid woke Natalie up with a knock on the door. Suddenly this toddler who was crying her eyes out not 30 minutes before was the world's happiest baby ever. We decided to go to a "Diner's Drive-ins and Dive" called Tip Top Cafe. It turned out to very good and we all enjoyed it. Natalie literally picked up her Mac and Cheese and drank it. It was not her "daintiest" moment... trust me!

We ended the night the same way as the previous night... with ALL THREE of us in the King bed. As tired as I was from the previous night and the LONG LONG day of fussiness and fits, I just cuddled my little baby all night. I don't think I slept but 1-2 hours. I kept laying there thinking "Wow, she is growing up fast" and "I better treasure these moments". There were lots of tears that night. It is hard to believe she is almost 2! It is crazy how time flies!

Family Vacation #1- Day #1

Once Chris and I both got a job down here in Houston we decided we deserved a vacation from the 22 long months of searching for a job and the pain and patience it took from us. We were envisioning a vacation just the two of us, but fortunately shortly after Chris and I got jobs our current babysitter, my sister Allison, got a job as well. This was awesome since all three of us got jobs around the same time. However, this meant that the relaxing and otherwise "mommy and daddy only" vacation turned into a family vacation. This was fine because I traveled ALOT when I was young and I want to raise my family the same way. So Chris and I decided to go to San Antonio in July. Chris had never been and it is a really great family destination.

Our trip began at the San Antonio Zoo. This is the nations 3rd largest zoo (Which I did not know and I was highly impressed with). The zoo itself is laid out VERY well and really allows you to get the feeling of being in the jungle or African Safari or whatever the case may be for each animal exhibit. We were able to see a Hippo feeding which was amazing and Natalie loved it. We were also able to go up into a tree house to look out on the African Forest and see the cheetahs and rhinos and other animals! That was really cool as well. It was about 104 that day and Natalie was a little hot and tired from the drive in from Houston so she became very fussy and about 1 1/2 hours into the zoo she feel asleep. I have been to alot of zoos and I would put this one in my "Top 10" at least. It was very great experience and I would recommend it.

After that we went to the famous Mexican Restaurant and bakery "Mi Tierra" at the Market Square in San Antonio. This is a very well known restaurant and when I was in the All-State band my band directors brought me here each year and I have LOVED it ever since. This was a unique experience for Natalie since a Mariachi band came and sang for her. She loved it and sat there and played her "Air guitar" with them. Chris was able to try GOAT which I guess was pretty good... (I didn't try it obviously :) )

When we got back to the hotel we all settled down and begin the night time process. This involved the usual bath and milk and stories and songs and what-not. Natalie was doing great and seemed ready to go to bed. Yeah... that was NOT happening. She did not like the pack and play and the weird room we were in. We found a suite downtown and it had a separate room which we thought would be great... it backfired and all 3 of us ended up sleeping on the King bed. Well... Natalie slept on the bed. Chris was getting kicked in the back all night and Natalie just wanted me to snuggle with her all night. Anytime I tried to take our arm out from around her... she would cry and say "Mommy No". It was a very long night...

And the next day... Ha, there is more to come! And that was Day #1!

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!