Thigpen Drive

Crasher Doxie

2009-08-23T21:15:00.003-05:00

So, the pups and humans over at Who's Your Dachshund are holding this great contest for all dachshund lovers. You have heard of the Crasher Squirrel, the cute little guy who stole the spotlight from the couple in Canada...well now there is Crasher Doxie. As soon as I saw this...I knew I had to submit an entry. I came up with 2 pretty cute ones I think. Check them out below.

Passport Carrying Citizen

2009-08-08T19:15:00.002-05:00

My passport came in the mail yesterday! It was very exciting...now I can travel about the world at my leisure, ha ha. I was really surprised at the pages inside...they are really pretty...they have lots of different patriotic pictures printed on the pages where they will stamp the Visas...I guess its to remind you to come back, who knows. Anyways...I officially have my passport...Colombia here I come!

A Pretty Little Apron

2009-08-01T23:23:00.002-05:00

The sewing skills are improving...I made this little apron a few days ago. I think it turned out really well for a first attempt. I found this cute apron at lululollylegs, she has posted a great tutorial. I think I used about 1/2 yard or so fabric of the bright floral and about 3/4 yard of the green fabric. Enjoy the pictures and the freakin' hot model at the end! She looks ready to whip up a batch o'something! Ha Ha!

We're Leaving On a Jet Plane....

2009-07-25T15:15:00.004-05:00

...to Colombia. We booked our tickets last night and we will be going to Colombia for Christmas this year. We are really excited. This will be my first time to Colombia and Andres' first time in several years. So, to get in the mood for my future travel plans, I made a passport cover to match my wristlet. I think it turned out super cute and fits just perfect. (That's actually Andres' passport...I have to get mine this week!)

2 Pretty Wristlets

2009-07-25T15:07:00.003-05:00

I found a great tuorial for these cute little wristlets at Javajem Knits blog. It is really easy and didn't take too long. I made 2 yesterday. I need a little improvement in the zipper area but for a 1st attempt, I was pretty satisfied. See how cute.

Doggie Vests

2009-07-25T14:54:00.005-05:00

One of my favorite blogs in Kalyxcornucopia, a daily blog posted by Baxter, the red dachshund and his human. It is really cute and just fun reading. As I was reading one day, I noticed Baxter had a super cute harness/vest and the post said his human made it. I decided to make a few harnesses for my 2 little doxies. I got the pattern from Hancock Fabrics; Kwik Sew 3517. It was super easy and they turned out really cute. I made a few modifications to meet my specific needs. I got some blue herringbone denim and lime green fleece from the remnants bin, a 1/2 yard of nylon webbing, velcro, and a couple of D rings and got to work. See how they turned out.

A New Toy...

2009-07-25T14:47:00.004-05:00

I found myself feeling a little bored this summer and decided I would get a little something to play with to keep my busy. A sewing machine. I am so excited and having a lot of fun. I got a Brother Project Runway Limited Edition from Wal Mart...its a pretty basic machine that has a few bells and whistles. It is really cool. I have my little sewing center all set up in the spare bedroom and am having a ball. Happy Sewing!

Puppy Photo Shoot

2009-07-22T17:56:00.004-05:00

With my dad celebrating his birthday this July, the puppies had a photoshoot for his "homemade" gift. Andres and I took the dogs to a beautiful park here in Tyler and took tons of pictures. My dad and Brenda have just bought a beautiful new house and my dad has his very own "Man Cave". What does every Man Cave need? Puppy dog wall art of course. See the puupy pictures below. Enjoy!

Communication Skills Workshop...oh my!

2009-07-22T17:41:00.002-05:00

This summer, myself and 4 other deaf ed teachers decided to face the challenge of Communication Skills Workshop held yearly at Texas School for the Deaf in Austin. It was an amazing experience but one that did not come completely easy. We spent 5 days fully imersed in a signing environment while attending 21 different classes learning all we could about American Sign Language, deaf culture, vocabulary, and language. I had a blast and can't wait to go back next summer. Super fun!

I am a Master!

