I get to be married one month from today to my best friend.
I had 100% of my students pass their first TAKS test.
I only have 6 days of work left...until August.
I'm going to see my grandparents whom I haven't seen in half a decade on Friday.
I have a four day weekend in two days.
The Lord has been very faithful and blessed me beyond belief,
and He provides me strength and support when I need it.
I get to share and build my first home with a man who has sacrificed and saved to prepare for his future family.
I have a dog who cracks me up and has gotten over her puppy days and become very loyal.
The traffic has been nothing the last month to and from work (it's like a burden lifted in itself - knock on wood).
And did I mention that in 31 days I get to share with loved ones the simple, beautiful, exactly how I wanted wedding to an incredible man? :)
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
I consider myself cautious...
So this strange phenomenon has happened with me the last several months. I have been in a state of fear whenever I am alone, especially at my house (probably b/c that's the only place I'm really alone). The only other time I have been through this was when I was living in Central Asia leading a mission team and there were no more Americans in the country (because they had all been kicked out) and there were some crazy things going on in the world - so I excuse myself for that one. :) But now, I can't really explain what is going on in my head and why all of a sudden. Sometimes I think it is spiritual warfare, sometimes maybe logical and sometimes maybe I'm just crazy.
I could tell you all the random things that have happened leading up this, such as the night I woke up with a very terrible feeling or the night when someone was held up down the street from me and the victims decided to get my neighbor to call the police...but I don't like thinking about them nor would you probably enjoy reading about them.
But one rainy, flooding day that turned sunny about 2 weeks ago, I kinda had a panic attack. Angela and I were home (b/c it had conveniently flooded that day and I didn't have work) and she was packing up getting ready to leave town. I had a movie on in the living room but was up and about. We thought we heard someone knock on the door, which got our attention. The dogs started barking inside the house. Then I heard the gate open on the side of the house, looked out and it was open. Angela didn't believe me and looked outside and it was closed (about 30 sec later). So we are arguing about whether is was open or closed. Then I hear this scream...so we freak out and RUN to the bathroom frantically (why we went to the one room that had no escape, I don't know), Angela grabs a broom (again, what are we going to do with this broom you ask? I have no idea either), I grab my cell phone and immediately call 911. I think this is the first time that I had ever done that, and the response people are way too calm and ask way too many questions during an emergency! Then they hung up on me! I couldn't believe it! What if I really was in trouble and they hang up on me!? Anyways...so I call Matt, basically hyperventilating with my heart about to pound out of my chest and Angela asks me what the scream sounded like. I demonstrated for her, of course...and she stops and thinks...and says, "Laura, I think that was on the TV". WHAT!?! So we rewind the TV (thank you DVR)...
...and sure enough the scream was from the TV...
...oops.
We just bust out laughing. However, I'm still a little scared because the gate did open and close. But nonetheless, the cops were already on their way. Better safe than sorry. Did I tell the cop that the scream had come from the TV? No. Should I? Maybe, but I still felt like he shouldn't discount us as crazy ladies (ok, really only me, not so much Angela). He came, talked to the neighbors to see if they saw anything and then left. Didn't even check our backyard! Grr. Then Angela left. Leaving me all alone. Not good.
I was still really jumpy, so I left...off into the flooding.
Since then I can't seem to stay in the house by myself alone and the smallest things will freak me out. Weird, I know. But it is kinda funny when Caitlin comes home and we hear something on the front porch so we tip toe to the door to make sure it's not the boogyman.
I don't know if it's this city that scares me. Maybe I watch too much TV and news. Maybe my fear is legitimate. Maybe it's spiritual warfare trying to distract me from something. I don't know...but I really don't like it.
I could tell you all the random things that have happened leading up this, such as the night I woke up with a very terrible feeling or the night when someone was held up down the street from me and the victims decided to get my neighbor to call the police...but I don't like thinking about them nor would you probably enjoy reading about them.
