Just wanted to share with everyone that I passed my state exam!!!!!!! To become a certified teacher, I have to take 2 state exams. I took the first one yesterday. There is a 5 hour time limit and I spent 3 1/2 hours. It was a VERY long morning. I felt very uneasy when I left. There was so many that I was unsure of or could not decide between 2 answers on. Luckily, my gut instincts paid off!
The test was scored 100-300, 300 being the highest score. Passing is 240. I got a 267! :)
These scores are public records and accessible to school administrators. I really wanted to pass the first time around so that when I am trying to get a job they would not see failing grades.
I do not have to have these tests passed right now. However, this is my last semester of courses. I will be student teaching in January and graduating in May. So, I do not want the stress of a state exam while student teaching. Also, I would really like to be state certified when I start student teaching so that I can start applying for jobs before I even graduate. It would be better for an employer to be waiting for my diploma than my certification. Or if I get lucky and the school I am student teaching at has an opening, they can hire me under contract right then. So, I am hoping to take my other state exam during the Christmas break so that all I have to do next semester is get through student teaching. '
So I am giving myself a big pat on the back right now!!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Thursday, September 23, 2010
What I'm Up To
I haven't blogged much lately, for several reasons. First, I haven't had much to share. Second, I am extremely exhausted and overwhelmed with school. I thought this semester would be easy since it's my last but it has turned out to be the most difficult. I have 5 online classes and all require A LOT of reading and A LOT of assignments. In addition, I will be taking my first of 2 state exams on Monday morning. A part of me is really nervous and a part of me isn't. I am really worried about not passing since the scores are public record and my future employers can look them up. However, I have not studied as mush as I could have. So, deep down inside, even though I am nervous, I don't feel too worried about it or I would have studied a lot more. It's one of those tests... if I don't know if by now through the knowledge I have gained in my course study, then I just don't know it.
Several months ago, I blogged about how I had started going to church again. Unfortunately, I was not fully commited because after a few weeks, I stopped attending. A couple of months ago, Kyle and I did visit another church in the area. However, the experience was awful. The church was completely opposite of what we were looking for. I received a flyer in the mail a few weeks ago for the church I had been visiting for the new series that would be starting. (The blog post written directly before this one gives the summary of the first sermon in the series.) I have one word to describe the service - AMAZING! I wasn't fully committed before. I also noticed the difference in my life when I was not committed. I am now fully committed. I realize my life is better with the Lord in it and I am going to do my best to strengthen my relationship with Him.
In addition, I also signed up for a small group a few weeks ago. (Small groups are basically a Bible study.) This past Sunday was the first meeting. I really enjoyed it even though I was completely out of my comfort zone. The small group is based on the curriculum "Parenting the Early Years." They have soo many groups to choose from, but after I watched the preview for the curriculum - you can view it Here...
http://www.bluefishtv.com/Store/Retail/2927/Parenting_-_The_Early_Years_Kit_for_New_Customers/f=s1&s=parenting%20the%20early%20years
After I watched this video, I just knew this would be the perfect group for me to start in because it is something familiar to me that I can relate with other people about. Also, I figured it would be a great way for me to meet other people with small children.
Last week was just introductions and getting to know everyone. It was hard because practically everyone had their spouse with them and I did not, but I just kept thinking to myself "What bad will come out of this?" I honestly could not think of anything. Even though it is new to me, I know it will not do anything but benefit me. The first few weeks will be a study that goes in depth to what is discussed on Sunday sermon and the second half will be the parenting curriculum.
So, just wanted to share a huge step I have taken in my life. :)
Love,
Tammy
Several months ago, I blogged about how I had started going to church again. Unfortunately, I was not fully commited because after a few weeks, I stopped attending. A couple of months ago, Kyle and I did visit another church in the area. However, the experience was awful. The church was completely opposite of what we were looking for. I received a flyer in the mail a few weeks ago for the church I had been visiting for the new series that would be starting. (The blog post written directly before this one gives the summary of the first sermon in the series.) I have one word to describe the service - AMAZING! I wasn't fully committed before. I also noticed the difference in my life when I was not committed. I am now fully committed. I realize my life is better with the Lord in it and I am going to do my best to strengthen my relationship with Him.
