Kristi the Coach's Wife

Favorite Salmon Recipe (The only one I've tried, actually...)

2012-04-10T18:03:00.002-07:00

I actually grilled the salmon this time, instead of handing the prepared fillets off to my hubby to grill. I learned something.....apparently, one must always turn stuff on the grill a few times. The usually amazing salmon was a little blackened. We tried to enjoy it anyway.

Pepper Jelly and Soy Glazed Salmon (Better Homes and Gardens, Dawn Forsberg)

1 2 lb fresh or frozen salmon filet, about 1 inch thick
2/3 cup green jalapeño jelly
1/3 cup rice vinegar
1/3 cup soy sauce
3 green onions, sliced
1 tblsp. grated fresh ginger
2 tsp. toasted sesame oil (I used olive oil instead)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper
1/4 cup snipped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup sliced fresh jalapeños

1. Thaw fish if frozen. Rinse and pat dry. In saucepan melt jelly over low heat, remove. Stir in next 7 ingredients. Place fish in shallow dish; pour mixture over fish. Cover; refrigerate 1 to 2 hours, turning fish occasionally.

2. Remove fish from marinade; reserve marinade. For charcoal grill, arrange medium-hot coals around edge of grill. Test for medium heat in center of grill. Place fish on greased piece of heavy-duty foil in center of grill. Cover; grill 15 to 18 minutes or until fish flakes when tested with a fork...and don't forget to turn it once or twice! (For gas grill, adjust for indirect cooking. Grill over medium heat as above.)

3. Bring reserved marinade to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer uncovered, 10 to 15 minutes or until reduced to 1/2 cup. Drizzle over fish; sprinkle cilantro, peppers and green onions. Serves 8.

Tonight 18 Years Ago

2012-01-06T19:48:00.000-08:00

It's 9:32. 18 years ago, right this minute, our phone rang in the little house we were renting. Chad had just gotten home from a 7th grade B team basketball game and a mom was calling, angry about something she perceived as unfair. She began the call with, "I know your wife is in labor, but this can't wait..."

The next morning, Chad and I drove to Midland, and as I regularly remind Dexter, the doctor ended 30 hours of exhausting, painful labor with a merciful emergency caesarian. My firstborn son arrived.

I can't believe it has been 18 years, five moves, and two more sons ago. Dexter and I grew up together. Before he was born, I was a self-centered daddy's girl, chafing against my role as a wife. I hope no one is thinking I haven't changed....I promise I have, a lot.

I was terrified of being a mom, of having a child that was just like me, of not loving my baby. I'd never really liked kids before. God certainly had a fertile piece of dirt to grow some character and fruits of the spirit.

I look back now with huge respect for Dexter having weathered my early mom years, and for God's grace in covering my shortcomings. Dexter, Derek and Dwight have been the biggest blessings for Chad and me. They are fun, challenging, and I love them to death. Thank you, Jesus.

Photo Coaster Tips

2011-12-06T18:11:00.000-08:00

Source: thehappyhousewife.com via Kristi on Pinterest

The resin was tricky. I know how much I loved this idea, so I wanted to pass on what I think would have made my project turn out better.

I bought the resin at Home Depot for around $15. I bought my tiles for .35 each, and the prints for .28 each at WalMart.

The resin wasn't as smelly as I'd feared. The instructions said to mix equal parts of the resin and hardener in a disposable container. I recommend you use a different container for each batch. I used a cough syrup measuring cup, but it wasn't large enough.This stuff is amazingly sticky and doesn't wash off with water. I thought I could avoid getting it on my hands, but next time I will use disposable gloves.

I tried to wash my hands with soap and water, then nail polish remover, then canola oil, then about 10 more rounds of soap and water. I think the oil helped some of it rub off on a towel. I didn't have that much on me, but the resin was really, really sticky. I even felt a little panicky about it.

The next tip is to pour a lot of resin on the tile, I'd say about an eighth of a cup. It doesn't move much. I spread it out with a piece of photo paper folded in half. On three of them, I didn't pour enough. I left gaps and a second coat added bumpiness. I'm redoing those three.

The blog I read said they used a blowtorch to get rid of air bubbles but that a straw would work also. I didn't have much luck with the straw. I'm not sure what to recommend.

The last recommendation I'll make is not to work on a WalMart plastic sack that can somehow creep up and stick itself to the edge of one of the tiles.

They need to dry for 24 hours.

Good luck!!

Is it the end?

2011-11-29T17:16:00.000-08:00

There are football seasons that, as a coach's wife, I am so ready for them to end. I want my husband back to talk to, my kids to get to bed on time, my husband to help with the laundry.... This was not one of those years.

After our quarterfinal bow to Alvarado, I was at a loss. It wasn't even bittersweet. Just sad. Winning all but 2 games of the 13 was awesome, but it was more than that. It was one of those years, my first, that I invested 100% of my emotion and heart into the players and their moms.

I know I'm not the only one. My friend, who is also a coach's wife but doesn't really get into football too much, was devastated. We had been praying. We had seen God work. We were convinced we'd see it through to the end.

