Final Race for the Season

Well, tomorrow is the final race for the 2006 Nascar Season. It has been a fun time with the fantasy teams and I am holding out for Jeremy's team to have a not so great day tomorrow. He has a lead of about 300 (ish) points on me and the only hope I have is for him to have a bad day and for me to have a great day. Last week my team did quite well - however so did Jeremy's team - I had over a 700 point day (which is awesome) and still only beat him by 2 points. I have a strong 2nd place right now - we will see how it turns out. Watch soon for the upcoming victory celebrations from my segment one win and for the winner of the segment two. Should be fun!!!!!! We enjoyed also sharing our race experience with friends in CA. Maybe we can get some of them into the fantasy thing too - - we will see! As I have said before and will say again - this has been something very fun for my husband and I to do with my dad, even though we are 2,000 miles away! Until the final results are in on Monday - - - "Boogity, Boogity, Boogity, let's go racin' boys!" Should be a fun race!!!!! At least I don't have to wait long until the next season starts - February isn't that far away!

What can I say - I am a proud aunt!

Just a few more recent pics of my nephew! Isn't he adorable!!!!! I am so excited to see him in December! Thanks for letting me show him off!!!!! (Kludge isn't it impressive how many !!!!!! I used in such a short post!!!!!!!!!!!)

Quiz Time

Recently we had a Jr. High event that we called, "The Corniest Event Ever." It was a super fun time of walking through the corn maze, dressing corny, watching a corny movie, eating corn dogs, candy corn, popcorn and more! Aside from the fact that my group was quite lost in the maze in the dark, it was a GREAT time! For the "corny" movie, we watched "The Muppet Movie" - a very corny movie that I had not seen in years. As I watched it, I realized that because I had once had the album of the Muppet Moive, I knew all the words to every song, which leads me to todays quiz. I grew up with the Muppets - the quiz, "Which Muppet are you?" I can't wait to see which Muppet each of you are! Should be fun - please post your results.

Family Matters

As a proud new aunt, I wanted to post some new pics of my nephew who was born in June. I am eagerly awaiting getting to see him in December for Christmas - he is growing and changing so much since I last saw him in July. I am also looking forward to seeing the rest of my family as well! I can't wait to see them, spend time with them, give them hugs and just be together. I know God has us in Santa Rosa, we are so thankful for that opportunity and where God desires us to be is best :) One thing I have realized is the more I am apart from my family, the more I realize how important they are to me and how much they have impacted and influenced my life. No matter where I am, they are a part of who I am and have a HUGE place in my heart! I have learned to truly treasure my time with them. So to all my family - just want to say, "I love you with all my heart and thank you for all you mean to me!" (And that includes the new family God has blessed us with in Santa Rosa too!)


Four Generations of "Love" - all important men in our family! My brother Andy, his son Ramsey, Great-Grandpa Love (otherwise known as Papa), and my Dad



Two very special men in my family - Ramsey (my new nephew) and his Great-Grandpa (my grandpa)

Am I crazy or do I just love my Jr. High girls?

Some people might think I am crazy, but recently I had the Jr. High girls over for an all-night sleepover. I have to say that no, I am not crazy - I just love the Jr. High girls that God has allowed me the opportunity to work with at SRBC! It was a fun night that started with 22 girls showing up at my house ready to head to Sonoma Taco Shop. After a good dinner, we headed out to the Snoopy Ice Arena for some skating fun. Following that we headed back to my house and got settled for a night of movies, food and fun. The girls were great and it was quite a site to have 22 sleeping bags crammed in my living room. It made me even more thankful for the house God has provided for us to live in right now - the apartment would have NEVER worked. The girls watched some good "chick flicks," ate lots of snacks and I "think" might have fallen asleep somewhere in the neighborhood of 3:30 a.m. We were up at about 7:00 a.m. and the girls continued with a movie, donuts, and some juice. All in all, it was a super night and I spent the remainder of the day trying to catch up on some much needed rest! Many said as they were leaving that we needed to do this again VERY soon - Sarah and I smiled and agreed to ourselves that once a year might be nice :):) Seriously though - crazy as we are - we will do it again!!!!!

The pictures posted give you a glimpse into my living room with 22 girls in it - notice you never see Sarah and I - we had to sleep in the entry way and hallway - I still am not sure how our college sponsor got the couch???????

