The Weirdest Thing...

So I had the weirdest thing happen this week. I arrived to work on Wednesday to find a student screaming to get my attention:

STUDENT: Ms. Tripputi...Ms. Tripputi...

ME: Yes

STUDENT: I had the weirdest dream. I dreamed that you and Mr. So and So were umm you know umm...

ME: What? Kissing?

STUDENT: Ummm no...having SEX (in a soft whisper)

ME: WHAT?!?! (in a loud scream)

STUDENT: Yeah and everyone was watching and taking pictures...

ME: OKAY?!!?!

I was completely speechless. I mean, what do you say? Who does that? Who tells you their most intimate dreams? I was truly shocked because this student is one of my top students. I still don't even know what to do with this new found information... to be flattered or grossed out.

It's Been Too Long

I can't believe how much time has gone by. We are already in November! A lot has happened since my last entry:

1. My roommates and I moved out of our Willowbend House. Jen moved to Egypt, Nicky moved closer in town, and I moved into an apartment by myself for the first time ever.

2. I started my second year of teaching (Middle School Social Studies)

3. I'm coaching Middle School Cross Country

4. I have been shopping for a car and trying to sell my car

5. Continuously furnishing my apartment

6. Fighting with TXU regularly

7. Learning how to cook :)

8. THE FAMILY:

Shawn= college and dating a sweet girl

Bryan=attending CIA in San Antonio (Culinary Institute of America)

Chris= seminary, working, dating and happy

Mom=working, working, and working

Dad= working and becoming injured playing ping pong...

Me=figuring out what God has for me right now

Okay, so that was just a few things that went down from May till now. Out of all of the above, living alone is definitely the biggest one for me to chew. It's an adventure and God is at work. I promise to share some of my thoughts on a regular basis as to what He is up to.

One Year Down

I don't know how to be excited that this school year is over when I have to think about loosing my wonderful 8th graders. Many of you have asked me throughout the year, "how is teaching going?" and I could have probably chewed your head off. I know it was rough, but I appreciate you. Thanks to everyone that allowed me to vent. It truly is a love hate relationship, but I have grown to love it more than I hate it. I learned A LOT this year.

I would have to say that I did fall in love with my students. They are the main reason I'm a teacher today and the reason I love this job. I can do without everything else (those of you who are teachers know what I'm talking about ;). However, there are a few exceptions to every rule, but let's not talk about those- it's not the rule just the exception. I truly will miss my 8th graders who are growing up and moving on to high school. Oh, must I mention that my students received 95% passing on their 8th grade Social Studies TAKS (this was their first year to have a Social Studies class)! They are awesome! Way to go AMIGOS!


My dear eighth graders,

I’m so glad that I had you as my first eighth grade class. It started out a little rough, but you made it. I’m so proud of you! You have learned so much this year, especially in Social Studies. The first day you came in, you knew nothing about U.S. History. I’m confident to say that you now know something. I’m going to miss you! You are a very intelligent group of students and I know that you will be great at whatever you set your mind to. Remember not to fall into the Hispanic statistics we talked about. You are better than a high school drop out. You have a future. You can be the first Latino(a) President, a thriving Latino(a) brain surgeon, a brilliant Latino(a) architect, a phenomenal Latino(a) lawyer or whatever you dream to be. I hope to hear from you often and receive an invitation to your high school graduation. I believe in you! I can’t wait to see what God has planned for you. Always remember, if you stand for nothing, you will fall for anything.

Love,
Ms. Tripputi

“Thirty years from now, it won’t matter what shoes you wore, how your hair looked, or the jeans you bought. What will matter is what you learned and how you used it.”



Here are some of my favorite moments this year:

Baby Think It Over Program

AMIGOS Middle School Team (Thunder Cats-Hoeeeee)

8th grade gift to APV

8th grade field trip to Discovery Green-YES on the Metro!

Lauren, my future Latina President :)

waiting for the Metro

silliness at it's best

The Ladies-oh and Marco (a.k.a Mr. De La Fuente)

8th grade fun pic-well the teachers were having fun :)

APV Soccer Team-GO PUMAS!!!

The Shady Bunch vs. The Non-Stop Dance Crew

(monthly celebration entertainment-our own version of America's Best Dance Crew)

APV Middle School Rock Band-another wonderful monthly celebration :)

PTL, I have one year down and many more to go. My wonderful boss said the other day..."I need an experienced teacher..." (he was referring to me).

