Happy CHRISTmas 2015!

I cannot believe I am sitting here writing our annual CHRISTmas letter as it seems the year has come and gone in such a whirlwind of events.  2015 has been a year of growth and change and as Danny says, “mountain top experiences and valleys”.  Some of it we welcomed with open arms and some of it we fought with much tenacity but 2015 still won and got its way and ultimately we have grown, changed, and come out a little bit smarter.

How did we grow?

I remain teaching struggling readers in Ferris and I am currently working on my Master’s Degree at DBU.  This semester was the most challenging yet as the writing assignments were incredibly detailed.  I grew as a writer this year and I am thankful for Danny who reads through my work to make sure I sound a little less “elementary” and a little more “graduate degree studenty”.  I am working with some of my most challenging students that I have had in the past 18 years and I am thankful that while they are struggling readers, they are making lots of gains in their reading.  It is so exciting to see the reading light bulb click on!

Danny has entered his 26^th year at DBU and his 5^th year teaching.  He loves teaching and has a heart for his students.  He has enjoyed the new challenges that have come his way and he was able to introduce a new Public Relations Major to the department.  In his film class, he has started a new assignment where students will have the opportunity to make a film, and he is sitting on his first doctoral committee.  His table has turned, so to speak, something that has definitely broadened his horizons.

Buster Keaton Rose.  Easter weekend was marked with the loss of Buster, our 12 year old member of our little family who, as Danny says was, “part dog, part Muppet, and all heart”.  It has brought quite a change to our house as he literally followed me around EVERYWHERE and yearned for Danny and he was surprisingly clumsy.  Dixie grieved for a while, developed ridiculous allergies (like her momma) and has adjusted to being a very vocal “only” dog and Spooky…well, Spooky misses Buster somewhere deep down inside her heart…very deep.

How did we change?

Learning Lab.  I had an opportunity to attend a learning Lab with Matryoshka Haus in London, England this summer.  The concept is to show you how to share Christ in a post Christian society.  Danny has noticed a kind of unrest in me in the past couple of years and pushed me out the door!  I really cannot tell you everything I learned, that would be a whole other blog.  But there are two main ideas I will leave here for you to ponder.  The first is to view church as a verb, not a building.  As Christians our job is to get out there a live life among EVERYONE giving grace and love while showing hospitality.  The second main idea is to “Let go of the Jesus you know to discover the Jesus you do not know”.  I am working on both and am thankful for dear friends, Joel, Laura, and Grace Pulis that have helped me in this endeavor and continue to support me in faithwalking. 

Adventures.  We agreed that while gifts can be fun, experiences are even better and have begun to experience life in a real way.  Here are some highlights.

• ·        Kayaking on Town Lake
• ·        Biking Town Lake Trail
• ·        Christmas 2014 at Disney and Breakfast at Kona Café (a favorite honeymoon spot)
• ·        Biking, lots of biking.  And “Jalking” (I’m now a jog-walker thanks to old ligaments)
• ·        2 Concerts in 24 hours:  Keith Urban and Brad Paisley
• ·        A Bucket List Run in Hyde Park
• ·        A Conference in Vegas
• ·        Serving others

It’s been a busy year and as we take some time to slow down, please know that if you are reading this, you are loved by us.  Now have a Happy CHRISTmas and go out there and do good things!

Blessings,

Danny, Amy, Dixie, and Spooky

CHRISTmas 2014

Three words describe this year:  HARD FIRSTS, PEACE.

This year has seen us dealing with a lot of "hard firsts".  If you have been following either of us on any form of social media you are already familiar with the journey that our family was undertaking around this time last year.  On January 31, 2014 Dad went home for good.  The outcome was not what we anticipated.  Our hope was that Dad could be here with us.  We prayed for healing, and in the end we were heard.  We do miss him, but we do know that our paths will cross again one day.

The start of the year did not go as we expected and as we accepted this knowledge one word kept coming to mind:  peace,  PEACE, peace.

In Isaiah 66:12 it is said that the Lord "will extend peace like a river".  Rivers are calm.  Rivers are choppy and down right scary.  There are flowing parts with smooth waters and as they narrow the waters can become more turbulent and dangerous.  Isn't that life? We move through "Life" calmly and happily.  "Life" obeys.  Then all of a sudden "Life" takes a turn where it is scary and confusing. As our river narrowed and we were battling so many emotions, PEACE was always there.  We felt it constantly through the love and kindness shown from friends and family and from the celebrations and memorials of Dan's life.  Thank you Lord!