What Flavor of Frappuccino are You?

Well, I must admit that Starbucks has to be one of my favorite treats! On a cool morning, nothing beats a good latte and on a hot day, a Frappuccino hits the spot! As one of my fellow bloggers mentioned - great gifts for teachers is a nice Starbucks card! This person really knows the gifts that this teacher likes. Anyway - I found this and thought it would be fun to find out what flavor all my friends were - so take the quiz and post your results. I also thought it would be fun to know what everyone's favorite drink is at Starbucks - - - - so fill me in :) You never know when I might show up with a Starbucks treat for ya - - -

What Flavor of Frappuccino are You? Take the Quiz.

He has made me glad!

I was having trouble sleeping tonight - one of those nights where millions of things roll around in your head. You think about things that you need to do, things that have gone wrong, frustrations, choices, and the list could go on and on. While laying there I suddenly felt completely sad and overwhelmed. After tossing and turning, I decided that there was really only one thing to do - get up and spend some time with the only person who could turn my sadness and being overwhelmed into joy - my precious Savior. So I am writing this after spending some much needed time with Him. I came to the living room and began reading in Acts. I was so encouraged in Acts 2 to be reminded that God is faithful to do what He says He will do. As I continued to read, I was challenged and encouraged by Acts 2:25-28

"I saw the Lord always before me, because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will live in hope, because you will not abandon me ot the grave, no will you let your Holy One see decay, you have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence."

The more I spent time with my Savior tonight, the more I was filled with joy - He is so faithful, He loves me unconditionally, He desires to use me to serve Him, He is my strength and song, He will not abandon me, He is always before me - - - - it is Him - Jesus Christ - He has made me glad! I am so thankful that He reminded me that I just need to turn to Him - more time with Him - that is what I need. So when you just feel like you don't know where you fit, confused about decisions, frustrated or even in times of rejoicing, remember He is always before you and He will fill you with joy in His presence. That was my lesson for tonight! Hope it encourages you too!

Now - off to sleep - - - - God is good!

A Caution Filled Day

Well, what I wanted the least in my Nascar Fantasy game has happened. I have a team that has successfully moved me into last place. Yesterday the race was in Kansas and my team really just completely fell apart. All seemed well in the beginning. They had each qualified well - I had all five of my drivers qualify in the top 11. For a majority of the beginning of the race my team was in the top 18 and 3 of them in the top 10. It was quite exciting. Then things took a gradual change - you would have thought my team was trying to either go in reverse or just leave the track entirely. Let's see -

Johnson gave up the race lead to pit for an extra splash of fuel with four laps to go. But he was penalized for speeding on pit road and finished 14th.

Jeff Gordon, saw his championship momentum evaporate a few laps earlier. Gordon was running eighth when his car developed an apparent fuel-pressure problem with 29 laps to go, causing him to slow to a crawl on the backstretch.

Hamlin also spun out with 115 laps to go, and had to make another unscheduled stop with 55 laps left.

Kasey Kane - well he spun out and ran out of fuel. Then there is J. J. Yeley - he was running in the top 10 and then just hit the wall and his day was done.

So was mine - this left me with a miserable 395 points, putting me in last place. It was a day full of caution flags at the race track and most of them came from my team.

Hats off to my dad though - he moved from last place to 2nd place having a HUGE day of over 700 points. Great job Dad - you deserve to "talk some smack" - so feel free :):) Your team was awesome! Oh well - that is the joy of competition and just means I have to do some things with my team. I can't end Segment 2 in last place. I am off to make some great "shakes" in my team - new members next week for sure!

Happy Fall Y'al!

Well, my favorite season is finally here! September 22 marks the Autumnal Equinox. I love autumn! I love those days that are sunny, but there is a certain "brisk" feeling in the air. I love the food and decor! The colors are amazing! Nothing like your favorite coffee beverage on a cool brisk morning!

Fall brings about so many great memories in my mind. My grandpa used to rake all the leaves in the yard into a big pile and then we would spend the afternoon jumping in them! It was so much fun and a memory I will treasure! I also associate fall with "sweatshirt" weather and watching football. Nothing like a cup of hot cocoa and a good football game. So many Friday nights I spent trying to stay warm with my friends in Missouri while cheering on our team in football! I also have great memories of going to the pumpkin patch and choosing pumpkins! I am looking forward to doing that with all our friends in CA! One of my favorite food memories was when a friend of mine and I had a "Hearty Fall Harvest" dinner. Chicken Paprikash, Roasted Vegetables, homemmade bread, butternut squash soup (which I will admit I was hesitant about - but loved) and homemade desserts such as pumpkin pie, apple pie, pumpkin bars, etc. It was so much fun - cooking, decorating and lots of eating good food with great friends. I would love to do that again!

