Happy Fall!!

I love this time of year. All of the fall decorations, cooler weather, and the changing leaves are some of my favorite parts of this season! This time of year is definitely the busiest, but with my three favorite parts of the season, it tends to make me relax more. It is generally not at the appropriate times, but nonetheless, I rest. I find myself taking advantage of the Sunday afternoon naps(plural on purpose), and going to bed at a more decent hour, whether all of the work is done or not. I find myself staying at school longer, so I can come home without work to do. I enjoy watching college football on Saturdays and the NFL games on Sunday. I have been very sad watching the Cowboys lately, especially today. It was a nasty loss!!
Another favorite of fall are the fun Halloween Oreos, Rotel, smores, and slice and bake cookies. I don't know why these treats are so great, but I just love them, especially during the fall. Some favorite meals include taco soup, chili, chicken rotel, mexican lasagna, baked potatoes, and La Madeline's potato soup. I know this sounds silly, but I feel like they are more enjoyable during the fall when it is a bit cooler. I know you were all wondering what my favorite foods for fall are, so there you go. I am so kidding, but I thought I would share.
Fall also brings on a sport that I have grown to enjoy watching: hockey!! I love going to the Dallas Stars game. This year, I have a student who plays, so I am enjoying going to watch him as well. I am learning more about the game from him, so it is a lot of fun!
The other part of the fall that I love is being able to enjoy the holiday parties with my students, co-worker, friends, and family!! I love seeing my kids reaction of all the fun things we get to do during this time. I also enjoy getting to go home and see some of my oldest friends and catch up on life. I miss being close to these people so much, so the fall is so great at giving me the opportunities to catch up with them. I am so glad to be where I am, but there is always going to be something special about getting back to the comfort of my own hometown or college town and visit with friends and family. You all are greatly missed!! I hope to have the opportunity to catch up with more friends this fall...Maskers, Lockhearts, high school friends, college friends, etc. I miss you all and think of you often!! I am hoping this is the best fall reunion yet! I am so thankful to God for the friends and family I have been blessed with. I have the most loving, caring, thoughtful, forgiving, dependable friends anyone could ask for. We all have moments where we don't feel like we keep in touch the best, but through the roots God has created in our friendships, we are able to pick up where we left off and keep on growing as friends!!
So, with all of this said...Happy fall everyone!! I hope to see you all very soon!!

Germs, germs everywhere!!

Well, I am just not feeling well. I was not feeling well last weekend, and now...getting worse. I thought it was just sinus stuff last weekend, but over the week it has developed into more of a head cold. It is so not fun not feeling like yourself on the weekend--the time you want to get out and do something. I just hope I can shake it, but it is hard when the little ones come in with germs, germs, and more germs every day. I am hoping my immune system builds back up soon!! That is enough of my sob story.
I am kind of thankful for it in a way, though, because I have been able to be a bum and watch some football today. I enjoy catching up on the SEC world!! Both teams from Alabama are having successful days today...that is super!! I like to see them both do well!!
Other than fighting this nasty cold, there is not a lot going on for me. I have been staying late at school, trying to tutor at Huntington, and selling Mary Kay here and there. I am really excited for the Mary Kay part because I got my holiday order in and there is so much good stuff in it. I am really excited about the hostess gift!! You should check out my website and see what I have now. www.marykay.com/deannamckinley
School is going. I am having a really tough time getting in the swing of things this year. A lot of it has to do with the fact that I have a handful of students that are way below the bar for being on grade level. Usually at this point in the year, I can confidently say 2 or 3 are struggling, but this year it is about 5-6. I have my work cut out for me already, but I know that it will begin to pick up and hopefully turn around soon. I know it will. I just have to pray each and every day that I get up that God will use me in a big way to reach these kids where they are and show them that I believe in them and know that if we both give it our all every day, together we can achieve more. The hardest part is 3 of the 5-6 students are very lazy. They refuse to go the extra degree to help themselves. I push and push them and try to give them every extra ounce of encouragement, but it does not seem to phase them. They can just look at me and turn away without any change in what they are doing. It tries my patience daily, but I know that I have to find an inner peace that will be extended to these students in the most frustrating of times. I really am trying to be more positive in these times, but some days, I let the devil get the best of me. Please pray for my patience and understanding daily. I want to be seen as the teacher who made a difference in the lives of all of my students, even the most frustrating ones. I have to let God rule more in the tougher times, instead of letting the devil take over and get the best of my emotions.
I am looking forward to visits from some of favorite people, as well as going to visit some of my favorite people. Sometimes, God wants us to take full advantage of second chances and refreshed friendships. I so love it when I have the chance to do so!!