But one rainy, flooding day that turned sunny about 2 weeks ago, I kinda had a panic attack. Angela and I were home (b/c it had conveniently flooded that day and I didn't have work) and she was packing up getting ready to leave town. I had a movie on in the living room but was up and about. We thought we heard someone knock on the door, which got our attention. The dogs started barking inside the house. Then I heard the gate open on the side of the house, looked out and it was open. Angela didn't believe me and looked outside and it was closed (about 30 sec later). So we are arguing about whether is was open or closed. Then I hear this scream...so we freak out and RUN to the bathroom frantically (why we went to the one room that had no escape, I don't know), Angela grabs a broom (again, what are we going to do with this broom you ask? I have no idea either), I grab my cell phone and immediately call 911. I think this is the first time that I had ever done that, and the response people are way too calm and ask way too many questions during an emergency! Then they hung up on me! I couldn't believe it! What if I really was in trouble and they hang up on me!? Anyways...so I call Matt, basically hyperventilating with my heart about to pound out of my chest and Angela asks me what the scream sounded like. I demonstrated for her, of course...and she stops and thinks...and says, "Laura, I think that was on the TV". WHAT!?! So we rewind the TV (thank you DVR)...
...and sure enough the scream was from the TV...
...oops.
We just bust out laughing. However, I'm still a little scared because the gate did open and close. But nonetheless, the cops were already on their way. Better safe than sorry. Did I tell the cop that the scream had come from the TV? No. Should I? Maybe, but I still felt like he shouldn't discount us as crazy ladies (ok, really only me, not so much Angela). He came, talked to the neighbors to see if they saw anything and then left. Didn't even check our backyard! Grr. Then Angela left. Leaving me all alone. Not good.
I was still really jumpy, so I left...off into the flooding.
Since then I can't seem to stay in the house by myself alone and the smallest things will freak me out. Weird, I know. But it is kinda funny when Caitlin comes home and we hear something on the front porch so we tip toe to the door to make sure it's not the boogyman.
I don't know if it's this city that scares me. Maybe I watch too much TV and news. Maybe my fear is legitimate. Maybe it's spiritual warfare trying to distract me from something. I don't know...but I really don't like it.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
my 2009 (thus far)
I realize it's been over 3 months since I last posted. And after several "friendly reminders" - and a day off work due to flooding in the area (no complaints here) :) - here I go...
January 25: I got ENGAGED to an incredible man! You can check out the story at our wedding website http://www.mywedding.com/mattandlaurawedding/. Life has been a lot about planning, preparing and being excited about what's to 
come! :) (as I will try to get better about writing...that maybe all I say about this right now)
As for what's to come, well we have a couple graduations, a few weddings, many trips out of town, showers, and did I mention summer vacation? ...just have to keep you posted (or try). :)
2009 has seemed kinda a whirlwind thus far. That's probably why I've been MIA. So, here is my attempt to catch you up a bit:
January 25: I got ENGAGED to an incredible man! You can check out the story at our wedding website http://www.mywedding.com/mattandlaurawedding/. Life has been a lot about planning, preparing and being excited about what's to 
come! :) (as I will try to get better about writing...that maybe all I say about this right now) February 2: My older sister got engaged! Yep folks - that's 3/4 of the Heine girl's getting married! Crazy? yes. Never anticipated it all happening at the same time, but God works in mysterious ways! My poor mother. And as for Kelsey...well, we have a rule she can't get married for several years to come (sorry fellas!). :)
March 15: Sarah and I headed to Chicago to visit Elise. She lives in the cutest little apartment
while going to law school up there. We did many of the touristy things with a wonderful guide (thanks Elise) and successfully distracted her from school work. Walked up and down Michigan Avenue and got drinks at the top of the John Hancock Center (that was my favorite part). It was cold and windy! And it is a different life taking the subway everywhere you go. No traffic which is a very nice idea! Why doesn't Houston have any kind of system like this?
while going to law school up there. We did many of the touristy things with a wonderful guide (thanks Elise) and successfully distracted her from school work. Walked up and down Michigan Avenue and got drinks at the top of the John Hancock Center (that was my favorite part). It was cold and windy! And it is a different life taking the subway everywhere you go. No traffic which is a very nice idea! Why doesn't Houston have any kind of system like this?