2009-07-22T17:36:00.003-05:00

I have officially finished my Master's Degree. I am still in shock...I actaully made it. Who'da thunk it? I finished up this summer and am awaiting my diploma. It seems very strange to not be enrolled in school and worrying about when I am going to do all the assignments I have put off until the last minute. I am so very glad it is done. I feel very accomplished!

Who is a permanent resident?

2009-07-22T17:30:00.003-05:00

Andres is! YAY! Andres offically became a permanent resident of the United States this summer, actually on July 3rd to be exact. As we prepared to go out of town to celebrate America's Independence, Andres celebrated his personal American Independence. It was a great day. Almost a year in the making and the light at the end of the tunnel was finally realized. We are so very blessed and excited!

Worst Blogger Award

2009-07-22T17:23:00.002-05:00

...and the winner is: Lindsey! It has been FOREVER since I posted. It has been busy around here, but that is no excuse. Things are going really good in our little world. Andres and I will celebrate our 1st anniversary on August 16th. I can't believe it! Seems like just yesterday, yet seems like a lifetime ago that we said "I do". I finished my 2nd year of teaching at Clarkston. I just love my job and have so much fun everyday! Andres is still working hard in school at TJC. I am going to be posting several updates today about everything that has transpired since I posted last. Hope you enjoy!

Where Oh Where???

2009-04-13T19:52:00.003-05:00

Sorry I have not posted in a while, things have been pretty busy around here. I have started a new hobby/business venture. I have always loved photography and have always wanted to be a photographer. After feeling the need for a creative outlet, I got a used digitial SLR camera; Canon 20d. I have had a lot of fun already reading and learning and researching and taking pictures of course. I am trying to start my own little photography business and am slowly building a portfolio. Check out my photography blog at http://www.lindseyzeaphotography.blogspot.com/ I am also getting things together to start my website and really advertise my business. Hope you enjoy!

Hmmm...What Next?

2009-03-09T17:11:00.004-05:00

My journey as a graduate student is nearing its end and I will soon hold that diploma in my hot little hands. But the closer it gets to being over, I find myself thinking: "Well, what's next?" I have been pondering this question and know without a doubt that the answer is not "Now get my doctrate!" NO MORE SCHOOL! I was thinking the other day about how I would love to write children's books. I don't know the first thing about writing books or anything about the process it takes to get publihsed but it was a thought I had entertained in my brain and thought to myself: "I am going to look into this more. Later. When school is out, etc, etc."

Well, last week we had the TAKS test going on all over campus and I went into the interpreter's office to visit with Karri after she had finished giving the test. As we were visiting, I went into the closet in that office and found lots and lots of teacher books, old student workbooks, textbooks, and right in the middle of the shelf, right at eye level was a book titled: "How to Write and Illustrate Children's Book and Get Them Published" by: Treld Bicknell. I took it from the shelf and began leafing through it. I couldn't believe I was just thinking about this exact thing and there was a book right there, telling me how to do it...spooky huh?!? Now, the book is old and outdated but it was the sign I needed to know that just maybe I can become a published author...how cool would that be? I took the book back to my classroom and am reading through several of the chapters. Anyways...I think that is my next big goal. I am going to write a children's book. I am currently thinking about what kind of book I want to write. I will keep you updated as I move forward on this new journey.

Sweet Smart Dreams....

2009-02-17T21:51:00.003-06:00

Andres' car finally bit the dust. We had hoped it would hold us through summer but we weren't so lucky. We have been throwing around ideas about what to get next. I have wanted a Smart Car since the first time I saw one. I think they are so cute, and fun, not to mention totally gas efficient. Well, I think that I might get one! I have sweet Smart Car dreams...ha ha. I think Andres is going to keep driving the Altima and I am going to try and find a used or "orphaned" Smart Car. I can't wait! Check that baby out!

Interview Time

2009-02-17T21:37:00.003-06:00

Right after we returned from Austin, we received a notice in the mail from USCIS scheduling our interview. This is another huge step in the process. We will go to Irving on March 12th for our interivew. We will answer questions about ourselves, provide proof and pictures of our life together, etc. It is a nerve wracking thing to think about but we have nothing to hide and are just excited to get going. After our interivew, Andres will get his permant resident status card, yay! One step closer!

On the road to recovery...