As the rain and the snow
   come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
   without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
   so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
¹¹ so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
   It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
   and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

This passage in Isaiah is one of my favorite, and I'm claiming it for this 2011 football season. God showed Himself mightily through the spiritual leadership of several of the players. He blessed Seminole with the grace of winning. He led a few through painful coals of emotional suffering. Several of the players wrote Habakkuk 3:17-19 on their eyeblack and their calves and forearms.

¹⁷ Though the fig tree does not bud
   and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
   and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
   and no cattle in the stalls,
¹⁸ yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
   I will be joyful in God my Savior.
¹⁹ The Sovereign LORD is my strength;
   he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
   he enables me to tread on the heights.

That's pretty heavy for seventeen year old boys. I think several of them understand, "Yet I will rejoice in the Lord" despite battling 3 years of injuries, or family upheaval, or personal disappointment.

I know that this season instilled a lot of God's truth and Scripture in many of the players, coaches, and parents. God has promised that a playoff loss won't end the work of His Truth. It will accomplish God's purpose.

Week 12

2011-11-19T17:47:00.000-08:00

This is a guest post from Tanner Moore, a senior on our football team. This is a glimpse into Seminole football 2011.

Week 12: Lubbock Cooper Part II

by Tanner Moore on Saturday, November 19, 2011 at 7:05pm

I apologize for not writing a note last week about Fabens! There's really not much to know though, we drove to Pecos, took care of business, and came home just like we planned on doing. End of story.

But now for Lubbock Cooper...

Dang. There's so much I want to write right now, but I don't know if I can even begin to find the words. I guess I'll just start from the beginning. This week started Saturday morning when we won a coin flip to decide that the game would be played on our home turf, at the Wig, one last time. I'm glad I got to finish my career there. If you have ever played a game as big as this game was, you know the hype already among the team and players. But this game was even more exciting; it was at home. A playoff game in front of our own fans in our home unies at the Wigwam. I am a student aide in the athletic office first period, and by Tuesday, almost every single reserved seat was sold. The line to purchase tickets every morning was continuous, the thing never stopped! It seemed like everywhere you went around town, people were stopping to ask you about the game, stopping to tell you good-luck, the whole town was ready for us to play! As game-time drew near, I couldn't hardly think straight. I was so ready to play. The stands were full, family, friends, girlfriend, and recruiters in the stands, playing in the Wigwam, the town electrified by the game, and a game we knew we were prepared to win. I mean, what could possibly go wrong?

I really don't feel the need to explain details about the game, we played really well, gave them some mercy points with our seconds and thirds in the game, and came out with the 35-13 win. Jarod is a stinkin animal, Jake threw the ball well, and we controlled the line of scrimmage. Defensively, we executed the gameplan, tackled well, and kept them from scoring. We have so much room to improve, we didn't play our very best, but we played well enough to dominate. With that said, I don't want to take any of the credit for ourselves, God gave us the talent and blessed us with the team, He deserves all the glory!

One of my goals I wrote down in my workbook for this week was this: "Sacrifice everything you have for your brothers on every play." I didn't realize how serious that was going to be. This week, I was a little bit disappointed, and I let it get to me. I was disappointed in some of the actions of a few of my teammates, disappointed that I didn't feel God was playing a big enough role on the team, and I was just a little bit bummed out. But I had a conversation with coach Burtch I will never forget. He told me that he had been a little bit disappointed too. But he told me that if it was my goal to make all the guys on the team act right and be Christians, I didn't have my focus where it should be. As a Christian, our focus shouldn't be on anyone other than God, and His glory. Sure, Jesus gave us the great commission, and Paul talks all the time about trying to seek and save the lost. But they said that not so that they could win the people, but so that they could bring glory to their maker. The goal of there lives was to praise Christ! And the goal of ours should be to praise Christ also, and glorify Him in EVERYTHING that we do. Last night I wore Col. 3:23 on my eye black. I normally try to stay away from verses like that, the ones that everyone knows by heart, because I don't want to be a generic Christian, I want to specifically mean what is on my eye black, I want it to be real! Well, Col. 3:23 couldn't be more real for me last night. My goal was to do all that I did heartily, as if working for the Lord, not for men. And one of my ways of glorifying God was to give all that I had for everyone counting on me to do my job. And that's exactly what I did.

I think I'll always remember the last play of football of my life. Coach Burtch tells us a story every year about his last play. He let a fullback block him because he didn't give his best effort and the opposing team scored a touchdown. He tells us every year that he wishes he could have that play back, so that he could give more effort, that he has regrets. But as I look back... There's nothing I regret about that last play. It was 3rd and 21. We were backed up inside our own 10 yard line late in the 4th quarter. The play was a screen pass in the middle of the field for me. As I turned an caught the ball, I saw a few nice blocks and an opening to the left. The first defender was a corner that I made miss, but as I did so and planted on my left leg, I felt a big time pop, and started to scream. But i kept running. I saw the next guy coming to tackle me, and I immediately got scared, knowing that the impact was going to hurt more than I knew it could. But I broke his tackle and kept running. I stumbled forward and got the first down. I sat on the turf for a little bit, not too long, and got up and walked off on my own power. I walked around after the game and took myself into the locker room on my own two legs. But I found out this morning that the pop I felt was my knee cap ripping in half. As I'm typing this it's in two different pieces, split right down the middle. But I kept running.

