Top 5 Christmas Light Display Pet Peeves

So this started as a Facebook status; however, it became too long very quickly.

I may get some flack from this, and that's okay. All views expressed in this blog are solely my opinion. I do not condemn or judge anyone who may commit the following Christmas light display crimes.

1. Inflatables. Really, they're hideous. Let's just accept that fact and move on. One inflatable could possibly be accepted. Two, bad deal. Three or more- No. They're incredibly expensive and incredibly hideous. When they are covering your yard and your house...well...that's a crime.

2. Unless you are Clark Griswald or one of those crazy computer people with computer controled houses and your own radio station...more is not always better.

3. Blue lights- I like blue lights if they are mixed with white. For example, a neighbor last year had white and blue alternating C9 lights and they looked amazing. My roommate has blue and white lights on her tree. It's gorgeous. But when you do ALL blue...it reminds me of the scene from some scary Santa kills the world Christmas movie. The other problem is that blue lights vary in color. We have a current neighbor with blue lights around the door, the garage and the yard. All are different shades of blue. It is not pretty.

4. Blinking lights- Nothing screams tacky like hanging lights across the front of your house with only one strand out of 4-5 strands. In addtion, if there are multiple bushes and some blink and some don't...it just looks like you are too lazy to replace the flasher bulb.

5. Mixed lights- I have white icicle lights on my house and white snowflake lights in my tree. The lights on my bush are colored and the lights on the stakes are colored. It looks good. I wouldn't do it if it didn't. HOWEVER.. mixing white lights with colored lights is not easy. Most of the time, it just doesn't work. I have another neighbor that always has a beautiful display. It's a duplex and they both work together on it. THis year apparently a strand of their white icicle lights went out. So they have ONE STRAND of BLUE icicle lights on their roof line while every other light on the property is white *face palm*

There is a house in my town. It's AT LEAST a half million dollar house (probably more). It is in a working class neighborhood in the middle of town where every other house on the street is probably $100,000-150,000. It really stands out on this street of average homes. It's a gorgeous home. Every CHristmas they have the most tacky Christmas lights. This year they have white C9's on every gable eave of their house. The house is so huge I can only imagine what it cost to have those professionally placed. Then, every tree (they're small) and bush has different colors of lights. Some are solid (green, red, blue, etc) and some are multicolored and some are white. There's not pattern, rhyme or reason. Some bushes blink, some don't. It's like...really? The house already stands out. I can't help but think how beautiful it could look with an organized light display.

Okay...so am I judging? Well, okay maybe a little. BUT as stated these are solely my opinions. I agree that light displays are fun and creative and should be a way to show your personality....but sometimes..I wonder if the people who have hung these lights step back and actually look at what their house looks like?

Of coures, it's kinda like when you see a house that was recently painted a bright yellow. You wonder if at any point anyone stopped and questioned the paint color?

But I digress, that's another topic for another day.

I recently ran across a webiste www.uglychristmaslights.com. This is the source of inspiration. I have attached a few pictures for your enjoyment, but I recommend taking a look at this yourself. The captions are priceless.

Two Top Fives

Tonight, I feel the need to share two top fives. I had a poopy day and I need something kinda cheerful today.

Marti's Top Five Favorite Old TV Shows
1. I Love Lucy- I mean...FOR REAL that is some good TV and there's NO sex, NO drugs, NO immorality...it's just good clean fun!

2. Dick Van Dyke- Dick Van Dyke is one of the all time best comedians of all times. Anything he is in...is going to be great.

3. Mary Tyler Moore- I love this show. I did some reading about it and there is a lot of stuff saying that the MTM show is the show that set off a lot of things on TV that have escalated to the crap we see now. After watching it...I can understand that point of view....BUT after shows I see today, it's one of the best! Mary Tyler Moore as an actress and person is one of my favorites as well. She is classic, timeless beauty and she's a type 1 diabetic. That is obviously near and dear to my heart.

4. Golden Girls- Okay so I've gone from good ole wholesome family values shows to this. LOL. I LOVE the four dirty old women! This show is amazing and I LOVE it! I love the horrible sets, music and amazing 80's bling and gaudy dresses with shoulder pads. Such a great show!

5. Full House- What a great show! Again, it is insanely cheesy and so unrealistic...but it's just good TV. I grew up on this so it's a classic and I can watch it over and over!

Okay, now for my second Top Five. Marti's Top 5 Things I Hate About What I Love:
1. I LOVE fall, but I hate that it gets early so dark. I want to go outside and enjoy the amazing weather and walk and exercise, but it's DARK!

2. I LOVE fall, but I hate that it stays dark so late in the morning! It is SO hard to get up in the morning when it's still dark and I know it will be dark when I get home.

3. I LOVE living in Nixa. It's, to me, the perfect place to live. It's a small close knit community with quick access to Branson and Springfield. I HATE that there is no direct access to highways. You either take 14 or CC to Ozark and Highway 65 (hilly curvy two lane roads) or you take 160/Campbell in to Springfield. If you have ever driven that road...you know the traffic is a nightmare. I miss living in Ozark when I literally was a stones throw from 65 and just a few miles beyond that to 60.

4. Again, I LOVE fall, but I hate fall allergies! Mine are worse in fall than any time of year.

5. I love my friends, but I hate that so many of them live so stinkin' far away!!!

Top 5 + a few

Today I feel the need to list my favorite Top 5 Springfield only eating establishments. If I ever leave this area, I would miss these places...and probably lose weight!