Our verse for the coming year is Philippians 4:6-7:
"Do not be anxious for anything. But in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

As the year passed into the "new normal" circumstances led us to see God's hand in each step of our journey.  Here are some highlights:

• Danny celebrated 25 years at DBU
• Amy continued pursuing her Masters Degree at DBU (not ruling out a Ph.D.)
• The Girls traveled to NYC 
• We found out that we LOVE beach vacations:  SUNRISES ARE COOL
• We still enjoy living in Dallas and exercising together
• Amy spent much-needed time with her family at Disney World over Thanksgiving (Chance and CJ you were missed)

Life is happening!  Our prayer for each of you is that you will live with PEACE.  Have a wonderful CHRISTmas and know that you are loved.  Remember to take time to live in this world and give love.

Many Blessings!

Danny and Amy

PS (Spooky, Buster, and Dixie send you love and cuddles)

2013 Year in Review From The Roses

Happy CHRISTmas 2013!

We flipped a coin:  Danny Goes First- AGAIN.

Greetings all!  This last year has been memorable in many ways. I've literally visited both the East and West coasts while presenting a paper in San Francisco, riding along with Amy for her curriculum training in Boston, and attending a conference in Washington D.C. I was able to bike across the Golden Gate bridge, I was able to attend a Red Sox / Yankees baseball game at Fenway Park (also with Amy), and I stood at JFK's grave all with my very best friend.

2013 was also pretty crazy with Dad having not one but three surgeries in the last year.  It was a time of adjustment for us all, but we are hoping that prayers will be answered and that Dad can get back on his feet and start telling my brother and I what to do again. Through all this I've been able to see just how resilient my mother can be. She is an amazing lady who has sacrificed much for those that she loves.

Amy started her Masters degree this year and I am very proud of her for taking this first step. It's been interesting to see her on "the other side of the desk" and watch as she dives headfirst into things that pique her interested. Watch out folks. If this first term is any indicator, she'll be an unstoppable force when she graduates.

Get ready 2014. We'll be there before you know it!

Amy’s Turn!  

I have an affinity for prime numbers.  And this year has been prime.  Don’t get me wrong, there have been some ups and there have been some downs.  All in all, everything we have done and learned has brought us closer and stronger.

There was a major change/opportunity for us in 2013.  We had an amazing opportunity to travel to places we have not been.  We went to San Francisco, Boston, Colorado, and Washington, DC.  I keep running the trips through my head and find myself thinking of several memories that stick out.

1. San Francisco:  We rented bikes and biked across the Golden Gate Bridge.
2. Boston:  We rented bikes and biked all over the Boston Harbor.
3. Washington:  I ran the Turkey Trot for Hunger on Thanksgiving Day along the National Mall achieving my resolution of 13 5Ks in 2013.
4. Colorado:  I jeeped Black Bear Pass with my fellow Road Trip Crew Members.
5. Mostly I have learned that as busy as life is, it is relational.  So in 2014 I plan on working on relationships with family and friends. 

I had the opportunity to study the bible with a group of girls that I have come to love so much.  Monday nights are a blessing!  I continue to work on exercising faith.  The bible verse that has meant so much to me during the past year is 2 Corinthians 4:7-9:”But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”  There is hope in this verse.  Life is good and there are times it throws a curveball or two.  But when we understand that the bad stuff cannot destroy us, we can find freedom in that.  This verse is a definition of exercising faith.

In the coming year we have many hopes.  I will continue to pursue my Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction and will exercise both faith and physically in a resolution to complete 14 5Ks.  We will celebrate 13 years together and we will continue to rely on each other.  I am so lucky to have married my best friend.

Happy CHRISTmas and New Year, Much Love to you all!

Danny, Amy, Spooky the Cat, Buster the Dog, and Dixie the Dog

Fall 2013

Halloween Hijinks ~ October 2013

Life at Casa Dolorosa has definitely taking a turn for the busy.  Danny and I have barely been able to stop and catch a breath until now.  School is in full swing, both day school and night school.  I started my Master’s Degree program in Curriculum and Instruction at DBU and I am finding that I really like being a student again.  Danny teaches on Thursday nights and I enjoy the nights he walks me to class after we eat in the student center.  It’s fun. Someday I am going to slip him a note complete with a pull tab and lots of XOXos.

The State Fair of Texas is going strong right now and we managed to break away for a day and enjoy a little list of Fair Fun.