In addition, I also signed up for a small group a few weeks ago. (Small groups are basically a Bible study.) This past Sunday was the first meeting. I really enjoyed it even though I was completely out of my comfort zone. The small group is based on the curriculum "Parenting the Early Years." They have soo many groups to choose from, but after I watched the preview for the curriculum - you can view it Here...
http://www.bluefishtv.com/Store/Retail/2927/Parenting_-_The_Early_Years_Kit_for_New_Customers/f=s1&s=parenting%20the%20early%20years
After I watched this video, I just knew this would be the perfect group for me to start in because it is something familiar to me that I can relate with other people about. Also, I figured it would be a great way for me to meet other people with small children.
Last week was just introductions and getting to know everyone. It was hard because practically everyone had their spouse with them and I did not, but I just kept thinking to myself "What bad will come out of this?" I honestly could not think of anything. Even though it is new to me, I know it will not do anything but benefit me. The first few weeks will be a study that goes in depth to what is discussed on Sunday sermon and the second half will be the parenting curriculum.
So, just wanted to share a huge step I have taken in my life. :)
Love,
Tammy
Sunday, September 19, 2010
What's In Your Heart?
A few months ago, I started visiting a church down the street called Parkway Fellowship. It is completely different from what I grew up going to, which is exactly what I was looking for. A nontraditional, contemporary church with meaningul sermons that I can relate to real life. Today, the Pastor started a new series "What Lies Within." I was very moved by this sermon and am looking forward to the rest of the series. I am writing this post as a reminder/summary of the sermon today but also has an inspirational piece for those reading this who may be interested in reading it.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9/19/10 "It All Starts in the Heart"Matthew 12:18-19 (NIV)
But the things that come out of the mouth come from the hart, and these make a man 'unclean.' [19] For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony,s lander.
The pastor had a huge red foam heart on a stand. He then opened a box of things that people may have in their heart written on swords.... anger, jealousy, lust, greed, fear and unforgiveness. One by one he gave examples of things you may have in your heart.. something happened to you when you were helpless, someone hurt you, you are afraid and can't open up which causes insecurities, unforgiveness from someone walking out on you, you wish you had things that your friends have, you always buy things for yourself and do not think about others, married but still finding your eyes wandering?, etc. With each example, he jabbed the sword into the heart. This is what our hearts look like. We have all of these negative feelings stuck deep into our hearts. He said that all of these things can have an affect on you for the rest of your life. These feelings don't just affect you. They poison every relationship around you.
He said that when we are little, we learn to filter the things that we say. We say things and then later said "I didn't mean that" or "I don't know where that came from." The truth is... we do mean it.. and it came from our heart. When our filters start to wear thin, what comes out is a reflection of what is in our hearts. Have you ever heard someone say "He is not the person I married" or "What has gotten into you." They are the same people. The difference is you are getting a glimpse into what's really in their heart.
Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)
Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.
"Guard" means to "watch over" as one watches over a vineyard or garden. If you do not attend to your garden, it would grow over with weeds. These negative things in your heart will do the same. They will take over your life and spread. We know how to filter what comes out of our hearts but we need to know how to guard out hearts from what comes INTO it. Then we don't have to worry about filtering!
How do guard your heart?
1. Get drastic about protecting what goes in.
- Keep out what's bad.
- Plant what's good.
Challenge #1: Listen to only Christian music until October 31st. (This is when the series ends.) Listening to only Christians music will probably put you in a better mood. Try it.
Challenge #2: Throw out all of your R-Rated movies. If the content of these movies are not appropriate for impressionable people because the content can get into their hearts, then what are you doing with them?
Challenge #3: Come to church every week for the remainder of the series. Simply being in church will change you.
Challenge #4: Commit to study the Bible. (on your own, in a Bible study, etc.)
2. Deal with personal hurt right away.
Many undesirable things in our heart come from personal hurt. Pull it out while it's small before it gets out of control.
Jeremiah 17:9a (NIV)
The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure.
