I'm still ALIVE!

I have lots of pictures to update you on and lots to talk about. We've had a wonderful holiday season that has been really stress free. That's not usual for us! I've gotten lots of rest and will continue to do so until I have to get up and do something.

I have hooked on to another addiction: Vampire Diaries! I really thought I wouldn't like it but now... I am truly hooked! Stephan & Damon add to my new belief that skinny white boys can be hot!

Anyway... I'll be adding all of our holiday excitement soon!

Forever & a Day!

I know! It has been forever & a day since I have made a blogging contribution. I have been extremely swamped! Basketball season has begun and I have been coaching all four teams. The other coaches & I are now in a transition of sorts, for me to hand over the two 7th grade teams. I have some anxiety about that, (of course I do; that's who I am!) but it's for the best. I can't coach four games a week, teach all day, hold 8 practices, have time for family and friends and be on my A game all the time. I had to let go and stop being the wonderful control-freak that I am. So again, I'll try to do better! I promise!

SERIOUSLY ADDICTED!

Ok... we all know I am a supreme DORK! We all know that I love my family and I think outside the box on most occasions. We all know that I'm generally composed. We also know that i thrive on anxiety sometimes and getting things done. I am addicted to Post-its, peanut butter M&Ms, green Laffy Taffy, Grey's Anatomy, Nip Tuck, and most importantly TWILIGHT! Yes I am a huge TWI-la-HOLIC! Today, though, I found myself almost giddy waiting to go see NEW MOON tomorrow night, or Friday morning rather, at midnight. Yes! Myself, Kourtni, her friend, Gabby, Jacy ( Gabby's step-mom) and our friend Kelly, are going to the TWILIGHT/ NEW MOON double feature! I cannot wait! SOOO much fun! The ultimate girls night! Yes, before you ask, I do have work the next day and I'm not skipping. I drudging on and sacrificing sleep for my beloved Edward. YAYYYY!!!!!

Excitement!

While I could be blogging about numerous happenings in life, I just cannot contain my excitement about NEW MOON opening on November 20th! I really am just overjoyed that I get to see Edward and Bella reunited on film. Robert Pattinson is on the cover of Vanity Fair for November. His piercing blue eyes just stare right out of the picture at me. I swear I did not think he was even remotely hot until I became a TWI-la-holic.

While we wait for NEW MOON, I'll give you another hands-in-hair shot of Mr. Pattinson. SOO cute! I even like this distressed look! Happy TWILIGHTING!

Only 19 more Days!

There is only 19 more days until we get to see the next installment of one of the greatest love stories ever! Even though New Moon was my least favorite of the book series, I cannot wait to see the action and passion that it will be on screen. It wasn't as if I didn't like it, it was just hard to get through. It was gut-wrenching! I know that it ends well so that's all that matters. I am so excited!


Mark your calendars ( mine has been marked for months) NEW MOON is almost here!

Bad Blogger, Part II

I know. You've heard the insane rambling about me being a bad blogger. Of how I'll do better. I promised. I have not kept that promise. I know, I know... Bad Semi-Insane Blogger! The craziness that is my life just weeds out some things. Not that I don't enjoy being able to update you on the happenings in my life, or that TWILIGHT THURSDAY isn't super important, I just have been busy.

I spend a lot of my time grading papers, dealing with craziness and crap, trying to give my girls all the attention they need ( & more because I fight the working mom guilt), and trying to not let my marriage be put on the back-burner. It all is a job for one strong and well organized woman. Most days, I don't feel strong or well-organized. I feel sorely inadequate. I feel like the chaos is creeping in and may take over. I feel fear and anxiety. I feel like I'm not enough.

