Rachel Ann's Place

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Tue, 07 May 2013 03:13:00 +0000

Oh I had this post written about pity parties, temper tantrums and insecurities; however, I think I just needed to write it out to get some of my frustrations out. They definitely weren't words for the whole wide internet world to hear!

Instead?

Love God, Love People and Love Life!

Getting to Know God

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 00:37:00 +0000

Last night at youth group one of my girls was mentioning how she wasn't able to sit and write her blog posts...she LOVES to write about Jesus!

It got me thinking today that I love to write about my Jesus too...and I have the perfect opportunity right here. I don't know who will read or if anyone will read; however, I am going to try and take the opportunity to share more about Jesus.

The last few months have been an uphill, downhill and back uphill kind of life. I was told no on some things like buying my house and I still haven't landed a full-time teaching job; however, I know that God's perfect timing is in place!

For me personally, the last few months has been about exploring new giftings from the Lord. I am in my WORD daily and allowing God to work in me and through me like never before and as a result I believe that God is letting new spiritual giftsto come to the forefront of my life. It is a bit scary at times, but mostly it is exciting to see how God is going to use me. The gifting I'm seeing is that of a seer or someone who sees visions. I'm seeing it be very active as I read my word and I'm faithful to respond when the Holy Spirit says to share with someone specific. Honestly, it is a bit unnerving to see how God is going to use me, but oh so exciting to be a part of the Kingdom and what He is doing in my community.

Busy, busy, busy

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 05:49:00 +0000

I know that not many read this blog anymore, but occasionally I still like to post about life and how things are going!!

I have been going about 150 mph since school started in September, and I haven't even landed a full-time teaching position yet. I started the year with a long-term, 5-week sub position at one of the high schools. Sadly, I finish this job on Friday and I will dearly miss all the kids and my para-staff. I have been in a high needs special education classroom where I have kids that are in wheelchairs, some are autistic and some are very highly functioning, and all are super fantastic. I've been in this classroom before so it was easy to come in and start the year with them. Besides, I have some super awesome women who work in this class and they make all the difference in the world...way to go Kathy, Jacki, Jenny, Laura, and Marcelina!!!

I am starting a 3.5 month long-term position in a week teaching 6th grade LA and Social Studies, which is my endorsement area so I am looking forward to teaching a subject that I am really qualified to teach! It is going to be a bit of a shift from high school special needs to sixth graders.

I am still praying and holding firm to the calling God gave me to be a full-time teacher. Sometimes I still get discouraged that I started my fourth year of teaching this fall without landing a full-time position. However, God has been so faithful to provide for my every need...these long-term positions are surely a testament to His faithfulness. And I am blessed to know that I have made an impact on the lives of hundreds of students over the last three years. I still believe that He has the perfect position for me and that my prayers for a full-time job will be answered.

There are moments though that at age 38 (which just happened a few weeks ago) I don't feel adequate or worthy of God's blessing. I'm sure that there are people of every age that feel this way; however, God doesn't want you to EVER feel as if you don't deserve all the blessing He can pour out over you. I see God's blessing in so many aspects of my life and I feel overwhelmed that He has chosen ME!!! He provided a job this summer that paid bills until I got paid for teaching this fall (in fact, I have been able to keep this job throughout the school year by working on Saturdays and I think I'll be able to work during Christmas break!! The extra money is actually paying for me to go on vacation during Spring Break!), He provided me with long-term positions from the very first day of school this year. He has provided me with an awesome church family and He has blessed me with a house.

Due to a change in housing situation I have searching for a place to rent come Novemberish, and all the places I have been looking at are running pretty high and then you have to add in utilities and such. So I decided to take a leap of faith and see if I would qualify to buy a home. I meet with my friend who is a real estate agent and then meet with a mortgage broker just about three weeks ago to discuss my options. I was nervous and fearful about the situation...I honestly thought he would just laugh once he looked at my financial situation. BUT NO!!! He determined that I would qualify for a home loan. Flash forward to this last weekend and we went and looked at four houses...I feel in LOVE with the second one I saw. Bids were due by Monday night and by Tuesday I was told "Congratulations, Your bid was accepted"! I signed initial paperwork today and sent them overnight to start the ball rolling!

I AM BUYING A HOUSE!!