A Legacy

Another phone call came yesterday morning from my dad saying that my grandfather had passed away. I was at IHOP with my mom whom I had just picked up from the airport. I knew my gandfather would not last long without my gandmother, but I didn't think it would be this soon. I'm really sad to see him go from this world, but I cling to the fact that he really lived here. His life was not in vain. I'm so thankful that I can truly celebrate his life today.

My grandfather was an incredible man of God. He loved the Lord with all his heart, with all his mind and with all his soul. He lived his life for HIM. My grandfather was a pastor of many Methodist Churches in Argentina throughout his life. He was such an influential pastor that the Methodist Church in Argentina asked him to be a bishop for the country (in Argentina they only have one bishop in the Methodist Church unlike the U.S. who have several regional bishops). My grandfather turned it down because he didn't want to be in an office shuffling papers. He wanted to be with his people. He also served in prison ministry. My mom told me that a man who was in prison came to her and shared about his coming to faith because of my grandfather. He was the perfect example of the hands and feet of Jesus. He was on his knees before the Lord daily. Abuelo Tito had astonishing faith. He was a man full of love. He loved Jesus Christ, he loved his wife of 59 years, he loved his children, his grandchildren, his family and the people.

Last night 200+ people packed a little church in Buenos Aires, Argentina to share how much my grandfather impacted their lives. The service had lasted 2 hours when they had to cut people off from sharing. More people wanted to share, but it was getting late. The church was so full that some people were standing throughout the entire ceremony. This packed house shows how much of an influence mi Abuelito Tito had on the people of Buenos Aires. I wish I was there. However, I have a good idea of the kind of impact he had on the people their because it was equivalent to the amount of impact he had on my life, if not more. He is one of the major reasons for where I am in my faith today. If it were not for mi abuelo I would probably not know HIM. I'm so thankful that he showed my dad the way to be rooted in truth. I pray that I will be a woman of God that will lead my family to Christ as mi abuelo did. I'm thankful that he is in no more pain and that he is with our God and with mi abuela.

Thank you, abuelo Tito, for the legacy you left for me and my family. I owe it all to you. May I leave the same kind of legacy to my family, my friends and any person that I come in contact with.

I love hearing the song by Mercy Me-I Can Only Imagine, because I can only imagine what he did when he saw Jesus. It brings me joy knowing that he is with JC now, a little jealous even.

Also, the song Legacy by Nicole Nordeman is exactly how my gandfather lived.

How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love? Did I point to You enough
To make a mark on things?
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace who
blessed your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy...Just want to hear instead, "Well Done" good and faithful one...

I know that God has said to mi abuelito Tito, "Well done good and faithful one."
I pray that you would live life on purpose. Live for HIM and leave a legacy!




Te quiero Abuelo Tito! Gracias por tu ejemplo. Gracias por tu amor. Gracias por vivir como Jesu Cristo. Nos vemos en el cielo. Por siempre tu nieta, Paulita

In Loving Memory

This morning I received a phone call from my dad saying that my grandmother (Abuela Oma) passed away. I'm super sad, but joy comes when I think of her wonderful life with us.

My grandmother was such an incredible woman of God. She stood by my grandfather throughout his several years of pastoral ministry in Argentina. She loved and cared for my dad and his siblings. My grandparents did the best they could to bring their children into a God filled loving home. She was a beautiful woman inside and out. She had such a beautiful singing voice. I would always love to hear her sing a special prayer before each meal... "La mesa esta servida ya gracias buen Dios que pan nos da gracias a Dios." The other song she sang was "Por estoy bienes o Senor te damos gracias hoy..." I especially loved hearing her sing the hymns at church.

The memories I cherish most of my grandmother were when she would come visit it us from Argentina and we would sit outside on the patio on a hot summer day and drink. Well, she would drink matte (famous Argentina tea) and I of course would drink juice with a few sips of her matte. While we sat outside we would play a game called "Veo Veo." The game as we know it is Eye Spy. I loved playing the game with her. We would also go for walks around the block and talk (al rededor de la mansana). Another fun memory I have of her and my grandfather is that we would always make "Capuchon" (a stew with squash, carrots, potatoes, corn, chicken...). After the entire family, Dad, Mom, Chris, Bryan, Shawn, Abuelo and Abuela, would finish we would all sit around and listen to stories about my dad's childhood and some stories about me and Chris. The time spent talking after dinner is called "sobre mesa." We would talk and laugh for so long that we would eventually be hungry again for some hot tea and dessert. So, then we would sit, laugh and talk a little longer. I miss those days so much!

