Not Seeing The Signs

I dropped my girls off at school this morning and then met up with a couple of friends to go walk. We went to the track field, a couple of miles outside of town. We decided to walk the curves and jog the straights, all the while talking and laughing in between. About 5 minutes after our work-out began, we noticed an EMS car (not an ambulance) parked half-way on the road with its' lights flashing. This should have been warning #1, but we basically looked at each other and said, "I wonder what's going on?" We shrugged it off and kept on walking and talking... A few minutes later we heard a couple of gun shots and one of my friends mentioned that someone must be dove hunting. We said, "Yeah, probably so," and we kept on walking... A few minutes later, my two friends said, "Hey, check out that guy on a horse." We were like, "Huh, I wonder what he's doing?" We kept walking and talking (trying to solve our country's youth problems). Then, we noticed a helicopter over head. One of my friends laughed and told the other one, "Hey! I bet that's your husband checking up on you." (He flies helicopters). We laughed and kept walking... When we finally drove back to the house, one of my friends got a message saying everyone in Brackett should be on alert because a convict, from the maximum security prison in Brackett, had just escaped! Then the lightbulbs came on!! We put 2 and 2 together. He was probably right across the road from us the whole time, hiding under a mesquite tree! That explained the road block, the mounted police, the gun shots, and the helicopter hovering overhead!

Wow! How many signs did we need! Just like these visible signs, God gives us signs too. But, we have to slow down and take the time to listen and look around us. Many times He uses the people who cross our paths or certain situations to wake us up, but we can't be preoccupied with so much "stuff" that we are blinded to the warning signs! Open my heart, eyes, and ears Lord, and help me not to be blind-sided from our real enemy, Satan!

BTW, the convict, has still not been captured and the blonde highlights in my hair really do come from a bottle!

Fiery Trials

Yesterday, I watched an awesome Beth Moore video; I'd like to share what stuck out in my mind. She gave 3 different scenarios when people of God face a fiery trial. The example of a trial she gave was a christian being diagnosed with cancer.

Scenario A: We can be delivered from the fire. (Miracle)
Dividend? Our faith is built.

Scenario B: We can be delivered through the fire.
Dividend? Our faith is refined.

Key scriptures: This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it! John 11:4

"In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen, you love." 1Peter 1:6-9

Scenario C: We can be delivered by the fire straight into His arms.
Dividend? Our faith is perfected.

"Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him." James 1:12

"But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ, and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear!"

We never want Scenario C to happen to us. If only our minds could wrap themselves around the awesomeness of being in heaven with Jesus, we would long for Scenario C. I think that's why we are not allowed to see how marvelous heaven is. If we knew, everyone would want to die and God's will on earth would not be carried out!,

Cowgirl Cuties

My girls ended up doing very well in the Del Rio Youth Rodeo Association! My oldest won 4 buckles and the All Around Girl Saddle! It was very cool, with a turquoise allligator seat! My younger girls did extremely well too! They won really cool zebra and cheetah print tack. They were all in the same age group at this rodeo, since at the time of registering, they were 9, 11, and 12! I'm proud of the way they cheer each other on, and are excited for one another when they do well! We try to instill in them to do their best, and focus on their own times, nobody else's. I'm excited for them...they deserved these awards because they always work hard and practice! Even better, we don't have to tell them to practice, they just go do it! Way to go girls!!

Morning Routine

Last night I dreamt that an irrational number really was insane and beat me over the head with a percent sign!! Aaahhh! I can't get away from this math "stuff"! I'm still substituting for Jr. High math. I have one more week to go. I guess you can say I have mixed feelings about this. On one hand, I'm going to miss seeing and interacting with the kids everyday. But, on the other hand, I'm really looking forward to fulfilling my domestic duties (to the 10th power), at home! I've fallen a little behind on my laundering duties since I've been working full time, staying in town (late) for practices, and going to v-ball games, and football games! Oh well, I guess I've done a semi-alright job, seeing as no one has had to wear dirty socks or underwear!