1. Pineapple Whip- Heaven on a cone for $2 from Memorial Day to Labor Day every year! I actually prefer the grape or strawberry kiwi over the pineapple.
2. The Traveling Taco- The BEST taco ever created...and it travels in a trailer but usually camps out on the corner of Fremont and Sunshine by Kaleidascope. Perfectly seasoned chicken breast with homemade spicy salsa, creamy sour cream, lettuce and tons of perfectly shredded white cheese. *salivate*
3. Simply Yo Frozen Yogurt- If you think you love Orange Leaf, it's simply because you haven't had Simply Yo! It's fresh and it's REAL, not powdered like Orange Leaf. Cherry Limeade is my personal favorite, and I will be sad when they take it away (it's their summer flavor).
4. Mexican Villa- There ain't nothin' Mexican about it! (haha). I think it should be named Springfield Villa. Give me a burrito enchilada style with a side of queso dip and chips. *DROOL*
5. Springfield Style Cashew Chicken- You know I know that Leong's created it, but it's not my favorite. I prefer either Hong Kong Inn (the Ozark location is the best) or Shanghai Inn in Nixa. Hong Kong Inn has the best crab rang goon but can sometimes be dry on the chicken. Yen Ching in Ozark doesn't have the best cashew chicken, but they do have hte best chicken friend rice and they are the ONLY place where I like the egg rolls. Springfield is the mecca of Chinese food places!

HEre are a few runner ups: Finnegan's Wake (fish & chips!), Maria's (fried tacos!), La Fiesta (the one in Ozark is the best), Rosie Jo's (give me some fried pickles please!), Cedars (okay this should probably be in the top 5 but I ran out)- I LOVE LOVE LOVE Cedars. It's the only place where you can get true home cooked Southern food, a good atmosphere (especially now that Springfield is smoke free) and only spend $5!, Today's Donuts in Nixa- I can never eat a Krispy Kreme without thinking of these! SO much like the good ole Houchins in Sikeston before Mr. Bob retired.

If anyone wonders why I have a weight problem, this probably just answered your question!

Thinking back...

I was pondering the other day how much my life has changed in the last year. It's amazing what a year can do for you. This time last year I was still dealing with what I thought was a devastating blow of not finding a job. While I had an overall good attitude about it, I was still struggling immensely. Little did I know that in a week, my life would change drastically and I would face the HARDEST year of my life, but also the most rewarding and fulfilling.

I am so blessed and humbled by everything God has done in my life, especially this past year. It has grown and stretched me in ways I never imagined. I am still pondering the future and where God is going to take me...literally. I know that my time in Missouri may be shorter than I had originally planned...but after going through what I went through this last year, I feel more equipped to handle it.

My 8 1/2 years at GPH seems lifetimes away right now. I very much miss my "family" there but I am still able to keep in touch with them. Our lives are all moving on and even if I were still there, things are quite different than they were when I left. God knew it was my time to go there.

If I had known everything that lay in store for me last October when I accepted the new job, I'm not sure I would have taken on the challenge. BUT I am so thankful I did! I made some good friends, I learned A LOT, I grew some tough skin and learned more endurance and patience than I thought possible...and hopefully in the process...I reached a few kiddos.

Thank you Lord for what you've brought me through and where you are taking me!

Two parter

Okay so I have a two parter tonight. One part serious, one part not. So let's start with serious then move on to something light hearted.

I love love love my job...but as with any job with kids, there's always that ONE kid that just pulls your heart. I want SO MUCH to be able to reach this one child beyond even academics. Obviously I can't go in to specifics for confidentiality...but let me just say that every day...I pray and pray and pray for this one child more so than the others b/c this child doesn't have a chance in life otherwise. I literally would take this child home with me in a heartbeat if I could. I thank God so much for allowing this child to be in my class this year. I feel honored and blessed to be this child's teacher...I am humbled really. No child should have to endure the crap this one has. It's just not fair. But every morning, this precious little one walks in to class smiling ear to ear, hugs me and keeps chugging away despite all of the circumstances mounting up around him. He is God's precious one. One of the reasons I chose teaching over social work is b/c my heart can't handle more than one of these at a time!

Now...on to the light hearted before I cry AGAIN....

Top 5 cold/allergy/sinus comforts:

1. Grilled cheese and cherry lemon slush from Sonic.
2. Polor Express on loop on the DVD player (no matter what time of year)
3. Humidifier
4. Kleenex
5. Clean sheets- I have to have clean sheets when I am sick... it's a must
6. Theraflu (okay so that makes 6...oh well).

Friends, please say a prayer for my little friend tonight. Jesus knows!

Rainy day

I can sum up my weekend with four simple words:

1. sleep
2. work
3. movies
4. rain

It's one of those weekends where I've barely left my pj's, haven't even thought about make up, my drink of choice is theraflu, and I'm watching all my favorite movies.

I did somehow manage to clean most of my house and get my fall decore put out. And I got most of my planning done for the week.

This weekend I watched Polar Express on loop all night long, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, A Christmas Story (3 times) and now I'm watching Elf. I dont know what the deal is with the Christmas movies. Perhaps it's the cold rainy weather. I dont know. I love Christmas movies!

So that's it...my exciting life.

Kids say and draw the funniest things...

Drawn by one of my kiddos...how cute is this???

This is a picture of a cat for me. Cute!

This picture is from one of my students currently obsessed with whales. She says she drew it freehand, but I saw her trace it. :)

This one totally made my day. :o)

Okay before I begin this blog...I am SO NOT GOOD with formatting blogging stuff. I wanted my pictures at the END of my blog but I can't seem to make it happen! I need to take a blogging class! So the ABOVE pictures are some my kiddos drew...now...you can proceed to the rest of my blog EVEN THOUGH the pics are NOT where I want them!

So yesterday I was having a pretty crappy day. I woke up in mucho amounts of pain AFTER sleeping 10 hours. It was not pretty. I came in to school to have to deal with an issue that I was not in the mood for....so...I was cranky. Yep, Miss Netteler was CRANKY!