Sometimes in life you just have to keep running. Sometimes it's scary and you know it's going to hurt when the 190 lb linebacker is about to try to tackle you. But you have to keep running. Sometimes in life you're in excruciating pain but the first down marker is only a few steps and one broken tackle away. What do you choose to do? Do you fall down and grab your knee? Or do you press on for your family, for your brothers, for your team, for your God, and get the first down no matter how badly it hurts? It feels weird knowing I'll never play football again. I doubt after this injury that a college would want me. It feels weird knowing that this team has made it further than any Seminole team of the past, to the state quarterfinals, and I don't get to strap it on and fight with my family. But I accomplished my goal. I gave all that I had for them. I busted my tail my whole life to play football, worked out and dreamed since I was a little boy in the trailer park in Shallowater of high school football, I put everything I had into it, so that I could sacrifice it all for my brothers. And because of that, I am peaceful. Because I gave it my absolute all, I am at ease. I have nothing left to give. I sold out. I sold out.

So my challenge for you is this...

When is your last play gonna be? What if it was right now? I never thought my last play would be last night. But if you broke your knee cap in half on your next step, would you be able to say, "I kept fighting, I gave it my all, I have nothing left to give."? Are you holding anything back? Will you regret your last play? I pray you don't. Always remember:

"Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as if working for the Lord rather than for men." - Col. 3:23

New Fights, Old Foes

2011-10-26T16:51:00.000-07:00

These last couple of weeks of fasting from desserts and tv have had some unexpected results. I haven't lost weight and I haven't caught up on all the laundry and ironing. That has been a little unexpected.....

Insecurities and feelings I haven't dealt with much since our early married years in Andrews and Paradise have surfaced. Daily, I find myself seeking escape from frustration. Not enough time, too many responsibilities, too many needy students, feeling distant from my husband, too tired, can't sleep, guilt over not being a good enough cook or mom or hostess or teacher. I guess I had these neatly folded and placed aside while I watched TV and ate cookies.

As I wrestle with these feelings, I call out to God, "Deliver me from this junk!" I know where these painful shards come from, someone who wants to "steal, kill, and destroy." So why can't I shake them off with my shield of faith?

I know I need to fight with the sword of the Spirit, but I'm a girl. I don't like being the "warrior" type.
Today, I was reading the 7th Yada Yada Prayer Group novel, and God spoke to me.

"Though an army may encamp against me, my heart shall not fear...For in the time of trouble, He shall hide me in His pavilion; in the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock." From Psalm 27

It may seem strange, but I'm finding huge relief imagining myself walking away from what I am afraid people think toward a white tented pavilion, or tabernacle. I'm safe. I'm redeemed. He loves me!

The Hardest Thirty Days

2011-10-13T18:26:00.000-07:00

‎"Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you." Joshua 3:5

I was losing focus.

Dex, my 17 year old, asked me to do The Hardest Thirty Days Bible study with him at church. It is a teen-oriented study that challenges you to give up anything that might get in the way of growing closer to God. So....Sunday we started and the leader challenged us to give up one thing for the whole 30 days in addition to whatever the study assigned us to give up.

Dex and I agreed, which was not a coincidence I'm sure, that desserts and TV held pretty high spots in our hearts. So, we gave up sweets and TV other than football. It's not that I can't miss football games; I just didn't want to sit in a different room from my husband for 30 days!

Today is Thursday, the fourth day, and I was beginning to lose my resolve. Something about Thursday nights makes me want to lie on the couch, watch NCIS and HouseHunters International reruns, and eat Blizzards from Dairy Queen. It 's the calm before the storm that is Friday night high school football, especially this week's much anticipated game between Seminole and Monahans.

This afternoon, I lay on the couch and read my Yada Yada Prayer Group novel, took a quick nap, and then had the serious and probably hormone-induced craving for Blizzards and TV. My weak, "I choose You, God." was uninfectious. So, I've moped around a bit and then got on Facebook and saw Sharron Fires's verse. Wow!!! I forgot why I was doing this!!

I don't know what God has in mind, but I want to be ready.

Why?

2011-10-09T20:59:00.000-07:00

What a week.

James 5:16

Amplified Bible (AMP)

¹⁶Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart]. The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working].
This is copied from BibleGateway.com

We have been praying for a close, close friend's son for several months. She went to be with him during his trial. He was convicted on all counts. The evidence was non-existent. The testimonies were changed from their original interviews. The accuser at one point wanted to recant....yet the son was convicted on all counts.

We had prayed to God fervently and constantly. The son has turned his heart around in jail and is growing closer to the Lord. My friend is one of the godliest women I know. So why didn't God answer our prayers for him to be released and allowed to come home?