Because I love fall, I wanted to just take this post opportunity to say, "Happy Fall!" I can't wait to see all the beauty of the season in God's creation! The vineyards will be beautiful! There will be lots of fun times with friends! I am going to get out fall decor very soon!!!!! I am so excited! Let the fall fun begin!

I was hoping for something more profound!

All week I was thinking, "Saturday afternoon/evening I should have time to come up with a good post for my blog." I was thinking through the week what things I might blog about and here I sit, on Saturday evening, still wondering what to blog about. I have seen it happen to so many - this crazy thing in blogland where you "hit a wall," wondering what to blog about, what might be of interest to people and end up with nothing. I was seriously hoping to be able to avoid this in blogging. But here it is - wanting to blog and nothing to blog about. Each day I check the Pearls Before Swine daily cartoon online and today's seemed to fit. Looking for something profound and nothing. I am hoping this is short lived and that I will find some new inspiration for posts. Until then, enjoy the cartoon, it did make me laugh and keep checking back, I am sure something will come. Who knows, if I beat my dad and husband in the race tomorrow, I will have something to post!

SJ's Team proves to be a Winner!

The unofficial results are in and SJ has won the Segment 1 NASCAR fantasy league!!!!!!!!!!!! Official points will be posted tomorrow, but after the race at Richmond tonight, unofficial standings say that I won by approximately 300 points. My team had a rough night tonight, but have done well for me during this segment. Denny Hamlin was definitely my pic for this segment. This has been such a fun season and I have so enjoyed competing with my dad and husband! It is a fun thing we can do even miles apart! Watch for a victory video soon to come!

I am anxious to start Segment 2 - the competition starts over. Everyone starts fresh and we will see who wins the next segment. Segment 2 will begin next week and as they say at the race track, "Boogity, Boogity, Boogity . . . Let's go racin' boys!"

A Trip Down Memory Lane!

I received an e-mail that was "If you were a little girl in the 70's." It was a fun trip down memory lane - remembering all the things that were so true of my life as a little girl born in the 70's - yes you can figure out I am old :):). This was a fun e-mail and I wanted to share. I know that this may not apply to everyone, but it was fun for me! I think I even still have that treasured sleeping bag - and moon boots were definitely in! Thanks Jen for sharing this with me!

If YOU WERE A LITTLE GIRL IN THE 70'S ...
You had that Fisher Price Doctor 's Kit with a stethoscope that actually
worked.
You owned a bicycle with a banana seat and a plastic basket with flowers on
it.
You learned to skate with actual skates (not roller blades) that had metal
wheels .
You thought Gopher from Love Boat was cute (admit it!)
You had nightmares after watching Fantasy Island.
You had rubber boots for rainy days and Moon boots for snowy days.
YEAH! ~ You owned a "Slip-n-Slide",on which you injured yourself on a
sprinkler head more than once.
You owned "Klick-Klacks" and smacked yourself in the face more than once.
You had either a "bowl cut" or "pixie," not to mention the "Dorothy Hamill".
People sometimes thought you were a boy.
Your Holly Hobbie sleeping bag was your most prized possession.
You wore a poncho, gauchos, and knickers.
You begged Santa for the electronic game, Simon.
You had the Donnie and Marie dolls with those pink and purple satiny
shredded outfits.
You spent hours in your backyard on your metal swing set with the trapeze..
The swing set tipped over at least once.
You had homemade ribbon barrettes in every imaginable color.
You had a pair of Doctor Scholl' s sandals (the ones with hard sole & the
buckle).
You wanted to be Laura Ingalls Wilder really bad; you wore that Little House
on the Prairie-inspired plaid, ruffle shirt with the high neck in at least
one school picture; and you despised Nellie Olson!
You wanted your first kiss to be at a roller rink!
Your hairstyle was described as having "wings" or "feathers" and you kept it
"pretty" with the comb you kept in your back pocket.
When you walked, the "wings" flapped up and down, looked like you were
gonna "take off"
You know who Strawberry Shortcake is, as well as her friends, Blueberry
Muffin and Huckleberry Pie.
You carried a Muppets lunch box to school and it was metal, not plastic.
With the thermos inside!
You and your girlfriends would fight over which of the Dukes of Hazzard was
your boyfriend.
YOU had Star Wars action figures, too!
It was a big event in your household each year when the "Wizard of Oz"
would come on TV. Your mom would break out the popcorn and sleeping bags!
You often asked your Magic-8 ball the question: "Who will I marry. Shaun
Cassidy, Leif Garrett, or David Cassidy..?"
You completely wore out your Grease, Saturday Night Fever, and Fame
soundtrack record album.
You tried to do lots of arts and crafts, like yarn and Popsicle-stick, God's
eyes, decoupage, or those weird potholders made on a plastic loom.
You made Shrinky-Dinks and put iron-on kittens on your t-shirts!
You used to tape record songs off the radio by holding your portable tape
player up to the speaker.
You had subscriptions to Dynamite and Tiger Beat.
You learned everything you needed to know about girl issues from Judy Blume
books (Are you there God, It's me, Margaret.)
You thought Olivia Newton John's song "Physical" was about aerobics.
You wore friendship pins on your tennis shoes,shoelaces with heart or
rainbow designs.
You wanted to be a Solid Gold dancer.
You drowned yourself in Love's Baby Soft - which was the first"real"
perfume you ever owned.
You glopped your lips in Strawberry Roll-on lip gloss till it almost
dripped off. (!!!)

