Pictures

Here are some pictures, taken with the new camera. I am enjoying the quality I am getting with the camera, but am now working on how to make them even better.

The U.S. and Texas flags at the Texas state line

The Vicksburg bridge in Mississippi

Lauren, being pleaseantly surprised by the way a dandelion's seeds blow away in the wind.

Bradley, being an amazing photoshoot kid by posing for me.

Jackson, loving the idea of pulling up and standing up on the ottoman.

These are three of those kids I have "adopted". :)

25 Random Things

Okay, so I started doing the 25 random things on Facebook, but soon realized that I am a little more random than I thought...so, here are 75. The last 25 are blogger exclusive. :)

1. I love naps...in fact, I could sleep at anytime of day or night.
2. I always sleep in socks.
3. I was in a washboard band in college. I miss this bunch of girls!!
4. I am super organized. With this idea, also comes the fact that I eat one thing at a time, with the meat being the last thing I eat. There is an extreme organization when it comes to eating for me.
5. I love music! I wish I never quit the piano, and wish I knew how to play a variety of instruments.
6. I hate loose hair...whether it is on a shirt, floor, counter, etc.
7. I am a numbers girl...I constantly work and rework my budget to make sure it is accurate.
8. I cannot drink much caffeine because I have Restless Legs Syndrome. I do still make sure I have a sweet tea in the morning, but rarely any past that.
9. I could eat Mexican food for everyday, but not Tex-Mex. I miss white cheese dip from AL and MS!!
10.I want to live in North Carolina one day.
11.I want to travel the world, starting with a cruise, then Australia, Europe, Thailand, South America,...
12.I do not have any original hearing bones in my ears...it is all plastic. I have had 9 ear surgeries.
13.I want to take a ballroom dance class, learning all of the dances.
14.I really want to do photography full-time, after taking a class or two, and much practice.
15.I love to write, and hope to write songs sometime in the future.
16.I hope to have a home of my own one day, with a family. I am a big fan of HGTV, and hope to apply the designs one day in my home.
17.I love cooking...and experimenting with it.
18.I wish I knew all sign language...I am just slightly familiar with it, but long to know it all!
19.I want to pick back up running, so that I can get toned again, or at least feel better about my body. I miss the days of having a constantly active sports schedule...the one that made me stay in shape and active.
20.I miss being near my high school and college friends, especially now that they have families with kids. I wish I were near them to see them more, and to see their little ones grow.
21.I am competitive. I do get frustrated with myself when I do not get higher score than the previous on WiiFit. :)
22.I never ate much chocolate until college.
23.I now sell Mary Kay for some extra money. I enjoy making women feel better about themselves.
24.I rarely wear the colors white, orange, and yellow.
25.My family is phenomenal! My dad is the most amazing man! He sets my standard for a mate so high. He has taken care of my family from day one, and always loves my mom like Christ loves the church. My mom is a very strong, inspiring woman. She is a fantastic teacher, who goes above the call of duty to ensure that her students get the most out of their time together. She has chronic back pain day in and day out, but never lets it slow her down, nor let others know that she is feeling the pain. My older brother, Brock, is such an encouragement to me. He has always looked out for me, and continues to push me in keeping my standards high. Hunter, my younger brother, is one of the most hard-working, passionate people I know. He never settles for anything less than the best in work and life. He makes me feel special, and I have so much fun hanging out with him!
26. I am afraid of heights, but love flying.
27. I have a slight water phobia, due to the lack of water exposure with the ear surgeries; however, I love being near the water, such as the beach, lake, etc.