I don't know. But I do know that God is sovereign, and he promises to work everything to the good of those who love Him in Romans 8:28.

It reminds me of Joseph sitting in jail. His arrogance and bragging had earned him a trip to Egypt as a slave, so he wasn't perfect. And then he is falsely accused and sits in prison a long, long time. But...just the right amount of time to end up being second in command in Egypt and saving the children of Isreal from starvation. God worked it to the good of millions of people.

We can trust Him. Hang in there friend; we are still praying fervently.

My Sweet Hogs (aka the Awesome Indian Offensive Line)

2011-09-22T19:52:00.000-07:00

Unsung heroes. If the Indian offense scores points, it all began at the offensive line. We adoringly call them the Hogs.

We try to say thanks by feeding them every Monday night, so if you see these vehicles clustered around a house, the Hog meal is in full swing. This week we converged on my house.

We served homemade sloppy joes on fresh buns, potato salad, cheese dip and chips, and a favorite Hog dessert, Brownie Heaven.

I know we shouldn't encourage gluttony, but my heart really is happy when I hear them say, "I can hardly walk, I'm so full...." and sayings like that. This week, a couple of the players were bragging on one of the coaches' wives' Hot Sandwiches and how much they love them. One player said, "If I'm on death row, I want my last meal to be Mrs. Burtch's sandwiches."

Two of our linemen couldn't make it this week due to illness and an appendectomy...our prayers are with their quick recovery.

Caught my cute coach hubby in the middle of a bite!

The offensive linemen are on the front line, doing battle every play. Their excellence this year is opening the gate to a successful and fun season. Way to go Hogs!! Keep it up! To God be the glory!!

Seminole vs. Snyder, Game 4

2011-09-17T20:47:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure what to say. I've been battling my thoughts all day, trying to take captive every thought for Christ. I love how The Message explains it. I copied this from biblegateway.com.

2 Corinthians 10:5

The Message (MSG)

^3-6The world is unprincipled. It's dog-eat-dog out there! The world doesn't fight fair. But we don't live or fight our battles that way—never have and never will. The tools of our trade aren't for marketing or manipulation, but they are for demolishing that entire massively corrupt culture. We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ. Our tools are ready at hand for clearing the ground of every obstruction and building lives of obedience into maturity.

It was one of those games I came away from angry, shocked, sad, disappointed... I was so proud of our team. I've watched God work since July, raising spiritual leaders among the team, seeing players become a team of brothers allowing God to work. They are still 16-18 year old boys. They aren't perfect, but I'm proud of the commitment they have made to honor God as a team.

Next week we will have at least 3 of our players back after healing from injuries. That will allow those that have taken their places to return to their original positions. I believe football teaches these teenage guys how to be men; how to handle life's hardships and unfairness. I pray for the Indian football team to walk heads up into practice Monday ready to prepare for the next battle, ready to keep on glorifying God.

One last thing, I want to lift up Mr. Singleton's family. I looked up from my seat to see a wreath of red roses where he in his wheelchair is usually stationed, cheering on Taylor, #11, and the Indians. He also had a special spot in the Indian gym. Thanks, grandparents for encouraging your athletes and loving them. I know my kids love their grandparents dearly. My boys' lives are richer and wiser because of them.

The Help...An Apology

2011-09-14T16:55:00.000-07:00

Labor Day weekend, Chad was blessed with a Sunday off, so he asked me out on a date! We headed to Midland, me driving, Chad watching film on his laptop. We looked at the movies and really weren't too excited about any of them. The Help was one I wanted to see. I was surprised that Chad agreed, since he sometimes agrees to movies and ends up being the only male in the theater....

When the movie was over, I had to make myself stop crying. My mascara was running; my nose was running. It was really embarrassing. I normally hate movies that make me cry like that, but I was so thankful we had gone to see this one.

Hilly was one of the main characters. It turns out the actress is Ron Howard's daughter. She is one of those characters that inspires the kind of hatred for which I have to ask forgiveness. Sadly, I would imagine I have several of "her kind" in my ancestry. For which I want to apologize.

In the third Yada Yada Prayer Group book, one of the black prayer lady's elderly mothers accuses one of the white husbands of being the young white man that took the life of her brother as part of a lynch mob. The elderly mother suffers from dementia, and the episode sent her into a frantic panic. As the book unfolds, the accused man feels compelled to apologize to the confused matron for the horrible attack, even though he is at least 50 years younger than the actual man and has no intentional racist prejudices. She rubs him on the head and says that she forgives him. The apology blesses her with a peace she had not had before.

So, after seeing The Help, I want to apologize to all of the blessed women who raised children not their own, labored for little money, and trusted God to right the wrongs. I would hope I would be like Celia in the movie who loved her maid like a sister.

I haven't read the book, which is shameful since I am an English teacher and insist on my students and children reading the book before seeing any movie.......but I highly recommend seeing the movie...with a box of kleenex.