2009-02-17T21:12:00.004-06:00

It has been a while since I have updated...there has been a lot going on lately. On January 19th, my beloved doxie Oskar had to have emergency back surgery. We had gone to Austin to visit my dad and Brenda and also to pick up my bridesmaid dress for my friend Rachel's wedding. While we were gone, Oskar started acting like he really didn't feel well. By the time we got home Sunday night, he was very wobbily in his back legs, super lethargic, and hardly able to stand. By the next morning, he was totally down in his back legs. We went into the vet that morning and on directions of the doctor, continued on to Dallas to see a specialist. Dr. Bertrand, in Dallas, agreed that Oskar was an excellent candidate for back surgery to repair his ruptured discs which were pushing on his spinal cord and causing him to lose feeling in his back legs.

Oskar had surgery on Monday and was able to come home on Wednesday. Since he has come home, he is healing really well. As part of his recovery he must stay in a pen during the day, sleep in a crate at night, and be on full rest while sitting with me on the couch for 8 weeks. It is a long time but will hopefully ensure Oskar is back and raring to go.

To all Doxie lovers, please keep those little rascals from jumping, on and off furniture, keep their back aligned when they are being held and carried, and also avoid letting the climb stairs.

Cooking and Working Out??

2009-01-22T20:42:00.004-06:00

You read right...and Hell hasn't froze over. With the new year came New Years Resolutions. I am finally committing to getting my weight under control, I am tired of fighting it. I am doing Weight Watchers Simply Filling technique. I love it. I am not hungry, feel good, and am eating delicious, healthy foods. So where do these delicious foods come from....my kitchen of course. You heard right...I am COOKING! I never liked to cook before but I have found a new passion. I am constantly on the Weight Watchers boards looking for new recipes. Andres even likes the food...you would never know it is "diet food". I feel so good being able to prepare healthy foods for he and I...I cook and he cleans the kitchen...its a win win!!! Ha! So in the same vein of losing weight came the dreaded exercise. I HATE exercising. I had some Christmas money and decided to give myself the best gift I could...I hired a personal trainer to help me get started with a fitness program and on the right track to LOVING exercising. He is awesome; Aaron. I really am starting to love exercise. We meet once a week and he gives me a routine. I follow it for the week and then we meet again the the end of the week and I get a new routine...I am loving lifting weights and feel so good that I am doing something for me and taking care of myself. Andres is working out too. Tonight, we even tried spinning class...ouch! The seats are entirely too small for my hiney but I think they would be for anyone over the age of 8. We only made it about 1/2 way through the class but I will definetly go back and try again. I did feel good with my sweat soaked hair and shirt! We will keep you posted on our weight loss journey.

Have you missed us?

2009-01-22T20:35:00.003-06:00

It has been a great start to the new year, definetly busy. Andres got his work permit right around New Years Day...it was a glorious day. It felt so good to have 1 thing behind us...it was complete and we are on the track to getting his Greencard. He is actively looking for a job now. He got started back in school and is having a great time. He gets to play tennis everyday - he has a good time. I am back at work; it's busy but good. I love my job and my students so that is a blessing. Hope you all had a wonderful New Year and are enjoying 2009 as much as we are.

School Boy

2008-12-06T17:26:00.003-06:00

Andres is going back to school! YAY! Since we are in process of obtaining his green card, he can now qualify for in state tuition...whew! As an international student, tuition was around 1500 for 12 hours, now as a local, in state student, his tutition is only 764 for 12 hours. He got all registered and is gearing up for being back in school. I am really excited for him.

We Did Give Thanks

2008-12-06T17:16:00.003-06:00

For Thanksgiving this year, Andres and I went to visit my mom and Terry in North Idaho. We had a great time. We rode horses, tended a sick calf, cooked and ate until I thought we would burst. It was a nice break and a wonderful visit. I have 5 younger brothers and sisters and we had a really fun time hanging out with them. While we were there we also celebrated Christmas. We are back in Texas and back to work, sigh! Only 2 more weeks until Christmas break! YAY!!! Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving too!

Who's that Lady?!?