My grandparents celebrated their 59 year Wedding Anniversary yesterday. One special story I remember my Abuelo Tito (my grandfather) telling me was how he knew that my grandmother was the one to marry. He told me that he was interested in one of her friends until one day when they had a church picnic. They had many games organized for the youth. One of the games was a relay race with an egg and spoon. You know the one where you have to travel a certain distance holding the spoon with an egg and trying not to let the egg drop? Well, they were playing and my grandmother was running with it to win and she saw that her friend fell so she went back to help her up and didn't care that she was going to loose the race. She just wanted to help her friend. My grandfather told me that he knew that something was different about this girl. He didn't really think much more about it until that night when he says that God gave him a dream about my grandmother and he just knew that she was the one.

I love remembering this story because it reminds me of my grandmothers sweet gentle and loving spirit. It also reminds me that God has a purpose for all things. I know that I will see her again on the other side of glory absent from pain and suffering. Praise you Father for such sweet memories!

Te quiero Abuela Oma! Tu querida nieta, Paula

Happy Birthday Becky!

Becky is my best friend. She turned 27 this past Tuesday. I have known Bec since we were 3 years old. We have been friends for about 24 years...isn't that crazy!?! 

It is definitely a friendship I treasure and will always.

Here are the top 27 things I love about knowing Becky (Smith) Kiser: 

1. Her incredible passion for the LORD!

2. Her enthusiasm for life

3. Her desire to inspire and teach women to grow in their walk with the Lord

4. Her many hair colors throughout our life 

5. Her spontaneity

6. Her ability to convince me to do anything 

7. The road trip back home from Dallas to Houston ;)

8. The farm days-boom boom!

9. The many many memories in the red room 

10. Movie nights from our Pollywood video and Becbuster's collection

11. A rainy Saturday morning in the red room- hint hint Mr. Incredible

12. Plans to own our own Women's World-we even made a contract with Pawpaw

13. Her love of sweet tea

14. Her love for New Kids On The Block (this picture shows how perfect we are together-the sublte crazy-ME and the obvious crazy-Becky of course)

15. Her incredible shopping skills

16. Her great fashion sense 

17. Her magnificent hair styling skills-Bec would always sacrifice her fun Sunday afternoons before MYF to straighten my hair with a real iron (this was before flat iron days). She would always start strong and then get tired and bored...there were a couple of times when she actually drop the iron on my head :)

18. Her honesty and desire to be authentic

19. Trelis Spa days :)

20. The movie Beaches

21. Her desire to hold out for God's best 

22. A great listener-many crazy nights where I would put her to sleep with my wonderful stories

23. Her fountain of wisdom

24. Her little shimmy dance move

25. Her unbelievable writing skills

26. The best event coordinator ever

27. A great visionary and a huge encourager

I have been incredibly blessed to know Becky. I'm so excited for the next 24 years. Happy Birthday Becky Janette Smith Kiser!!!

This song is for you: 

Happy Belated Birthday Chris Kiser!

I know it's a little late but...Happy Birthday Chris Kiser!

I have been truly blessed by knowing you. Here are just a few of the many things I love about you, my friend:

I love seeing how you love my best friend.

I love spending time with y'all and capturing a glimpse of what life could one day be like.

I love watching your pursuit of God.

I love how you took me in as your best friend without questions asked.

You lead your family with wisdom. 

Your passion for justice and truth is contagious.

You pursue God with such fervor.

You have taught me that godly men like you are not a figment of my imagination. 

You have truly inspired me to hold out for an amazing man of God. 

Becky definitely has a great man and is truly blessed to have you as her husband. 

I'm so thankful for you and your friendship. Thanks for being such an amazing man that lives for Christ. Love you, friend!

Babies and Fathers

This video clip is too funny! It really goes to show a mother's touch. I'm sure there are some great fathers out there that can change a diaper without any dry heaving... unfortunately these fathers couldn't make it. 

For Such A Time As This

Spring break is over :(

I'm so thankful that I have had this week to relax and to regain some perspective. However, I'm really anxious to return to work tomorrow. I know that God calls us to not be axious, but in prayer and petition summit your request to Him... BUT I can't help but have these initial feelings. Because God is so good to me, He gave me the answer I needed this morning through the message from Curtis Jones on 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. The Lord was speaking directly to me when he said "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing and give thanks in all circumstances..." 