1.       The resurrection of Big Tex

2.      The Lion King Musical

3.      Corny Dogs and Fried Food Fun

4.      A FIAT full of silliness

5.      A Third Place Ribbon and an Honorable Mention

I know the Holiday Season is around the corner and we are about to take stock in all we are thankful for.  My goal for the remainder of this very PRIME year, slow down, look around, and enjoy the view.  Because as I grow older time seems to fly by faster and faster.

Happy Fall Y’all!

Much Love!

Mardi Blog

Mardi Gras 2013

For the past 3 years, we have had the opportunity to participate in the Bishop Arts Annual Mardi Gras parade here in the OC.  Each year it gets a little bit bigger.  Each year it gets a little bit better.  What I like most about this parade, it is pretty family friendly.  It was perfectly safe. People were on their best behavior.  This year I observed a few things.

Great Things About Participating in a Mardi Gras Parade:

5.  We covered 4.91 miles and burned 307 calories biking and parading. 

4.  We spent some time enjoying the neighborhood we set up roots in.

3.  Any opportunity to put on a mask or wear a funny hat and spend some time with our church family is great fun.

2.  Bumping into old friends and taking pics of the parade watchers is a blast.

1.  It is the only time in your life you can throw beads at people, AS HARD AS YOU CAN, and get away with it.

So why all the fuss about Mardi Gras?  Well, apparently it is the feast day of all feast days to sin all you want. Come Ash Wednesday, you gotta abstain.  It might not be a perfect celebration, but it is perfectly fun.

Cheers!

Amy and Danny

Happy CHRISTmas 2012

The Christmas Blog

Thanks for tuning in for another year in the life of the Roses. Spooky the Cat, Buster to Dog, and Dixie the Dog are doing well and send their love through cyberspace. And for those of you who don’t facebook, here are some highlights from the busy lives of Danny and Amy Rose.

Tag, Danny, you are it!

Greetings all! Hope the Winter break is being good to you. As for 2012, not much has happened this year. Okay, maybe a few things . . .nope . ..hold on . . .okay, it’s been a pretty good year after all. I have to admit I wasn’t sure what this year would hold, but I knew that it either had to be pretty good or a complete bust. Thankfully, the former proved to be the case. There’s a theater saying that states that a bad dress rehearsal tends to lead to a good opening night. 2012 proved to be just that. I spent Christmas Eve in the Emergency room dealing with some low end health issues, but it was the kick that I needed to get started. Now with most of 2012 in the rearview mirror, I can tell you that this year:
• I’ve dropped almost 30 pounds with more to come,
• Biked and almost 400 miles,
• Broke my collarbone while completing the above,
• Am halfway through my second year as a full time teacher (my dream job),
• And I finished my dissertation, defended it, and graduated. Now to get Amy into grad school.

Not sure what 2013 holds, but it should be interesting.

“RED ROVER, RED ROVER, LET AMY COME OVER!”
THE YEAR of the FIX-IT’S and A BUCKLIST CHECKED

Now it is my turn. Truly this was Danny’s year. And I am super proud for him!

For me, I’d call it a a YEAR OF THE FIX-ITS. Last Christmas Eve Danny and I were both really under the weather, and after a late night trip to the ER for Danny, we both realized we needed to take better care of ourselves. Somehow, sitting at home watching TV while your family is Christmasing shows you that you may need to rethink how you are living your life. We joined weight watchers on December 31 and started living life a little more healthy. It’s been fun to encourage each other during this process and hold each other accountable. Danny and I have had a blast participating in 5Ks together. Mostly, we’ve really enjoyed walking the Katy Trail. What I have loved most is the time Danny has time to do these things. I’m so happy that he is doing what he loves and he is NOT studying all the time.

 I’d also call it a BUCKET LIST YEAR. I started a list in 4th grade of things I wanted to do during my lifetime. I’ve added to it from time to time. One of the first things on that list was see a real, live, koala bear. Growing up, I used to have these wildlife cards and I think I wore the koala bear one out. Thanks to the Dallas Zoo – that dream became a reality for me. We have 2 on loan from the San Diego Zoo, which is another Bucket List Item that shall wait for another year. Speaking of zoos, an item I added about ten years ago was to run in the Ft.Worth Zoo Run. The race takes you through the zoo and around the neighborhoods. It was awesome! Imagine 5 meerkats standing at attention as runners are jogging past. I giggled so hard. I completed another triathlon and didn’t finish dead last- pretty close- but a few were slower than me, and I got to participate in a marathon relay. My 20th High School Reunion was this year and it was so nice to reconnect with high school friends. One, a dear friend from Skyline, organized a charity relay team. I got to run the first leg of it through Oak Cliff and over the new bridge. It was great fun. As my knee started hurting around mile 4, I noticed a runner with a cheetah leg- it’s the prosthetic leg that allows those who have lost legs to run. I was humbled and quickly shut up. A- She had a smile on her face. B- She was running faster than me!

