More Randomness...if I can remember!

So my friend Magan and I were talking the other day and I said something and she told me that it could go on a new "random things" list about me. We continued to talk and some more random things came out to add, but for the life of me, I cannot remember a single one we talked about. I was all ready to blog a new random things list and here I am...nothing. Let me think a minute.....................

Ok so here are some I have come up with....

1. When I am watching tv, no matter what the temperature (inside or out) I HAVE to have a blanket. Usually one of several quilts hand made by my grandmother.

(I thought of one!)
2. I much prefer small childs scissors over large adult scissors! I guess I have been in children's ministry so long that adult scissors just seem ENORMOUS to me. So I always use children's scissors.

3. I am in my pajamas by 4:00 everyday unless I have somewhere to be that evening.

4. Teaching Children's Choir is my FAVORITE part of Children's Ministry.

5. I always choose function over fashion.

6. Coke Zero is my new favorite drink.

7. It drives my crazy when people don't do what they say they will do.

8. I am a bone fide "chocoholic" I have a small piece after almost every meal.

9. I am really into Grey's Anatomy. I think the drama makes my life seem simple.

10. I love to sing. Anywhere, anytime, and about anything.

11. I make up songs to all kinds of things. Sometimes I sing my conversations to my kids or Paul. Then I feel really silly.

12. I love to cook. This is a recent finding of mine. When I worked I only wanted food that was quick and easy. Now I enjoy actually cooking instead of just throwing frozen things in the oven.

13. If I could have another life I would chose a high-powered "business" or political position.

14. At one point in my life I was planning on becoming a lawyer and never having kids. (HA!)

15. I would love to get my masters degree. Maybe I will.

16. I think my kids are three of the most hilarious people on the planet.

(I thought of another one!)
17. When I get stressed and need an activity that requires no brain activity whatsoever, I cut paper. I get my child's scissors and some scrap paper and cut it into the smallest pieces I can....for no particular reason. I did this a lot in college. Wierd...I know.

After all of that I could only come up with one of the things I was going to put on the list. Well, when I think of them, I'll let you know.

Last Night...and the Morning After

So Yesterday (Wednesday) was See You At The Pole (hereafter SYATP) and what a day! Let's start on Tuesday...I ran some errands and went with my friend to visit a lady from our church who had just had a baby. When I got home that night the SYATP band was at my house (I knew they were coming). Its one of Paul's best friends, Chad and two Nathans and a Brandon. Anyway. Right away the house was crazy! Luggage, guitars and X Boxes strewn about. Cords from X Boxes and computers running this way and that all over the place. I went to bed about 10:30 knowing the big day that lies ahead...the boys...played until about 1:30am. The next morning everyone has to be somewhere by 7:30, so I'm in charge of my kids' clothes, breakfast, etc. and we are sharing our bathrooms and table space with four other (wonderful, might I add) fellows. Paul and the band went to Smithson Valley Middle School for their SYATP and there were somewhere between 150-200 people there! Really good turnout for so early in the morning. Needless to say I did all kinds of crazy stuff between the SYATP and the Rally. Skip to the rally. We had a great turnout. About 75 Students and at least 20 adults. Super good for a mid-week event around here. The band was awesome, Paul was amazing as usual and we ended about 9pm. To make a long story short...clean up, kids out of nursery, kids home, band to Starbucks, kids to bed, band home, X Box resumes. Now here we are the morning after. So tired. Poor Jacob, he is so sleepy today. I am praying hard that God will give him the power to "stay on green". Everyone else is snoozing...with the exception of Caleb...he's watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. I say another successful SYATP added to our resume` and we'll catch up on sleep some other time.

The Un-Reunion!

So this year is my ten year reunion. Well it was supposed to be. The Student Council has been planning it for a while and laid out a payment plan for all 632 of us and then the catering company and the DJ dropped the bomb. They changed their payment schedule and immediately wanted their money up front, instead of at the event. So...the StuCo put out a bulletin and tried to get as much money up front form the 632 of us, but to no avail. So they cancelled the reunion. I'm kind of upset. I mean, I really would have liked to see a few people...others, not so much. It would have been fun, I think, to see pics of peoples kids, show pics of my kids, see who people married, see how people have changed...etc. On the other hand, I don't think that I would enjoy any of the "high school drama" that might still be lurking around. I would like to think that we are all past that, more mature now. However in looking at some classmates' myspaces and blogs, some of the drama, I'm afraid, may still be around.
I really didn't even have that many friends in high school. I had a boyfriend who I would still call my friend because he still hangs with my brothers, but we have very little in common anymore. I haven't seen my "best" high school friend since my wedding over seven years ago. In fact the boyfriend is the only one I have seen since my wedding and that's because, like I said, he hangs with my brothers.
So, the question is, would a huge party with a bunch of people I don't even know anymore be any fun? I don't know, and I won't know...at least not for another 10 years. I guess I could look on the bright side. I can always say, in regards to my age, "I haven't even been to my 10 year reunion yet!"