2008-11-09T20:33:00.007-06:00

I finally had enough! I wacked my hair off this weekend and I love it. I think Andres likes it too...I hope he does. Check out the before and afters.

My Voice Was Heard

2008-11-04T18:56:00.003-06:00

Today, I voted for the very first time. Can you believe that? I was old enough to vote in the last presidential election, but didn't know what I was doing and didn't vote. But I voted today, I exercised my right and am feeling really proud. My voice was heard today and that is a really cool feeling. I voted for President and FOR the Tyler ISD bond issue...hopefully they will break ground on my new school campus in February if it passes.

I hope you voted today too and are sharing this same proud feeling.

USCIS Update!!

2008-10-30T20:37:00.002-05:00

Yesterday we received an appointment notice from USCIS about Andres' Biometrics appointment. He will go next week to Dallas to have his fingerprints and pictures done. Things are moving along nicely. I am excited that things have been so smooth so far. Hope it stays that way. HA!

Golden Apple Educator

2008-10-29T20:00:00.004-05:00

Today I was honored with the Golden Apple Educator Award. CBS News 19 chooses teacher in and around Tyler and they chose me. I am very excited and very proud of the award. Check out the video below. The cutie in the video is one of my kindergarten students.

Ballroom Dancing...what?!?!

2008-10-26T16:01:00.004-05:00

Andres and I joined a gym. We get a huge discount becuase I am a TISD employee...and I am so excited because they have Ballroom Dancing on Monday nights as a class. We are so going to do that. We have made a commitment to lose some weight and get in better shape. I am back on Weight Watchers and doing good so far. I am also trying to cook at home as much as I can and not from a box...I didn't grow up eating from a box so I really want to hone my cooking skills for when we have children...I don't want to feed my family from a box. It is also a way to know exactly what is in the food I am eating and easier to control portions at home. If you have any good recipes you would like to share...I would love it. I can't wait to start our Ballroom Dancing classes! I will let you know how it goes.

This picture was taken at the Tyler Rose Museum right before the wedding in August. This is the heaviest I have ever been. I am anxious to get in shape. I know I will feel so much better and be able to do so much more. I will keep you posted on our progress.

I've Got A Golden Ticket!

2008-10-19T18:45:00.002-05:00

Well not an actual golden ticket, but it sure feels like it to us. We got our reciepts from USCIS for all 3 cases we mailed in with what seemed like a million dollars. USCIS, if you are unfamiliar is the United States Citizenship and Immigration Serivce, I think...it used to be the INS. We sent Andres' papers in for his work permit, adjust his status, and the petition for an Alien Relative now that we are married. It was a lot of work, but its all done and now it's in the good Lord's hands. We really felt like little Charlie as he found that last golden ticket when we checked the mail on Friday! I am just excited to know that it is all underway! Wish us luck!

Good Old Fashioned Car Care

2008-10-19T18:30:00.003-05:00

Well, Andres' radiator sprung a leak, actually 2 leaks! It was a mess! I was totally freaking out and didn't know what we were going to do, but luckily some very good advice came by way of my mom and step-dad. A little JB Weld and a bottle of Stop Leak and we were good to go. It's still holding up. Hopefully we can make it until summer and then look at some car buying options. It really was fun fixign the car. There we were, not a clue what we were doing but having a good ol' time none-the-less. Check out the pictures...I was a huge help...with cold beer in hand, I had it figured out! ha ha.

Local Celebrity!

2008-10-02T20:43:00.004-05:00

Well, maybe celebrity is a little exaggeration, but I was on TV. I teach a free, public community sign language class. I really enjoy being able to share my passion with others. It is a very rewarding experience for me, so I was uber excited when CBS 19 News here in Tyler wanted to do a story about my sign language class.

The camera man came and filmed me teaching my class on Monday night and Tuesday, Meghan McDermott from the station came to my classroom to interview me. It was a lot of fun. Megan finished the story for her Eye on Education spot and it aired on Tuesday evening. I was so proud to be a part of such a positive story. Check out the video.

Baby Belluga....