Seminole Indians vs. Midland Christian Mustangs 2011 Game 1

2011-08-28T15:11:00.000-07:00

"This game will feel like a playoff game in August." The writer of the capsules in the Odessa American was right. He also chose us to win 34 to 28. I was shocked and encouraged!

Playing Midland Christian is always tough. They don't have to play by the same rules when it comes to recruiting and the like, so every year they seem to surface with a few new "star players." Dexter had casually and confidently said, "yes, we'll win," a couple of times, but players had better say that or their coach dads may become upset. I wasn't sure.

When the guys ran out on the field and down to the endzone to kneel and pray, they came back yelling and shouting and jumping....someone was yelling loud enough to for the stands to hear, "Play it for Jesus! Play for Jesus Christ!" These boys have some spiritual maturity and experience that we've never been a part of before. They are teaching their parents (including me!) about faith.

They are living on the field the way I know God wants them to live in life....for Him, with all their heart.....gutting it out every play......lifting up their teammates and submitting to their coaches. Human nature so goes against these things. It says, "stand up for yourself, make yourself known, don't give it your all because you might get hurt, it's too hard."

This photo and many others may be ordered from championshipphotos.dotphoto.com.

I was so proud of our offensive line!

I'm learning, slowly (as a girl!) that without the Oline to open the holes, the guy with the ball can't get very far. Over and over, as this picture shows, our Oline guys did exactly what the coaches asked them, and Juan Espino, Jacob Burtch, Raylee Suarez, Jarod Adams, and David Moncayo ran through the holes for a total of 369 rushing yards. Since we are typically known as a passing team, the success of the running game was awesome!

Way to go Kevin Froese, Rance Layton, Gonzo Reyna, Dane Browne, Riley Clark, Sam Shirley, Steven Galvan, Brandon Lujan, Austin Betancourt, Jonathan Soliz, and Taylor Gibson!!!! They are the offensive line, but we affectionately call them the Hogs.

Juan Espino had an amazing night with 150+ rushing yards.

The MC Mustangs obviously had spent a lot of time preparing to shut Jarod Adams down, but he broke through at just the right several moments, including a leaping catch in the endzone to win the game. What an ending!

There were several big stories of the night. After a stellar performance, Jacob Burtch came down on his shoulder near the end of the fourth quarter. He was having trouble lifting it, but handed off to Juan Espino three times in the last 2 minutes of the game. Juan ran the ball into the endzone to bring the score to 28-29. Of course, we were going for the two....

Coach Burtch asked Jacob if he had one more pass left in him; Jacob said yes. And with God's help, he did. Jarod reached up and grabbed it, and I believe God was glorified with this win.

A few of the moms prayed over Jacob's shoulder after the game. The report Saturday was good, just a mild separation of something. When we were praying, God reminded me of the verse in Psalm 139:13 that says, "you knit me together in my mother's womb." I believe God knit Jacob's shoulder together Friday night after the game.

I love watching God work...and I love watching Indian football!

Chicken with Mushrooms and Provolone

2011-08-25T20:20:00.000-07:00

My sweet grandmother would save recipes like these for when I would come visit from college, because my grandfather didn't appreciate them much. He was more of a meat and beans kind of Texan. My family loves this chicken dish.

Paper plates were made for football season!

chicken breasts, cut into strips
fresh mushrooms, sliced
canola oil
italian seasoned bread crumbs
3/4 cup milk
sliced provolone cheese
chicken broth

Heat 1/2 inch of canola oil in a skillet or electric skillet to medium to medium high heat.

Dip chicken strips into milk, dredge in the bread crumbs. Fry the chicken in the oil until golden brown.

Place chicken in a single layer in a 9x13 glass dish. Lay sliced mushrooms on top, and then layer the cheese on top. Pour about 1 cup of chicken broth into dish. Cover with foil. Cook in 350 degree oven for 30 minutes.

Inspired at School! Thank You Citizen Taxpayers and Oil Companies!

2011-08-24T18:37:00.000-07:00

This is my language arts classroom.

As a coaching family, we have moved around Texas some. I have lived in the Texas Hill Country, the rolling plains of North Texas, and West Texas. People ask occasionally, "How can you stand to live with no trees or lakes or malls nearby?

It's true. The closest Texas mall is an hour away from my present home. Outside of those planted and watered on purpose, there aren't many trees other than scraggly mesquites. To add insult to injury, my town has had about .3 of rain since last October. There is sand and wind, small grocery stores and very few restaurants.

What my town in West Texas does have is very, very good. Good schools, good people, good local restaurants, and good churches. I decided to take pictures of my school.

We are blessed with citizens who believe education is important and oil companies that pay a lot of taxes, so we afford nice facilities.

This is the back of my classroom

Our new junior high was opened last Christmas. When I am in my room, in the teachers' lounge, in the hallways or cafeteria, I am inspired. The students seem calmer, more ready to learn. Along with having an amazing principal and vice principal, I think I might be in teacher heaven!

I have had several new students from places such as Houston, Georgia, and Wyoming. Their parents have found jobs out here in an economy stimulated by oil. I hope these students come to love West Texas like I do....the big skies, bright stars, fantastic sunsets and sunrises, and dry air. I love, love, love it!!

