Slugs....Snakes...and a whole lot of screaming!

Never a dull moment in the life of Megan....The last few weeks have been incredibly busy and a little bit stressful but more than that my house has been full of things that start with "s"!!!

First "s" is Slugs...that is right....SLUGS!!!! Our bathroom sink has been leaking a little over the last month or so. We called our land lord and he said he fix it later, and well later came the day I opened the bathroom cabinet and what should I see but SLUGS on the shelf and door! I couldn't believe it...I didn't know what to do except laugh! I told the girls to come see and well there were screams, and "you've got to be kidding" and "what do we do..." So we poured salt over the bottom of the cabinet and the floor, and then duck taped the doors shut...that should stop them..right?

Now on to the second "s"....Snakes...well one snake in particular...we shall name him Eve...cause it could have been a girl, but when I think of snakes I think of the devil...which in turn leads to the first sin...which leads me to Eve....anyways....

Aubrey, Camille and I had gone to dinner while Jennifer stayed home and worked on homework and stuff. So as we pulled into the driveway Camille got out of the car and walked toward the back door..when all the sudden all we heard was screaming. Aubrey and I thought it was a little girl but it was Camille...screaming because of what you might ask...because of a SNAKE..squiggling and hissing at her by the back door! We all screamed and Jennifer came out of the front door and had no idea what was going on and all Camille could get out was sn..sna..snake....as she jumped on the back of the car. Aubrey decided to take on the snake with a stick...until it tried to attack her, in which bravery tuned into fear and running and screaming...so..

I decided to size this thing up and decided that I needed a shovel, so Camille went over to Carmen's house (the only neighbor we know) to ask for a shovel. Once I had shovel in hand..I planned my attack. I tried to move it a little with the shovel and it was definitely playing dead until slowly it started moving its head up a little more and then it happened...it hissed and went to strike at me....which in turn I RAN AND SCREAMED to get out of there. Then Carmen asked what we were after and we said it's a snake...a snake. In turn Carmen yelled to the other neighbors..."guys...there is a snake!" And they came running...at first really fast, then the "barbarian", so we call him slowed down and started more of a prance saying I don't like snakes. But he grabbed the shovel and took charge, got the snake on the shovel and took it to the middle of the road. Then....Killed the snake! But it doesn't end there, because he said..I think it's a baby cotton mouth...WHAT!

So he called over all the other men in the neighborhood and they gathered around comparing notes about poisonous or nonpoisonous snakes..and decided it was just a water snake....

So without further ado....here is Eve...the dead snake and the friendly neighbors:

I'm behind....I know...BUT:

Okay I know it has been a month since I blogged...but honestly it hasn't seemed like a month..WHERE does the time go!!!! The good thing is I have a good memory..so I can recap where most of my time went...

School started...BAM...that should explain everything..right...
But seriously, I thought because these classes would be a semester that I would be more relaxed...WRONG....honestly its not that bad, but I can definitely say I will not be relaxing in the back yard this semester. I like all my classes, there is just a lot of writing and reading for one brain. I think I will be writing a lot of around 250 or more pages worth of papers and reading over 1000 pages(in textbooks) not to mention the 25 chapter books...but nevertheless I will enjoy learning and reading. In fact the last few nights I haven't gone to bed until 12:30ish because I have been reading books that I can't put done!

Another exciting thing that has happened this last month is my Brother (mark) and sister-in-law (Renee) are having a BABY GIRL!!! That makes three girls and one boy(sorry Carden)! They are so excited and so am I, but the pressure is really on now...I'm behind on this whole marriage having kids thing...Oh, well I will have a class of 20 kids next year and that should suffice.

Another great thing that has happened..(lots of great things in this month) HOME BIBLE STUDY! I am so blessed to get to be involved with our Wednesday night home bible study. I enjoy the Collins, Fullertons, Paces, and City's so much. They are such an encouragement to me and to my week. I can't imagine my week without it! (Thanks D.C. for reading this by the way).

And probably the next thing that has happened this month...GLORIANA! We, being the whole house, decided that we needed a night off, so we went to a concert for Gloriana. They are touring with Taylor Swift right now, but on their nights off they do small concerts! They were really good, and I can't wait to see them again in a few weeks..that's right....we are going to a ....

TAYLOR SWIFT CONCERT!!!!! Again the whole house is going..it's kinda a birthday present to ourselves! I am so excited to go! I'll definitely be blogging about that...

Well that's a quick recap of a month...I'll try to do better about blogging more than once a month! Well until next time...hopefully soon...

Nashville ready or not here I come!