28. I miss youth group days!!
29. I am horrible at writing notes and sending birthday gifts to others that are far away.
30. I am not a phone person...I would rather meet up and talk in person.
31. I want Lumineers!!
32. I have some gray hair, and refuse to color my hair...I have NEVER colored my hair--I like my hair color!!
33. I want to lose 15 pounds.
34. I am not good at swallowing pills.
35.I went through a phase where I did not eat meat, but eat it now...just not a big BBQ girl.
36.I have lived in 3 different states, and hope to live in more.
37.I have never been on a cruise.
38.I like cutting grass, but do not have a yard to cut currently.
39.I like cleaning bathrooms...I know, gross to you, but for some reason, I like doing it.
40.I also enjoy doing laundry, although, I have been in a slump for a little while now.
41.I am a fast driver, but am pretty good at recognizing police officer headlights.
42.I always take out anything I put in my car; therefore, leaving nothing in my car when I am not in it.
43.I lived through a tornado in college...it went right over my dorm and through my campus. It totalled my car, but that was a God thing. :)
44.My best friend growing up was a guy, who is the high standard I compare to with potential guys to date now.
45.I am a very sentimental person, but trying to not be such a pack rat with the items these days.
46.I cannot let a friend go, no matter what we have disagreed on.
47.I taught 9th grade Algebra for 2 years.
48.I rarely have cash.
49.I want to be a faster reader!! I need to practice more!!
50.I am a queen of making "to do" lists.
51.I love the computer!
52.I like it to be cold in the room when I go to sleep.
53.I am very cold-natured, so I frequently take a jacket when I go out to eat.
54.I enjoy vacuuming.
55.I am a grammar freak. I cannot stand grammatical errors.
56.When I find a shirt or pants I like, I typically buy more than one color.
57.I am a matching kind of girl, when it comes to my clothes and accessories. I cannot do the bold, pop color in the shoes, when it is not in the outfit.
58.I love lounging around in my pajamas on the weekend or on days off.
59.I wish I were better at keeping in touch with my high school and college friends!
60.I have worn the same ring on my left ring finger since I was 16. I will continue to wear it until the right guy comes along.
61.I love making people laugh!
62.I am called a surrogate mother to my friends' kids. I treat them as if they are my own.
63.I do not like being set up. I am not quite myself in these situations.
64.I eat tacos with just meat and cheese...hotdogs and cheeseburgers with ketchup and mustard only.
65.I love planning surprises for friends and family!
66.I do not eat watermelon or strawberries, but love things that are artificially flavored watermelon or strawberry.
67.I am a huge texture person when eating.
68.I hate ironing, and frequently will fluff my clothes if I want the wrinkles to disappear.
69.I get overwhelmed by department stores. The huge selection typically freaks me out, so I feel like I cannot find something that I like, even though I know there are probably a vast majority of items I would like.
70.I would rather watch the movie than read the book. Often times, by watching the movie, I want to read the book to compare the two, but even more often, never get around to actually doing it.
71.I rarely print off pictures anymore. I just upload them to Facebook, and feel that I am done; however, I look around at all of my picture frames and wish I would update them.
72.My closet is organized by lengths and colors. My pants and shoes are by colors, and my shirts are by lengths.
73.I am not one to welcome a dog to my side at the first meeting, but once I become familiar with him/her, and feel comfortable, I will be more welcoming. At the first meeting, I am typically scared of dogs.
74.I have started showering at night, and have grown to love this schedule.
75.I love my friends and family so much! I find myself willing to bend over backwards for my closest, quality friends, and definitely enjoy the quality time I get to spend with both my friends and my family!