Anyway, lots of life lessons learned and can’t wait to see what 2013 has in store for Casa Dolorosa.

Things We Learned in 2012:
1. Stay behind the front wheel of the bicycle at all times.
2. Always wear a helmet.
3. A Mustard Whopper is worth 14 points, Regular Whopper is 21 points.
4. 2 Double Stuff Oreos are 8 points (Amy gets 26 weight watchers points a day)
5. Breaking Dawn Part 2 made it possible to forgive Breaking Dawn Part 1
6. The British make excellent TV shows (Downton Abbey, Sherlock, Law and Order UK)
7. Colleges are great places to find cheap furniture.
8. One Word: The Newsroom. (If Will McAvoy ran for President, He’d get my vote.)
9. Pei Wei and Massage Envy- great combination
10. Maple and Motor still has a better burger, but Twisted Root has a special place in our hearts!
11. The house will always fall apart when “The Husband” is on a trip.
12. Perhaps riding a jet ski together will test a marriage. (We should’ve remembered the ill-fated kayaking experience of 2007)
13. Kenny Chesney should never wear sleeves. That is all. (Amy’s favorite)

We hope you have a Happy CHRISTmas and wish you all the best in the coming new year!
Danny and Amy Rose

“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” ~ Ephesians 2:10

Happy Heart Day!

Dearest Family, Friends, and Loved Ones,

We just wanted to drop you a little note to wish you a Happy Valentine's Day! Now go eat some good food, snuggle up with your Valentine, and have a relaxing day.

Much Love,
Amy and Danny

Happy CHRISTmas 2011

2011- THE YEAR OF THE BEST BURGER and BUCKETLISTS!
Hello Dear Ones,

As another year comes to end, it’s time to take an inventory of the many blessings in our lives. We tried new things, even crossed some stuff off of our bucket lists. Many of you were there with us on facebook or in person. If not, here is a re-cap of the main events of 2011.

Since Danny went first last year- it’s my turn to go first.

I’m now in the middle of my 12th year teaching in Ferris. It’s my 2nd year as a Title One Reading Interventionist and has brought many new challenges in my career/calling. I’m now working with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Grade struggling readers. I am using a curriculum that is teaching me phonics- sounds crazy but thanks to a gifted mother with a love of reading, I was reading before kindergarten. Phonics was not something I needed to learn-so my teachers didn’t teach me the rules. However, it sure would’ve made this year easier! I’ve learned that God made 1st Grade Teachers special. He gave them LOTS of patience. I learned that I can help plan, pack, and execute a last minute road trip to Florida in less than 24 hours. Even had enough time for a pretty good Disney blister/first aid kit. Danny and I celebrated our 10th Anniversary, and I finally got my digital SLR camera. OH! What fun that has been! I took some time during Spring Break to take “field trips” around Dallas. All of these were great experiences that have been burned into my memory.

Okay, now it’s Danny’s turn.

2011 is one to remember for sure. Two big changes this year, I got a new job and got really close to finishing my dissertation. As of August 1 I became Assistant Professor of Communication and the Program Director for the Communication Theory major. No more weekend events, and I get to concentrate on one thing now instead of two. As for the dissertation, I successfully proposed on August 2 and am shooting for a May 2012 graduation date. 2012 looks to be really interesting.

Burger Girl and Burger Boy
We decided that we needed to put our foodie skills to the test and find the best burger in Dallas. Now, these are not fast food burgers or food chain restaurant burgers. We scouted out random, small businesses to try to find the best burger in DFW. Some of you might have followed the blog. We still have a couple of places in Ft. Worth to try but, as it stands, here are our favorites:
5- Burguesa Burger
4- Who’s Who Burgers
3- Maple and Motor
2- Twisted Root Burger Company
1- Wingfield’s Burgers
If you want to follow the blog, here is the address: http://used2live2eat.blogspot.com/

Amy’s Favorite Bucket list Moments:
3- Seeing the Space Shuttle Launch
2- Walking the Red Carpet
1- Celebrating my 10th Wedding Anniversary

Danny’s Favorite Bucket list Moments
1.Celebrating my 10th with Amos,
2.Working stage crew for the Superbowl 45 Halftime Show. Made doubly fun by the fact that my brother was working the event as well (he was helping with security).