I can't help but be a little puzzled about the word rejoice. What does rejoice look like? Does this mean I have to walk around like I just had a hanger in my mouth? What does it mean to rejoice always? How does God want me to live this out? 

My roommate, Nicky, reminded me about Acts 16:16-40 where Paul and Silas were imprisoned after being beaten and later found rejoicing in the Lord through song. This scripture has really put my circumstance into perspective and I have a better picture of what "rejoicing" looks like now. But, what does it mean for me? Does this mean I must go to work and sing songs to the Lord? Maybe it does and maybe it doesn't? I would venture to say that to rejoice is more than a feeling and more than just being happy, but about the attitude of my heart. It's about being satisfied in God alone. John Piper puts it best when he says, "God is most glorified in me when I am most satisfied in Him."  

The concern about my job has also caused me to question my purpose, value and effectiveness as a teacher. As I have been studying the book of Esther, I have learned that she prepared herself mentally and spiritually before she approached the throne physically. Esther was called for a purpose, "For such a time as this..."  She didn't run away from her circumstance or try to manipulate the situation. She simply called all her peeps to fast and pray with her and then responded. We must embrace this season of life and the "sufferings" before us because through those sufferings we are transformed. 

Romans 5:3-5  says "More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us."

My prayer, as I return tomorrow, is that I would rejoice in Him always, give thanks always and pray always.  I know the Lord has placed me in this place for such a time as this.

(Please pray for all teachers and students returning tomorrow.)

Happy St. Paddy's Day!

What is St. Patrick's Day all about anyway? 

Here is an interesting video I found that explains it perfectly:

A True Love Letter

An Intimate Message From God To YOU and ME:

My Child,

I know everything about you.
Psalm 139:1

I know when you sit down and when you rise up.
Psalm 139:2

I am familiar with all your ways.
Psalm 139:3

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered.
Matthew 10:29-31

For you were made in my image.
Genesis 1:27

In me you live and move and have your being.
Acts 17:28

For you are my offspring.
Acts 17:28

I knew you even before you were conceived.
Jeremiah 1:4-5

I chose you when I planned creation.
Ephesians 1:11-12

You were not a mistake,
for all your days are written in my book.
Psalm 139:15-16

I determined the exact time of your birth
and where you would live.
Acts 17:26

You are fearfully and wonderfully made.
Psalm 139:14

I knit you together in your mother's womb.
Psalm 139:13

And brought you forth on the day you were born.
Psalm 71:6

I have been misrepresented
by those who don't know me.
John 8:41-44

I am the complete expression of love.
1 John 4:16

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you.
1 John 3:1

Simply because you are my child
and I am your Father.
1 John 3:1

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could.
Matthew 7:11

For I am the perfect father.
Matthew 5:48

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand.
James 1:17

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs.
Matthew 6:31-33

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope.
Jeremiah 29:11

Because I love you with an everlasting love.
Jeremiah 31:3

My thoughts toward you are countless
as the sand on the seashore.
Psalms 139:17-18

And I rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17

I will never stop doing good to you.
Jeremiah 32:40

For you are my treasured possession.
Exodus 19:5

I desire to establish you
with all my heart and all my soul.
Jeremiah 32:41

And I want to show you great and marvelous things.
Jeremiah 33:3

If you seek me with all your heart,
you will find me.
Deuteronomy 4:29

Delight in me and I will give you
the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4

For it is I who gave you those desires.
Philippians 2:13

I am able to do more for you
than you could possibly imagine.
Ephesians 3:20

For I am your greatest encourager.
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

I am also the Father who comforts you
in all your troubles.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4

When you are brokenhearted,
I am close to you.
Psalm 34:18

As a shepherd carries a lamb,
I have carried you close to my heart.
Isaiah 40:11

One day I will wipe away
every tear from your eyes.
Revelation 21:3-4

And I'll take away all the pain
you have suffered on this earth.
Revelation 21:3-4

I am your Father, and I love you
even as I love my son, Jesus.
John 17:23

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed.
John 17:26

He is the exact representation of my being.
Hebrews 1:3

He came to demonstrate that I am for you,
not against you.
Romans 8:31

And to tell you that I am not counting your sins.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19