A Piece of History - Right in my Hometown

Jeremy standing where all the "famous" people stood to speak.




Ando's recent post on the Cold War inspired me to share some pictures from my hometown on Jeremy and my recent visit to Missouri. I lived in a town called Fulton, Missouri. A historic spot in Fulton is the Westminster College Campus due to the fact that Winston Churchill delivered his famous Iron Curtain speech from there and it is also the home of the Winston Churchill Memorial Church. It was many years later when the dedication of "Breakthrough" was done - this was the dedication of a piece of the "Iron Curtain" being brought to the Westminster Campus. You can see in the pictures Jeremy and I standing by the wall - the cut outs of the people represent the wall being gone - people being able to pass through. Below is a link where you can read more about the Churchill Memorial if interested. The church is beautiful and I have been to many weddings there. It is funny how you can have such history in your town and take it for granted. I was able to hear many famous people speak at the campus, Reagan, Bush (both actually) and Gorbachev. Hearing Gorbachev speak with the piece of the wall there - knowing the speech given by Churchill many years prior was probably one of the most memorable. Just a little tidbit of history from the midwest.

http://www.westminster-mo.edu/cm/history/index.asp (Link to the Westminster Churchill Memorial)

Back to School - Like it or Not :)

It is hard to believe that this is the last weekend before school starts! This summer has flown by - I honestly can't believe how fast it has gone! It has been a fun filled summer with great times with family, friends, Jr. Highers and much more! I am thankful for each of the summer opportunities God has blessed me with! In so many ways I am excited about school starting and getting back into a normal routine. As previous posts have mentioned, I have been nervous and overwhelmed at times, but I was so thankful for the staff devotions this past week during orientation - reminding me of God's sovereignty and then during my Bible study being reminded that all that God brings into my life, He is using to make me more like Him - polishing me until He can see His own reflection. I was just telling my husband tonight on the way home that this past month of my new job has already stretched me, challenged me and I have learned so much. I know God has much more in store during the next school year.

I can only imagine though what my students might be thinking this weekend - with Monday quickly approaching. I am sure some are excited, some are nervous, some are apprehensive, some just dreading it. I am sure that this cartoon depicts what some might be thinking - - - but whatever they are feeling, I know God has placed them in my classroom for a reason - and my prayer is that over this year, we all (including my students) will grow to be more like Christ. What a humbling and exciting thought to get to be a part of the work God is doing - that He would choose to use a simple person like me. Just remember, whatever your job might be, God has chosen to use you where He has placed you - He has chosen you to be a part of His work. Our theme verse this year at school is Romans 1:16, may we all boldly proclaim Christ and not be ashamed - wherever He has placed us.

This cartoon brought a smile to my face and I thought I would share!