Top 5 iPhone Aps of the 2011
5- CU of Texas Ap/Mint.com
4- Password Keeper
3- Angry Birds
2- Instagram
1- Navigon- excellent GPS

With the CHRISTmas Season in full swing, we want to take some time to wish you and yours a very merry CHRISTmas. In our busy lives sometimes we forget to stop and breathe. Take some time during this season to really rest and reflect on all you have, all you have done, and thank God for His amazing faith, hope, and love for you. I thank Him for each of you and the importance you have in my life. If you are reading this, know that you are loved!

Again- we wish you a very merry CHRISTmas and hope your 2012 is amazing!
Always,
Amy and Danny Rose

Closing Thoughts
As a “planner”, sometimes I think through too much. This year, I’ve been working on increasing my faith.
Because, “if you ever want to make God laugh, make a plan.”
Here are some specific verses, concerning faith, that have spoken to me this year:
Hebrews 11:1“Now faith is confidence (being sure of) of what we hope for and assurance (certainty) of what we do not see.”
2 Corinthians 5:7
“We live by faith, not by sight.”
2 Corinthians 4:7“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.”
2 Corinthians 5:21
“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.”

Stationery card

Mod Love Christmas Card

Shutterfly has classic, elegant Christmas invitations for your party.

View the entire collection of cards.

Fall 2011

October 2011
10.8.11

The winds of the hottest summer on record have shifted and school is in full swing. Danny is very happy with his new position at DBU and is cruising along in his dissertation. He’s collecting data and will be working on chapters 4-5. Hopefully he will have a rough draft by January! I am treading water with my new curriculum for reading intervention. BUT- I feel confident that this curriculum is just what our struggling readers need. It’s less of a guessing game and more of a prescription for struggling readers. It’s perfect and will fill in the gaps to get them reading on grade level.

We had an interesting October 1-3rd Fair Day Weekend. We’ve both been working so hard that we have been meeting ourselves coming and going. So we needed a road trip. The best medicine was getting in the car and heading to Austin for the day for some Saltlick BBQ and a few of our favorite Austin places. It amazes me that Austin is truly becoming a hop, skip, and a jump from Dallas. I find this exciting- I miss Austin a lot and it’s nice to get away!

We got back on our bikes to work off the Austin Calories last Monday for 19 miles of blood, sweat, and tears. Then we had a wonderful afternoon at the zoo with Eddie, Misty, Reed, Hayden, and Maddie Grace.

With the State Fair in town, you can bet we'll be getting our fair fun and fried foods fix on real soon. Keep a look out for those pics. The food to try this year: walking taco, fried pop tart, fried bubblegum, deep fried bacon, my old faithful corny dog, and the ever fabulous tornado taters. I plan on taking my camera and getting some pics for “All Things Fair 2011”.

Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, We hope you are well and enjoying a break in the summer weather. We are looking forward to Halloween and Turkey Day.

Love to All,
Amy and Danny
Spooky, Buster, and Dixie

Celebrating "The Dime"

I thought long and hard about this posting. I am amazed at the funny way time presents itself to us. When we are children, time seems to pass so slowly. Christmas seems to take forever, as does the last day of school. Something happens to time when you graduate from college, it seems to speed up and you wish it could slow down. I really cannot believe it has been 10 years since Danny and I stood in front of friends and family and pledged/vowed to be together. So much has happened. We've learned and we've grown. Made smart decisions and stupid ones. BUT- we are a team.
We've seen some exciting things and we have been to some amazing places.

Here are some of my favorite memories:
~Our Honeymoon in Disneyworld and cruising on the Disney Wonder
~Seeing The Producers on Broadway
~Having a beer in Mexico after learning we should never kayak together- we need our own boats
~Road-tripping to Destin playing Radio Russian Roulette in the car and only finding CCR
~Biking Trips to Central Market,Twisted Root,Tour Dallas, On the Trail of Lee Harvey Oswald
~Finding random restaurants and giving them a shot.
~Seeing Wicked
~Finding "Patty O'Brians" in New Orleans
~Danny's homemade festivals/celebrations as excuses to send flowers
~Sitting at home and just watching a movie together with Pizza Patron

God had a plan for us- I pray we are on the right track, he continues to bless us. Danny will be moving to full-time faculty in less than 2 weeks and a new adventure will begin. I'll continue as a reading interventionist in Ferris.
I hope in the race that is the next ten years, time might slow just a tad. Either that, or we will need to take some advice from Ferris Buellar, "LIFE-take some time to stop and look around- otherwise you will miss it."