2 Cor. 5:17 (Living)
When someone becomes a Christian, he becomes a brand new person inside. He is not the same anymore. A new life has begun!
If you want His help, you have to ask Jesus to come into your life and forgive you of all of your sins. You have to pledge your life to Him.
If you have a weed in your garden and you don't do anything about it, the root will grow deep and will grow over your plants, mulch, flowers, etc. If you don't guard your heart, these negative things in life will take over your heart. Each week, the pastor will go into detail about each aspect (anger, jealousy, lust, greed, fear and unforgiveness.)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you are interested in attending Parkway Fellowship, their website is http://www.parkwayfellowship.com/ It is a very casual church (jeans, flip flops, etc.) It is also nontraditional with contemporary music and a live band. Service times are 9:15am and 10:45am. Below is a schedule of the sermons in this series.
Sept. 26th - Getting to the bottom of anger.
Oct. 3rd - How to stop jealousy in its tracks.
Oct. 10th - Finally finding freedom from lust.
Oct. 17th - How to overcome the need for greed.
Oct. 24th - Putting away fear.
Oct 31st - Unforgiveness - The biggest of them all.
Wishing you a wonderful day!
Tammy
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Red & White Tortellini
About 2 weeks ago, I decided to spend an entire day preparing meals and then freezing them, that way I do not have to spend every evening cooking. I got several meals knocked out in one day. But trying to find meals that please everyone (well, I should say Kyle, my husband) is very difficult. Kyle claims he is not a picky eater, but those of you who know him well enough know that he is a very picky eater. If it is healthy, he does not like it. If it has vegatebles (other than green beans) he does not like it. (Tomatoes, onions, peppers, cream of mushroom soup, etc... don't even think about it!!) So, I am here to share with you a VERY simple recipe that got 4 thumbs up (1 for each of us!) :) The kids both cleaned their plates. Tayler scarfed hers. (This is very easy for a toddler to eat!) and Colton asked for seconds. To my surprise, Kyle liked it and even said he would like to have it again. So, if he liked it, it must be good!! So, here is the recipe incase you are looking for a simple dish.
This recipe is a large amount. I actually halved it. Here is the original (large amount) recipe.
Red & White Tortellini
Serves: 8
Ingredients:
2 (10 oz.) packages refrigerated or frozen cheese tortellini, uncooked.
28 oz. jar spaghetti sauce
1 cup water
12 oz. jar alfredo 4 cheese sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 lb. fully cooked meatballs (1 bag)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- In a bowl, mix together spaghetti sauce and water.
- In a 3 qt. glass baking dish, pour in tortellini and meatballs.
- Pour spaghetti sauce mixture into glass baking dish. Make sure tortellini and meatballs are fully coated with sauce.
- Use a spoon to drop the alfredo cheese sauce over the casserole.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Cover tightly with foil.
IF YOU ARE GOING TO FREEZE IT, FREEZE HERE.
To Cook:
(If frozen, thaw in refrigerator over night.)
- Bake covered on 350 degrees for approximately 45 minutes.
- Uncover and bake 10 more minutes or until tortellini is tender.
It has only a few ingredients and super easy! I like to use flavored spaghetti sauce (like garlic and herb) for extra flavor.
Enjoy!
- Tammy
This recipe is a large amount. I actually halved it. Here is the original (large amount) recipe.
Red & White Tortellini
Serves: 8
Ingredients:
2 (10 oz.) packages refrigerated or frozen cheese tortellini, uncooked.
28 oz. jar spaghetti sauce
1 cup water
12 oz. jar alfredo 4 cheese sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 lb. fully cooked meatballs (1 bag)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- In a bowl, mix together spaghetti sauce and water.
- In a 3 qt. glass baking dish, pour in tortellini and meatballs.
- Pour spaghetti sauce mixture into glass baking dish. Make sure tortellini and meatballs are fully coated with sauce.
- Use a spoon to drop the alfredo cheese sauce over the casserole.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Cover tightly with foil.
IF YOU ARE GOING TO FREEZE IT, FREEZE HERE.