Getting there

I know it has been almost 2 months since I have posted last, but I wanted to write a short update on what has been going on. Honestly, I have been going non-stop between school, part-time tutoring, Mary Kay, and trying to get involved at church. I am so overwhelmed!! I long so much to get the hang of the school part so I can give more to the other, but it is taking much longer this year than it ever has before. My precious students are extremely needy and chatty. It is so hard to make them understand the importance of listening to learn or hear instructions. A second after I say what I need to say, they come up tapping me on the hip or back and asking what to do. I have gotten to the point now that I tell them to ask a neighbor because I found myself repeating every instruction about 5-6 times. By the time they all got the instruction, it was time to move on. I am working on instilling more independence in this group, but man....we have a LONG way to go!!!! They have honestly gotten so much better this week, but still working on ceasing the talking long enough to get their work done or listen to what I need to tell/teach them. Hopefully, all of the signed papers will be returned this week, so that I can get those stacks turned in. I know that these things are the normal tasks of a teacher, but for some reason this year seems so much more demanding of my energy than past years. It could have something to do with the fact that I plan Math and we have a new book as well as curriculum. Again, it will get better...I just wanted to vent and share what has been going on.

I know that God is seeing me through all of this. I hope that his light is somehow shining through the mess I feel like I am right now. I just don't feel like I am doing much good for God or others when I feel like I am a disaster myself. I feel like I am constantly striving to grow in Him, but can't get to the top of this deep valley. God has never left my side and I know that, but I just feel that I have not revealed the true character of God in all that I do. Please pray for me as I am searching to relight the fire inside of me to grow in Him and share with anyone I come in contact with the true beauty and love of my Lord and Savior!! I miss having my youth group buddies, college friends, and family around to help push me, encourage me, and hold me accountable. Kristy is an amazing roommate, constantly finding ways to help in all of these areas, but one person cannot do it all...community is the key!! I am so lucky to have her here with me on a daily basis doing life, so I am shouting out to her right now for being so supportive, patient, and encouraging while I am going trying to climb out of this valley. Thank you, Roomie!!

Never did I ever...

...think I would be letting my blogging world know the news I am about to share with you. With me being the low maintenance, make-up, non-pushy person I am, I am so out of my league right now. I signed up to sell Mary Kay make-up on Saturday of this past weekend. A friend of mine wanted me and Kristy to host a party for her, and of course we didn't mind. It was fun and relaxing, not to mention exciting. I got to do Satin Hands on everyone before our facials, which brought me back to the good ol' dorm days when we had these from time to time. I sat and listened to the my friend's enthusiastic director while she did the facials, all the while developing a very big interest in knowing all about it. My stomach was settled at the time and I didn't have an ounce of fear in my body during the whole session. I scheduled to meet up with my friend, Jesseca, and her director, Melissa, on Saturday and discovered there that this opportunity was one I could not pass up. Not knowing anything at the time, I was shocked to find out that this company is founded on prioritizing one's life...God, family, then career. My team leader is a Christian, as well as my unit director. Every meeting begins with a devotion and a word of prayer. I am astoudned at the things this company is already helping me with, spirtually. I know that most of you are thinking, "What?" but just know that I am being led through this journey by my Maker and He is allowing me to gain the confidence in myself enough to be able to go out and serve other women and minister to them. I am the last one I can think of that feels good about my looks, but already I am being encouraged in gaining more enthusiasm about who I have been created to be in Him! I hope that this opportunity truly takes off to the point that I just get to meet new people, learn from them, and encourage them in so many areas I have been encouraged in so far.
I am scared to death, but working through that. Anytime you start anything new, there is a time of fear, although excitement; discouragement, but encouagement; and stress, followed by relief. I really need all the prayers and support I can get in this new journey. You are all wonderful women and men and have taught me so much already. I look forward to growing even more through this experience! Thanks for everything!

These are the pictures from my summer vacation...

The Beach pictures...

Yes, you are right...Kristy and I are the only ones without a man to pose in front of, so...my parents were kind enough to be behind us. You gotta love that they wouldn't let us look totally out of place...one day, there will hopefully be a husband behind me!! :)

I love this one!!! My little brother is such a sport with all of us ladies around!!

This was us girls trying to be blue jean models...what do you think?? Could we pull it off?? ;)

This is my favorite picture EVER of me and my little brother!! I love this kid!!

I am not sure what Kristy is laughing at, but if I had to guess my dad was probably doing a little dance behind the camera...I wonder where I get my "goofyness"?!?!?

The Surprise Tuscaloosa Visit Pictures...

These are pictures with the fam after I successfully stalked and surprised my mom. I flew in on a Thursday night and stayed with my sweet friend, Daniella. I called my mom and just casually found out where she was and just drove right over to where she was located. She sat with a blank stare for about a full minute and then she just started smiling and realizing that I had yet again successfully surprised her. She LOVES surprises, so I was excited to pull it off!! My dad had just gotten in from a few days in Montgomery with work, so I got to see him to...Hunter ruined that surprise, but dad was still excited!! Magen, Hunter's girlfriend, had just gotten her hair cut for "Locks for Love". I LOVE the new haircut!!