I have a small mailbox in the writing center. My kiddos can write me notes during free time. So yesterday, I read the notes...and I have to say...they made me happy. :) I love my kids!

So here is a sample of what I read yesterday to cheer me up (if unclear what the word should be, I put the correct word in parenthesis)

"Dear Mis Nettler I rilly whant to have a clas pet"
"Miss Nettler I am said (sad) now." (which makes ME sad that she's sad!)
"Dear Mr. (yes MR) Netteler, you rock. I say you are the best teacher ever."

"Hey Ms NEtteler, you are the best teacher ever"

"Can I come to your house sometime"

"What is your favorit food."

"We have a mrbte prte" (He means we are having a marble party on Friday)

"I love owre clas."
"Dera M.s Nettler I wan to laren (learn) a bowt wals (whales)"

"You are a very very very nice teacher."
"Daer Miss. Nettler, Did you like my danse at hte foot ball game?"
"Dear Mrs. Nettler you are a grat techer. I want to now (know) do you go to god fathers?"
"You are the best techer."

"Dear Ms Nettler do you lick (like) my pitcher I wen to larn a bowt walse (whales)"

"Dear Mis Nettler you are a grate techer you are asume (awesome)."
"Dear Ms. Netteler you are the best teacher ever."
"You are the nicest 2nd grade teacher."

"I like you." (this one made me laugh A LOT)

"I like you, you are nice." (and this included an adorable picture of me and her)
"Dear Mrs. Nettler the rain was weird at the football game rite?"

Obviously we need to work on things like...SPELLING MY NAME RIGHT! But otherwise, these are good for a laugh!

Ho Hum...

One thing I have learned in life is that God does not follow my plans very well.

Okay, well...I'm kinda glad b/c HE DOES know a lot more than me! I'd have screwed things up for sure if it were up to me.

Change in the air...

Well, normally I do not blog about serious stuff. I like to keep things light and funny. But tonight, my heart is heavy. There's a change a comin'. Tonight, I'm being totally transparent. I've been wrestling in my spirit over where the next phase of my life will be. Let me share first my devotional the other night. This is out of the book "My Utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers.

Title: Called By God
Scripture Reference: "I heard the voice of the Lord, saying; 'Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?' Then I said, 'Here I am! Send me'" Isaiah 6:8
Synopsis: Isaiah overheard God saying "who will go for us?" The call of God is not just for a few, it's for everyone, but not everyone has the "spiritual ears" to hear it.

(Quoted from the book) "Remove the thought from your mind of expecting God to come to force you or plead with you. When our Lord called His disciples, He did it without irresistable pressure from the outside. The quiet, yet passionate insistence of "Follow Me" was spoken to men whose every sense was receptive (Matthew 4:19). If we allow the Holy Spirit to bring us face to face with God, we too will hear what Isaiah heard- "The voice of the Lord." In perfect freedom we too will say, "Here I am! Send me."

I've been undergoing a spiritual battle of sorts...where is the next step? Where is God sending me? I am spiritually restless right now. I almost feel like a wanderer. I am, for the first time in my life, not involved in a church (though I faithfully attend and love my church). My ministry is in the classroom and I believe will continue to be, but there is something else that God is calling me to. Tonight, something I had already been feeling as a possible next step was confirmed. Events over the last year or so are starting to make sense and pieces coming together. I can no longer fight it.

Right now all I can do is rest in the arms of my precious Savior and say "Here am I! Send me."

And I'll just end with this, if what I am feeling is what God is going to do, well...all I can say is NEVER say NEVER! ;o) (and no, I'm not referring to Justin Bieber!)

I need patio furniture....

I'm sitting on my deck doing my nightly relaxation ritual with the animals. I'm also lesson planning, because a teacher never stops working. Milo is entertaining himself by dropping his ball off the deck and then running below it and getting it. It's pretty humorous to watch. Braxton is chasing bugs as usual. And Sammy is in time out in the house b/c he ran off again (which he ALWAYS does). Actually last night he climbed hte fence so I dont know why I even let him out.

I'm sitting on my rump on the hard wood of the deck. Next year, I'm so buying patio furniture! THis is not comfy to say the least.

Today I had to compete with an arachnid. My students know what that is because we just learned about them last week. Yep, I had an 8 legged critter on my ceiling all morning. I've learned, the hard way, that that arachnids will get the full attention of 20 7 and 8 year olds long before the teacher will. UGH. So I was cool with the arachnid on teh ceiling. It disappeared about halfway through the day and I was fine with that. Out of sight, out of mind.
After school, I had planning with the other teachers. I got back to my room about 6 pm. I had a tshirt lying on my desk. I lifted it up...and BAM there's the arachnid! I literally SCREAMED. I mean...LOUD. The funny thing is, I even joked with a couple of kids about how that spider was probably in their backpacks. Lo and behold, it was under my tshirt. LOVELY!

It's dead now.

OF course two weeks ago, I found a toad in my classroom. If I had kept the toad like my kids begged me to do, the spider would not have been an issue. Maybe I should find a toad to keep the arachnids at bay.

Speaking of bay....I REALLY miss the show Switched At Birth (if you dont know why bay reminds me of that, then you dont watch the show). I hope it comes back on next season. I always get in to shows that never air again after one season. It was actually a really good, mostly family friendly show.

Well, I got nothing else ror the night. OH WAIT YES I DO! ...speaking of arachnids! Last night I had a dream that I was covered in spider webs and spiders. I woke up and JUMPED out of bed and threw my covers off. I'm pretty sure I screamed. I think freaking my kiddos out last week with the spiders is coming back to haunt me.

Well, g'night folks.

On a roll...

I'm on a roll. I am going to write about pretty much nothing for the 3rd night in a row. I know that makes everyone extremely happy.