April 10: Cruise with the family. The last Heine girl vacation before our last names become something else. It was a blast. We had never been 
on a vacation like this before with the 5 of us, nor had I been on a cruise at all. We headed to Cozumel...as great and relaxing as it was (yay for inside cabins with no windows or concept of time of day!) I think I might not be the biggest cruise
person, as my favorite day was onshore when we went ATV riding and snorkeling at a private beach with a private guide (b/c everyone else in our group was too tired to go, so Caitlin, Kelsey and I got our own personal 2 guides).
on a vacation like this before with the 5 of us, nor had I been on a cruise at all. We headed to Cozumel...as great and relaxing as it was (yay for inside cabins with no windows or concept of time of day!) I think I might not be the biggest cruise
person, as my favorite day was onshore when we went ATV riding and snorkeling at a private beach with a private guide (b/c everyone else in our group was too tired to go, so Caitlin, Kelsey and I got our own personal 2 guides). April 24: Annual college roommate reunion in San Antonio. This is such a fun time to get 
together from all our different places - from Dallas to Houston to Washington state and married to having babies to becoming 
lawyers - and catch up on life. Though it seems just yesterday, it's amazing to look back and see everything that has happened in our lives. We headed to Sea World and having out at Fiesta and the River walk.
together from all our different places - from Dallas to Houston to Washington state and married to having babies to becoming 
As for what's to come, well we have a couple graduations, a few weddings, many trips out of town, showers, and did I mention summer vacation? ...just have to keep you posted (or try). :)
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Holiday party
Have you ever had to go to an event and have no idea what to wear? Well, this has happened to me a couple times - one in particular this last weekend.
As a teacher, we don't really get work Christmas parties, but thankfully I get to live vicariously through Matt and his work. I've been pretty excited about this for awhile. So, I had Matt forward me the invitation so I could figure out what to wear - a crucial aspect of the evening. Stated on the invite it says:
"Business Holiday Attire"
Now, what in the heck does that mean?!? Well, google didn't know and I didn't know either, so I once again bugged Matt to figure out what his co-workers and their wives were wearing (mistake #1). He came back to tell me "gowns...or dresses". That means fancy, right? I was hoping so, b/c I have this dress I wanted to wear anyways - a red cocktail dress. So I didn't think much more about it (mistake #2). Well, I spend quite a bit of time primping and getting all dolled up before the big night, excited about getting to get all fancy for something. We drive out to the location, for a night of dinner and dancing - even an open bar and live band! (so I thought)
Well...we pull up and guess what I notice...
all the women are wearing pants!!!!
Yes, pants and big embroidered snowmen sweaters! Classic. And here is me with my hair all done up, black heels - and did I mention I'm wearing a bright red cocktail dress?! I was not too happy. I actually really wanted to go home or at least stay in the car for the evening. A nightmare! We went straight to the buffet - and I didn't take my coat off until we sat down, so I could try to disguise my overdressed, embarrassed self. We sat and ate and talked with his friends. I tried to impress as I met his bosses and managers. Though I can't say that I'm good with that. Just smiled and nodded.
Then the music began...played by the DJ - not a live band. Oh well...not a big deal, except for the fact that the DJ was terrible!! I am not exaggerating. He struggled getting and keeping people on the dance floor...even with free alcohol floating around the place. Like, he'd finally get a crowd out there for a song and then would play a completely terrible song like Brittney Spears...so of course everyone would sit down. It was ridiculous. I honestly don't know what was so challenging about the situation for him. Play good songs = People will dance.
There was a couple that came and joined us at the table that nobody really knew. I start talking with another girl at our table who also happened to be a teacher. We are discussing work and some difficulties of our particular schools and so forth, when the man next to me asks what school I teach at. I say it's a small charter school that nobody has heard of, and he pressed the question. Well, guess what...I come to find out that his daughter goes there. I knew he looked familiar! What are the odds? Seriously!? Great.
Oh well...at least there were door prizes. I encouraged Matt to let us stay til the bitter end in hopes that we would win something...we waited...and waited...and waited...there were basically 10% of the people left at the end (b/c the DJ was that bad) so I thought our odds were pretty good. But no. No door prizes for us...and several wasted hours of listening to ridiculous music.
What an evening! Though, I can say that I ended up really having fun and it was amusing at any rate. I enjoyed meeting the people he works with - they were really sweet. It was nice to put faces with names. I'd go again...at least next time I'll have a better idea of what to wear! :)
This is when Matt and I joined Caitlin and Karl for "White Christmas"
This is us at the party. Being all dressed up at least deserved a picture!