2008-09-30T22:54:00.007-05:00

Andres took me to SEA WORLD! Oh My Gosh...maybe the greatest place on Earth...at least in Texas. We had so much fun and I found the new love of my life...the Belluga Whale...they were so sweet. We were there for 2 days...it was so much fun! We saw Shamu, the Viva show, which are the Pacific White Sided Dolphins and Belluga Whales, the seal lion show, took our picture with the Budwiser Clydesdales and Neo the sea lion, fed the dophins and sea lions, saw the 4D Pirates movie...just too many fun things to even name. I even got to touch the dolphins...it was so cool! And.....we ate tons of yummy food.
We even went to the Riverwalk...San Antonio did not disappoint. I had so much fun on my mini vacation...now I need a vacation to recover...ha ha. Check out the photos!

School Days...

2008-09-30T22:51:00.002-05:00

School started back on August 25. It has been a wild and crazy 6 weeks. I just love my job and students. It is so fun. Clarkston has really grown...as a result, fthere had to be 2 new classrooms added. SOOOO....I had to move from my inside classroom into a portable classroom after school had already started. It was a huge mess but I really love my new little space. I will post some pictures of my classroom soon.

Wedding!!!

2008-09-30T22:43:00.005-05:00

Well, we did it! We got married on August 16, 2008. It was the most perfect day. It was beautiful weather, great food, tons of friends and family and Andres and I saying "I Do!" We had a wonderful time! We couldn't have asked for a better day.

We want to thank everyone who helped pull off our special day: Shanna, Karri, and Mr. Scott. Thanks so much! We couldn't have done it without you.

Honorary Colombian!

2008-08-11T22:31:00.006-05:00

Tonight was my first attempt at making arepas all by myself, well mostly by myself. I have a wonderful soux chef and arepa sensei, Magda! We had a lot of fun and my Arepas Repletas de Queso turned out beautifully! Arepas are a traditional Colombian food made from precooked corn meal; masa. They can be filled with cheese, meat or chicken, or just plain. I am very proud of my arepas and Andres really liked them...Magda even said I make arepas like Colombian people...ha ha!

Millie Update

2008-08-11T22:29:00.002-05:00

The diagnosis was confirmed, Millie had lymphoma. She was very sick and in a lot of pain. My parents had to put her to sleep last week. It was a hard time for all of us, as we lost a member of our family. Love you, Millie.

The Countdown Has Begun...

2008-08-03T23:29:00.004-05:00

It has been a while since I have written...I have only been a little preoccupied with 12 hours of grad school, wedding plans, working at Tyler Junior College, statewide conference for educators of the deaf, and babysitting little Jack...slightly full plate.

Well, we are only 13 days from our wedding! WOW. It is hard to believe, I can't wait! Andres' mom is flying in on Thursday evening...he is so ready to see her, it has been 5 years. She will be staying with us for 10 days...I am really excited to witness the reunion!

On a sad note, my parent's dog (Dad and Brenda), Millie, has been diagnosed with cancer. We are very sad but know that she is here for a very specific purpose. She is just as much a member of our family as any of us. Please say a prayer for her.

I will try and update more often as I find interesting tidbits of life to share and then find the time to post it up. Love ya'll!

Lindsey & Andres

Testicles, Testicles, 1 - 2...can you hear me?

2008-07-18T22:50:00.014-05:00

Hello.

Now that we have your attention. This is Lindsey and Andres. We are a young, almost married couple living in the thriving metropolis of Tyler, Texas with our 3 dogs, Oskar, Hogan, and Andy Roddick. Hmmm, what now? A little about ourselves? Lindsey is a K-2 deaf ed teacher, aspiring homemaker, and general pain in the ass. Andres is a tennis instructor, coffee connoisseur, and all around lovable guy. WOW! Who is writing this? We will marry on August 16, 2008 and are loving every minute of it.

Now, to the true rulers of the house, the dogs. Oskar is a crotchety little guy who is quite fond of Lindsey, hiding under the bed, and driving Andres absolutely crazy. Hogan is a laid back, lazy little fellow who literally does nothing. Andy Roddick is the newest addition to the family who has quickly acquired the lounging habits of Hogan; true contortionists who live for the "dead roach" position for all their daily naps.

This is our first attempt at blogging and guarantee pointless ramblings and muses for you enjoyment and pleasure.