His death was the ultimate expression
of my love for you.
1 John 4:10

I gave up everything I loved
that I might gain your love.
Romans 8:31-32

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus,
you receive me.
1 John 2:23

And nothing will ever separate you
from my love again.
Romans 8:38-39

Come home and I'll throw the biggest party
heaven has ever seen.
Luke 15:7

I have always been Father,
and will always be Father.
Ephesians 3:14-15

My question is…
Will you be my child?
John 1:12-13

I am waiting for you.
Luke 15:11-32

Love, Your Father
Almighty God

I truly encourage you to read through and study these scriptures in their entirety. There is richness in the entire scripture. I love this letter because it's a good reminder of God's true love for his children and His pursuit of us. 

*note some of the scriptures are paraphrased

Promised 80's Pictures

So here are some of my childhood pictures from the 80's that I promised. Hilarious and scary!!! Viewer discretion is advised.

Brother Bryan and Me

Becky and Me

(I love this picture of me and Bec! It really explains our personalities, which explains how well we complement each other in our friendship-note the 2 fingers behind Bec's head.)

80's school picture (scary!!!)

THE BOMBDIGITY 80'S

I know I was only in elementary school during the 80's, but I love the decade. The fashion of the 80's were so colorful and so much fun. 

This past weekend reminded me of how much I loved it. The singles ministry, Summit, at Houston's First Baptist Church went to Trinity Pines for a winter retreat. TAKS season has caused me to need some retreating :).  My roommates and I drove up on Saturday afternoon after completing the 10K Rodeo Run. We arrived at the camp just in time for free time. After such a long week and running 6.2 miles that morning, I was ready for a nap. I also knew that if I didn't take a nap I would be too tired and miss out on the 80's prom later that night. I could not miss the 80'S PROM! 

Before the prom, each Sunday school class was encouraged to create a skit that would have aired on MTV in the 80's. Our class did a music video for the song Danger Zone from the Top Gun soundtrack. It was so much fun to be a part of the skit (even though I joined in at the last minute and had absolutley no idea what I was doing). It really is a silly skit (watch below for yourself-warning it's only funny if you have seen the movie Top Gun)! The prom part was so fun too. They played a little Michael Jackson, Paula Abdul, Debbie Gibson and some New Kids on the Block (although it was technically early 90's). It was such a fun way to bring back the good ole times.  

The Ignite Class

The Ignite ladies bringing the 80's back

Ashley and I 

 The 80's Prom

Here are some funny phrases that could bring you back to the 80's:

M.A.S.H. (this is really a game not so much a phrase-Acronym for: mansion, apartment, shack,      house. An elementary/middle school game that provided random futures. Example: "Last night I      played MASH with Becky and I got Jason as a husband!" ;)

The JAM!: So some friends and you are at a breakdancing competition. After one dancer does a particularly good combo of headspins and freezes he finally finishes up with a backflip. You say to your friend "That homeboys moves are the JAM!" (the emphasis is always on the word "JAM" so as it is louder and more funky than the rest of the sentence). 

S'Up: A greeting. Short for "What's Up?" meaning: "How ya doin'?" "Hey, S'up?" "S'Up? whats going on?

Tight: Really cool.

Homegirl: Female form of homeboy, a close female friend.

Doy (Doi): Short for "No duh" or "no doy"

Cool Beans: Cool, awesome, agreeable.

Chill Pill:  Take it easy. ie. "Take a Chill Pill! You're gonna get us all busted."

Bombdigity: It means that something is good. Example: "That outfit is bombdigity! or "the bomb."

Don't Have a Cow: Remain calm, don't get excited.

P.S. We won the award for the best skit!

What kind of things do you remember about the 80's-the good, bad and the ugly?

Stay tuned... I might  post some of my fav 80's pics, but I will have to raid my mom's pictures first.

Recession Proof?

I really didn't believe it when it was said that the only things that are recession proof are: tobacco, alcohol, and cosmetics.

I'm thankful that I'm part of a company that has great skin care products and cosmetics. Channel 13 has a great story on Arbonne and how it is recession proof. 

Check it out: 

http://wnyt.com/article/stories/S729809.shtml?cat=10114

Let me know if you are interested in starting your business with Arbonne. I would love for you to join in on the fun and reap the benefits of financial security and wonderful looking skin!!!

Healthy Living

I'm so excited about Arbonne's new Figure 8 health products.  Check out www.gofigure8.com for more information on healthy living.