A Plunge From The Falls

Better After#2

2010-08-07T09:59:00.000-07:00

Here is the finished product of the office minus a couple of small fixes/add ons.

1. need to put up a real curtain rod.

2. re-upholster my chair with the fabric you see. Also, find a small stool for the gigantic printer.

3. make a 2 squares by 3 squares shelving unit to go below my window pane that hangs on the wall. Chris will make it or I will end up buying it from West Elm.

Better After...

2010-07-16T08:05:00.000-07:00

So I finally got on this kick of finishing up my master bedroom and office...it has been bugging me forever now! With some friends helping me narrow down my dilemas, I finally found it. Here you will see before pictures and will have to wait for finished "almost" finished pictures.

The Master

Here is my bare room. The Plan: to figure out what type of curtains. Stripe, solid, two-toned, etc. Then I need to know what color curtain, cream/white, blue, or orange!! Well with my sweet and dear friends, that have put in their opions, I have focused my search and look. (picture to come!!!) Also, I will need to get a mirror above my dresser, I have one now which may be temporary until I find the PERFECT fit. I will need to find permanent end tables and not tv trays covered with a decorative shower curtain...we had this for 3years now and it is time.

The ottoman may not stay and will go back downstairs...not sure yet until the room is pulled together. I finally hung something over the bed the other day, but not sure if there needs to be anything over our end tables??? too much???

Here is my bed i want sometime in the near future...Restoration Hardware. I found over the winter this past year and told Chris about it right away!

For my office I will show you the wall color I am looking at painting it today..HC-146 Wedgewood gray from Benjamin Moore.

I have orangeish window treatments (thanks dabs) that I will add white to the bottom to extend. My furniture is white. I know you need a picture. Don't worry I will put a before and after on here too. This is all I have time for right now. My day is dwindling and I need to move fast and some how make time to clean my house!!!!!

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The love of my life....

2010-05-26T15:44:00.001-07:00

I can't stop thinking about maybe what I should have gone to school for. I am a very visual person. So much that math was impossible for me when I had teachers that constantly gave the lesson orally! Show me how, why, give me hands on etc. Now that I am teacher and I see kids that were me growing up, I wonder if it was just the teachers I had or was I just that slow. I get math now, don't think I am ignorant, it just takes me awhile to visually process it in my head if I don't have paper near me.

So I give you this background because I have wondered if being right brained, or left brained would have been an indicator of my career. Visual means art, decorating, photography etc!!!! THIS IS THE LOVE OF MY LIFE!

Well I took a right/left brain test today. My results are on this link below. If any of you know me well you may agree with some of the detailed results that was given. http://www.wherecreativitygoestoschool.com/vancouver/left_right/rb_results.pl
I am a Right Brained Person...some sites were close and some were by a landslide.

Below is an article by By N. Bhatta for AOL Find a Job,
Look closely at number 6! (Pictuers in math class, picture and words when I learn a new game, or when I am constructing something!)

1. Are you better at math and science than artand literature?
YES – People who are left-brain thinkers are often better at and enjoy math and science over art and literature, making them perfect candidates for a career in engineering.
NO - People who are right-brain thinkers are often better at and enjoy art and literature over math and science, making them perfect candidates for a career in grant writing.

2. Do you love playing sports outdoors over reading indoors?
YES – The great outdoors and athletics are favorites of people who are right-brain thinkers, and a career that can combine the two, like one as a recreation director, is perfect.
NO - Staying indoors and reading are favorites of people who are left-brain thinkers, and a career that can combine the two, like one as a librarian, is perfect.

3. Do you prefer verbal communication over physical communication?
YES – Left-brain thinkers love to work things out by talking, enjoying jobs like career counseling, where they are very effective.
NO - Right-brain thinkers think that actions speak louder than words, enjoying being very effective at showing their worth without words, like the career path of being a yoga instructor.