Spring 2011

Hello Family and Friends.
I hope this blog finds you well. Hopefully you are able to enjoy the wonderful weather! Today is a gorgeous day and I am sitting on our porch at Casa Dolorosa enjoying NATURE TV. We have a ton of little squirrels trying to find the nuts that they buried in the fall. It always gets me thinking about something Danny said once- it made me giggle. “Trees should be so grateful for the forgetfulness of the squirrel”. It’s so true. I’m looking out and see little shoots coming up that hope to be trees. Unfortunately, they will be mowed down. But-I often wonder how many trees in Oak Cliff are standing thanks to squirrel ADHD…….

So much has been going on during the first few months of 2011. Danny has been offered a full time faculty position at DBU. He will leave Media Services August 1st, and begin a new journey teaching in the Communications Department . He was also awarded Staff Person of the Year at DBU. Anyone who knows Danny, knows how committed he is and what a heart of gold he has. This Spring, I finally saved up and got my digital SLR camera. I’ve been having super fun learning to use it. I’m hoping to take a photography class this summer and learn more. It’s so relaxing. I’m still hacking away in Ferris- thankful that Ferris is financially sound. The State Education Budget Crisis is affecting so many districts. There will be shuffling from campus to campus but everyone will have a job! PTL!

Wherever you are this Easter, we hope you are blessed!
Always,
Amy and Danny

Let's Hear it for Gentrification!

Let's Hear it for Gentrification! (No it's not a disease)

Gentrification(jĕn'trə-fĭ-kā'shən) n.
The restoration and upgrading of deteriorated urban property.

When Danny and I bought our house in Spring of 2001, we got a few "surprised" looks. "Oak Cliff, really.... are you sure it's safe?"
Both of us were born and bred in Oak Cliff. During "white flight" in the 80's, neither of our families fled to the suburbs. So when it came time to set down roots- Oak Cliff was the only place that really felt like home to both of us. So we took a chance and bought a house in Elmwood. The houses are tudor-styled and not unlike what you would see over off of Greenville Ave. and the "M" Streets (at a fraction of the cost). We have been living happily in this wonderful community since. The street where we live is amazing and we are surrounded by neighbors who care and watch out for each other. It's not uncommon to drive past and see us gathered on a lawn just shooting the breeze or helping each other out. Don't get me wrong, I don't live with rose-covered glasses. We set the alarm and I don't set out anything that we don't want stolen, yada, yada, yada.
But in the past couple of years, some remarkable things have been happening in this area. Today we participated in one. Bishop Arts is an area that has been around for quite some time, but in the past 7 years, more and more restaurants and businesses have opened. There is a wonderful, eclectic group of people you can see there. Today was the second annual Mardi Gras Parade. Our church entered a float inviting people to "Come Grow With Us". We have a community garden planted, maintained, and used by members and non- members in the OC. We paraded down Davis Street and I was shocked at the number of people crowded into Bishop Arts. It was truly an amazing sight. No one was in danger, no gun shots rang out, perfectly safe and full of many kinds of people from all walks of life.....How amazing that Bishop Arts is fast-becoming a destination for people from all over the Metroplex!
It reminds me of a biking tour we took last fall, "On the Trail of Lee Harvey Oswald". We took the route that Lee H. Oswald used following the assassination of Kennedy into Oak Cliff. We were by the Texas Theatre when a woman looked at our tour guide and asked him when we would be in Oak Cliff. Our guide stifled a giggle and explained that we had been in the OC once we crossed the bridge. Her reply was a shocked look. I laughed (in my head- I didn't want to be rude).
Anyway- we are a small community- BUT- we are a strong community. I thank the Lord everyday for such an opportunity to see Oak Cliff get its second chance! Having grown-up here- I am proud for Oak Cliff! So come on down and give us a try….Seriously- what are you afraid of?

Hey Everybody!
It’s February 1, 2011.
Fun Fact: It’s 21 degrees outside with sleet freezing on the road as we speak.
Fun Fact: Sunday it was 80 degrees and I actually turned on the AC.
Prediction: The Groundhog won't see his shadow. (POOH)
Opinion: I don’t believe in this global warming mumbo jumbo- just sayin’.

I’m sitting here on a snow day- actually an ice day and thought it would be time to get down with 2011. The first month has past and I still haven’t made any New Year’s Resolutions. However, I’ve gotten a lot accomplished. Looking at what I’ve done- I’d say I am resolved too….