I found these hanging lights at Target. They use the same bulbs as Scentsy warmers I think. Even after hours, I can touch them and they are only a little warm!

My desk in a perfect state of productivity :)

Teacher's Lounge....Hi Fay! She's another coach's wife.

Front Office

Cafeteria

This is Mrs. Winston. She's an amazing writing teacher. She received those beautiful flowers because her laptop was accidentally completely erased. Ouch!

The Very Best News

2011-08-15T19:48:00.000-07:00

Sunday morning in the parking lot before church, Dwight prayed asking Jesus to come into his heart! Woo Hoo!! Pride, excitement, relief.

He has been talking about it on and off for a couple of months. At the end of several services when the pastor has offered the altar for prayer or decisions, he has wanted to pray, so we did, but he was still "thinking about Jesus coming into his heart" so we prayed about other things and people.

Chad and I felt lead to ask Dwight if he wanted to talk about it Sunday before church, and he did. It was so awesome seeing Chad explain to him, using our sliding bathroom door, how sin stands between us and God. God knocks on the door of our hearts, like Revelations 3:20 says, "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me."

We get to decide whether to answer Him with a yes or a no. When we say yes, Jesus opens the door, because He took all our sins to the cross with Him.

When we walked into church, Jase, the youth and children's minister was near. Dwight went right up to him and said, "Jase, I asked Jesus to come into my heart!" Dwight was so excited! And so are we.

Accepting Christ means beginning a relationship with God here on Earth and growing closer and closer until it's time for us to join Him in Heaven for eternity. Looking forward to that time helps life to stay in perspective.

My dad had the testing done for his prostate cancer August 1st. His lymph nodes were clear, but there were a few spots on his bones. His doctor in Houston prescribed nine months of chemo which he would take in Abilene.

It turns out, both of the chemo medicines are unavailable in Abilene due to a shortage in manufacturing. So, my parents are planning a temporary move to Houston in the next week. What is scary is that these chemo meds are the most successful, and they are not being prescribed where they are unavailable....but that's an issue of God's will.

I am so grateful for Dwight's decision to follow Christ. I am deeply thankful that my parents have a close relationship with God, and He WILL be with them every step of the coming nine months. God is good all the time!

Seminole Indians vs. Pecos Eagles in the First Scrimmage

2011-08-14T19:07:00.000-07:00

This is the first completely biased (in favor of the Seminole Indians) report of the 2011 season.

As my grandmother would have me begin, the weather was absolutely beautiful. God blessed us with sub 100 degree temps, and since the scrimmages didn't begin until 6, the sun had dropped below the home stands and the breeze had picked up ever so slightly. A full moon rose over the varsity scrimmage, set brightly against a clear royal blue backdrop....really, really amazing!

Photo thanks to Karen Flowers!

The info for this blog is based on my observations and feelings with input from the offensive coordinator (my hubby), and a junior player (my son). I plan to interview the head coach when the games begin.

The goal for the scrimmage for the offense was
Score, and score often!

The Indians scored five times in forty plays, four with the first team, once with the second team.

1. Jacob Burtch handed off to Jarod Adams who ran for @30 yards for the td.
2. Jacob passed for @12 yards, and Jarod ran for 58 yards for the td. It was a 12 yard curl route. Jarod made two defenders miss him. After my husband made me write down curl route, I was reminded I need to buy a straightener for my hair...curl route means nothing to me. :)
3. Two yard run by Jacob for the td; Dexter Longley ran 6 yards with the ball during the series!!
4. Second team...Ryan Johnson ran for four yards for the td.
5. Five yard pass from Jacob to Benny Enns for the td.

Caleb Koedyker outruns an Eagle to score a touchdown that was called back by the refs.
Later in the series, Benny Enns scored.
This photo can be purchased on championshipphoto.dotphoto.com.

Juan Espino, Raylee Suarez, Ramon Juarez, and Taylor Jaquez all carried the ball.
Caleb Koedyker, Jarod, Isaac Hernandez, Benny, JR DeLosSantos, and David Moncayo all caught passes.
Ryan did well as the second string quarterback.
Offensive line did a good job, especially with pass blocking.

The defensive goal for the scrimmage was: Do your job!

Jordan Thompson intercepted a pass from the Pecos qb! Coach Burtch is celebrating enthusiastically with Jordan after the interception...

This photo and others can be purchased from championshipphotos.dotphoto.com

A goal line stand kept Pecos from scoring from the 6 yard line.
The defense showed a lot of fire...they were much more agressive on the field than last year.
Pecos did not score at all...the Indians shut them out!

Andre Ysasi and Dexter scramble to tackle the Eagle with the ball.
This photo can be purchased from championshipphoto.dotphoto.com.

Next week, the Indians scrimmage the Littlefield Wildcats in Littlefield Thursday night, August 18th. Freshmen begin at 5:00, JV at 6:15, and Varsity at 7:30. See you there!