After we moved to Texas, almost ten years ago, I had some severe anxiety issues. Like stay in the house, I don't want to face the world, panic attacks in Walmart issues! I saw a doctor who I think immediately thought I was insane and wanted the meds to start flowing. I refused. Sometimes I feel those "the world is closing in" feelings every now and then. About two weeks ago, with craziness at school, those feelings almost took over. There was little sleep and lots of worry. Then my supreme fear that I truly may go insane started to kick in. It was a horrible week or so. While I am better now, and things are ok at school, it still threw me off my game a little.

Even though I know God is control of it all, that even if I go insane, He's still all powerful, sometimes it's hard to see that glorious picture for all the debris of the world. I'm working on being faithful and relying fully on the Creator. I tend to be a control freak, so sometimes, I get in the way of HIS will. I will work on that.

Anyway... enough of my blogging sob story. I will try very hard to better. I will have TWILIGHT Thursday tomorrow. I know it's important because who doesn't love, love, love hot vampires! I know I do!

I Remembered... It's Thursday!

I know I've been really bad about remembering what day of the week it is and not getting my TWILIGHT Thursday duties done. I'm sorry! I am still a TWILIGHT-a-holic and I am still counting done to NOVEMBER 20, which is the magical day! The day where we get to see Edward and Bella, again, share their love with us. AMAZING! is all that come to my mind.


While I am super-stoked about seeing Edward & Bella, I am really kind of excited to see all the new vampires. I think Dakota Fannin as Jane is one of the best casting moves ever. Please, please don't disappoint me! She better not mess this movie up!

Anyway... Happy Twilighting!

Twilight Thursaday!

November 20, 2009! NEW MOON!

Really Bad Blogger!

I know, I know! I have been a really bad blogger! I have let an entire two week s pass since I have even attempted to write anything! I've been so caught up in the fact that I'm a teacher now that I haven't really been into my electronic communication. I know that Twilight Thursdays are important. I have missed them. I feel like a lack-luster fan for not keeping it going. Please, please my semi-insane followers, forgive me for lacking the energy to blog on a more consistent basis. I will do better!

Chemistry...

Some girls in my class today were talking about whether or not Robert Pattinson & Kirsten Stewart were together. I don't know and I really don't care but for my TWILIGHT mental health, I hope they are. I think they have amazing chemistry and that if love were involved, they'd be great! Who knows except for the two of them I guess. I really don't know how you could look into those beautiful blue eyes of his and not fall in love. So cute! Not my type but still super cute!

Happy TWILIGHTing!

It's going...

So I have officially been a teacher for three weeks and a day. It's going well I think. I haven't killed anyone! And while I should be flat as a pancake from all the eye-rolling and I feel like I host Jeopardy with all the questions, I'm having a good time.

Going to work was a really hard decision for me. While I know I needed to help out a little so we can become debt free quicker, I still was apprehensive. I had peace and assurance that it was time. Now, I wouldn't want to be anywhere else!

The kids I teach are some of the biggest diamonds in the rough that I have ever seen. They've been told they're worthless and will never be anything and it's just not true. Some of them are really smart and kind. Some need me to show them they're smart and kind. I graciously accept the challenge. I love those kids so much already. I'm proud of them already. There's nothing but brighter day to come for any student who gets to be in my class.

No matter how much they resist, how much they protest, how much they think I'm too hard on them, my students are some of the luckiest students because GOD sent me there to Richland Middle School with each of them in mind. I don't take that assignment lightly and I'm going to do my very best not to let HIM or them down.

SORRY!!

Ok first let me apologize because today is Friday and I forgot yesterday was Thursday and didn't post my TWILIGHT Thursday post. SORRY!!

Secondly, let me apologize for the rip-off on the CW, Vampire Diaries. Uhh, stupid! Brooding, really hot, mind reading vampire falls for super-cute clumsy girl. The live in old town that the guy is "related" to the founders ( he was one of them because he's hundreds of years old). Umm...can we say cheap TWILIGHT rip-off! The guy on there is really cute but he's no EDWARD! People stop trying to redo greatness!

The original vampire hotty!
Although hot, it's an imitation!

Chemistry, heat, love, one!
They look like really good friends. I don't see the heat!