I learned a random fact today. Here it is. Are you ready?

Women blink twice as much as men.

Don't you feel more educated now? I sure did. I learned that at the chiropractor's office. I actually learned a lot of useless info, but that's the only one I can remember now.

I had a training today that took me out of class for half a day. Oh.my.goodness! I was SO sad to leave my kiddos! I had a couple in tears! I'm like...I'LL BE BACK TOMORROW!!! It made me happy that they love me so much (and I love them) AND the sub said they did fantastic! (which I knew they would b/c they're awesome!). Seriously...I am so blessed...these kids are awesome.

I've started something new the last couple of weeks. When I get home from school, instead of going right to more work or just vegging in the recliner, I go outside and sit on the deck. I let the animals out and watch the cats chase bugs and I play fetch with Milo. I'll bring my dinner out there and eat or even grade papers or lesson plan. This has seriously reduced my stress level TONS! I may come in and go right to work, but I am much less stressed. Yes, it takes time out of my evening, but it's so worth it. Plus, it's good for the animals to get out and play and run. Now, if I could just figure out where the mooing is coming from! There have got to be cows somewhere close by, but I can't figure out where they would be!

I think I'll close today's blog with a Marti's Top 5. Back in the Xanga days, I would do a Marti's Top 5 about once a week. It would vary week to week what that top five category would be Time to get back in that habit. So here it is:

Marti's Top 5 Movie Picks-

These are movies I could watch over and over and never get tired of.

1. Anne of Green Gables

2. 13 Going on 30

3. Parent Trap

4. Beauty and the Beast

5. Home Alone

More than you ever wanted to know about Marti...

Here's the dealio folks.... 25 random things about me. Enjoy :)

1. I love the taste of Theraflu. I wish I could find something that tastes like it without the medicinal effects. I'm a closet Theraflu junkie.
2. I love my cats more than most people.
3. I sucked my thumb until I was a teenager. Sometimes, when I'm really, really sick, I wake up sucking my thumb without even realizing it.
4. I am deathly afraid of all natural disasters, to the point of near hysteria. I'm much better than I used to be though.
5. I am addicted to Febreze. At one time I owned 18 cans.
6. I am a ridiculously fast reader if I am reading something that interest me. I can sit down and read a fiction book 400 or more pages in a day. The problem is that I read so fast, I dont remember most of it two days later.
7. I dream in color...often action type movies.
8. I hated my job last year and prayed that it would be better this year. If this year had gone like last year, it was going to be my last year. Thankfully, this year is so much better and I LOVE my job!
9. I have a very hard time letting people go that I love, even when they do not reciprocate. I'm a bit too forgiving.
10. I was made fun of more than most people (including my family) realize when I was a kid. Kids were cruel. It is my mission as a teacher to make sure none of my students are ever made fun of.
11. A pet peeve of mine is repetitive noises. DRIVES.ME.CRAZY
12. Another pet peeve is stupid girls who fall in love every other day with different guys (all losers) and then whine and boohoo about how they're fat, ugly, not good enough, or the guy is a loser, blah blah blah and then they turn to God for a millisecond until another loser comes along and the the cycle starts again.
13. I live in pain 24/7.
14. I still dream of being in full time ministry someday.
15. I want to be a college professor when I grow up.
16. I have no desire to birth my own children...adoption all the way!
17. I own more blankets than any single person should own.
18. I developed carpal tunnel from sleeping with clenched fists. When I'm stressed I have to sleep with wrist guards to stop from doing this.
19. I love my family more than anything in the world, even my cats!
20. If a great guy came along, but didnt like cats or was deathly allergic, I would not date him.
21. My dream is to be proposed to at a St Louis Cardinals baseball game.
22. I want to own a home and have every room decorated in a different decade style of furnishings.
23. I can't pee in the middle of the night in the dark. I have to have a light on. I was scarred by a movie when I was a kid and even though I know nothing will get me, I still have to have the light on.
24. I drink pickle juice out of a glass.
25. I would like to learn how to play the bassoon and oboe.

Most of you are now saying...WOW...Marti needs psychiatric help! :) That's okay! I love me just the way I am!

Football and randomness

So I have made the decision that I need to start blogging again...regularly. I was reading some of my earlier blogs (from myspace over 2 years ago) and I loved blogging then...I need to get in the habit again. So here goes...

LIFE....

Friday night I took Excedrin PM for the first time ever and I've been suffering ever since. I have had CRAZY ridiculous dreams for 3 nights now. I hope tonight I can sleep without insanity going on in my subconscious.

There is an all day marathon of Dr Quinn Medicine Woman on GMC today. I have been watching it on and off all day. I love this show and I'm still going to marry Sully someday. Who cares if he's married,, has 4 kids and old now.

Friday night I went to a Nixa football game. It was entertaining. I am such a people watcher...always have been, always will be. I noted a few things of interest (to me).

1. The only thing that has changed since I was in school 13 years ago...the teenagers wear less and they have cell phones.
2. The difference between Sikeston and Nixa is that in Nixa you dont have small girls dressed ridiculously like cheerleaders dreaming of the only thing in life they think they can be (a Sikeston cheerleader). It was kinda refreshing.
3. I will never understand women who wear short skirts and high heels to football games (or any sporting event for that matter).
4. I loved watching the game!
5. Nixa takes band so much more seriously than Sikeston did. They have an awesome band and you can tell the kids really enjoy it.
6. It was cool going to the game as the teacher this time. It's like you're a celebrity when kids see you. I love the sense of belonging to my community as well. I saw a plethora of people I knew and I'm just part of the community. I haven't felt htat way since high school. It's nice.

So that's about it. Nothing exciting in my life to speak of. Just another day in the life...