4. Would you rather draw pictures freehand instead of putting together a model airplane?
YES – People who are right-brain thinkers aren't fans of tremendous structure and prefer having some creativity at work, which makes marketing a perfect career for them.
NO - People who are left-brain thinkers are in need of structure and prefer having specific
guidelines at work, which makes computer programming a perfect career path for them.

5. Do you like being in groups more than being alone?
YES – Group-oriented people are usually right-brain thinkers, making a job in retail a good fit for their lifestyle preference.
NO - Loners are usually left-brain thinkers, making a job in accounting a good fit for their lifestyle preference.

6. When given instructions, are lots of pictures easier to understand than lots of text?
YES – Right-brain thinkers love picture explanations over textual explanations, and this visual preference usually lends well to a career in interior design.
NO - Left-brain thinkers love textual explanations over pictorial explanations, and this preference usually lends well to a clerical career.

7. Have you noticed that you're better at providing the details and necessary information for a project than coming up with the initial idea?
YES – Those who are left-brain thinkers are more into processing loads of information and hammering out the details than being involved in the creative process, and a career in human resources is perfectly suited for this skill set.
NO - Those who are right-brain thinkers are more interested in the initial creative process than the information gathering that follows, and a career in consulting is perfectly suited for this skill set.

8. Do you need a completely quiet environment when you are working?
YES – Quiet environments are usually needed by left-brain thinkers, who would prefer a career where they could work from home in silence over something that required a noisy environment.
NO - Right-brain thinkers don't mind a bustling background as they work, making them more suitable for jobs that require noisy environments like those in the hospitality and hotel fields.

9. Would you enjoy helping someone solve a relationship problem more than a math problem?
YES – Solving relationship problems is right up the alley of the right-brain thinker, and a career as a psychologist would be both enjoyable and rewarding for this type of person.
NO - Solving math and technical problems is right up the alley of the left-brain thinker, and a career as a computer technician would be both enjoyable and rewarding for this type of person.

10. If you were a writer, would you prefer to write nonfiction books instead of fiction?
YES – Left-brain thinkers are obsessed with details and truth, making a career in banking or finance worth considering.
NO - Right-brain thinkers are more imaginative and don't mind making a career up as they go, making a job in sales worth considering.

Which one are you more like?

MARDI GRAS!!!!!!

2010-02-17T15:50:00.000-08:00

It is the best time of year for NOLA and by far one of my favorites. Ever since I was little, there was this facisnation about sitting high up in the ladder chair with my cousins screaming, "Hey Mista, throw me some beads!" We could see far in front of the parade as it was approaching, anxious for the next float to stop directly in front of us. This would give us the the ultimate opportunity to catch as many beads as possible. At the end of the day mom, dad, aunts, uncles, Nana, or Paw would have to carry us to the car in one hand, and in the other hand the over flowing bag of beads. Or, there was the days when our family would ride on the floats throwing beads and trinkets to those who yelled the magic words.

One of my favorite times was when we were "The Cajun Raisins," as we were dressed in costumes from head to toe. The little, five year old girl I was, couldn't believe my eyes from the other end of the spectrum. I was disappointed and had my feeling badly hurt when a man, I am sure he was "having a good time," jumped up and grabbed my bag of blue, palstic teddy bears from my little hands. All in all,Mardi Gras was yet another successful and eventful year once again.

Not much has changed from being older. There is still that obession of catching the most beads to take home. Then, emptying them out and sorting them accordingly to the keepers and the trashers. Still the keepers, eventually may get to sit in a bag for months, but, you finally keep the best of the best to wear for the next year's parade. This way the Krew will see your fancy ones and know that you must be somethin to get that! Pretty girls, crazy girls, sweet girls...get the grand-daddy beads. Oh yeah, there is still that crazy crowd anxious for when one is swaying beads over our heads as if it is a tease for us fellow bead catchers. Our blood gets pumping and you can't help yourself if you get a little fiesty. The only change has been added to our cokes and the Diaquri cups! What would adding a little more fun do to Mardi Gras with out with out???