1. SAVE MORE! We have a plan with mint.com to get debt knocked out and savings built up. IT’S WORKING PEOPLE! If you haven’t looked into this website- do it. It’s free and very secure using the same security software as banks…..It’s a great organizational tool. There is an ap for your Iphone if you are so inclined.
2. READ MORE! I’ve killed off 2 books already and working on the third. I’d like to read 20 books this year and thanks to my NOOK from Barnes and Noble- it seems I just might reach this goal.
3. RELAX MORE! I’ve actually napped. NAPPED- this is unprecedented.
4.FIND THE BEST BURGER IN DALLAS! We’ve tried 2 new (well- new to us) places. Angry Dog and Maple and Motor. I must say, Maple and Motor is FABULOUS! Dublin Dr. Pepper on tap and an incredible “Austin” vibe.

Have a great Valentine’s Day and here’s hoping that SPRING 2011 comes quick! I’m not built for this weather.
Cheers,
Amy

CHRISTmas 2010

Happy Christmas One and All!
It’s that time to get in touch with loved ones far and wide. A time to reflect on the year and take an inventory of all the experiences we have had these past 12 months. But who gets to go first? Will it be Amy or Danny? I know- a simple game of rock, paper, scissors…… DARN-IT, Danny won.

Hey ya’ll! I am still at DBU running (or attempting to run) the Audio Visual stuff out there. It keeps me honest and off the streets. Dissertation is coming along and I’m aiming to propose (dissertation, not marriage – already done that) in the Spring with completion sometime late Fall/Winter (as of right now). My other past-time is still cycling. I’ve carved out a route from our place to Central Market on Lovers via the Katy Trail. It’s fun, and Amy has seen fit to come along with me most times (I think it is Central Market that does it). I’m also hitting the trails as much as I can, usually with a group of guys from my church.

It’s finally my turn! I’m another year older and you can still find me teaching in Ferris, Texas. It’s amazing to think that this is my 11th year teaching in Ferris! But I have a different 3rd grade position this year at McDonald Elementary. I’m now a Title One Reading Interventionist. My job is designed to help readers who are not reading on grade level- get there. I love it and while I miss having a homeroom class the obvious perks (no grading, weekends pretty clear, etc.) keep me happy. (They’ll have to pry this position away from my cold, dead hands.) I rejoined Temple Choir at church and have also joined Temple Bells. It’s been a lot of fun! I’m still running and swimming but I’ve also learned to appreciate the bike a little bit more!

This past summer brought a new and unique change to our activities. One morning Danny informed me of his plan to bike from our lovely little home in Oak Cliff to a friend’s house off of Mockingbird Lane via The Katy Trail. I paced the floor until I heard from Danny only to find that he made it safe and sound. A couple of weeks later, I joined Danny on this little expedition as we essentially biked from Oak Cliff to Highland Park, stopping for breakfast at Central Market before the return trip home. It was so much fun and such a satisfying adventure that we began to make this a new “date” experience. As of this letter, we’ve made the trek about 9 times! It’s so neat to see Dallas in a new light. It’s also been exciting to find a way to spend time together that involves lots of time and yummy food! The fact that it is an incredibly cheap date is nice too!


Spooky the Cat, Buster the Dog, and Dixie the Dog send their love as they continue to live at Casa Dolorosa eating us out of house and home. Spooky the Cat might tell you that this is HER house- we just live here. Dixie the Dog would groan at the thought of having to do anything except chill on her dog bed. Buster the Dog would just jump on you until you pet him- then he’ll continue to jump.

TOP TEN Life Lessons List of 2010

10- In February we certainly learned to have a new appreciation for snow when we got a record 17+ inches of snow in a 24 hour period. We now refer to it as “Snowmaggedon”.
9- Take some time to look at your city in a new and unique way. Downtown Dallas has never looked cooler than from the seat of your bike as you bike through Victory Plaza. Biking has made me a better runner, and Danny a much more relaxed fellow.
8- Boomerang Meat Pies from Austin, are truly the most delicious, healthy “fast food” ever.
7- “Glee” is Amy’s Dream Come True. Proud to be a “Gleek”!
6- The Rangers proved they CAN, in fact, WIN A PENNANT!
5- The End Note Program for Danny’s dissertation was well worth the money.
4-Social Networking is an absolute time-sucker!
3-Sylvester Stallone proved he can still act. Rupert Grint- not so much.
2-Amy and Danny cannot be trusted with 3-D movie experiences.
1- Once you get the song“California Gurls” by Katy Perry in your head- IT WILL NEVER LEAVE. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing…..( I bet it’s in your head now! HAH!)