My visit with LeaAnn and Steve...

It was SO AMAZING to be able to visit with the newlyweds!! I miss her greatly and was so pumped to be able to catch up with her at her precious house!! She put together a delicious meal: salad, chicken spaghetti, twist rolls, and a cookie pie. It was lip-smackin' good!!! This picture was after our viewing of the next to last episode of Design Star...you gotta make time for what is important: time with friends while watching a favorite show...can't beat that!!

This is all I have for now...more to come....

Lots going on...

Okay, so I have been working non-stop all summer. I have been tutoring like mad every day since school got out. I have enjoyed having something to do, but did not realize it would become such a demanded thing from my kids' parents. I have 5 regular kids every week. Some come 2 days a week, and others 3-4 days. I am worn out!! I realize this is not the time to be worn out, seeing that school starts back up in 2 weeks. My kids will come the following week, but I go back for fun staff development on the 18th. It has been nice making a very small amount of extra money, but tiring nonetheless.

I know it is sickening for the Mississippi and Alabama teachers to hear that I do not start for a while, but I do know that you all get longer breaks when you get them. Hang in there and enjoy the first week of your school year! I am in prayer for you all as you embark on your new school year.

Other than tutoring like mad, I have been trying to work in visits with friends and family here and at home. I got to get away for a beach trip with my family, which was so relaxing. It has been years since we got the opportunity to stay more than a long weekend. We got 6 days there....now I call that a vacation!! Here is a picture my uncle took of the whole gang...

I will post more on a different blog.

Kristy's cousin came to visit for a week. She just left today. It was sad to see her go because she is so much fun to be around. She made me laugh a lot!! We worked in a lot while she was here. We went to lots of restaurants, as well as a Texas Rangers game. She had not experienced the goodness of a pedicure, so we took her to get one of those addictive pampering treats. She and Kristy went to Six Flags. They were both equally wiped out when they got home and I was thankful I was able to stay home and tutor in the air conditioning after seeing and hearing of their condition there. We sent her away today, but hope she returns come December for a longer visit.

While Jessica, Kristy's cousin, was here, we had a Mary Kay party for a friend of mine, Jesseca (my boss at Huntington). It was so much fun to pamper yourself!! In my eagerness to get out of debt and make some extra money, I have decided to try this Mary Kay consultant thing out. If it does not work out, it does not work out; but I am no quitter. I am going to give it all I can right now and see what comes out of it. I will keep you all posted.

Contentment with Discontentment

Please be patient with this one...it is long. It is somewhat of a snapshot of my heart and what I am currently dealing with...to God be the glory!!

Okay, so I tried out the Saturday night service at church. It was weird not getting up this morning for church, but the Sunday morning services are so packed and often visitors are turned away. For this reason alone, I am trying to go to a Saturday night service, so I can give my seat to someone who needs it. Anyway, we have had a guest pastor the past 2 weeks, and man has he "hit the nail on the head".
Last week, he talked about being content in where you are, what you have, and knowing the Truth in God. This week he talked about being discontent in our relationship with God, meaning that we are constantly pursuing after being more and more like Him without getting comfortable with where we already are in our relationship with Him.
I would have to say that both of these messages just broke my heart to pieces because it hit home in my heart so hard. This part of life is a really hard stage to be in; however, last week I was reminded to just let it all go and trust that God has a plan and a purpose for me being single right now. I feel in my heart that God wants me to be married one day, but daily I am striving to find contentment in the single years. If he calls me to a life of celibacy, fine, but I am going to have my heart open to wanting to be more and more like Him without the concern of what the next chapter might be. I talked to a special friend the other day and she was sharing the same thing with me. She was talking about how she never imagined that God's plan would be that she would still be single at the age of 26, either. She encouraged me so much to just strive after Him and not worry about what lies ahead in the marriage area of life. She was reminding me to find complete fulfillment in Him, and in time He will make known what it is that He wants from me. It was so neat that the sermon and this conversation all happened in the same week. God is all about perfect timing. It was nice to not only be challenged in the Word at church, but to be re-challenged by a dear friend.
This week's sermon just broke my heart. He was reminding us of last week's sermon, in that he was reminding us that we should be working to find contentment with where we are, what we have, and knowing the Truth lies in God's Word. This week, he went deeper to the root of where the contentment should be meeting the discontentment. Okay, here it goes. I hope I can describe this the way he explained it, as well as referencing the Scripture that truly makes this evident. He said that we should not be content in our relationship with God, but really searching to know Him more and to be more and more like Him. (1 Timothy 4)
I know that we all have our fall backs in life, but I feel like I have put so much into my job that I have let this part of my life slack off. I have stayed grounded in the sense that I have stayed involved in church and continued to turn from other non-Christian areas; however, the most important part, my relationship with Him, has suffered because I have become content in just knowing that He loves me and will take care of me. To pursue Godliness, I must nourish my life with the Word. (2 Timothy 3:16) This is an area I have not been doing for quite some time. I have become comfortable knowing what I know, but constantly knowing that I need to be digging in and learning even more. The second area is I need to put the Word into practice. (1 Timothy 4:12) This verse truly reminds us that we should not let others have any reason to think less of us because we are young because our actions should be examples to others in what we teach, the way you live, our love, our faith, and our purity. All this to say that others should be able to know Christ just by being around us and letting us speak the truth of God, as well as love on others as Christ would love on them. In doing all of this, we become the bold witness for Christ that we need to be.
I cannot get comfortable doing what I have always done, but striving to be more of who God has created me to be. So, we need to be living as Paul described about his own life in Philippians 3:12-16. We need to be forgetting what is behind us and start striving for what is ahead in Him. This does not mean that we focus all of our energy on getting more out of life or trying to gain stuff, but to strive to be more and more like Him. In this alone, God will reveal more and more of who He is in us being discontent in our relationship and pushing ourselves to know Him more.
Okay, wrapping up this long post...I had come to a point in life where all I wanted was to find someone to love me and spend my life with. What I have learned is that God wants to be that person. He wants me to long to spend time with Him, just as I have been longing to spend it with a man. Secondly, as I am seeking and searching more in my relationship with Him, I will find that the true fulfillment of God will only come when I find discontentment in that relationship--wanting to be more and more like Him. Obviously, I am not God and will never be Him, but that is the beauty in being a Christian...we can strain and cling on to being more like Him and never be content in that relationship.
I hope this shows you my heart. I know it was long, but I had to share with those of you I don't get to share much with, due to life's busy schedule. I love you all and hope that this is encouraging to you as well.

