Tulsa Time

Last week for our anniversary, Mike and I took a quick trip to Tulsa.  Mom and I had originally made plans to go to Tulsa to see Michael Buble` in concert while Mike was gone to OCS.  When he decided to go the ROTC route, mom gave us this trip as a gift!  We had a blast.  We started out by going to the Oklahoma Aquarium.  It is smaller than a lot of aquariums we have been to, but it was really nice and kept us cool and entertained for over 3 hours.  I would definitely recommend to anyone visiting Tulsa.  Here are a few pics Mike took.

There were tons more things to look at in the various sections, these were just some of the highlights.

We also saw this big guy!  If you look really close I'm standing by his leg.

Then, we did a little shopping here.  It had a nice Indian store inside where we found some really neat things.

After some shopping, we hit the local waterpark because it was just so darn hot.  I do have to say that there wasn't really anything special about it, but is did keep us cool for a few hours.  Then, it was time for the main event, the whole reason for the trip:  Michael Buble`!!!!  I was so excited and he definitely did not disappoint me.  Here are a few pics for your viewing pleasure.

We had a great time celebrating our 3rd Anniversary in Tulsa.  I can't believe we didn't get any pictures of ourselves.  Maybe next time!

I"m Back!

I know it has been forever since I have done a post, but I went through a period where I just didn't know what to write about or even what was going on in our life.  By the time we had some things figured out, I got very busy with the normal end of school things.  When Mike got home from OCS, he didn't exactly know where to go from there.  He could train and return to OCS this summer, but wasn't exactly sure if that was the right thing for him or our family.  After much soul-searching, prayer, and conversation, the decision was made not to return to the Accelerated OCS program.  Mike spent a lot of time researching his options and talking to family, our pastor, and his superiors in the Army.  He really does want to become an officer, but also wants us to be able to settle down and start our family.  The ultimate decision was for Mike attend UCA in Conway and get his Masters of Arts in Teaching.  When he was home this year, he spent a lot of time being a substitute teacher and loved being around the kids.  He did teach math in Pine Bluff for a year and enjoyed it, but realized he enjoys younger kids more.  He will be certified to teach 4th-8th grade and math through 12th grade.  He hasn't given up the military either.  He will be in ROTC at UCA and when he graduates in two years, will be able to accept a commission.  So, I am still an Army Wife, just in a different form for now.  The other good news is that Mike can't be deployed while in school!  The bad news is that we will be living apart during the week.  I will stay in Northwest Arkansas, while Mike is in Central Arkansas.  However, I know we can make it work like we have made these past three years work. Thanks for all the prayers that have been sent our way!!

I "Heart"....

I am participating in this weeks I "heart"... at You and Me Plus Three. Go there now to add yours and read others!!

I "heart" friends.  Just got home from getting a pedicure with one of my teacher friends.  It's a blessing having someone to talk to and share you frustrations with that really understands the situation.

I "heart"  God who has blessed me in so many ways and continually answers prayers that help resolve difficult situations.  I had another prayer answered today about how to deal with an extremely difficult student.  This also means that Mike doesn't have to be a personal aide for said difficult student.  I'm sure this is a very happy day for Mike, too.  His stress level has been reduced greatly!  :)

I "heart" the fact that it is almost the weekend.  I'm looking forward to some mother/daughter bonding time with my mom in Branson this weekend.

I "heart" that there is only 3 more weeks of my graduate classes and that I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

I "heart" my students and that they put forth their best effort on the Benchmark test this week.

Death of the Chi

Yesterday was one of the worst days I have ever experienced.  It is definitely in the top ten of my worst days ever.  We have been struggling with a student for some time now. His behavior is out of control at times.  We had another incident yesterday where the police had to become involved.  I won't get into more detail in order to protect the privacy of the guilty!  The point is I should have just stayed home.  I should have known it was going to be a bad day when I tried to fix my hair and my Chi hair straightener wouldn't come on.  I don't think many people understand the relationship my Chi and I had.  It was like my security blanket.  It was always there for me, supported me, and met the needs I had for my hair.  We had a long-standing relationship.  The Chi and I were together longer than my hubby and I have been.  For the past two days, I had to go to work feeling incomplete.  Now, however, the bad times are over.  Hubby and I made a stop at Target after school.  I now have a new friend!

And now peace and balance have been returned to my life thanks to my new Chi Turbo!

How Time Flies

I just can't believe how quickly time goes by when you are happy in your place in life.  Mike returned a little over two months ago from his first stint at OCS.  When he returned, we knew we would have over three months before he had to report back to Camp Robinson in Little Rock.  Now, here we are and I realized May 10 isn't really that far away.  For most of the time he's been back, he has been working at my school as an aide for a student with behavior issues.  We found out today, that could be ending this week.  Not that that is a bad thing!  This job has been super challenging, but it means that as our time together comes to an end, we won't be seeing each other as much.  How can time go by so quickly?  We have been super busy and even had a fabulous vacation.  I know we are going to enjoy these next few weeks, and especially the two weekends we have left (He has drill the other two weekends before reporting).  I am so thankful for this time we have had together.  God gave us this time, and it definitely wasn't wasted.  Our bond has only strengthened.  I pray that the time apart goes as quickly as our time together has.  I also pray that God gives Mike the strength, courage, and peaceful feeling he needs to make it through OCS this time.