There you have it...1-75...of course, I could think of more, but this is where I am stopping, keeping more mysteries to be found out about me. :)

An update

I just wanted to write an update for those of you who actually read this blog.

I am still feeling motivated to make 2009 a fantastic year! First of all, I have already started tutoring at Huntington, after a month or two off. This is to help with the eliminating debt scenario. I bought a new car last year, and am now working to pay that off and some additional debt. Also, I am refocused on Mary Kay. I have seen the direct results of working a business smarter and harder. I am hoping that I can overcome the fear inside of me to not do the job perfectly, so that I can help women feel better about themselves. I know that Mary Kay can be a ministry in itself, so I need to step up to the plate and do the job God has placed in my life. With all of that said, I hope to be debt-free by the end of the year! :) This will release a lot of anxiety and fear in my life, so I know I need to work hard at both of these to ensure I am reaching this life-changing goal!

My classroom is yet another place of ministry. I realized that even more so on the day of Obama's inauguration. We watched it in the classroom, so that the students could see history in the making. During the prayer, I initially thought I should pray, but was worried about what the students would do while I wasn't watching, but then remembered that I should be setting the example for them. I then, bowed my head and at the end, I looked up, and saw that the whole class was lifting their heads, too. They had followed my example, whether they understood it or not. This was for sure the most pivotal moment in my school year so far. At that very moment, I realized that these kids were hungry for a leader, who sought after a God who loves them no matter what. I have since felt the strong leadership of that moment, and tried to be a more loving example of this for my students that don't even know what church is, nor what it stands for in this world.
I love my students, and want them to feel loved. I know that there are times where I get frustarted with one or two because of their attitude or lack of effort, but ultimately, they are watching me, and watching the way I will react. I have not always responded in the way I should, but am really working on my response. I am very lucky to have the opportunity I have on a daily basis to share with my students. I tend to have to show some "tough love" at times with a couple of them, but am making sure it is still out of love that I correct and re-direct these students.

January was a tough month at school, as we found out that our team lead was being moved to another grade level, and another member was being moved to another. I was really worried that I would be moved to another grade level, but in fact, I am "safe" in third. I have been trying to understand all of this movement, but still cannot wrap my head around it. I am just respecting the decisions of an authority figure, and making the best out of the situation. I know it will be fine, and will work out, but it is hard to picture next year without these two people. It is for sure challenging to picture, as we are still in the middle of this year, but we are trying to press on in the meantime.

I have already joined a small group with my church, which has been a blessing in my life. I am excited about growing with this group, and really do life together as single women. They are a great group of girls, who really are striving to be more like Christ, no matter what sacrifices that might take. I am eager to see where the Lord leads with this group. I hope to volunteer in either the Preschool or Children's Ministry next. I love serving, and really miss it on a daily basis.

I have also been taking some photos with my new camera, and LOVING it!! I have also been considering taking a photography class, so that I can further this passion in life. I love taking pictures, especially of kids, but need more growth in editing and staging to make quality pictures. I really want to explore this outlet, and will keep you posted on the progress.

The last part of this post is...if you haven't seen the movie, Fireproof, you need to today! This movie has such a powerful message. I hope that one day I find someone, who has such love and devotion for me, that he would do anything to show it. I also hope that I do the same back to him.
Before that can happen, though, my prayer is that I show that much love and devotion for my Lord, Jesus Christ. I hope that day in and day out, I reveal my devotion for him, and put all other hindrances aside, so that I can serve Him and Him alone.
I hope to find a mate in life, who accepts me for who I am and loves me unconditionally. It has been hard some days recently, as I have felt rejection in this area, but I know that God will seal my heart and lead me to the right person. I thought God had put someone in my path, but apparently, God has not shown that to the other party. I know that God will continue to work on my heart, and my future mate, so until then, I am all God's, waiting for the day He makes it clear to me and to my mate.

A new year with new goals and heart reflections

As we all know, the new year brings new goals; however, this year is different for me. 2008 was a year of goal setting with so many things that fell through. This year's theme is determination and perseverance. I have had a year of letting some important goals fall through the cracks, but this year has already started off with more of a heart striving to accomplish great things, not only on the outside, but the inside, too.
Over the holiday, I had many opportunities to meet with friends and family. I am so very blessed to have so many people who have truly blessed my life through the years, and continue to do so on a daily basis. I had a pretty hectic time at home, as I was here, there, and everywhere. Although it was hectic, I managed to find such peace at every place I landed. I discovered God doing a great work in my heart and life through each day. It gave me such refreshment in knowing that He loves me so much and wants the best for me, no matter what.
I have struggled a great deal this year with finding contentment in Him, as well as trusting that the road I am on will eventually lead to the goodness of His plan, through careful heart checks and following the path He laid out for me before I was even brought in to this world. I have tried to take too much control of different circumstances, such as my teaching job, pursuit of a man, and accomplishing the goals I set way back in January of 2008. I know that these sound silly, but it is true.
My job wore me out this past year, mainly due to the fact that I tutored every day this summer; went to the school just because, often times wasting the productiveness of the day; and trying to commit myself to more things than one person should ever agree to do; and lastly, I found a lack of priortizing in the every day agenda. I let myself get overwhelmed easily, as well as sensitive to small things that truly were not worth the sensitivity. I have found that these things alone will drain any human, but especially one, trying to live out the faith and assurance in a Savior, who wants to be the center of every decision and action in this life.
The single life seemed harder this year, due to the fact that I was searching after the wrong things...I was trying to do it all on my own, which leads to disappointment, impatience, and lack of contentment in Him. God knows where I will end up in this huge topic of a single girl's life. I know that doing things my way never end up with the results of God's way, so why do I try? I do not know. I know that the disappointment, impatience, and lack of contentment are a true reflection of my heart's lack of focus on the one true God, who wants to romance, love, and take care of me on the deepest level possible, so here I go...I'm letting go...