The Calm and the Chaos

Let's talk about the title of my blog for a minute. I just want to explain to all who don't live in my house 24/7 what it is like. For example...Chaos...my three children are having the time of their lives as they are chasing each other around our house...which incidentally makes a nice circle around the fireplace. Every rotation someone passes someone, pushes someone over, knocks someone down and then there is an added level of chaos usually heightened by crying and the words "__________ did it". (Fill in the appropriate child's name in the blank. Then for no particular reason, calm. A lull if you will in the chaos provides me with just enough time to settle my nerves. Then...back to chaos. That's one particular level. There is an entirely separate level of chaos and calm though. For example...Last night and every Wednesday night, youth small group is at my house. Yes I agreed for it to be held here each week. I also agreed to the residuals that occur. Chaos...the fact that there are 18-25 teenagers in my home once a week. Chaos...Inevitably there are spilled drinks, crushed chips and furniture moved all over the place. I'm ok with that. Then there is usually wrestling or horseplay of some kind with the boys and things get "out of whack". For example...Two boys were holding each others shoulders and trying to keep the other one from pushing each other over...fine until...One lets go and the other slams into the wall in my kitchen blowing the breaker that lights my kitchen. I'm ok, we'll just have to fix it. So you may be wondering...Tanya, where's the calm in this whole second level...hold on...I'm getting there. This morning, after the furniture is put back, the chips are swept up and the cokes are wiped up, I stood in my (very) dark kitchen in the (very calm and quiet). I drank a cup of coffee and I put cinnamon rolls into the oven. I prayed for my family very quickly before...chaos.

Please comment me if you read this! I would love to know what you think of my thoughts.

Love / Dislike

I got this idea from my friend Cari's blog so I decided to try it. Let me know what you think!
I just want everyone to know that I love everyone in famiy and my close friends so just because I didn't name you in my "Love" section doesn't mean that you are exempt from my undying love for you. It also doesn't mean that you automatically make the dislike list. Just know that it is understood that I love you. I also hope that it is evident that God is at the top of my Love list. That said...

Love...in random order

1. Watching Alias
2. Scrapbooking
3. Taking my kids to Sea World
4. My house in Bulverde
5. Cooking
6. Teaching Children's Choir (it's my fave!)
7. Working out at Curves
8. My daughters hair in the morning...one day I'll post a pic
9. Wearing a sweatshirt (got one on right now)
10. Playing Settlers of Catan with friends
11. Having friends over for games...hence number 10
12. My wireless internet
13. Cold days

Dislike...in random order

1. The word "hate" (I don't use it and I don't let my kids use it)
2. Laundry
3. Dishes
4. Toilets
5. That Alias went off the air
6. When my kids get ahold of my scrapbooking stuff and it ends up all over the floor...NOT in the order that I originally had it.
7. Laundry...did I mention that?
8. When my attitude gets the better of me
9. Having to get up early
10. Injustice
11. When there is nothing "good" to watch on tv (I know that's relative)
12. Breaking a nail...just happened and now they are uneven...another thing I dislike
13. When Paul comes home late...which, by the way, almost NEVER happens...He knows I don't like it!

I've been tagged...and I don't have anyone to tag!

The Rules:1. I have to post these rules before I give you the facts.
2. Each player starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves.
3. People who are tagged need to write their own blog (about their eight things) and post these rules.
4. At the end of your blog, you need to choose people to get tagged and list their names.
5. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog

Here Goes...

1. Every night as Paul and I get into bed I throw his pillow and body pillow on the floor...for no particular reason. Not to be mean or anything...more playful than mean. Just a cute little thing that one day he is going to miss about me. He's a good sport about it.

2. My favorite way to drink water is from a Styrofoam cup with ice to the brim. Don't ask me why Styrofoam...it's just the way I like it.

3. When I want my kids to remember something important I always make a song out of it...usually to the tune of "Frere Jacques"

4. I am a third generation "Jean". My grandmother is Emma Jean. My mother is Carol Jean and I am Tanya Jean. My grandmother "released" me from naming my daughter Jean...Thank the Lord!

5. In the realm of household pets I much prefer reptiles and amphibians over canines. In other words...frogs and lizards over dogs. Right now we have 7 frogs. Two aquatic frogs and five "regular" frogs.

6. I secretly love to jump on the trampoline. (Not so secret now) My kids got one for Easter this year and I love it. I love it even more when its nice outside not too hot, not to cold.

7. If you are a "Friends" enthusiast, then you will understand this. Matthew McConaughey and Michael Vartan are "on my list"...Just below Paul Brand.

8. I am a HUGE Alias fan. I was really upset when it went off the air and I avidly watch reruns whenever they are on.

Well I have no one to tag...but as soon as I do I will be happy to tag someone!

All in the same day!