One thing that I was concerned about (that might suffer) if I took this long-term sub job was our morning routine. I love mornings. I guess you could say I'm a morning person. I like waking up before everyone else, getting clothes ironed and breakfast made all while have a pleasant and non-rushed attitude. For the past 7 years, since my oldest went to Kinder, we have had a morning devotion and prayer time while eating breakfast. It just starts the day out right. Occasionally, when I'd subbed in the past, my morning dialogue was devoid of "amens" and filled with "hurry-ups!" I was bound and determined that our morning schedule was not going to be derailed because I had to work for 5 weeks. Fortunately, I'm here to say that we've had a devotion and prayer time every morning, with a little something new thrown in. I set my alarm for 5:00 every morning. I get up, shower, get dressed and put my make-up on. At 5:30 I turn the TV on and watch Joyce Meyer (one of my favorite Christian teachers) while ironing the girls' clothes. These are the clothes they lay on the couch the night before. After ironing, I make breakfast, set it on the table and light a few candles. Then I wake the girls up. Luckily, we all like to eat breakfast when we wake up. They stumble to the table and sit down. We've been having candlelit breakfasts since the regular light is just too bright first thing in the morning. After breakfast, they get ready in the living room where Joyce Meyer comes on, again, at 6:30. They've enjoyed listening to her in the mornings, and they don't complain about watching preaching instead of cartoons! Amazingly, our mornings have been so smooth! I've only had to use the word "hurry-up" a couple of times since school started!!

Of course, there are some mornings when at least one child likes to help build my character! For instance, clothes might not have been picked out the morning before and "she" doesn't like what I've picked out, breakfast isn't to "her" liking, or "she" can't find her shoes. In the past, these little situations would have really irked me, since they know the rules...clothes should be picked out the night before (if not, I pick them out!), if you don't like the breakfast I make then go find something yourself w/0 complaining, and shoes go in the baskets behind the door! Well, let me tell you, it's kind of hard to lose my patience when I'm getting ready to read a devotion or scripture, about to pray or when Joyce Meyer is in the background saying we need to love more!

Basically, I want to remain loving, considerate, and patient even when schedules are a little more hectic, and saturating the mornings with God has helped tremendously! I feel like this 5 week sub job is like a dress rehearsal for what is to come within the next year or two...maybe a full-time teaching job (not Math!). Since I've passed the morning routine, I've just got to figure out a way to get warm brownies on the table when we all get home! Can you believe that's one reason why they don't want me to work! "Who's going to make us a snack when we get home?" :) Until next time...

Mrs. Frerich, The Tall Math Teacher

Yeah! Technology at the ranchito has changed drastically! I bought a laptop and last week the Dell guy came to our house and installed wireless internet! My life will never be the same. No more waiting 20 minutes for a page to appear on the screen! It all happens so fast, and I feel a little spoiled! :)

For over a month, we did not have internet service out here, that's why blogs have not been written. Well, and to be perfectly honest, there hasn't been much time. You know the routine: everyone's getting adjusted to the new school thing, extra-curricular activities, etc... Also, I accepted a 4 week substitute position. I'm teaching jr. high math! (Insert scream!) At first I didn't really understand why God was nudging me to fill-in (long-term) in the math department, since I'm an english minor and received a BA instead of a BS. I purposely wanted a BA so I would only have to take one math class in college. My oldest daughter does extremely well in math and is very logical. I think she learned through osmosis. Let me explain: When I was pregnant with her, I was taking 18 hrs. in college. The only class that I struggled with was college algebra. As I would do my homework, on the couch, my expanded belly was a perfect "table" for my algebra book. That's where the "osmosis" part comes in! Now, I'm teaching her AP math class! I think the thing that stresses me out more than anything is all my over-achieving friends' kids are in that class!