There is nothing like packing your drinks, lunch, snacks, blankets, chairs, coolers, and ladders for a day in Uptown with your family. It becomes an all day, all weekend adventure. Each day gets harder to get out to your spot early due to the night/day before. I am biast and want the whole world to fall in love with the festival that my city New Orleans as to offer. It is full of culture, spirit, and energy!
As we say back home...
"Laissez le Bon Temps Roulez"

-let the good times role-

Jingle Bells

2009-11-28T15:27:00.000-08:00

Since we live with my mom and dad right now and are unable to decorate our own house I wanted to decorate our blog for Christmas!!! I LOVE this time of year, and the icing on the cake would only be to trade out our Texas Christmas for a Massachusetts' Christmas!

The perfect picture of my Christmas

Hot Chocolate...mmm!

Cookies and goodies for family and friends...

The season of GIVING and wrapping
Starbucks Specials...

The cutest Christmas movie of all time!

LET IT SNOW! The wonderful music of Michael Buble

Decorating the house for Christmas

May you have a wonderful Christmas with all that you love!

Tis the Season Special...

2009-11-01T11:36:00.001-08:00

Several have asked for a look at our work. Below is some preview of what we can do! Enjoy and please contact me if you are interested.

The Dowdy Family:Dallas/Fort Worth area

The Merritt Family: Dallas/Forth Worth area

Graduation Pictures are around the corner...

Kaci had the greatest personality ever. You can see it through all of her shots.

John was a lot of fun to be around. He has a great family and best of luck at San Angelo!

COMING SOON...Dphotography's blog with our New LOGO!

Currently My Top List

2009-09-08T18:04:00.001-07:00

Here are a few things I have either been doing or thinking...

1.Missing my girlfriends (and now their husbands) from High School/youth group/College
2. Enjoyed a relaxing weekend with our dearest friends at Lake Nocona.
3.Working with some amazing teens from our youth group. Go Reagan! Go Johnson! Go SVH!
4. Loving on my new class of ESLers, Refugees, and LEPers. Love them all.
5. Stretching myself to teach all levels of reading and math skills.
6. Checking on our house progress....slooooowwww like a turtle.
7. Excited to meet our new neighbors to be.
8. Learning and focusing to be a better disciple of Christ..."Bigger Than You"
9. Promoting our photography to my campus
10. STARTING the AMERICANS GIRLS CLUB for third graders!!!!
11. Involved in Student Council, Mentor teacher for UTSA teachers, new club leader,
ESL teacher, and youth group leader!

Dreamy

2009-08-14T15:43:00.001-07:00

Summer is almost over. This is my last Friday of PEACE, STRESS FREE, DEADLINES, and DEMANDS.

What did I do...Talked on the phone to Tabby for an hour (still in my pj's), ate lunch, read some school material, fell asleep, watched a movie, and here I am. Now don't be jealous and think I have the life made. I did some days, but this week I was up at school pulling everything out of my closet, drawers, and cubbies. Thanks to Colby and Courtney, I was able to get a lot of time consuming stuff done. It looks good...even better than last year.

Anyhow, people alllllllll around me are having little babies. About 10 people that I know of! I am glad it is there time so I can watch and learn. I know my time will come. However, I can't wait till I have a baby that I will love more than words can express. In the meantime I wanted to see how I would look with a pregnant belly. In this picture I have nice body, cute belly, tan skin, long, wavy, brown hair...I look just like Hallie Berry!

Preview!

2009-08-10T20:06:00.000-07:00

I Can't Believe It!

2009-08-03T19:09:00.000-07:00

In just about 3 weeks I will have little shinning faces at my classroom door at 7:35 in the morning! My summer has just been great and full of relaxation, too good that I don't want them to come.
Last year was my first year in my OWN classroom, and I had nightmare about the first seconds and day of school. I would wake myself up to just get away from the stress and anxiety. I kept telling myself after this year it will be nothing and no more nightmares! WRONG!!! They are back. This time it is about my new class not comparing to my "other" kids. Even though they were trying so hard by going above and beyond at looking busy, following directions, completing their task, and being respectful...it was a disaster! I was so frustrated that I just wanted to ring their necks! I even had two dreams back-to-back, or you can call it a sequel to dream #1. I was not prepared for the first day of school. I just showed up that Aug 24 with nothing...Unlike me!
I guess every year will be like this. Teachers get nerves like the kids do, well this teacher does, maybe I am the only one.