To Cook:
(If frozen, thaw in refrigerator over night.)
- Bake covered on 350 degrees for approximately 45 minutes.
- Uncover and bake 10 more minutes or until tortellini is tender.
It has only a few ingredients and super easy! I like to use flavored spaghetti sauce (like garlic and herb) for extra flavor.
Enjoy!
- Tammy
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Where I Learned To Sew...
Several people recently have asked me where I learned to sew. Many people who know my mom assume I learned from her. My mom is very crafty but she does not know how to sew, so no, I did not learn from her... or anyone else for that matter...
When I was pregnant with Tayler, I suddenly became... what is the proper word.... a domestic mommy. I wanted to make things, especially blankets. There were a couple of people who had given us hand made baby blankets for Colton and I really wanted to be able to make something for them as kids that they could cherish until they were older. So, Kyle bought me a sewing machine from Wal-Mart but I had to promise I would actually use it. I have always been an independent learner - I hate group work (I would much rather do it by myself so I know it's done right!) I have also been very good at teaching myself things I need to know. (This is probably why I enjoy all of my online classes so much.) So, I got the instruction booklet out for the sewing machine and read it to figure out how to use it. I was surprised at how easy it was! So, I started looking at things, their shape, their seems, etc. and just kind of figured it out on my own visually.
A year and a half ago I didn't really know who I was. I had no hobbies, I had no friends, I had no free time and if someone asked me what I like to do "for fun" I would draw a blank. I don't feel that way anymore. For once, I have a hobby. Sewing (and crafting) is a hobby that I absolutely love. I sometimes find myself up until 4am sewing because I have lost track of time. For me, it is very relaxing. Maybe you know what I mean... some people enjoy reading, gardening, exercising, painting, etc. For me, I enjoy sewing. (Granted I do get frustrated when I have a problem and I don't know anyone who knows how to sew, but I just get out my handy dandy instruction booklet and read until I can solve the problem.) It is just very relaxing. There is just something very fulfilling about taking something from nothing to something finished and seeing people amazed at what you have accomplished. It makes me feel kind of like an artist! The feeling I get seeing my son so attached to the pillow and blanket that I made him breaks my heart (in a good way! You moms out there know what I'm talking about.)
(Did I mention I even made our curtains?! I could not find the right type of curtains the right size to keep the heat out in the hot afternoons. So, I loaded up the kids, went to store and bought fabric and Wala! Within a few days we had insulated curtains to keep the heat out!)
So, now that I have the sewing down, I would REALLY REALLY REALLY like to learn how to crochet!! I have seen such cute beanies and baby booties that are crocheted. I would really like to be able to make the kids some cute beanies for this year (in case we get snow for the 3rd year in a row! *wishful thinking, I know*) So now I just need to figure out how to start. It's not like a sewing machine that comes with instructions. I wonder if there is an instruction booklet on how to start crocheting? If you know, please let me know!!
So anyways, that is how I learned to sew and I absolutely love it. I know, I am such a mom. When I look back on my life the past few years, it is amazing how much I have changed. I will be 25 this week. It seems like it was just a few months ago my mom took me to NY for my 21st birthday when I was 7 months pregnant with Colton. Becoming a mom has definitely changed my life. I was forced to grow up before I even knew what it really meant to be a grown up. So, my life might be very different than typical people my age, but I love it. Learning to love my life is something that I have had to work at. Of course I love my children, but it has been very difficult watching so many people graduate from college and start their careers and I have not even finished college. But then I realized something very important. Being a mother is more difficult than any job there is. And when I do finish college (in 9 months!) I will not only have a college degree, but I will get to accept my diploma while my 2 beautiful babies watch me!! So, on that note, I am so happy to have "found myself" and appreciate where I am at in my life and I am also proud to sew baby items!! :)
P.S. I kind of got off on a tangent - Sorry! But thanks for reading!