Mountaintop Experience

Standing on top of a mountain, 5000 ft above sea level. Yep, I climbed it!

Standing on a cliff overlooking a glacier lake. This is the lake in the first picture, but we're not nearly as high up.

The second largest waterfall in Ireland

Often in my life, as a Christian, I have heard the phrase "the mountain top experience." OF course it refers to the times in life when everything is going great and you have no real problems to speak of and you are closest to God.

Tonight, I lived it. That phrase will NEVER hold the same meaning again. I climbed the mountain friends!

Tonight, about half our group went on a drive. OUr driver, Ken, is a native and grew up hiking and camping in these mountains so we went well beyond the tourist areas of Ireland. We saw IRELAND. The drive through the mountain roads was windy and fun with Ken driving. The roads are one lane, but two way. HA. Ken's philosophy is that our van is bigger so we dont slow down. It made for a fun drive.

Our first stop was at a waterfall. It was absolutely breathtaking. From the waterfall, we could see the pass between two mountains with fog and clouds between. The waterfall was just something you dream of. After that we continued to drive through the mountains on these roads that are built over peat. The heather right now is not in full bloom but starting to bloom so you can see tufts of purple here and there. IN a month the mountains will be solid purple. We saw sheep grazing and wild deer.

Our second stop was the second largest waterfall in Ireland. It was unreal. I got a great shot of the waterfall with the sun shining above. There were lots of sheep.

The next stop we made was on this beautiful cliff overlooking the Guiness estate. They are the ones that own the Guiness beer. There was a glacier lake at the bottom. There are plaques along the cliff where people have fallen off and died. It was absolutely breathtaking.

The last stop was the best. We stopped at the base of a mountain. Blake pointed to the top and showed us a rock. You could barely see it. He said that was our destination (he had gone yesterday). I thought there is NO WAY I could get up there. My plan was to go about halfway up and enjoy it then head back down.

OMG it was the hardest physical thing I've done. It's obvious I'm not in shape and I've never climbed a mountain. I got about 1/4 of the way up and when I looked up, I thought there is no possible way I can do this, but I kept going. I got about 1/2 way up and stopped to take a breather. The air is thinner and it's not easy. I looked up again at that rock and thought...there was no way. But one step became two, two became three, and before I knew it, I was about 3/4 of the way. That's when I got my energy and completed. I stood 5000 feet above sea level and saw what there are simply NO WORDS could describe. I climbed the mountain. It was one of those moments where you can't help but cry. Blake, Daragh, Tabi and I were the only ones that climbed it and we held hands and prayed together at the top. It was a moment I felt so close to God (maybe b/c I was higher up! ha!)

I just had that revelation...THIS is the mountain top experience. I looked down in the valley below and thought about how far I came and how incredibly difficult it was to get there...but I did it! I DID IT! I climbed the mountain. I feel like I can conquer the world now! With God's help, I can do anything! Then looking down below, the tents that we had been parked next to were almost out of view and I felt so incredibly small and in awe of God's incredible creation. I could see the Irish Sea that I visited two days before. That looked huge but from the mountain it looked so small. WOW. God is so good.

I dont know what I've done to deserve this opportunity, but I am so thankful that God chose to bless me. My life will never be the same. I am so humble and thankful to God for allowing me to experience this.

Ireland- Day 4 & 5

Last night was a fun experience. Me, Jacquee and Blake went to a couple from the churches house for tea and devotions. I had my first real Irish scone (which was incredible) and two huge mugs of Irish tea...my new addiction. We shared an amazing time of testimonies about what God has done in our lives. It was a wonderful experience. I felt like the couple, Jon & Marie, were old friends by the end of the evening. A lady named Helen was also there, and the man that drove us there, Sean (which everyone is named Sean!)

After all that tea I COULD NOT SLEEP. We'll just say that us 3 girls in our room (Rachel & Rae) were up for late and EVERYTHING was funny! I finally got to sleep around 3 am. I woke up around 6 am, took a shower and then Blake and I took a walk all over Newbridge and took lots of pictures. It was very relaxing.

I thought the walk would help, but I'm not sure that it did. My back was hurting pretty badly. The combination of little sleep, a thin mattress on a hard floor, standing on hard floors and climbing a million stairs got to me. I went to the Kids Camp and after about 30 minutes realized I couldn't handle it. I went back and laid down for a couple of hours and slept. I woke up feeling more refreshed but i am still hurting.

After camp, lunch, and stuff we headed down to the Irish Sea. IT was the most amazing thing I've ever seen. I dont think you can even begin to explain the beauty. It was simply breathtaking and made me icnredibly thankful to be here on this trip. I absolutely loved it!

We also got a chance to eat real authentic fish and chips with salt and vinegar and garlic mayonaise. It was AMAZING.

All in all, probably one of hte best evenings of my life! Thank you Lord for allowing me to do this!

Ireland- Day 2

I feel like I am finally getting over jet lag. I stayed up super late last night and woke up early this morning, but survived via a mid day "rest" (aka a nap!). We hit the road running at Kids Camp this morning! It went grand! I helped in the craft area so I was able to interact with all 90 kids there. I enjoyed getting to know them all. All day I kept hearing "Miss Marti!!!" It was so much fun!

I've been working on administrative for a good part of the day. It's a good thing I love that stuff! :)

I definitely had the best 4th of July, even without fireworks! There is a lady in the church who is American but has been in Ireland for 13 years. She cooked us up an amazing American meal including burgers, brats, chicken, baked beans, potato salad, cole slaw, macaroni and cheese, watermelon, brownies and apple pie! They decorated the eating area with American flags, we had American flag napkins and table cloths. It was so touching that they did that for us! It made me teary eyed! I'm so proud to be an American and so blessed to be in Ireland during my countries birthday!