How crazy is that? I honestly didn't think it would go this fast but I prayed going in, "Lord, they will be done. If you want me to purchase a home open the door (and windows) of opportunity!" And by golly He has...in a BIG way! It hasn't sunk in yet and I am still feeling as if I just stepped over the thresh hold of adulthood. What is it about buying a home that makes a person feel as if they are finally a true member of the adulthood club. So weird....I know! I know it isn't an easy road as a homeowner. I know that it will have its ups and downs and I am more financially responsible then ever before...I know that I will need to find some roommates for the first few years....I know that there will days I will cry and days that I will over analyze ever step I've taken and wonder if I made the right decision. But I will NEVER question whether I am worthy enough or adequate enough to receive this special BLESSING, because I know that God loves me, watches out for me and loves to pour out blessings on His children. I stand here with open arms simply saying, "Thank You Abba Father!"

Las Vegas

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Wed, 04 Jul 2012 03:50:00 +0000

The first weekend of June I got to go to Las Vegas with my Mom, 80 year-old Grandma, Aunt and Uncle. Mom and Grandma were just passing through on their way to visit my sisters in Idaho Falls and meet up with my Aunt and Uncle for the weekend. I decided to tag along for the ride!

Mom!

The ceiling down on Fremont Street! What an amazing experience!

Me, Grandma Pat, Mom, Aunt Helen and Uncle Dave!

Grandma Pat had a few dollars to spend and did well for awhile, but in the end lost it all (psstt...me too!)

My dream in Vegas is to see Elvis! However, the only Elvis' I saw were these three Mexican Elvis impersonators...who I think might have been tipping the bottle back a bit if you know what I mean!

When in Vegas you see the most random things...this guy was hanging out at Caesar's Palace in his bathrobe! I sure hope he had skivvies on under there!

At the Bellagio...Going on a hot air balloon ride is on my bucket list!

Lunch at the Paris Casino!

Mom and Auntie Helen!

Fun times were had and you know what they say..."What happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas!"

New Babies

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Sat, 09 Jun 2012 05:39:00 +0000

My family has been growing by leaps and bounds over the last few months...in other words, my sisters have been busy!!

This beautiful lady is Angelina Rose born on May 14th, born to my baby sister Camille and her husband Joe. She joins big sisters Dajia and Elliana! I've been told that she is going to be called Annie!
Isn't she precious?

This handsome little man is Jonathan Arthur and he was born on March 19 to my other sister Shannon and her husband Ernie. He has four big sisters and three big brothers...I'm sure he'll be well cared for!

My Favorite Song Right Now

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 07:24:00 +0000

What an amazing voice! She deserved all the Grammies she won tonight!

Anti-Valentine?

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 07:14:00 +0000

Possibly...just possibly I am anti-Valentine's Day!

Really, is there any good thing about Valentine's Day if you are single?

Just sayin'!

Rooftops

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 08:26:00 +0000

Here I am before you
Falling in love and seeking your truth
Knowing that your perfect grace
Has brought me to this place
Because of you I freely live
My life to you, oh God, I give

So I stand before You God
I lift my voice because you set me free

So I shout out your name from the rooftops I proclaim
That I am Yours, I am yours

All the good You've done for me
I lift up my hand up hand for all to see
You're the only one
Who brings me to my knees
To share this love across the earth
The beauty of Your Holy Word

So I kneel before You God
I lift my hands because you set me free

So I shout out your name from the rooftops I proclaim
That I am Yours, I am Yours

All that I am I place into Your loving hands
And I am Yours, I am Yours

Here I am, I stand with arms wide open
To the one, the Son, the everlasting God

Throw in the Towel...

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 08:20:00 +0000

Do you ever wish you could throw the towel in on this thing called life? Just buck it all and join the circus; run away to a deserted island; or simply hide out in a strange city where no one knows you?

A bit drastic I know...but sometimes, like now, I just want to run away!

I'm tired of hearing, "No thank you! You need more experience for this job."

I'm tired of seeing more bills than income.

I'm tired of being single and childless.

I'm tired of snow causing me to have no work.

I'm tired of dreams seeming to not come true.

I'm tired of life sometimes.

I'm the Queen of "It's ok..life goes on!" And I know it does.

So what do I do?

"Stick out my chin and grin and say, 'Tomorrow, tomorrow...the sun'll come out tomorrow!'"

No, even though I love that philosophy, I put out my hands and ask for the Lord to come and fill me, guide me and direct me. I pray for a different door or window to be opened. I pray for understanding, mercy and grace. I pray that I have a better attitude.

I praise the Lord for good and bad times and I ask to be taught a lesson in the midst of everything I go through. I give Him all the glory! I know that He is doing a good work in me! I know that He NEVER leaves me nor forsakes me and when I am hurting the most He is carrying me in His arms!