Labor Day Merryment!

Breon's mom, Beverly, sister, Cher'Monica, and nephew, Nathan, came to spend some time with us for Labor Day. The girls love when their granny comes. She spoils them. Breon likes to get spoiled by his mommy, too. I always like when any family comes even though it throws me off my schedule!


Breon & Kourtni made cookies for dessert. I cooked ribs, burgers, brisket & baked potatoes for our dinner. Everyone got plenty to eat and had fun.

Cookie fixings!

I always have to work to get a picture of these two!

Video game challenges are always a part of our family fun!

FINALLY!

Catch Up!

I haven't been a very good blogger. I have gotten so wrapped up in all the new things happening in my life that I have not had as much time to enjoy the semi-insane ramblings that continue to flow through my clouded head. Not much has been going on. Just disbelief that I, Kecia Dennis, am a teacher! It's going well and I am having a lot of fun. My students seem to think I'm great and who doesn't is what you were thinking, right? Here are a few shots from our first day of school at the Dennis household.

My sweet little third grader, Brea.


The middle school adventure begins for Kourtni.




Breon and his girls. We have this same picture from every first day of school!


My babies are growing up & I am so extremely proud of the both of them.

My very first day of work EVER!

Wolf Pack

HAPPY TWILIGHT THURSDAY! We all know that the wolf pack is never really at the for-front of my Twilight mind. However, I thought I'd take the time to give them a little respect this morning.

Yeah the wolves get on my nerves but they are nicely ripped! They could gain about twenty pounds each at least but still, they'll be nice to look at. And we all know Jacob is hot even though he's messing up the greatest love story since Romeo & Juliet. Stay away Jacob!

OK, not what I expected?!

I just got some pictures downloaded from New Moon. Some of them are awesome but one in particular was not what I expected.

The one that I think is great is Jane. Dakota Fannin is super cute and looks creepy. I think she fits well.



However, whomever the guy is playing Aro is a huge disappointment to me! He looks like some kind of cheap gigolo. It's not at all what I expected. He looks like an old man with a young man's body!
Seriously... the Eddie Munster hair, the crushed velvet suit, what is he 4'2"? Don't even get me started on the PIMP jewelery!

Come on Summit, don't make this hard for me. November 20th is circled on my calendar and it better not dissapoint! Happy TWILIGHTING!

Thursday means...

TWILIGHT!

The intensity of the eyes is what gets me. It's amazing! In or out of character, Robert Pattinson is wonderful to behold. Happy Twilighting!

First Day of the Rest of Life!

I will not cry, I will not cry. How many time do I have to say that to make sure it doesn't happen? I know I should be terrified that I'm starting a career and that I'm going to be the lone adult in a room full of 7th graders, but I'm not...really. Sure there's some anxiety there. Not terror though. I know I can do it.

What really has got my cage rattled is leaving this house, my place of calm and peace, to go out into that world, without my babies! I have gone to the first day of school every year since Kourtni was in Kindergarten. I take pictures, hold their hands, tell them I love them over and over. I make sure lunches are packed, supplies are in, & that there is a note in their lunch box to reassure them mid-day that I love them. Although i still did most of those things, I will not be able to make the walk to the front door with my babies.

I decided to not ask my principal to come about 15 minutes late so I could go with Kourtni & Brea. I think it'll be even harder if I have to take them and leave them. So I'll leave home early this morning. I'm building in cry and wipe time. I'll need time to put in my eye drops so I won't look like I've been smoking herbs! I think I'm strong enough for this but I don't know.

Kourtni is off to 6th grade and Brea off to 3rd. Since I plan to work for the foreseeable future, this won't be the only thing I may have to miss out on. I know people do this everyday & some people have never taken their kids to the first day of school. I, however, take great pride in the fact that I have, every year, of their beautiful little lives.