My heart beats, standing on the edge
But my feet have finally left the ledge
Like an acrobat, there’s no turning back

I’m letting go of the life I planned for me ,
And my dreams
Losing control of my destiny
Feels like I’m falling and that’s what it’s like to believe
So I’m letting go

This is a giant leap of faith
Trusting and trying to embrace
The fear of the unknown
Beyond my comfort zone

I’m letting go of the life I planned for me
And my dreams
Losing control of my destiny
Feels like I’m falling and that’s what it’s like to believe
So I’m letting go

Giving in to your gravity
Knowing You are holding me
I’m not afraid
Feels like I’m falling and that’s what it’s like to believe
Feels like I’m falling and this is the life for me.

This song has spoken to my heart because it is truly a heart song. As a believer in the one true God, who wants us to trust in Him in the day to day, wants us to give up control and trust let Him lead our lives, revealing the dreams and destiny along the way.
The last thing I feel led to talk about is the lack of focus for 2008 in the goals I set. I had so many dreams and desires in 2008, but ceased to be able to carry them out. My lack of focus, again, was the lack of focus on God and the things He had for me. I got distracted doing life, without a heart check in place.

2009 is a new year, and on this first day of the year, I already feel a different focus and heart;s desire than I did on the first day last year...to know Him, and strive to be more like Him on a daily basis. God has been faithful to me, although I have not taken the time to notice. This year is going to be refocused, starting at the very core of my heart..."I'm letting go" and letting Him drive me through the paths of life. I am eager to see the difference a year can make in one heart change...focus on Him and Him alone!!

Happy Fall!!

I love this time of year. All of the fall decorations, cooler weather, and the changing leaves are some of my favorite parts of this season! This time of year is definitely the busiest, but with my three favorite parts of the season, it tends to make me relax more. It is generally not at the appropriate times, but nonetheless, I rest. I find myself taking advantage of the Sunday afternoon naps(plural on purpose), and going to bed at a more decent hour, whether all of the work is done or not. I find myself staying at school longer, so I can come home without work to do. I enjoy watching college football on Saturdays and the NFL games on Sunday. I have been very sad watching the Cowboys lately, especially today. It was a nasty loss!!
Another favorite of fall are the fun Halloween Oreos, Rotel, smores, and slice and bake cookies. I don't know why these treats are so great, but I just love them, especially during the fall. Some favorite meals include taco soup, chili, chicken rotel, mexican lasagna, baked potatoes, and La Madeline's potato soup. I know this sounds silly, but I feel like they are more enjoyable during the fall when it is a bit cooler. I know you were all wondering what my favorite foods for fall are, so there you go. I am so kidding, but I thought I would share.
Fall also brings on a sport that I have grown to enjoy watching: hockey!! I love going to the Dallas Stars game. This year, I have a student who plays, so I am enjoying going to watch him as well. I am learning more about the game from him, so it is a lot of fun!
The other part of the fall that I love is being able to enjoy the holiday parties with my students, co-worker, friends, and family!! I love seeing my kids reaction of all the fun things we get to do during this time. I also enjoy getting to go home and see some of my oldest friends and catch up on life. I miss being close to these people so much, so the fall is so great at giving me the opportunities to catch up with them. I am so glad to be where I am, but there is always going to be something special about getting back to the comfort of my own hometown or college town and visit with friends and family. You all are greatly missed!! I hope to have the opportunity to catch up with more friends this fall...Maskers, Lockhearts, high school friends, college friends, etc. I miss you all and think of you often!! I am hoping this is the best fall reunion yet! I am so thankful to God for the friends and family I have been blessed with. I have the most loving, caring, thoughtful, forgiving, dependable friends anyone could ask for. We all have moments where we don't feel like we keep in touch the best, but through the roots God has created in our friendships, we are able to pick up where we left off and keep on growing as friends!!
So, with all of this said...Happy fall everyone!! I hope to see you all very soon!!

Germs, germs everywhere!!