December in Review

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 04:44:00 +0000

Of course, the season can't start without posting a letter to Santa! Elly and I went to Macy's over Thanksgiving weekend and wrote all the things she wanted. The most important was a PINK BARBIE HORSE!

Cheese! This girl is hilarious! I love her!

This is Dink! You might also call her Jocelyn....we celebrated her 2nd birthday over Thanksgiving as well!

I took a day to decorate my house for Christmas...look carefully...what do you see at the top of the tree?

Of course, it is a TOP HAT!

Team Switzer and I went to Bellevue for a day for some shopping, dinner and a visit to Snow Flake Lane. The inside of the mall was beautiful!

Part of Snow Flake Lane was the drummers playing and the snowing falling right at 7 o'clock pm!

We love celebrating all holidays, so we celebrated Chanukah one night. We, meaning Carter and Elly, lit the menorah and Holly read the commentary that went with!

We also played the Draydel and guess who won?

Oh yeah, the Lady who wore the "Lucky Shirt"...I took the whole shebang!

Christmas morning was spent down at my Mom's house! My Grandma Pat was down here with us as well...love these women!

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 04:25:00 +0000

This is me!

Age 37

December 28, 2011

2011 was a good year, not the greatest, but good!

I'm looking forward to 2012 and seeing what God has in store for me!

Remembering Pearl Harbor

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 06:53:00 +0000

Did you take a few moments today to think of the 2,402 service men and women who lost their lives 70 years ago today?

The attack on Pearl Harbor was one of the most devastating events to happen in American history (before 9/11). You may read this having had a parent, grand parent, aunt or uncle at Pearl Harbor. Some of you might have even lost a loved one that day. While we can't bring them back, we definitely can take a few minutes to remember those individuals and send a thank you up for all their service and dedication to our country.

While you're at it...stop a military man or woman and simply say, "Thank You", you never know when their life might be taken for protecting my life and freedom.

Stationery card

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 07:21:00 +0000

Peace To You Holiday Card

Click here to browse Shutterfly's holiday card collection.

View the entire collection of cards.

Blessed

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 05:59:00 +0000

Today was my birthday! I am blessed beyond all means and measures with all that God has given me! It might not seem "right" in my eyes the place I am in financially, with relationships and everything else; however, God has everything under control! I am constantly amazed by how much he loves me and how He never will forsake me!

Hello September!

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 06:37:00 +0000

One says, "It's September!" and instantly your mind goes to all those cute kids going back to school.

I'd love to be one of those teachers going back to a full-time classroom; however, it still wasn't meant to be this year! I know that God has a better plan for me, but the willful human that is me would like to know NOW what is going on...but that is for another time and place.

I hear, "It's September!" and I instantly think that my birthday is almost here!

Yep, that's right! September 16th is just around the corner....I LOVE my birthday! I don't always get birthday celebrations but there is this little part of me that just gets giddy when September 1st is upon me because I like to celebrate all month long!

Do you get excited like me? How do you celebrate?

Any other September babies out there?

"What's Going on?"

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 18:28:00 +0000

Do you pray?

Do you expect to hear from the Lord?

I do! I do! I do!

But then again, sometimes I can't hear what he is trying to tell me. I get frustrated. I get discouraged. I get depressed. I get anxious.

It is a terrible feeling to not be able to discern the voice of the Lord during my prayer times. I think sometimes that I am so hung up on the big picture that He gave me a few years ago that my mind gets focused on how to achieve that big picture. And then when things are going desperately south (and I mean in a big way!) my brain is so far into overdrive that I can't stop and listen to the side trips that the Lord wants me to go on?

Make sense? If it does, please explain to me! :)

I know that the Lord called me to be a teacher! He gave me the means to go back to school a few years ago and get my teaching certification. However, the road since then has been filled with potholes, refining fires and many, many valleys! I haven't been able to get a full-time job. The first year I couldn't even get an interview. I've been going on interviews this summer (tons in fact) yet, I don't get the job. I've been subbing, but that doesn't give benefits or steady pay. I've had to work an additional part-time job to make ends meet. And as I type I have just about $75 to my name...bills aren't paid, credit cards are maxed, I'm not working and I'm feeling like "What the HECK!"

Someone asked me the other day over dinner have you just asked God, "What's going on?" It doesn't have to be a completed prayer, but a simple request. He told me, God will answer you. But I have to be able to hear Him. Sometimes I feel as if I've lost my hearing! But that's where I am right now, "God, what's going on in my life?"