The teacher stores have been hit up, the books have be cracked to better my instruction this year, and my plans are on their way for yet another successful year. Now, I can't say how long my excitement will last ,and if/when the new books will get pushed aside. Nor how long it will be when I am tredding waters some days/weeks just to get by. Even when the mounds of paper work will fill my desk yet another year.

Pray for my little new 4th graders. May they work well together, respect each other, always work hard to their potential, love to learn, a be a good group of kids that mesh well together behavior wise...May I be what they need from me, may I be their comfort, may I speak the words that Christ would to them (that they would see Christ in me.)

Here is to another year!

More Photography

2009-07-29T07:35:00.000-07:00

Alison's Bridals

Advertisizing

2009-07-28T11:41:00.000-07:00

Photography

Here is some of our work from this summer:

The Sauls Wedding

I will add more of our work such as babies, families, bridals, engagements, and wedding later...this just took too long.

Saying Farewell

2009-07-23T13:15:00.000-07:00

It is hard to have such great people in your life that motivate, encourage, challenge, keep you accountable, and lead you in your walk, and in the end say good-bye/or see you again. Our life group leaders, Chad and Nicki, are moving to California and have been preparing to leave our group for sometime. Even though it seems like yesterday that they informed us of the possibilities, the day has come to say farewell.

They really do have a servant's heart and will do amazing things for the people in Vacaville. God has a new agenda for them to start work on in a new location. It's has if their job here is done and we as a group are ready to fly. We may not see it now, but I know there will come a day when the remaining members will say, "That is why Chad and Nicki were placed especially for us."

I will always remember our first dinner with them at Stone Werks, the hilarious games we played, the leadership, the friendship, and most importantly I will never forget their hearts to every single member in our life group.

Chad and Nicki, you will be fantastic parents to however many babies you will have! ( I really think we ALL need to do a couples baby shower for you two up in Cali!

Here is our final blessing to you:
"May the road rise up to meet you, May the wind be ever at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, and the rain fall softly upon your fields. And until we meet again, may God hold you in the hallow of his hands." -Irish Blessing

NOLA

2009-07-16T12:24:00.000-07:00

July has been very busy last two weeks. We have been on the boat almost every day the July 4th weekend and on a vacation to NOLA. Chris and I decided to invite our good friends, Christine and Brent. They have never been, so I jump on the opportunity to invite them to some good Cajun food and fun.

Friday was an eventful day on a swamp tour just 20 min. from my grandparents home. Bruits, the alligator, ate some marshmallows and a hot dog. He was the only gator that gave us some excitement on the swamp. That night some of the family ate dinner at the Eden Isle Marina during sunset, it was gorgeous. It was hard to think that my parents had a lot over there and were going to eventually build a home. I think we need to reconvenes my parents to not sell the lot and build a summer home, at least for me. Brent and Christine had a bite of every ones dish, soft shell crab, stuffed crab, eggplant something, crab au gratin, gumbo, crawfish and crab bisque, and a seafood platter. The eating sure didn't stop there!

Sally took us to Bourbon for a fun night at Pat O's dueling piano bar and Razoo's dance club. This sure was a late night for me since high school! Christine and I tried on Mardi Gras mask to take a picture...well it cost $5 to take a picture. We ended up buying them and wearing them around the streets. We got a lot of compliments and disturbing looks from guys of all ages. I guess it was the mysterious look that captured them.