This evening we all sat around talking and laughing and being silly. The team I am with is awesome. We all fit so well together. Being the outsider in the group, I was a bit anxious about that, but it's been wonderful.

I'm looking forward to Kids Camp day 2 tomorrow!

The Green Isle- Days 1 & 2

I'm determined to blog this trip as I go so I don't intend to do it later and then do not do it. I've been here just over a day and already experienced so much!

I left Nixa on Thursday and drove 4 hours to Sikeston. I spent the evening there. I was so anxious I only slept a few hours Thursday night. Friday morning I got up early and my parents and I drove to St Louis to the airport. I flew out at 2:35. I flew in to LaGuardia Airport there. I had 3 hours to get my luggage and get across town to JFK airport to fly out. Thankfully a good friend picked me up and drove me across. I got to JFK and made it through everything with 2 hours to spare! My flight flew out at 9:5o pm. I took a melatonin in hopes of sleeping but...it didnt work! I was up almost the entire 7 hour flight. It was a great flight though. I sat between two young single girls and enjoyed talking to them. I arrived in Dublin at 9 am (Dublin time).

After we got to the airport, I was gross and smelly so I freshened up and had to wait over 2 hours for the next team to fly in. When they got here they had to get luggage and freshen up so it was another hour after they arrived. We loaded up and took a double decker bus to downtown Dublin. We then WALKED all over Dublin for what seemed like forever (several hours). We pretty much saw every historical thing in Dublin on foot in a about 5 hours. At the end of the day we were so exhausted we had no interest in seeing anything else. It was so beautiful and so exhausting. We came to the church in Newburg (about an hour away) and had dinner and finally went to bed around 11 pm. LOOOOOOONG days!

Today (Sunday) we started off with church. I spent worship in the first service and then helped teach a 6-7 year old Sunday school class. I had 4 very energitic Nigerian boys. they were fun! After that I went to worship and preaching in second service. It was neat b/c I sat with a Nigerian, a Portuguese man and an Indian man. The diversity is fascinating. They have 21 nations represented in their church. It was incredible to worship with so many different people all worshiping the same God. I love being a part of the body of Christ. Being in another country also helps put things in your own life in perspective. I am so small compared to how incredibly big this world is!

They have made all of our meals here and they cook AMAZING food! After church I took a 20 minute nap and then had lunch with the teenagers. They are hilarious...very much like American teens. We then got to working on setting up for VBS. So here it is...about 10 pm (Ireland time) and we just finished. Tomorrow is our first day of VBS.

I have to admit my favorite thing so far has been the kiddos I've been able to hang out with. Yesterday I had 2 little buddies and today I have 5. One of them has been begging for me to be her team leader at VBS but I'm working with the little ones (5-6 yr olds). She saves a seat for me every meal and loves to help. Her name is Nief (I think that's how you spell it). Her cousin Courtney and her brother Matt are my other buddies. Today I met Veronica and Alicia. They are Philipino and just as sweet as they can be. I can't post pictures online but I got some good ones. Precious precious kiddos. Of course, in Cambodia they always teased me (in a good way) about how the kids just flock to me...and it's the same way here...and I LOVE it! I'm a kid magnet, what can I say. ;o)

So that's been my first two days! I've bonded well with the team for Oklahoma and they are already telling me I have to come visit when the trip is over. I have definitely met some kindred spirits.

I can't wait to meet all of the kids tomorrow!

Kindred Spirits

I have had many friends in life. I am a very social person and have many friends. Growing up in a small town, I had lots of friends...even those I considered my best friends; however, it wasn't until college that I found my first (in the words of Anne of Green Gables) bosom friend or kindred spirit. Christina and I hit it off immediately my freshman year at CBC. We both weathered a lot individually and together during our time at CBC. She was definitely an answered prayer to me during my time in college. I was honored to stand as her maid of honor at her wedding. After her wedding she moved away to Michigan, but then came back to Springfield for a couple of years. We worked together during that time and caused much mischief at good ole HQ. We also went through some difficult times. She was there for me when I had a broken heart. I was there when she lost her brother.

When she moved back to Michigan I took my first flight by myself and had a wonderful time visiting her. Two years ago I drove to visit her in Kansas and I had the opportunity to do so again this past weekend.

What I love about my bosom friend is that even though we both have taken different paths in life, we live 6 hours apart, we have different friends, careers, etc...when we see each other for the first time in a couple of years and hug...it's as if no time has passed and nothing has changed. We can reminisce about the past, but live in the today and dream of the future.

All that to say, I had a wonderful weekend in Kansas visiting my BFF. I am so blessed to have Christina in my life. She has been the best of friends through the good and the bad. I dont know what I would have done without her. I am so thankful that God brought us together as friends! I have had many friends come and go throughout my life, but the true ones remain and you continue to grow as friends, even though distance and circumstances in life may separate you.

I love the Gale family!