My sister laughs at me because I told my 6th period class that I would be available at 7:30 in the mornings if they needed help with anything. I don't know what I get myself into sometimes! Doing my best at things tends to consume me at times! One thing I have learned is, if I have the answer key I can figure out and explain anything!

At first, I thought there was this "behind the scenes" reason why God always opened up long-term math jobs for me. Well, I'm starting to believe He has me here for a logical reason...to learn math! He's also been convicting me of saying that I'm not good at math! Ouch! That phrase has always slipped out so easily from my mouth! What kind of example am I setting for my girls when I'm always saying I'm not good in math! I wouldn't want them saying that about themselves, so why should I say it about me!

I'm finding out that I'm not as bad as I thought I was in this subject, but I still have to do some homework before I teach the lesson. All in all, I'm enjoying being in the junior high building. They are a good group of kids and it's fun encouraging them. Another reason why I like the junior high kids is they know how to correctly use their adjectives. They say: "Wow Miss, you're so tall!" I prefer that to what the little elementary kids say. They look at me and say, "You're soooo big!" "Tall" is just a much nicer description! I'm 5'10 but I usually wear wedges or heels, so I look much taller.

Having to teach only 4 classes a day isn't too bad either! :) Hats off to all you teachers out there! It's not as easy as some people think! Until next time..

Home Alone

I'm experiencing something new today. My family left this morning to go camping at the beach, and I stayed home. This is extremely against my nature in many forms. First of all, I can't recollect a single time when all of them have been away from me at the same time for a few days. Secondly, since my middle name is GO, you'd think I'd be on this adventure with them. There are a couple of reasons why I decided to stay home this weekend. Believe me, it was a hard choice to make. I was going to go and then I wasn't...I was going to go and then I wasn't... And then I finally came to this conclusion:

1. When I go to the beach I like staying in a hotel or condo. I would prefer camping by a river or in the mountains.
2. The list of Mark's male family members kept growing and growing while the female persuasion dwindled down to nothing!
3. All the talk about fishing, all hours of the day, had my head spinning!
4. I thought it would be great for Mark and the girls to spend a weekend away together (A dad-daughter get-a-way). I feel for certain that this weekend will be etched in their minds forever and will be talked about for years to come! He's the best vacation dad and I know they will have a wonderful time together.

You may be wondering why I had to put any thought into this decision. Well, like I said, I'm always up for a new adventure and the thought of me being left behind was a little weird. But, the main reason why I wasn't sure if I should stay home was the fact that I wouldn't be in charge of my girls' safety. Don't get me wrong, Mark takes good care of his girls, but come on, all mom's usually think they watch over their children better than anyone else. I'm usually the mom who is watching out for my girls and 6 other kids while their parents are sitting next to me. Giving up this control was a little hard for me, but I knew I needed to do it. I felt like this weekend would be a great experience for them. And besides, God is ultimately in control of my children, so I'm pretty sure He can handle the job much better than I could!

While their dad wasn't in earshot, I gave them a quick lists of do's and don'ts.
Do put lots of sunblock on everyday and reapply.
Don't walk anywhere without your dad.
Don't walk too far out in the water.
Do go to the restroom and take a shower in the camper not in the public restrooms!

All this was followed by, "We know mouuum."

Before loading up at 6 a.m., I told each one of them I loved them and gave them a hug and kiss. If I would have let myself, I probably would have cried like a baby. I could see in their eyes that they were ready for this adventure with their dad, but were a little sad that I was staying behind. All of our eyes kind of misted up, we hugged one last time, and they said, "Bye mom, I love you" until I was out of earshot. I watched their truck until I could not see it anymore and then went inside and cried a little. Then I pulled myself together, reminding myself that it was my decision to stay home. The first thing I did was go to the sun room, sit down and pray for their safety and protection and I prayed that they'd have a wonderful time. After spending a little quiet time with God, I watched 2 episodes of Joyce Meyer and then decided to write this blog. No, I'm not just going to veg out all day. I'm going to clean house and then do laundry. Don't worry though, I won't be working the whole time they are gone. My mom and I have plans. Yep, we're going to San Antonio tomorrow. I'm really looking forward to it. Well, I guess I better wrap it up and get to work, so I can play tomorrow!