Some of you may be wondering why all my blogs are on the same day. Well I was blogging on my myspace, but it was much more limiting than blogspot is...so I copied all of my thoughts to my new blog here. So if you are new to me...go to the bottom and catch up! If you have been with me all along, more thougts later!

The Altar and the Door

Recently, I have been in this personal struggle to move my relationship with God to the next level. I don't just want this for me, but for my family, for my children. I just can't seem to grasp what it is that I need to do to create this forward movement. There is a song on the new Casting Crowns CD that speaks directly to this and I want to share the chorus with you. It is awesome.

Lord this time I'll make it right * Here at the altar I lay my life * Your kingdom come but my will was done, my heart is broken as I * Cry, like so many times before * But my eyes are dry before I leave the floor, oh Lord * I try but this time Jesus how can I be sure * I will not lose my follow through * between the altar and the door

So much can happen between the promises made at the altar and the door of the church where life happens. I pray that the movement that I make will remain far past the door and infiltrate completely into my life and the life of my family. The new Casting Crowns CD is called (appropriately) The Altar and the Door Check it out when it comes out at the end of September.

Another Interesting Thought....

Ok, so I already blogged about how I feel about rainy days. I have just experienced another interesting dichotomy. My daughter, Abby, (age 2 1/2) has now been fighting us for an hour and sixteen minutes to go to bed. We are continually putting her in bed and she keeps getting up...and it just struck me that as I grow older I can't wait to go to bed. Most nights I'm asleep between 9 and 10. Interesting that while she fights to go to sleep, I fight to stay awake. Hmmm.

Rain Rain Go Away

You know how somedays you just wish it would be rainy and a little cold so you can grab your favorite sweatshirt, the remote and a pint of your favorite ice cream? Well we have had so many of those days in San Antonio lately that I am (figuratively) 20 lbs heavier and way more lazy (not figuratively) than I should be. It has been a very interesting year...weather wise...here. More rain than we know what to do with. The river has only been visited twice...one good time, one not so good time...and we are ready for the sun! I am continually reminded though, by the Lord, of course, that, "This is the day the Lord has made." Every time I look out the window and see the rain pouring down...I just simply say, "This is the day the Lord has made."

How did it go?

So I know all of you are wondering...How was the first day of Kindergarten? Well, it was wonderful! He had a great time and he was very excited to go back today (the second day). He didn't use any explitives when pronouncing Ms. Schmidt...so that was a victory. God answered all our prayers from the night before and that was a good opportunity to talk to the kids about answered prayer!

Twas the Night Before Kindergarten

Twas the Night Before Kindergarten and all through the house
Not a creature was stirring not even a mouse (if there were a mouse in my house, I would definately be stirring!)
Anyway, I'm not going to try to carry out this rhyme. However, we had a wonderful evening tonight. After chicken nuggets and a bath, Jacob layed out his "first day of school" outfit. Paul had to do the laundry scramble, though, and hunt down the perfect pair of Transformer underwear! He saved the day and found a CLEAN pair in the dryer...whew! Then we sat down as a family and had the most amazing family prayer time for Jacob and his first day of school. Abby thanked God for Jacob. Caleb prayed that Jacob would have a great day at school and that he would learn lots of new things. He also prayed that Jacob would not get in trouble for saying any "HALO" words. (i.e. I'm gonna get my shotty and my sniper rifle...or I'm gonna get you with a sticky grenade...or let me get my spankin' weapons.) Mommy prayed that he would be focused and listen and find favor with Ms. Schmidt. Daddy prayed that he would have fun and meet new friends. It was so fun to turn our nightly prayer time into a focused time of petition for Jacob and the beginning of his school career. We will all drop Jacob off at school and I will stay for the "Boo Hoo Breakfast" hosted by the PTA for the Kindergarten moms. I hope to meet some new friends too. I would love to meet some of the moms from Jacob's class. Well...Here's to Kindergarten!

Kindergarten...What's in a Name

So Jacob is starting Kindergarten on Monday! We have been practicing his teachers name...Why you ask? Well his teachers name is MS. SCHMIDT. You can use your imagination to come up with a few names that have come out of his innocent Kindergarten mouth while trying to pronounce Ms. Schmidt. We have worked through all the 4 letter words and are now down to something that sounds like MS. SCHMUSH. Well, that's better. I am looking forward to meeting his teacher at Meet the Teacher night and telling her all the wonderful things she is going to enjoy about Jacob this year...hopefully he'll learn her name.

The Beginning

Well I've never blogged before, but in reading some of my friends blogs, I can only aspire to be as good as them...namely Cari Downie! So Funny! Anyway, I thought I would give this a whirl.
What to write for the first blog...I'll start at the beginning. It all began in the year 2000 when I married Paul. Things went crazy after that. Jacob was born in 2002, and is going to Kindergarten this year! Caleb was born in 2004 and is an amazing kid and Abby Sue was a surprise in 2005. We live just north of San Antonio and have a wonderful life. Hopefully something more exciting for next time.