When I graduated from CBC in 2002, I felt God leading me to a new church. Some dear friends were attending Evangel Temple and they recommended I check it out. I wen tot Sunday school and that particular week, Jennifer Gale, the associate pastor, was speaking. She hooked me. Having gone through Bible college and having a desire to enter into ministry myself as a single female, we had an instance kinship. We struck an immediate friendship. At the time, she was pregnant with her 2nd child, Nathaniel. Jennifer quickly became a mentor to me as well. We began going out every Monday night visiting guests that had come to church. I was an appointed Missionary Associate to Inner city St Louis, but when my assignment fell through, I became a M.A. to Evangel Temple for a year working with her. After that year I was hired part time to work at the church to work in the Christian Education dept and I continued to work closely with her. Some of my most wonderful memories come from my time working with her and our Monday night times visiting. When I left Evangel Temple in 2009 my biggest internal struggle was leaving her family there because I hated the idea of not going to church with them. Even though we didnt see each other as often or talk as often, we still maintained a close friendship. Those early years out of CBC were a very difficult time for me. I was completely stuck and struggled with a bit of depression trying to find myself as a fresh college graduate and finding my purpose in life. Jennifer and Greg were always there for me. They took me in during holidays when I couldn't make it home, she let me cry on her shoulder over a broken heart and was always there when I needed her. She let me play a huge role in her children's life. I have watched her kids grown and blossom and love them like I love my own nieces and nephews. They're my babies! It's hard to put into words how much she has meant to me over the years and how much her family has meant to me. I just get jumbled up thinking of all of the memories we've shared over the last 9 years. It's almost impossible to put into words the profound impact she and her family have had on my life. When I decided to go back to school in 2007 to become a teacher she was my biggest fan. Her love and prayers have helped me to become who I am. She has seen me through the best times and the worst times. I am going to miss our conversations around the island in her kitchen with Victoria climbing all over me and spilling food on me and the boys fighting over the TV in the next room. :o) I am so thankful I got to spend this Easter with them. I'll always remember hunting eggs in the rain with them! I'll miss Victoria running and jumping into my arms when she sees me. I'll miss chasing Isaac and giving him kisses. He still loves that! I'll miss snuggling with the boys and their big blue blanket at Christmas and watching Polar Express. I'll miss our summer Pineapple Whip dates. I'll miss trips to the park and fun times at their house playing snow ball fight with paper wads, hide and seek and just hanging out.

I am also going to miss Greg always being my "car guy." I've bought three cars from him and he's always taken care of me and the issues I've had with my car. Of course...I'll miss him also...not just b/c of my car!

Yesterday I said goodbye to her as she enters a new stage of ministry and moves on to Pennsylvania. I am overjoyed at this amazing opportunity she has. I believe God is going to bless her and her family in ways she can never comprehend. That said, I have to be a bit selfish. I am going to miss her so incredibly much. I am going to miss those kids more than I can even begin to think about. I have yet to be able to think about them leaving without bursting out in tears! Jennifer has been my pastor, my mentor, a sister, and one of my dearest friends. I know she'll always be a phone call away, but it will never be the same. I love you all Gale family!

Marti Jo

Father's Day

http://animoto.com/play/NSW0hDIDUGLFbBaDCN1vjg

I hear people say they have the best dads, but I gotta say....I got 'em all beat. I really do have the best. He is the most loving, caring and self sacrificing man I know. What man would drive 4 hours to watch his daughter conduct a 2 minute band piece at her senior concert just to turn around and drive 4 hours back? What dad shows up at midnight (from 4 hours away) to help you paint your new house and move in to it the next day? What Dad shows up on New Years Day because he knows that his daughter is having a rough time and simply needed a hug? What dad is always there with open arms (and wallet when necessary) when any of his girls need it? I have seen my dad go without just to help his kids and grandkids to have a better life. What man gives to missions sacrificially both in time, body and finances giving of himself in both Mexico and with women in prison in West Virginia? What man drives the bus every week without fail to pick up kids to take them to church? What man loves his wife with all of his heart and has been married to her for 41 years always doing his best (and she as well) to have a happy marriage? What man has loved all 3 daughters through heart breaks and not killed jerks he really wanted to? :o) What man loves his grandcats and granddogs just as much? ;o)

My dad has believed in me when I didnt believe in myself. He has encouraged me to follow my dreams. He has encouraged me to pursue my missions dreams even when it meant going to a country he fought a horrrible war in. He has gone to every concert he possibly could that I've ever had from 6th grade until now...even when it meant missing work or driving to Springfield. He took me to church every week as a child even when I didnt want to go. Every Sunday as a child we would eat at Long John Silvers and every Wednesday night we had malts from Baskin Robbins. He lives a life that I can model. No, he's not perfect...he has his weaknesses and has made his mistakes, but he learns from those and encourages his family to learn from them also.

So as you can see, my dad is the best. Hands down....


Happy Father's Day Daddy! I love you!

Summer time!

It's SUMMER! I've not had the opportunity to NOT WORK since high school (a LONG time ago!). I saw myself sleeping in and staying up late but let me tell ya...that's not been the case! I spent the week after school with my family in Sikeston. It was one of the best trips home I've had. I spent a great week with my whole family. No sleeping in with a wired 3 year old waking me up! Loved it! I made a HUGE decision to get my first (and ONLY) tattoo! Thanks to my nephew Corey who did it for me.

There's a story of a man walking along the beach covered in starfish. He picks one up at a time and throws it in the ocean. Someone says to him why are you doing this, there are so many you can't save them all. He picks up a starfish and throws it back in the ocean and says "But I saved this one." A few years ago I worked at a camp for abused kids and foster kids. That was their philosophy. We can't save them all, but we can save one. I have adopted that philosophy in my life working with kids in teaching, babysitting and children's ministry. I have always said if I ever got a tattoo, it would be a starfish...and that is what I got. Let me tell you...IT HURT!!! (and still hurts!) but I am happy with it. I had such a great time with my family. I am so blessed to have such a close knit family! Every time I leave them my heart is stretched from one side of the state to the other.

My friend and I got season passes for White Water and Silver Dollar City....so we've been going as much as possible. That's been a lot of fun.

I am going to visit my bestest friend Christina in a little over a week. I can't wait. God has blessed me with her and she is amazing. We have been through so much together and when we see each other about once a year it's as if no time has passed.