I'm thankful to GOD that I had so many years to share holding hands, tying shoes, and packing lunches full-time with my girls. This is just a modification to all the love I have for then. It'll be ok, it'll be ok.

Never forget!

As busy as I am, trust me it's really busy, I would never forget that today is TWILIGHT Thursday! The news broke this week that they have started filming Eclipse and I'm so happy! It comes out on June 30, 2010. I've already circled it on my calendar for next year! I hope they don't go too "Holloywood" on us. The simple quirkyness of the Twilight film helped add some charm. Either way, I can't wait!

Forget Justin Timberlake, Robert Pattinson brought sexy back!

Transformation

Of course any of you that have spoken to me in the last year know that I am embarking on the journey of having a career. I am a teacher. Though I haven't actually taught anyone anything yet, I feel more and more like a teacher everyday. I get to buy office supplies and post its, which makes me very happy (I have a secret love affair with post its!). I get to decorate a room and plan lessons.

Today, though, my first official day, I feel even more like a teacher. As I walked out of my bedroom, in my overly comfortable shoes, because I will have to stand a lot, I thought about all that has happened in my life to get me here. I walked by pictures of my girls that line my hall, I looked at the family pictures we took last year. As tears began to fill my eyes I just felt so thankful and grateful to GOD for my life. Perfection it is not; but wonderful it is.

There's lots of things that we can change and do better. I wish Breon and I could communicate better. I wish I was more girly so I could help Kourtni pick out all the cool clothes. I wish I was a better cook so Brea, my aspiring chef, had a better teacher. I wish I didn't doubt myself at every turn and feel like I am doomed to failure. Even though there are things that could change, life is not terrible. It could always be worse, even though it could be better.

I thank GOD for the changes happening in my life. Things are changing for the better. I know it's only because of the prayers and encouragement of wonderful family and friends. I am grateful for where I am in life. I know the value of every second and I cherish them all.

This summer I have been transformed not only into a teacher, but into a better wife, mother, family member, and friend.

Early TWILIGHT Thursday...

I have a super early morning in the morning so I'm giving you a early TWILIGHT Thursday! Just a simple look at the boys of Twilight has made my night. So much cuteness in one place!


Also, the newest thing to drive me crazy for TWILIGHT is...Robert Pattinson running his fingers through his hair! It does something to me! I think it is the cutest thing every. So... I'll share the moment with you. Enjoy!

Another Day

Here it is another day and I'm off to more new teacher stuff. That is absolutely all I've really done this summer. Besides the super early vacation we took to San Antonio, most of my time has been spent sitting and soaking. I'm not really complaining; I am so thankful that I've got a job and for the opportunity to be prepared to do that job. I just want to teach somebody something already!

I'm also thankful for my girls and their great attitude about all of this. This summer has been sprinkled with movies here and there, a few outings and a lot less swimming than usual. They could be whining and complaining but they haven't. Usually we have mom-led power packed summers! I am so thankful that they have been encouraging and helpful all summer. They've not burned down the house or killed each other, they kept things clean and tidy, and they've done lots of reading.

Although Breon's not fully on the support-Kecia-train, he's trying. Or at least he's acting like he's trying. Who knows? Hopefully, he'll see that I need him more than ever. This is a huge transition and while I'm sure I could pull it all off on my own, I think it'll be less stressful if he jumps on board. We all know I don't like stress!

Anyway... all this said, please pray for me. I want to be the best teacher possible and change lives while I teach Writing. Pray for the administration and other teachers at my school. I need to get along with all of them and have peace surrounding me at the work place. Pray for my students and their families. Pray for clear communication and cooperation. Just pray for God to cover my classroom and order my steps to achieve His will. Please just pray.

November Yet!

We all know what today is... TWILIGHT THURSDAY!!! I was just thinking last night, as fast as this year is flying by, it's not November yet! I cannot wait until New Moon comes out and I can have a new Twilight fix. Have a happy Twilight Thursday!

Bad Ass...