I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that the Lord has something SPECTACULAR for my life. I'm being refined in the fire and molded by the master sculptor for a reason! The verse I've leaned on for years and years is "He will never leave me nor forsake me!" God isn't done with me yet...nor is He done with YOU! Thankfully I stand before a God who is mighty and I stand with friends and family who are praying for me daily!

A friend messaged me these verses the other day and I will leave you with them:

Psalm 25:4-5 "Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you."

Psalm 27:14 "Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord."

Yummy Goodness!

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 04:56:00 +0000

I love these!!! What is your favorite candy?

Happy Father's Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 04:04:00 +0000

Money doesn't grow on trees!

Have you ever heard your Dad tell you that? Mine told me that over the years of growing up...but I'm not sure I believe him...I think he is still keeping it from me! Maybe I need to go money tree hunting late at night...

What Dadism's has your Dad told you over the years?

In honor of my Dad...Arthur McAskill, here are some "throwback" pictures of him and his three girls!

I'm first~me and my Dad!Shannon getting some tips on how to walk from Dad

And last, but not least, Camille

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Mon, 23 May 2011 03:26:00 +0000

This last week a group of us went to go see Mary Poppins at the Paramount Theatre in Seattle! What an amazing musical!

So I was taking a picture of myself (my favorite way to take pictures) and I forgot that I had the zoom on...but I kind of like how it came out so I kept it! :)

Girl's Night Out!

Mandi, Me, Holly, Sue, Barbara and Heather!

I think I can fly...but I might be missing my umbrella!

Dinner beforehand was at the Cheesecake Factory...yummy goodness!

The girls at dinner!

PBR

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Mon, 23 May 2011 03:06:00 +0000

PBR in Seattle! Yee--Haw....8 Seconds Baby!

Barbara and I enjoying the cowboys...well, I was enjoying the cowboy butts!

Me and Sean Willingham

ME!!!

The Nun that overlooks the kitchen table at Bucca di Beppo's in Seattle! We had reservations for dinner and were surprised when we were seated in the kitchen! The food was scrumptious and the company was great too!

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Thu, 19 May 2011 03:21:00 +0000

"I still have my feet on the ground...

I just wear better shoes!"

~~Oprah Winfrey~~

Happy Easter

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 06:20:00 +0000

Hallelujah!

He has Risen!

How can a person not be excited for this weekend? We, as Christians, have the opportunity to worship Jesus Christ who was crucified on a cross for MY sins, buried in a tomb and rose from the dead three days later!

If you happen to stumble across this blog and don't know who Jesus is and don't have a relationship with him...please stop a moment and ask me about Him. I know that He would want to know you!! Even through a blog such as this God can find you just where you are. Please know that He loves you and wants the best for you!

Happy Easter All!

Please have a very Blessed weekend!

Book Review

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 05:41:00 +0000

“Follow the drugs.”

Her sister’s last words shake FBI agent Heather Sloan to the core. They also convince her that the helicopter crash only Heather survived wasn’t an accident. Sheriff’s deputy Jeremy Latham is assigned the case—he’s the one who can help Heather find the person responsible. Once she convinces him they should work together. As they dig for the truth, they learn to trust and care for each other. Will they lose it all when the killer targets Heather? She’s willing to risk her life to find her sister’s killer—but her code of justice could cost her the chance to win Jeremy’s love.

I'm not usually one for suspense books, but I love a good romance and Liz Johnson delivers both a good suspense and romance all in one! Not only does Liz deliver romance but she also makes her characters believable! She explores the sister/sister bond...I have two sisters and know that I would do anything for them, just as I imagine others would do the same for their siblings. Although I'm not sure I'd put myself into the position of offering myself as bait to catch a killer! Would you?

Dive into this great book which can be found at places like amazon.com or cbd.com!

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 06:59:00 +0000

It's raining, it's pouring;
The old man is snoring.
Bumped his head
And he went to bed
And he couldn't get up in the morning.

Rain, rain, go away;
Come again another day;
Little Johnny wants to play.

Bath Time

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 06:58:00 +0000

I went to my Grandma's house this weekend and scanned pictures all weekend! In total, I scanned over 650 pictures...pictures of old black and whites of family members I don't know and lots of pictures of us as kids!

Me and my sister Shannon sharing a tub outside!

Can't believe we were ever small enough to both of us in that tub!

What a cute tush that is!