The Evolution of Dance

Ok - so one of our Jr. High students told me to check this out. It was so entertaining to me, I thought I would share. I think it speaks for itself. I guess it is my "Oddity of the Week."

Jeremy at a Young Age

Since we all have "true" feelings about Jeremy's driving, I thought this cartoon might explain some of Jeremy's driving habits! Maybe he just wanted to be a NASCAR driver when he was young! He does drive similar to these guys - close and fast.

Note the car number in the picture - it is the pick that has helped me most in NASCAR fantasy! Go Denny!!!!!!!!!!

Amazing what you can learn!

I realize this is one of those posts that probably no one in the world cares about, but it was my entertainment for the day, so here goes! I had the opportunity today to visit with some gentlemen who do market research. It was a great experience and I learned a lot about myself simply by discussing with them the type of deodorant I use. I was amazed. I found out in talking with them that I am somewhat "materialistic" in my purchasing of deodorant - yikes!!!!!!!!! I have to admit, going into this, I was a bit nervous - I thought there was no way I could talk about deodorant for an hour. Time flew and before I knew it, I had talked for an hour about how my deodorant works, why I buy it, what I look for and so much more! I had no idea all the things I was actually considering as I stand in an isle choosing my deodorant. I also was fascinated that the descriptions I gave of what I thought a woman who would use this deodorant would be like exactly matched descriptions given by 3 other women interviewed prior to me. My answers were consistent with them, not even knowing that they used the same product. In all this, I learned I want a deodorant that makes me feeling younger, one I have complete confidence will work and that I want one that is more "feminine" in packaging. A lot goes through my head when standing in Target that I didn't even realize. So whether you realize it or not, you are thinking a lot more than you realize as you stand there and peruse the health and beauty aides isles. And in case you are wondering, I use Soft and Dri. "Helps hide when you're nervous inside!"

An Average Day at the Races!

Well, it wasn't a great day at the races, but it wasn't bad either. The race today was at Infineon right here in Sonoma County. My team finished with 611 points, which isn't too bad considering most of my team are not "road racers." I was only 17 points behind the first place finisher in our group. So I am still holding a lead in the fantasy game with my dad and husband. I think next year I might have to check into at least going to watch the qualifying race. It would be fun to get to actually see on of the qualifying races and/or an actual race. Maybe Jeremy and I can get some of our friends to go with us????????

This race was so different from all the other races simply because it was a road race. It was very different to watch - I think I like the other races better, but this was a fun change. At any rate, I am excited to report that I am still maintaining a lead - my dad is making a slight gain, but nothing for me to worry about yet. I have a valuable team and am going to stick with them for now. We will see what happens next Saturday at Daytona.

The Heat is On!!!!!

Yikes, this heat is something! When I moved to California, I was excited about getting away from the HOT Missouri summers. I was moving a wonderful climate where I could enjoy nice summer temps and cool evenings. This past week has been hotter than most midwest summer days, even the "dog days of August." The daytime temp where I used to live today was in the mid 70s and here, well some reports were 104 (give or take a degree), but at any rate, it was just hot! Also, in the midwest, you survived those hot summer days by being in the A.C. So to discover that our house didn't have A.C., with these wonderfully warm temps was a little disheartening.

On the flip side and in a very positive light, our utility bill is significantly lower than summer utility bills in the midwest and the area I was in in the midwest didn't have a plethera of Starbucks around each corner. My Coffee Light Frap. helped the afternoon temps and yes, unlike the midwest, it actually does cool off in the evenings here. So all in all, I can take the heat - just give me my Frap. and I can always find cool places to hang out! Even though the "heat is on," I am loving being in CA! (I just pray that this doesn't become the "norm" - because every since I moved out here, people are continually telling me, "This isn't normal" - I am starting to think they aren't really sure what normal is??????)

Stay cool!

Still in the lead!

I know that my husband says I shouldn't tell people that I enjoy NASCAR, but I just decided it didn't matter. I honestly enjoy watching it and am having a super time with the fantasy game we are participating in with my dad. I am excited to report that this past week my team held strong. I did come in 24 points behind my dad, but still remain in the overall lead with a 287 point lead over the second place holder and a 310 point lead over the third place holder. I am a little concerned with the coming week - my team is now too valuable to switch around, but I really don't have drivers who are good at road races. This week the race is at the Infineon here in CA. I will have to just hope for the best and see how the week comes out. In my quest to work on a weekly grocery list, I was struggling with what to have for lunch Sunday - and I will admit (with a big laugh) a Hot Pocket did cross my mind, but only briefly!

The Family of God

This past year, God has grown and stretched me in many ways. One of those is being away from my family. I love my family and love being with them. I miss them lots and holidays/special days are really hard to be apart from them. God is so good and has provided for Jeremy and I in so many ways. One of those ways is to have "family" wherever we go. The family of God is such a blessing to us. With both of us being so far from family (Jeremy's family in Minnesota, Missouri, Colorado and Africa and mine in Missouri), God has graciously given us family here in CA!!!!!!! God's gifts are so perfect and good! Our family here in CA is one of those good and perfect gifts, not that they are perfect (close but not quite :) ), but they are perfect in the sense that they are exactly what we need here!!!!!!!!!!!! We are so blessed to have a big family here in CA!!!!!