As a teacher, we don't really get work Christmas parties, but thankfully I get to live vicariously through Matt and his work. I've been pretty excited about this for awhile. So, I had Matt forward me the invitation so I could figure out what to wear - a crucial aspect of the evening. Stated on the invite it says:
"Business Holiday Attire"
Now, what in the heck does that mean?!? Well, google didn't know and I didn't know either, so I once again bugged Matt to figure out what his co-workers and their wives were wearing (mistake #1). He came back to tell me "gowns...or dresses". That means fancy, right? I was hoping so, b/c I have this dress I wanted to wear anyways - a red cocktail dress. So I didn't think much more about it (mistake #2). Well, I spend quite a bit of time primping and getting all dolled up before the big night, excited about getting to get all fancy for something. We drive out to the location, for a night of dinner and dancing - even an open bar and live band! (so I thought)
Well...we pull up and guess what I notice...
all the women are wearing pants!!!!
Yes, pants and big embroidered snowmen sweaters! Classic. And here is me with my hair all done up, black heels - and did I mention I'm wearing a bright red cocktail dress?! I was not too happy. I actually really wanted to go home or at least stay in the car for the evening. A nightmare! We went straight to the buffet - and I didn't take my coat off until we sat down, so I could try to disguise my overdressed, embarrassed self. We sat and ate and talked with his friends. I tried to impress as I met his bosses and managers. Though I can't say that I'm good with that. Just smiled and nodded.
Then the music began...played by the DJ - not a live band. Oh well...not a big deal, except for the fact that the DJ was terrible!! I am not exaggerating. He struggled getting and keeping people on the dance floor...even with free alcohol floating around the place. Like, he'd finally get a crowd out there for a song and then would play a completely terrible song like Brittney Spears...so of course everyone would sit down. It was ridiculous. I honestly don't know what was so challenging about the situation for him. Play good songs = People will dance.
There was a couple that came and joined us at the table that nobody really knew. I start talking with another girl at our table who also happened to be a teacher. We are discussing work and some difficulties of our particular schools and so forth, when the man next to me asks what school I teach at. I say it's a small charter school that nobody has heard of, and he pressed the question. Well, guess what...I come to find out that his daughter goes there. I knew he looked familiar! What are the odds? Seriously!? Great.
Oh well...at least there were door prizes. I encouraged Matt to let us stay til the bitter end in hopes that we would win something...we waited...and waited...and waited...there were basically 10% of the people left at the end (b/c the DJ was that bad) so I thought our odds were pretty good. But no. No door prizes for us...and several wasted hours of listening to ridiculous music.
What an evening! Though, I can say that I ended up really having fun and it was amusing at any rate. I enjoyed meeting the people he works with - they were really sweet. It was nice to put faces with names. I'd go again...at least next time I'll have a better idea of what to wear! :)
This is when Matt and I joined Caitlin and Karl for "White Christmas"
This is us at the party. Being all dressed up at least deserved a picture!Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Thanksgiving
I went home this past week for more days than I think I've been home in years. It was fun and I got to go shopping with my mom for 2 days straight, and almost have all of my Christmas shopping done (and a few things for myself, oops).
our annual Christmas card picture
the whole family
(literally...this picture contains the entire guest list of Caitlin's side of the family for the wedding)
my grandparents - 50 years later
Monday, November 17, 2008
Bride to Be
My sister, Caitlin and Karl got engaged this weekend! It was so fun to be apart of it. They make an incredible couple and both are very lucky people to find each other. I am excited about having Karl as a brother!
Caitlin getting her Aggie Ring
He did a great job planning the weekend and keeping it a secret for months! Caitlin got her Aggie ring on Friday night, so I came in town with my mom and grandparents. On Saturday she thought we all left to go home and she headed to work. But what she didn't know is that we all stayed behind and Amy and Kelsey surprised her too by coming. He left a note and rose on her car window telling her he wanted to take her to dinner and he'd pick her up at 7. While we waited at his house, he picked her up and took her to the George Bush Library - where we got to watch him propose from a distance. Then he took to back to her house to at least 50 of their friends waiting for their return. Below are a few pictures from the weekend.
Caitlin getting her Aggie Ring
Karl showing us (the sisters) the ring
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