Ireland is rapidly approaching! I'll be flying out on July 1st. I'm still short on funds so praying that the last $300 comes in very soon. I have a crazy flight itinerary also. I'm flying from STL to La Guardia in NYC and hten have to get a bus and fly out of JFK in NYC. Should be...exciting! I am working on organzing a tea for girls age 12-15 while in Ireland. I will be speaking on purity and modesty. I have to say I freaked out at first but now that I am getting things organized and brainstorming...I am pumped! I've also had the opportunity to get to know a couple of my teammates through Facebook since they are in other parts of the US. I'm getting very excited! It's the first time I've travelled with adults and not college students....I'm looking forward to it!

When I get back from Ireland, I'm hopefully taking a trip to Illinois to visit friends up that way. Then....Aug 1 I start back to work. When I look at my calendar...summer is already almost over. I have a lot to do before school starts in preparation for school so I have to squeeze that in. I could get used to not working and just travelling! I need a job like Samantha Brown on the Travel Channel!

In my spare time...I'm also CLEANING! I also want to refinish my dressers..but not sure I'm going to be squeeze that in this summer. I've never done that and I'm not sure I'm ready to undertake that project. ha :o)

Well...that's it! Until next time...

Chug Chug Chug

I cannot believe that we only have 9 1/2 (school) days left! This year has flown by. I was advised to journal my first year as I went but I just haven't been able to find time and now that it's nearly over, I can't even begin to remember everything. It has been a year of growing, stretching, blood, sweat and tears. WHile there are days that I thought "what in the world...." I am so thankful and blessed for this year. I am VERY excited for this summer and the adventures that I am going to be taking apart of and I am even more eager to begin next year, from scratch...fresh...new...and from the very beginning!

I am still raising money for my trip. My time restrictions have limited my fund raising efforts. To date I have $600 and I need about $2000. Every time I pray and ask God if He is wanting me to go and it's His will, a donation comes in as affirmation. I am excited for what God is going to do in me and through me this summer both here in Nixa, MO and in Ireland!

I have been working 12-14 hours a day for the last week and it look slike the next week will be similar. I'm tired and ready for summer...

G'night!

Donation information

If you are interested in receiving a paper or digital copy of my support letter, please shoot me an email at missmarti79@gmail.com Payments can be mailed to: Europe's Children 2012 S Stewart Springfield, MO 65804 For more information on the organization I am going with, you can go to europeschildren.org Please mark Marti Netteler on the memo line of your check or include it with your check so the funds are sure to go to me. :o) All donations are tax deductible.

After a war with my printer that lasted a couple of weeks...I have been victorious and am currently in the process of printing support letters for my trip to Ireland!!! It's about TIME!!! Time is going entirely too fast and I have entirely too much to do! Coming soon to a mailbox near you.... a letter pleading for financial assistance! ha :o) I LOATHE raising money but it's a necessary evil in the world of missions. Money makes the world go 'round! I still can't believe summer is coming so quickly! I am going to miss my students so much but I am so excited for a respite! I never realized how much needed the summer was to a teacher! I m still tossing around the idea of some sort of part time job. It would be best and help get the money I need for this trip. I've got some potential opportunities headed my way...we'll see what happens! In the mean time, I am staying busy with school. It's crazy how quickly you can get behind on things. My house is a disaster, I've got dust bunnies breeding faster than real bunnies, I've got papers piled up that need to be graded, I have a dirty bathroom, a litter box that needs to be cleaned out desperately and the never ending mountain of laundry that I am bound and determined to someday conquer. I have NO CLUE how people with families are able to keep up with laundry when I as a single person cannot! Oh...and I also have a jungle in my front and back yard! ACK!!! Yesterday I went to a ball game with a couple of friends. It was my first ball game of the season and a nice relaxing time. Enjoyed the game then dinner at Springfield Brew Co (yummy!). It was a nice respite in a busy season. I anticipate many Springfield Cardinals games in my near future. If you dont eat at the stadium and park where you have pay (which is pretty easy) you can get away with spending $6-$9 for a great day of baseball. Well that's all the updating I have at this time...nothing major but I am trying to get in the blogging habit! Have a great week friends!

So much going on!

First of all...I wish I was a high tech blogger and could figure out how to do all the cool fancy stuff I see on other blogs. My blog feels so naked! If anyone is a blogging guru and could help me dress things up a bit, I'd appreciate that! WOW...SIX MONTHS have passed since my last blog. Blogging is kind of like writing in a diary. I just dont do it enough. Plus I don't think my audience is very large...so thanks to the 3 people who read this! :) There is only one word to sum up the last 6 months of my life: CRAZY! There have been definite ups and downs. Teaching in some ways is way more than I bargained for but it's also way more than I could have dreamed. Even on the days when I think WHY IN THE WORLD did I choose to do this, I am still at peace and know this is what God has called me to do! The doors He opened to get me there...wow...I am still in awe! I have always wanted to be able to have time to give to missions. I want to travel to other countries and places within the US and give my talents to help others. While I do not feel a call to full time missions, my heart is definitely in short term. One thing that has always been an obstacle is time off. I can only take so much time off of work to give. When I went in to teaching, I decided I would dedicate a portion of my summer to missions as long as I was able. At this time in my life, I am young, single and able to do that now with the 2 months I have off from teaching. I am so blessed to have that time! And trust me...it's MUCH needed! My dream was to return to Cambodia. I wanted to go so badly. I left a piece of my heart there and I can't even hear the name of hte country without feeling a tinge of love and devotion to that region. Unfortunately, that door closed this summer for me. I was and still am disapointed, but when God closes a door, he opens another one. This summer I will be going to Newbridge, Ireland. I can't imagine two more extreme locations! I will be working with a church there doing VBS. The details are still in the works, but it will be a busy and exciting time working with around 100 kids a day! You sold me at "kids!" So I'm back to blogging! I started this blog to blog about Cambodia two years ago and now I will be updating it to blog about my trip to Ireland. Stay tuned!