My Favorite Season

2011-08-11T18:23:00.000-07:00

I love football season. We've never been at a district this long (7+years). I taught a lot of these boys when they were sixth graders. Many of them have grown up in church while we watched....they feel like my almost sons. I pray for their success this year, but moreso, I pray for their spiritual growth as they learn how to be men of God out on the football field. By the way, Dex is #85.

Love you, Indians!!

Shocking!

2011-08-07T17:24:00.000-07:00

For the first time in my 37 years as a Christian, I raised my hands when we were singing during church this morning! I've raised my hands before at home by myself, just not in public.

People have raised their hands in all the Baptist churches I've attended since leaving home after high school. I've just sort of ignored it. That was great for them, not for me.

Then, our in-your-face preacher, Matt, began to challenge us about a year ago to really be involved in the worship services...he wasn't specific though I know he wanted us to really praise God from the bottom of our hearts. So, I did, looking just the same as always, and it was genuine.

As time passed I re-noticed some women I really respect and consider mentors and close friends, Clara, Valerie, Sonia, Amber, and others raising their hands as they sang, usually with their eyes closed, swaying slightly sometimes. This time, instead of just noticing them, I wondered how they did it without worrying about the people around them seeing them. My justification was, "I certainly don't want to distract people! I don't want to draw attention to myself."

At the beginning of the summer, my sweet friend, Shelbi loaned me some books that I took to be light, mindless reading called the Yada Yada Prayer Group series. The first one convicted me further.

On page 49, After a verse or two of "Lift Him Up!" the cream-suited worship leader had stopped the musicians...and talked about a verse in Hebrews 13, about offering a "sacrifice of praise" to God. "Have you ever stopped to think what a sacrifice of praise is?" she'd asked... "If it comes easy, if it doesn't cost you anything...it's not a sacrifice!....Some of you other folks see women dancing and shouting and weeping, and you're thinking, uh-uh. No way am I going to make a fool of myself."
I squirmed a little. Now she was stepping on my toes.
The worship leader stopped at the podium, leaned across it, and lowered her voice...
"I want you to close your eyes and start thinking about what Jesus has done for YOU. Some of you were on drugs, your mind so muddled you had no idea what day it was, much less how many kids you had....some of you have thought of suicide...maybe even tried it, but God stopped you....And some of you thought you were pretty good. You kept all the major commandments and managed to avoid the big mistakes. But let me tell you--you were still going to hell until Jesus saved you!"

You HAVE to read the book to see what happens, but the book was speaking to me. Maybe I am too worried about what people will think, or too ego-centric thinking they actually think anything!!

One thing about it, I hope practice will make perfect. Twice I accidentally made contact with the elderly couple sitting in front of me. I bonked the man in the head when I brought my hands down one time, and brushed up against the lady's hair one time on the way up. The bit of hair stayed sticking up, but I didn't want to alarm her by smoothing it down. Sorry, sweet lady, please be patient with this baby praiser.

Hopefully it will go a little more smoothly next time.

Real Review of Rift in Time

2011-08-05T18:19:00.000-07:00

I want to give you a little more information about Rift in Time because the book deserves a decent shot at my convincing you to read it!

Archaeologist Adam Livingstone, though not a Christ follower, finds himself using the Bible as a legitimate research guide. His successes splay him across the news, attracting attention from friends, and also from evil.

Eager to enjoy the bounty of Livingstone's accomplishments is beautiful Candace Montreaux, who happens to not be very interested in archaeology. Adam is torn between her beauty, the curious desire to know more about the Bible, and his archaeological success that gives people the desire to kill him and his cohorts.

Several times in this book, I wanted to jump up and yell, "WooHoo!!!" because God is so awesome. Michael Phillips captures some of the intricate relationships between God's creation and His Word. I love that stuff!!

I Guess I'm a Parable Girl; Rift in Time

2011-08-03T19:08:00.000-07:00

I just finished Rift in Time by Michael Phillips. It was exciting, scientific, and adventurous. There were bad guys, a little romance, and lots of spiritual truth. I HIGHLY recommend it for anyone who loves science and adventure.

I struggle to finish non-fiction books. I have a hard time remembering what they said. But put a Christian fiction book in my hand, and God's truths explode from the pages for me. I always thought it was a little pathetic that Jesus always had to use parables for the disciples and other people to understand. But I now realize, I'm one of those that need the story...I'm a little pathetic, but blissfuly happy reading them.

Rift in Time is a fiction book based on real research the author has compiled about how the earth has changed since Adam and Eve were in the garden. Phillips's ideas are really cool and really possible. His prologue about his research made me think something interesting:

I think God gives scientists truth (allows them to find it) when they are seeking it for His glory. What do you think about that?

Night Before the First Day of Football Season

2011-08-01T20:19:00.000-07:00

Last night at 10:00, I lay as still as I could listening for the deep, steady breathing that signals my husband has fallen off to sleep. It was stressful. He had to be at the field house at 5:30. He was trying not to think about who wouldn't show up, who wouldn't understand the new offensive schemes, etc, etc, etc.