Well, I am just not feeling well. I was not feeling well last weekend, and now...getting worse. I thought it was just sinus stuff last weekend, but over the week it has developed into more of a head cold. It is so not fun not feeling like yourself on the weekend--the time you want to get out and do something. I just hope I can shake it, but it is hard when the little ones come in with germs, germs, and more germs every day. I am hoping my immune system builds back up soon!! That is enough of my sob story.
I am kind of thankful for it in a way, though, because I have been able to be a bum and watch some football today. I enjoy catching up on the SEC world!! Both teams from Alabama are having successful days today...that is super!! I like to see them both do well!!
Other than fighting this nasty cold, there is not a lot going on for me. I have been staying late at school, trying to tutor at Huntington, and selling Mary Kay here and there. I am really excited for the Mary Kay part because I got my holiday order in and there is so much good stuff in it. I am really excited about the hostess gift!! You should check out my website and see what I have now. www.marykay.com/deannamckinley
School is going. I am having a really tough time getting in the swing of things this year. A lot of it has to do with the fact that I have a handful of students that are way below the bar for being on grade level. Usually at this point in the year, I can confidently say 2 or 3 are struggling, but this year it is about 5-6. I have my work cut out for me already, but I know that it will begin to pick up and hopefully turn around soon. I know it will. I just have to pray each and every day that I get up that God will use me in a big way to reach these kids where they are and show them that I believe in them and know that if we both give it our all every day, together we can achieve more. The hardest part is 3 of the 5-6 students are very lazy. They refuse to go the extra degree to help themselves. I push and push them and try to give them every extra ounce of encouragement, but it does not seem to phase them. They can just look at me and turn away without any change in what they are doing. It tries my patience daily, but I know that I have to find an inner peace that will be extended to these students in the most frustrating of times. I really am trying to be more positive in these times, but some days, I let the devil get the best of me. Please pray for my patience and understanding daily. I want to be seen as the teacher who made a difference in the lives of all of my students, even the most frustrating ones. I have to let God rule more in the tougher times, instead of letting the devil take over and get the best of my emotions.
I am looking forward to visits from some of favorite people, as well as going to visit some of my favorite people. Sometimes, God wants us to take full advantage of second chances and refreshed friendships. I so love it when I have the chance to do so!!

Getting there

I know it has been almost 2 months since I have posted last, but I wanted to write a short update on what has been going on. Honestly, I have been going non-stop between school, part-time tutoring, Mary Kay, and trying to get involved at church. I am so overwhelmed!! I long so much to get the hang of the school part so I can give more to the other, but it is taking much longer this year than it ever has before. My precious students are extremely needy and chatty. It is so hard to make them understand the importance of listening to learn or hear instructions. A second after I say what I need to say, they come up tapping me on the hip or back and asking what to do. I have gotten to the point now that I tell them to ask a neighbor because I found myself repeating every instruction about 5-6 times. By the time they all got the instruction, it was time to move on. I am working on instilling more independence in this group, but man....we have a LONG way to go!!!! They have honestly gotten so much better this week, but still working on ceasing the talking long enough to get their work done or listen to what I need to tell/teach them. Hopefully, all of the signed papers will be returned this week, so that I can get those stacks turned in. I know that these things are the normal tasks of a teacher, but for some reason this year seems so much more demanding of my energy than past years. It could have something to do with the fact that I plan Math and we have a new book as well as curriculum. Again, it will get better...I just wanted to vent and share what has been going on.

I know that God is seeing me through all of this. I hope that his light is somehow shining through the mess I feel like I am right now. I just don't feel like I am doing much good for God or others when I feel like I am a disaster myself. I feel like I am constantly striving to grow in Him, but can't get to the top of this deep valley. God has never left my side and I know that, but I just feel that I have not revealed the true character of God in all that I do. Please pray for me as I am searching to relight the fire inside of me to grow in Him and share with anyone I come in contact with the true beauty and love of my Lord and Savior!! I miss having my youth group buddies, college friends, and family around to help push me, encourage me, and hold me accountable. Kristy is an amazing roommate, constantly finding ways to help in all of these areas, but one person cannot do it all...community is the key!! I am so lucky to have her here with me on a daily basis doing life, so I am shouting out to her right now for being so supportive, patient, and encouraging while I am going trying to climb out of this valley. Thank you, Roomie!!