Camping Supplies

This photo was sent through an e-mail I recently received. With the Partner's in Christ group getting ready to go camping, I thought this might be an inspiration picture for your camp packing - don't forget your rake. Look at all the time you can save roasting multiple sausages/hot dogs at one time rather than one at a time. I think it would be great for marshmallows too!

Jeremy and I will be at the camping trip on Friday evening and during the day Saturday, but due to Jeremy's back incident, we won't be sleeping there. We are looking forward to hanging out with everyone!!!!!!!!!!! Should be a fun time!

"Have I not commanded you?"

My favorite verse has always been Joshua 1:9, "Have I not commanded you, be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go!" I am having to remind myself of this as I venture this week into the realm of teacher and administrator. God is with me wherever I go - whether that be a physical place or changes in my life. This is a wonderful promise - so often I get caught up in my day to day busyness that I put aside so many promises that God has made to me. Sometimes I think that in my Bible it reads, "Stephanie, haven't I told you this many times before - be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go?" You would think I would eventually get it! It is a lesson that I must be reminded of daily - God will never leave me - He is always there. I am the one that needs to be in the Word, spending time with Him.

I am so thankful for the new position God has given me at school. I will admit that there have been times of being overwhelmed and nervous, but I am reminded - I don't have to fear - God is with me wherever I go! I need to put my complete trust in Him, seek Him with all my heart and remember my strength comes from Him.

I would appreciate your prayers as I dive into the world of teaching and administration for this year. I know God has great plans for RVCS and also great plans to grow and change me to be more like Him. I am humbled He allows me to be a part of what He is doing! God is so good!

Superhero Quiz

A quiz for fun - what superhero are you??????? This isn't as stressful as "What theologian are you?" so don't read too much into the questions. Although it could be - it might reveal a lot about you. Have fun - you are all super!!!!!!

Your results:
You are Green Lantern

Green Lantern 70% Superman 70% Spider-Man 60% Supergirl 56% Wonder Woman 46% The Flash 45% Robin 43% Iron Man 40% Hulk 20% Batman 20% Catwoman 20%

Hot-headed. You have strong will power and a good imagination.

Click here to take the Superhero Personality Test

Toilet Paper - the Joy of Jr. High

As I have previous mentioned, God has so blessed us by being able to work with the Jr. High students of SRBC! They bring so much joy to our lives - keep us on the go, challenge us to grow, encourage us with their kind words, smiles and more. But more than anything, they bring to our lives more toilet paper than we could imagine! Recently we had a few consecutive nights of lovely "TP" jobs on our front lawn. The joy of cleaning up toilet paper for hours in the dark and continuing in the morning is more than one can express - and I mean it - I did laugh and laugh. But Sunday night we were pleasantly surprised to come home and find that they had decided that since the front was not our preference, someone (and we have our guesses) beautifully decorated our backyard with toilet paper - oh the creativity of Jr. High students! We had suggested to them that the neighbors wouldn't appreciate continual toilet paper in the front - so being creative, they moved to the back. I have to give them credit for being resourceful and moving to the back. You know the best part though - they always leave notes about how much they appreciate us - and I am meaning this with all my heart - I do believe they mean it. I honestly think they are showing us how much they love and appreciate us. And you know what - we love and appreciate them too! We are truely blessed!

If any of you that might have been invovled are reading this - we are on to you and just remember - paybacks do occur - when you least expect it :):)

To Change or Not to Change - That is the question?

Summer is soon to come to an end (which I can't believe how fast it has gone) and I am left with the question - do I keep my blog name of "Summer Steph" or do I change it? I like it, it is catchy, but summer is going to be over. Now, the ironic part is that I feel like I become more "Summer Steph" when school starts - I feel like I have more time for friends and fun during school than summer. I know that doesn't seem possible, but it is true in my case. I think that with being married to a Jr. High Pastor, the summer for me is NON-STOP go. This is a blessing and we get to build great relationships with the kids, but it is that we are always on the go. During the school year, I have a routine and things seem more "normal."

I am just not sure what to do - hmmmmm - I will have to ponder and see if any new names just grab my attention.

I am going to post more pics later from our trip to Missouri, but as I mentioned before - we are on the go! I actually think I may be able to post more when school starts - we shall see :):):)

Video of Throwed Rolls

This is the video of the throwed rolls. Enjoy! We did!