Yesterday being Father's Day was going to be a tough one for me - I love my dad so much and really wished I could have been with him on Father's Day - same with Jeremy. But God in His perfect love provided a home for us to spend Father's Day with our family here in CA. When we were asked to be included in another family's Father's Day celebration, I got to see the love of Christ clearly shown. They opened their home to us and included us just like family. Jeremy and I were so encouraged and blessed (and that was even before the day began). We had a wonderful time sharing fellowship, snacks, cooking, relaxing, laughing, playing games, etc. Jeremy and I got in the car after a wonderful day and just couldn't say enough about how much fun it was to spend the day with a family and feel like family. It so clearly showed me how we should be as the family of God. It reminded once again of God's provision for my needs no matter where I go! We did very much miss being with our families yesterday, but God was and is so good to us! My favorite scripture has always been Joshua 1:9, "Have I not commanded you, be strong and courageous, do not be afraid for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." In moving from Missouri that verse became something I clung to (and still do!). Yesterday, God reminded me, "Steph I am with you wherever you go and am more than capable of meeing all your needs!" He has met my need for family no matter where I am! So many have reached out to us as "newbies" to CA and we thank each of you!

And those who we spent time with yesterday - each of you showed us Christ yesterday - and that means more than you will ever know! Oh - I can't resist - we loved the treasure hunt you planned in the salads - what a fun game!!!!!!! It reminded us of something our families would do as well! We love you guys!

Almost Race Time!

Well, it is almost race time - Michigan Speedway. I am happy to report that one of my team members, Kacey Kahne, won the pole yesterday in the qualifying race. My team all finished in the top 21 for qualifying - so we will hope that the strong lead remains after tomorrow. Tomorrow will be a great day to relax, chat with our Dad's for Father's Day (and maybe discuss the race), enjoy a good lunch and watch the race (there will not be Hot Pockets involved in lunch!).

What we can learn from Cars

Recently Jeremy and I were able to see the movie Cars. We loved it - there were many reasons I could and did enjoy this movie. One reason of course could be the tie to NASCAR (and no - I didn't have a Hot Pocket while viewing the movie). It could also have been the great company we had for the film. There was great music, fun comedy - with "cars" that each had personality. I laughed so much and caught things I would not have understood prior to becoming a NASCAR fan. But what I enjoyed most about the film was watching the small group of cars in a small town on Route 66 that genuinely cared for one another. They took a vested interest in each other, looked out for one another and stuck together through tough times and bad times. They encouraged one another. Love for one another wasn't based on appearances - take Mater for instance - an old rusty truck loved a great deal by everyone in town. They had fun together, challenged one another to be their best, and helped one another. Amazing what we can learn from Cars. If you have not seen it yet - make a date with your family and check it out! It will be a super fun time!

Gentlemen, Start Your Engines

As amazing as it may seem, I have become a NASCAR fan. For quite some time, my dad tried to get me to watch NASCAR races with him (he loves it!) and I always thought - how silly - just watch the end of the race and you know what happened. He always told me how much "strategery" was involved and I thought he was just silly! Well, I have to admit, I watched my first race a few months ago and have become hooked. There is a great amount of strategy involved and if I only watched the end of the race, I would miss all the strategy and excitement that caused the outcome of the race.

My husband, knowing I was also competitive, got myself, my dad, his brother and himself involved in a NASCAR fantasy game. Each week we choose a team of five drivers and earn points depending on how they do in the weeks race. It has become something I really enjoy doing with my dad and husband - sharing an interest that they have, and what is also exciting is I AM WINNING (YEA!!!!!!!) in the fantasy game. I am quite proud of my team and have a strong 300 point lead over my competitors. I think this has come to much surprise of my dad and Jeremy. My choice of Rookie Denny Hamlin proved a wise move as he won the pole and after a blown tire, came back to win the race at Pocono. Being a Rookie at this NASCAR thing myself, it was quite exciting!

So, where can you find Summer Steph on a Sunday afternoon???? Watching a NASCAR race with her husband and making frequent calls during the race to her dad to converse on what is happening. Now, does this mean that I can't do other activities on Sunday afternoons? Not all all - - - that is the beauty of TIVO!!!!!!

Just thought I would share my excitement of being in the lead with my NASCAR team and admit I do enjoy it! Most of all I love sharing this fun with my two favorite men - my husband and my dad!

Summer Steph is Here!

Well, after becoming a complete blog reading junkie, I have officially entered the blog world! The best part is that I should have the time now that Summer Steph is here! Tomorrow is the last day of school - yea!!!!!!!!!!! I will have more free time this summer and am looking forward to decorating the house and spending fun times with friends! I have had a wonderful year in 3rd grade, but am excited about some time off! Time off will be a good break before I enter my new position, teaching and serving as Elementary Vice-Principal. Your prayers will be appreciated at I enter this new adventure in my teaching career. God has provided me with some great opportunities! God is so good!

This is one of those things where you wonder, "Who would want to read my blog?" But it is worth a shot and might just end up being fun!