While I know that some will read this and roll their eyes and go whatever and all, I have to put it out there. No matter what you think about Democrats, Al Gore or anything else, you have to admit, Bill Clinton is pretty bad ass right now! Charming peacemaker are the words that come to mind. Who knows what all was really said but to go into North Korea and come back with two pardoned Americans is really cool. I personally like Bill Clinton and thinks he's a wonderful man. Sure he's made some mistakes of epic proportions but he's done some great things too. Let's remember that when we're so quick to point out the faults of others. Peace!

Let's be Friends...

I just wanted to take the time to say that I have some really awesome friends who lift up my spirits by just being who they are. THANKS FRIENDS!


As I've gotten to be a grown-up, I have apparently figured out how to get along well with the other little girls on the playground. As a child, this was not the case. Girls bored me. The catty-ness and whispering and giggling for no real reason. Who does that? I found that playing rough with the boys was more my thing. I always came home super dirty and loved every minute of it!

Now, I have some really great girlfriends and I love you all. Thank you for accepting the tomboy in me and all the craziness that comes along with being my friend. Here's to many years of fun and laughter together.

It's Thursday!

YAY! It's Twilight Thursday. Here's the dose of eye candy then I'll get down to business.



Yes, I know, you're welcome. Now... what I feared would happen, has happened. The Twilight Saga has gotten so big that Summit thinks they can just change stuff up on us. Rachel Lefevre is out, Brice Dallas Howard is in. I don't know about you, but I don't like it! I think the original cast should have been stuck to because they made this movie start off as what it is, quirky greatness! I find Brice Howard a little stiff and stick-like. I mean she's Oppey's daughter for crying out loud! I did love her in The Village, though. I just think this is going to be weird. Then last night, I dreamed that they changed Emmett (Kellan Lutz) too! Did not like that dream at all. I love Kellan!



Anyway, let's pray that there are no more cast changes. Sorry Rachel! Have a great Twilight Thursday!

No More Dark Days...

I didn't sleep very well last night and it's taking a toll on me. I have been known to jump into too many things, try to do too much, and to put myself way back on the back-burner. I know this about myself but I can't help it. It's just in me to give of my time and self to others. I will always put the needs of my husband, children, friends, and family first. I don't have the selfish gene I guess. Is it really selfish though? This going to work thing is super scary to me. I constantly question my self worth and being good enough. Now it not only effects my kids but others peoples kids too. I think I can do it but some days I have to talk myself into thinking I'm even capable of doing anything right.

A lot of this comes from growing up in a family where I never felt quite good enough. Now I live in a marriage where I feel the same way. I live in a world where I feel the same way. I know it's all about perception and that my wonderful friends think I'm pretty cool. I appreciate that. if I didn't have those friends, God knows where I'd be. It's all about what goes on in my head, though. What I tell myself everyday.

I am willing myself to have no more dark days. If you've been keeping up with me, you know that's been more of a struggle for me this summer than it has in a long time. I've found myself needing to cry more and not knowing exactly what to do about it. It been a long time since I had to make myself be happy. I can do it though. I will do it.

I know that things could always be worse. So I'm thankful for whatever I have to go through. I'm going to be better on the other side of this and all obstacles. I am strong enough to face any of it.

THERE WILL BE NO MORE DARK DAYS!

HMMM...

Just a thought...

God knows all, sees all, has a plan for us all. I know this and have known it for many years. Why then do I find some way to worry or fret about what's going to happen? Our financial situation is a little bleak because I haven't gotten paid in over a month. Should I worry and go crazy? NO!! God already has it figured out. There's something I'm supposed to learn from this struggle, too: FAITH, HOPE, FULL RELIANCE ON GOD! Whatever the lesson, I will remain faithful.

Bills due, things to buy, more things to do... God I will trust in you!

HOTTIE!