A Day with Mary Beth and Michael!!

Sunday was a fun day. After church, Kristy and I drove to Fort Worth to see Mary Beth and Michael. They invited us to their new apartment for a tasty lunch. Mary Beth cooked us a fantastic Pampered Chef recipe. I wish I had a picture of it to show you, but I will have to get a picture next time. Anyway, we ate lunch and then off on our journey to culturalize not only Mary Beth and Michael, but also me and Kristy. We went to the Fort Worth Stockyards. Okay, I have been to the Stockyards before, but have never seen the things we saw on this HOT day!!! We went to the Pawnee Bill's Wild West Show. Hmm...the description did not quite match the show. The description online was talking about how exciting and wild the show would be, showing the trick ropesters, riders, and shooters. Well, let me just say...it was not quite that wild. I am attaching a couple of pictures to let you see what we saw. Don't get blown away by the wildness in the photos...it was so intense. :)

After the "Wild" West Show, we went walking towards the Stockyard Station, and saw where the longhorns are herded twice a day. I tried to convince Michael to ride the mechanical bull, but no such luck. We then walked into one of the stores to get a refreshing drink. After that, hold your breath...we got to see the "stampede" of longhorns come down the road. It was fascinating that they just came down the road without veering off and getting mad at a innocent bystander. I will let you see that in action as well.

Lastly, we stumbled upon the "Gunfight Show". It was a small act that involved some really loud guns and an entertaining story. To our surprise, the downtown train came through. Mary Beth and Kristy were wondering which column the students would ram their carts into...that is for all of you Harry Potter fans out there. The train resembled the Harry Potter train so much, they just couldn't resist that picture. Hehe. :) Of course, we had to stop in at the ol' Candy Barrel for Michael. He had been longing to go in there all day. Once we got in there, we were disappointed because the barrels were not FULL of candy, in fact, they had a false bottom. Oh well, it was like $8.00 for a Laffy Taffy, but who's concerned with that. Mary Beth and I were concerned mainly with how long the candy had been sitting in the false bottom barrels.

Since we had already worked up a sweat out in the heat, it is only natural that we should now have a pretty good longing for a good meal. We left the Stockyards and went to Razzoo's. This is only one of the best restaurants out here. It is a Cajun restaurant with the best fried pickles you can get your hands on, not to mention it has sweet tea. It was Mary Beth and Michael's first time to experience the fun atmosphere and tasty dishes of Razzoo's. From what I could tell, it was a hit for them, too.

Finally, the night ended with some internet surfing for money saving tips and looking at the numerous wedding/honeymoon photo albums and scrapbooks of the happy pair. I look forward to more hang out time with these two familiar faces! :)

Check out my Slide Show!

I am new to this, but apparently I am WAY behind on this feature of the Internet. I need friends to link to my blog...is that what you call it (link to my blog)? Let the befriending begin...