Love,
Tammy
When I was pregnant with Tayler, I suddenly became... what is the proper word.... a domestic mommy. I wanted to make things, especially blankets. There were a couple of people who had given us hand made baby blankets for Colton and I really wanted to be able to make something for them as kids that they could cherish until they were older. So, Kyle bought me a sewing machine from Wal-Mart but I had to promise I would actually use it. I have always been an independent learner - I hate group work (I would much rather do it by myself so I know it's done right!) I have also been very good at teaching myself things I need to know. (This is probably why I enjoy all of my online classes so much.) So, I got the instruction booklet out for the sewing machine and read it to figure out how to use it. I was surprised at how easy it was! So, I started looking at things, their shape, their seems, etc. and just kind of figured it out on my own visually.
A year and a half ago I didn't really know who I was. I had no hobbies, I had no friends, I had no free time and if someone asked me what I like to do "for fun" I would draw a blank. I don't feel that way anymore. For once, I have a hobby. Sewing (and crafting) is a hobby that I absolutely love. I sometimes find myself up until 4am sewing because I have lost track of time. For me, it is very relaxing. Maybe you know what I mean... some people enjoy reading, gardening, exercising, painting, etc. For me, I enjoy sewing. (Granted I do get frustrated when I have a problem and I don't know anyone who knows how to sew, but I just get out my handy dandy instruction booklet and read until I can solve the problem.) It is just very relaxing. There is just something very fulfilling about taking something from nothing to something finished and seeing people amazed at what you have accomplished. It makes me feel kind of like an artist! The feeling I get seeing my son so attached to the pillow and blanket that I made him breaks my heart (in a good way! You moms out there know what I'm talking about.)
(Did I mention I even made our curtains?! I could not find the right type of curtains the right size to keep the heat out in the hot afternoons. So, I loaded up the kids, went to store and bought fabric and Wala! Within a few days we had insulated curtains to keep the heat out!)
So, now that I have the sewing down, I would REALLY REALLY REALLY like to learn how to crochet!! I have seen such cute beanies and baby booties that are crocheted. I would really like to be able to make the kids some cute beanies for this year (in case we get snow for the 3rd year in a row! *wishful thinking, I know*) So now I just need to figure out how to start. It's not like a sewing machine that comes with instructions. I wonder if there is an instruction booklet on how to start crocheting? If you know, please let me know!!
So anyways, that is how I learned to sew and I absolutely love it. I know, I am such a mom. When I look back on my life the past few years, it is amazing how much I have changed. I will be 25 this week. It seems like it was just a few months ago my mom took me to NY for my 21st birthday when I was 7 months pregnant with Colton. Becoming a mom has definitely changed my life. I was forced to grow up before I even knew what it really meant to be a grown up. So, my life might be very different than typical people my age, but I love it. Learning to love my life is something that I have had to work at. Of course I love my children, but it has been very difficult watching so many people graduate from college and start their careers and I have not even finished college. But then I realized something very important. Being a mother is more difficult than any job there is. And when I do finish college (in 9 months!) I will not only have a college degree, but I will get to accept my diploma while my 2 beautiful babies watch me!! So, on that note, I am so happy to have "found myself" and appreciate where I am at in my life and I am also proud to sew baby items!! :)
P.S. I kind of got off on a tangent - Sorry! But thanks for reading!
Love,
Tammy
Monday, September 6, 2010
Another Project Complete
Liam, my nephew (Jenn's son) is starting preschool tomorrow. They have to bring their own nap-time mat so Jenn bought a KinderMat (a plastic mat.) Then she asked me if I could make a sheet for it, as well as a pillow and blanket. This was the first time I have made something like this so as always, I definitely learned a lot from the first attempt about what to change if I make one again. Here is the finished product. (I hope she liked it!)
Friday, September 3, 2010
My newest project
As many of you may or may not know, I love to sew and am always looking for new things to make.
My kids are at the age where I can get by running an errand without needing a huge diaper bag. However, I can't take the chance of Tayler having a messy diaper, so I just stick a diaper and travel size wipes in my purse. But then the diaper gets all squished. So, I made this diaper pouch as a solution.
These diaper pouches will be carried at Mimosa Rose in assorted designs. For those of you who do not know, Mimosa Rose is a gift & accessories boutique that my mom will be opening in the Katy/Richmond/Fulshear area next month.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)