I was talking to Jaclyn, my TWILIGHT partner in crime, about how cute Robert Pattinson is. He's really grown on me since I got into TWILIGHT. So I think I going to institute TWILIGHT THURSDAY! It just a fun way for me to get to see more TWILIGHT ! Enjoy this first installment of the TWILIGHT hottie!

OMG!!

I came home today from my workshop to find a great surprise. When the girls left with their friend to go swimming, they didn't close the dog crate securely. Dallas & Austin had a busy afternoon in the garage!

YUMMY!

I just want you all to know...I LOVE CHIPOTLE!

Worth Watching

As some of you may know, I have this really weird need to watch CNN every single day. A big part of that is because I have had a super long-standing crush on Anderson Cooper. I've loved him since the first time I saw him on Channel 1 in 7th grade! Does anyone else remember that used to come on at school and you'd watch it in Social Studies class? Lisa Ling was on it, too!




Despite my love for Anderson, I think CNN in greatness. Informative, entertaining, and overall just great. One of my other favorite anchors is Soledad O'Brien. If you've ever seen her, you may not know that she is part Black! That doesn't really matter to my point here, but it kind of does. On last year Soledad did this series called Black in America. It was wonderful! I think she may have won an Emmy for it but I'm not sure. Anyway... Black in America 2 premieres on CNN on Thursday. I think it will be equally as riveting and educational. Check it out if you have time. It'll run more than once, as does everything on cable networks. You may learn something you never knew. I think it'll spark discussion and enlighten many.

Ok, off my soapbox I go.

Really... Another Addiction

I have been known to go headlong into things after I finally take the plunge in. I mean seriously, could I be a bigger Twilight fan. After Jaclyn begged me for months to read the book, I reluctantly read it. Of course I didn't think I would be interested at all in vampires. Let me tell you, I LOVE VAMPIRES! Or at least I love the Cullens! I dream about Edward! Not just him either. If this were a real-life thing, Emmett would be my man! I miss them if I don't pick up the book every now and then.





Anyway... I say this to say that I'm addicted to yet another tv show; Army Wives. This show is absolutely great! If you've never watched, it is a story of wives, and their husbands, living in the Army (duh). I've liked the show since it came on two seasons ago but tonight, they blew me away. They gave a God-centered lesson that made me look at myself. Sometimes I get caught up in situations and winning and loosing instead of the big picture of life. WOW! God has recently chosen to speak to me through the things I love and probably spend too much time with; tv and music. Now it's up to me to be smart enough to listen!

If I'm going to be addicted to something, at least it's not crack and at least GOD uses it to make me better.

Thought I better try to figure out how to add pictures on here. First try!

Okay...

Okay... so I haven't jumped whole-heartedly onto this blogging bandwagon. I really need to get into it or this serves no purpose. I had a hard couple of weeks after I set this up and didn't feel like working on it. I fell into what I call my dark days. Usually it's a quick little sad day and I'm over it. This time, though, was not quick. I'm still dealing with some of the "darkness". It's been a really long time since I've had it this bad. For a couple of days, I was really starting to get scared. I'm not sure if any of you know that feeling of despair and emptiness, but I don't like it. I think all of the changes in our lives right now contributed to it. i'm starting to work, the girls are getting older. We're different. I try to adapt to change quickly but I guess my mind and body were just exhausted. I'm feeling better everyday. Breon has been patients and understanding with me which has been really refreshing. He's usually kind of short with me when I get in my funks. So I'll be working on getting this BLOG thing going and I'll try to make it interesting.

RAMBLING ON AND ON

So I have ventured into the world of blogging. Of course this is at the encouragement of my wonderful friend, who's more like my big sister, Jaclyn. She's introduced me to lots of great things including one of my biggest obsessions... TWILIGHT! She thinks I have something to add to the world but I'm not sure. I've never really thought I've had much to say about anything. Maybe not that I didn't have much to say but that I haven't always been listened to. I'm the third of four children; the odd one. I have lots of opinions and now I get to share them with you! Give me time and i'll have this running like clockwork!