Saturday we ate "breakfast" at Cafe du Monde and walked around the French Quarter. Brent wanted some delicious oysters at Acme Oyster Bar for lunch only about 1.5 hours later (this is what we do when we visit home...EAT and EAT). We walked what seemed like 20 blocks in the great NOLA heat and humidity! I think we could have challenged ourselves to the 15 dozen oyster eating contest, it was that good! About three hours later we ventured back to Nana and Paw's house for a huge shrimp boil with the entire family. This is one thing I love about my home... the food and the family boils. I was so excited to share my amazing family with some dear friends and I am glad they enjoyed their company as well that night.

Sunday we left for Lake Charles to play at the Casino L'Auberge du Lac to meet up with Chris' family. No luck on the slots for the Falls, but Chris did pull through at poker and at craps.

Officially Hate Ants

2009-07-09T11:54:00.000-07:00

I know now what it is like to have ants in my pants...literally. We were at a bridal portrait session and I just had to get this angle of the bride. I laid down in the grass on my right side and before I knew it, I was attacked by red ants! I left the site and headed for the car to pour water down my back, stomach, feet, and pants. As soon as Dana and I left I went straight to the bathtub to soak in baking soda, dabbed myself with vinegar, placed anti-itch lotion on, and took a some medicine. I believe there are 40 bites on my feet, back, butt, hip, and leg. I would have taken a picture, but this is something I don't want to remember. Complaining is not allowed when you get bite by less than 10!
The sacrifice of a photographer for a perfect picture!

Another Stab...

2009-07-06T14:37:00.000-07:00

Looking back at my post I see that I wrote about how horrible I am at keeping up with journaling....Yeppers I was right on the money. It looks like it has been exactly a year at blogging and creating a new post.

Chris and I have been jam packed with moving the past month and a half. We had our first home up for sale since March. The Monday after Memorial Day we got a call from our realtor that an offer was made on our house ( from the same previous buyer who made an offer but it didn't work out for us.) After that, everything started to spiral into packing up, cleaning up and out, and getting our home closed. After sixteen hands and about 5 hours of work, our home was empty and fitting into a single-car-garage storage unit. We really appreciate all who helped us. That night we moved into my parents house....for the next 6 MONTHS! Yes, it is true what they say, "they always seem to come back" (married or not).

Chris and I are super excited about our new home for the many years to come. This will be the home to pitter-patter feets! No babies yet, just preparing a place for them to grow up and into.

We will keep you posted on our home building process.

This is the floor plan of the home.

Second Floor

First Floor

Here is the outside drawing of our home elevation

2008-07-17T12:56:00.000-07:00

Danielle Loves Harry Wong

He is my new favorite love this summer! I am with him about 5 hours a day. listening to his every word. Admiring his brains on classroom material, dreaming that my class is a disaster b/c I didn't listen to Harry!

Summer has begun

2008-07-04T07:59:00.000-07:00

From June 3-July 3 was summer school. I was working

with low-leveled children. Exhausting at times!

Now my summer is HERE! What will I be doing:

sleeping in a little more

cleaning out my old room at my parents :(

cleaning my house

planning and preparing for my classroom

attending a wedding

celebrating my birthday

seeing Dabney for D&D Time

giving my parents a 25th Anniversary

TAKING PHOTOS... D photography!!!

here is a sample picture for my next blog on Dphotography

A First Time For Everything....

2008-06-20T08:47:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my best friend, Dabney
I am now suckered into the blogging world
for many years to come.

I am not the type to write down my daily
events or really a journaling girl. I have
tried many many times since I was in elementary
school and it always seemed pathetic and about
my elementary crush. I gave up. I would never
be able to write my life down like by childhood best
friend, Karla. Ohh she loved her journal and would inform
me of what was going on in her life day by day from her journal
if we hadn't talked in awhile. I still gave up...until l
I traveled Europe. Yep it started off pretty well,
and then the days just seemed to pass by without
an entry. So I was catching up two days late trying to remember
where we ate, who we talked to and where we stayed.
Can't promise much from this, But I will do my best

There is a first time for everything...
It is my first time to blog, my first time to make
chocolate mousse and creme brulee today,
my first time to teach Fourth Grade my first time
to run a 1/2 marathon relay on Saturday
many first this week!