This past weekend I decided that I would go to Nashville to visit my brother, sister-in-law, and niece and nephew..plus one of my really good friends, Jodi, was getting married...it seemed to be a great time to go! This was going to be my very first road trip by myself for more than three hours....this was going to take me FIVE! Now for most this doesn't sound like a big feat, but for me to voluntarily get in car and drive on highways and through bigger cities..this was a big deal. I printed off two maps with complete directions, put bottled water in the back seat, an extra umbrella and blanket, and a thing of chocolate chip cookies(for Robert and Amanda but you never know). I watched the weather the week before...it looked like rain going and coming..I really almost called this trip off. But the Lord had other things in mind, it cleared up and I was ready for this trip. I planned out stops along the way, and had checkpoints so I could set small goals for the trip ahead. Well, much to my surprise, my plans worked, I got there in five hours, sun shinning and ready to play!!

When I got Robert and Amanda's house, the twins were sleeping, which gave Amanda and I some quiet time to talk and catch up! She was such a great hostess! When the twins woke up, I went up stairs with Amanda to get them...they looked so confused when they saw me behind Amanda..it was like a "where did you come from" moment. But as soon as I smiled and said..who wants their Nutmeg...they were all giggles and smiles! I loved spending time with them and Robert and Amanda! They have a beautiful house and I am blessed to have a place to stay when I am there!

Also that weekend, I got to see my Uncle Robert and Aunt Lynn, who live down the road from my brother! We visited with them for a little while and Lynn came to church with us Sunday! Speaking of church...that was different. I am glad to see Robert and Amanda making an effort to make the church apart of their lives..especially with trying to get the twins up and ready. They have such good behaving babies..yes I'm bias, but it's true! For being babies they acted more like five year olds!

The other part of my weekend was to go see Jodi and Andy get married! This summer has been the summer of weddings...but I was looking forward to this one! They are such a cute couple and are so in love...She looked stunning! I loved the dress, flowers, candles, and other decor...and Andy looked handsome too! I was so glad I got to go! I saw several of my Harding friends that have graduated and I went to dinner with my friend Claire(Nashville native)...she was my driver for the night!

The rest of my summer "break"

Well, as of Friday I finished my first semester of grad school! I can't believe that I am a third of the way finished! This summer has flown by! Although I don't have class and homework, I do have a graduate assistant job that still has to be done. And well, let's just say what I thought I was getting myself into has changed drastically in the last week or so. The main person I've been working with, the person who answers my questions, just moved positions on campus to another department. I am perfectly fine with that, the problem is that my boss will be out of the country for three weeks and I am now the sole person in the office...fun and scary all at the same time. Anyways, it just shows you that, God has a bigger plan in mind, and that when I think I've got it all figured out...I should probably expect the unexpected. As I sit at my desk, with nothing really to do, I wonder who will be in the office with me, will we get along..you know the normal what ifs in life that all humans wonder. Well, I should probably get "back to work." I just thought I would reflect on life for a few minutes. Hope you have a wonderful week!

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." -Jeremiah 29:11

Next round of Grad classes....fun

So, this week I started my second round of summer classes. I have the same teacher for both classes. One is about some assessments that I get to use on a child for the next two weeks. The other class is Writing Processes and Theories...which to the naked eye would seem pretty boring. Well for the most part it is, don't get me wrong I like the class but four hours about writing gets a little tough to pay attention. One of the things we do in class, that I appreciate is writing. In other words we write in class for around an hour. This is great for me because it gives me time to work on some writing homework in class. One of the other things that I really like is that we only have to write two pieces that we read to the class...what makes this more exciting is that there are no guidelines..we can write about what ever we want and how ever we want. So I thought I would share the first piece I wrote to share....It will give you a little glimpse of what I've been learning or thinking about in grad school.