He is a high maintenance sleeper. Sometimes he has a hard time getting to sleep. Sometimes staying asleep, sometimes waking up too early. If he falls asleep and I come to bed and wake him up accidentally, he can't get back to sleep....it goes on and on. But I will not be one of those couples that sleeps in different rooms! :)

So, last night I lay very still, not sleepy at all, and waited for him to drift off. One of many such nights I have to look forward to over the next 4-5 months. I wouldn't have it any other way!

For those that care, we had 99 come for the first day. A few are not back from baseball, work, etc. It was a good first day!

God is so cool!

2011-07-31T20:03:00.000-07:00

Third time is a charm, right?

1. I just finished Rift in Time by Michael Phillips. This is a quote from pg. 254.

"All men and women have that opportunity. God doesn't arbitrarily select some and reject others. Being what is called "chosen" by God is a choice that man makes. But only a few in every era do choose to open their spiritual eyes."

2. I'm also working on Jesus the One and Only by Beth Moore. This is a quote from Session 5 Notes on p.123.

"Christ seeks to readjust our vision of Him. The more we are willing to receive, the more He is willing to reveal to us." Colossians 2:2-3 says, "...so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."

3. Then, tonight at our church service, Malcolm Ellis preached out of Mark 4:22-25.

"For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open. If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear."

God has talked to me all summer about this truth. He wants to show us his mysteries from the Bible, from nature, from prayer, through Christ. We have to want to know and to see, to put effort into searching.

Saturday Night Before Two-A-Days

2011-07-30T20:50:00.000-07:00

Just got home from a sandwich and the fixins pool party at one of the coach's homes. It was fun watching the kids, talking about the upcoming school year, reconnecting with some of our second "family."

I love all the stories that we wives trade about our kids and husbands. Hearing them made me think of an old family story about my cousin Ian that I think I should tell!

Ian was in kindergarten. My uncle Victor married a fellow dentist from Tiawan named Liza Ting. These are Ian's parents. At school, Ian must have overheard a conversation about his ethnicity. When he got home, he asked his mom, "What does caucasion mean?"
His mom thought for a moment and said, "well, it's like daddy." Ian answered, "Oh....Bald!"

Why I Submit to My Husband

2011-07-28T18:22:00.000-07:00

I just listened to Carolyn Allen on TheCoachsWife.com talk about how many people are impacted when a coach and his wife keep their marriage healthy and happy. Wow.

There seem to be more athletes from broken homes than from original parent homes these days. They are watching the adults they respect--how they treat their husbands or wives, how they treat their own children...

Knowing that happy marriages impact students and athletes is the easy part. Maintaining a healthy and happy marriage, well, that's a challenge. My husband and I have been married 20 years as of June 15th. We've had some tough years....like the one I stayed home with the kids and he brought home $1400 a month which did not cover insurance.

That year, I learned to live on a very small budget. I don't think I had ever used any budget before! It was painful. I wasn't used to hearing the word "no". It came down to Ephesians 5:22. I had to submit to my husband.

SUBMIT TO MY HUSBAND?????? What if he makes poor decisions? What if he doesn't have my best interests in mind?

Well, I can't answer those questions easily. I do know that God and His word can be trusted. He promises to "work all things to the good of those who love Him" in Romans 8:28. My secret has always been to pray and read the Bible and pray some more. God ALWAYS does something. He either changes me or changes my husband. It always turns out better after I've diligently prayed over the problem.

I know that people see me submit to my husband. I hope they realize I've made that choice because I trust God. I also hope they see that my husband loves me and respects me.

He also does the laundry and cooks breakfast!

Beauty from Ashes

2011-07-23T19:32:00.000-07:00

My sister.

She was born a week after I turned five. It was neat at first, but mom became extremely busy and things went downhill from there, in my opinion.

She was cute, sweet, adored me and wanted to be just like me. I was profoundly annoyed and completely uninterested in her for the next 18 years.

I married a few weeks after her 18th birthday. Shortly before the wedding, I realized for the first time, I NEEDED her. No one else could fill the spot. She was my maid of honor, and I was excited to hang around with her. Things were okay as she went to college and I moved away and had a baby.

During college, she married a guy I tried to like, but did not trust, and for the next seven years we spoke once or twice per year.

I was heartbroken. I begged her to forgive me for my selfishness, meanness, and disinterest. I offered to go to counseling.

She ended up moving to another state, and the chasm grew. When we did have time together, things were strained. I was a first hand example of someone reaping what she had sewn.

I had another child and grieved that she wasn't anywhere around. I finally resigned to my children not having their aunt in their lives.

I'll never forget the day that I received her phone call. He had left her; life had been horrible since they had moved out of state. She had to stay for a year until she could be officially divorced. We talked on the phone every day, sometimes for hours trying to wade through her pain and disappointment. I was so glad she had called...me.

Eight years later, she is remarried to the most amazing guy (besides my husband and my dad) on the planet. They have a child. We are best friends. God is so good. He makes beauty from ashes again, and again, and again.