Our Anniversary Date

Two days ago was our 14th wedding anniversary! Mark had to work on Wednesday, so we celebrated last night. Living where we do, there's not a whole lot of options in the entertainment department. Invariably, there hasn't been a good movie at the theater the last couple of years around our anniversary either! Oh well, I guess it means Mark has to hear me yack more!

All day, yesterday, I was secretly pumped up about our date. I had been wanting to get away with him, all by myself, for the past few days. Well, around 4:45 he asked me if the vet had called and asked if the sheep was ready to be picked up. I told him I hadn't heard from the vet's office all day, so he called the office. Dr. Martin told him the sheep was ready to be picked up. Mark looked at me and said, "How quick can you get ready?" I said, "Aah, come on, I don't want to be dragging around a sheep and a trailer with us all evening." Besides, I had a whole lot of primping to do! It was going to take me a while to get ready. He kindly said he'd pick up the lamb and for me to be ready when he got back. Whew! That was a close one. I thought for a second I was going to have to compete with a sheep on our date. I put my broom down (I'd been cleaning out a bedroom all day), and hopped in the shower. Calgon take me away...

Since it was our anniversary, I thought I'd spice things up a bit and where a dress and heels. This may not have been the greatest choice of clothing, but I'll get to that later. When he walked in and saw me in a dress, he said, "I don't want to have to get dressed up." I told him he didn't have to. After 14 years of marriage, I know him pretty well. I had already ironed a pair of shorts (camo) and a shirt for him. All he had to do was put on his baseball cap and slip his flip-flops on. He likes to be casual. I can count the number of times I've seen him wear a tie, on one hand! That's o.k., I like the sporty look! So off we went, me looking like I should be going to a wedding and Mark looking like he should be going to a Ranger's game!

We decided to eat at Cripple Creek, a great restaurant outside of town. He ordered a steak and I had the grilled salmon. It was really good. We had a great meal and pleasant conversation. I hate to see couples eating by themselves and rarely talking. So, I always step up to the plate and keep the conversation going so we won't look like one of those "boring" couples who've been married for over 10 years! I know he probably appreciates me for this! ha!

After we ate, he asked if I wanted to drive out to the lake. I said, "Sure," thinking it was kind of a romantic gesture. So off we went. On our way to the lake he said he wanted to find the cliffs that he used to jump off of when he was in high school (romantic gesture just flew out the window). After about 20 minutes, we found the right road. (This is when the sporty look came in handy for Mark). We couldn't just drive up to the cliffs, we had to walk to them! We hopped out of the truck and made our way down a rocky path with cactus on both sides of us. Mark trailed on about 20 feet in front of me like nothing, and then there was me trying to walk down a rocky path in heels, while holding my dress down (it was really windy) and trying to keep my hair out of my eyes (and yes, I had spent 30 minutes fixing my hair before our date)! I swear, the only time he walks fast is when I'm wearing heels! We finally made it to the edge of the cliffs and it was beautiful! The sun was setting in the distance behind an old railroad bridge. Aah! The romantic moment I had been waiting for. Don't get me wrong, we didn't gaze into each other's eyes and whisper sweet nothings to one another or anything like that. We just enjoyed each other's company and watched the sunset in the distance. It's the little things in life like this that make me happy. I seriously don't need wine and roses, I would much prefer quality time together, even if it means walking through a stickery path , in high heels, to reminisce about days gone by.

Every married couple has their highs and lows, and we are no exception, but I can honestly say that every year with Mark gets better and better! That's so exciting to me! He's a great guy whom I love dearly. I can't wait to see what God has in store for our lives and our marriage.