Women, Cows, and Dogs:
What They Have in Common

I am a people watcher, not in a creepy way but more in a curious way. I am fascinated by people and some of the strange behaviors that many humans share. Being a woman I have observed and experienced several unique behaviors that I believe women share with cows and dogs. Before you freak out and say how dare you compare women to bovine and muts….just listen. I think you will find it quiet interesting how our behaviors really do imitate or correlate with those of cows and dogs.
First, a common behavior that I can say almost all women have participated in at some point in their lives is traveling in groups. For instance, we go shopping with our girlfriends, we have parties with these friends, we talk for hours with these girlfriends, we have sleepovers, and my personal favorite we go to the bathroom in groups. Think about how often do you see a girl go into a bathroom by herself. So now for the enlightening part; let me make the connection between women and cows. Cows travel and live in a herd, they tend to eat together, sleep together, and talk (moo) at each other. I think most firm connection is that, like women, cows use the bathroom together. They don’t mind standing by their friend cow while they take care of their business, in fact most cows do it together. Another major connection between women and cows is the hierarchy they have in place. How often have you driven past a cow pasture and have seen one cow off to the side and another group of cows in a circle. Could it be that that cow betrayed one of the other cows in the herd by stealing the bull from her, or maybe that cow just doesn’t quite fit in with other cows? Sound Familiar? Women, how often do we see a single woman off to the side at a different table and the other women sitting around another table whispering about….who I wonder? Maybe that girl betrayed one of the other girls, or maybe she just doesn’t fit in with the other girls. By now I think you are starting to get the picture; our behaviors are more in common with cows than I think we would like to admit.
While you chew on that, I think move onto the next comparison; women are like dogs. I’ve owned several dogs in my lifetime and have noticed some very strange patterns between women and dogs. For instance, dogs SHED….a lot! Think back on how many times your dad, brother, husband, or even yourself have gone to take a shower and what happens…the drain is clogged. And eventually when someone decides to clean this clogged drain, what typically is the problem but hair. And it’s not just anyone’s hair…it’s yours. I’m always shocked after I groom my dog that he has hair left, and I’m more shocked at how I have hair left after the sink/shower is unclogged, my hairbrush is cleaned and the floors are swept. I honestly can say I’ve come to the conclusion that women must shed more than dogs. My second observation about dogs and women is that there are typically two kinds of dogs… and women. First we have the overactive, never sit still then pass out from exhaustion dog/woman. And second there is the relaxed, just feed me and love me and I will be just fine dog/woman. It has been very rare in my life that I have ever met a woman or dog that has a good balance of those qualities. This previous connection leads me to my last connection between dogs and women. Romance and loyalty. Now that I’ve said these two words, I’m sure you know where I’m going with this. Ladies, how many times have you seen your best friend or even yourself in a relationship with a guy and wonder what she saw in him or watch the guy treat her horribly but she remains loyal because he “loves” her. Should I talk about how the dog remains loyal to its owner and trusts him even if they treat the dog badly? The owner could be the worst owner in the world, yet the dog will love on him and bark his praises because the owner “loves” the dog. I think you get the point.
So, are you still wondering what this crazy people watcher woman is talking about? I hope that you realize that I’m not pointing this out to be funny or mean, but that I am truly fascinated by human behaviors and how much they resemble animals that most consider lunch or a pet. Just remember that not all of us are the same. We, like these animals, are all unique, have different personalities, some have more friends, some come from big families, some don’t know their parents at all, but we are all made by God. You were fearfully and wonderfully made and don’t forget that. Who cares that women have some things in common with cows and dogs. Trust me you don’t want to know which animals I think men are like…


Hope you have a good day!

TEAM VENABLE......You won't know what hit you!

So we (the entire venable family) went to Destin, Florida for my mom's side of the family reunion! We had four houses....with between 7 to 11 people in each house! So let's just say it was a lot of fun! So I am sure you are wondering what this Team Venable stuff is about..well we had shirts made that say Team Venable on the front..sort of like the team edward or team jacob for those that are twilight fans....well we decided to have these little competitions like Top Chef Smores Edition....and Project Runway..Flip Flop edition..and Everhart Trivia Scavenger hunt...and the greatest....Last Comic Standing....Let me just say..TEAM VENABLE DOMINATED!!! Aunt Debbie and I won Everhart Trivia Scavenger hunt....Mark and Robert took second...Renee won Project Runway....Amanda and Dad won Top chef Smore's Edition..and MOM...I mean Nana Niece..won Last Comic Standing...with some of Mrs. Ethel's dirty jokes..props to mom!!! Well, other than that, we spent a lot of time at the beach and being a family! It was really fun to take the twins and Eden to the beach...none of them liked sand...and if they were held..the water was okay! I just got back..but I miss them already! Well..here are some pictures! Enjoy!!

Father's Day

Well I went home this past weekend for Father's day and because I missed my family...I know..I'm a sap.Before I go any farther I feel like I should tell you about my daddy whom I love so much.

My dad is one of my heroes. He shows integrity and sincerity in everything he does and I respect him so much. He loves my mom more than anything and would do anything for her, and I know she would do the same for him. He works so hard, gets up early, stays up late and still can never seem to get everything done that he wishes he could. My dad wants the best for his family and would do anything for us. He goes the extra mile to show us that he loves us and I only wish I did half the things he did so that he would know I love him bunches! I can't imagine the day when I have to say goodbye to my daddy forever and honestly I would rather not think about it, but I do have the comfort in knowing that once he is gone from this life it isn't forever. One day we will meet again in heaven and he will be standing at the gates with his arms open wide and a tear in his eye because he will know that he succeeded in his goal of getting us to heaven! Not a lot of people see my daddy as this big stuffed teddy bear...but he is a sensitive, loving, caring, God fearing man who loves God with all his heart, soul, strength, and mind. I only hope that I grow up to be half the Godly person he is! I love you bunches daddy!

So for father's day we went to Mark and Renee's house..our normal custom on Father's day and grilled out and had a lot of good...yet healthy food. It was a lot of fun to get to see everyone but yet I knew that I had to come back to Searcy...not so much fun...for work.