TOP TEN APPs for the IPhone for 2010:
10- Hey Tell (Voice Texting)
9- ATT UVerse
8-Shazam
7- Words With Friends
6-Pandora Radio
5-RunPee (Gives you the “downtimes” in a movie- when it is safe to go potty. AMY LOVES THIS!)
4-Facebook/Twitter
3- ESPN Scorecenter
2-Hipstomatic Photos
1-Endomondo GPS for biking/running
Amy has traveled 274.60 miles running and biking this year!
Danny has traveled 471.8 miles biking this year!

We hope you all have a very relaxing and satisfying Holiday. We hope you have the time to sit back and really remember what the season is all about. In our society of high expectations and new gadgets remember that this is a time for family and a time to remember that it was truly the beginning of God’s ultimate sacrifice and grace for us.

Some verses that have truly touched my life this year are:

Hebrews 11:6
“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to GOD must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek HIM.”

2 Corinthians 5:21
“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”

Keep in mind that faith that remains UNCHALLENGED is a faith that remains UNCHANGED.
We truly wish you a very merry CHRISTmas and Happy New Year!
Cheers,
Danny and Amy Rose

October 2010

Question:
How does Amy celebrate her second favorite month of the year?

Answer: She likes to watch "Halloweeny" movies.

Here is the Top Ten List of my favorite scary movies to enjoy during this Halloween Season:

10. Scream
9. The Birds
8. Halloween (The Original- TV Version)
7. A Nightmare on Elm Street
8. Silver Bullet
7. Salem's Lott
6. The Mummy
5. Harry Potter Films (All of them)
4. Wallace and Grommit's The Curse of the Were- Rabbit
3. Poltergeist
2. The Nightmare Before Christmas
1. Sleepy Hollow

She also likes to read "Halloweeny" books:

5. Dracula by Bram Stoker
4. Salem's Lott by Stephen King
3. It's The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown - not scary but totally a tradition
2. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
1. The Woman in Black by Susan Hill (This will be a new one this year)

She also listens to "Halloweeny Stuff": Currently on her Ipod:
10. On Halloween by Jerry Seinfeld
9. This is Halloween
8. Halloween Theme
7. Theme from Jaws
6. ET Flying Home
5. Double Trouble
4. Beetlejuice Main Titles
3. Theme from Poltergeist
2. Great Pumpkin Waltz
1. Thriller

I hope you have a great month!
If you aren't busy on Halloween night, pop by for our second annual movie on the lawn. It's a ton of fun and totally free! We'll have some chili, a fire going, and a fun kiddo movie projected on our house. Movie starts at dark.

Amos

More Weird Weather....

Dear Diary Blog,

This morning I woke up to a humid cloudy day. By noon-thirty the sun was out. Danny removed the shrubbery carnage. A byproduct from "Snowmaggedon". Then out of nowhere- CLOUDS, THUNDER, and RAIN! Now it's cold again. It's amazing- the power of the sun. It was so nice for that short time to see it!
Now- Sun- please don't be a stranger.
I need you- YOU COMPLETE ME!

Always,
Amy

February 11, 2009 "SNOWMAGGEDON"

Dear Diary Blog,

The past 24 hours have been a very weird time to be in Texas.

I often find the weathermen here very untrustworthy. I've joked that if they taught school and prepared kids for the TAKS test the way they predict the weather, our scores would SUCK!

They predicted that there would be a "wintery mix". They predicted 1-3 inch acculumations of snow with rain mixed in. What we got, in the words of the only weatherman I trust, is SNOWMAGGEDON! (Thanks for such a great noun, Pete Delkus.) I follow his TWEETS faithfully! In 24 hours, Dallas saw 12.9 inches of snow. We crushed the previous record of 7.5 inches made in 1978. People from northern states may be giggling at us right now- BUT we honestly have no idea: A- how to drive in this or B- how to live in this. I got out the morning after to take some pics and was shocked at what my neighborhood looked like.

It is unbelievably beautiful. Everything has this quiet, sureal, "narnian" look to it. Then you look a little closer and you have to stand in awe of the power of those big, fat flakes that fell all day......

The bushes in front of the house are completely leaned over, the bushes in the backyard are bending low, the hammock is covered with snow and underneath it is the only patch of grass I've seen in a while. Buster the Dog has to jump to get through the snow and LOVES EVERY MINUTE OF IT! He was truly giddy when I took pics earlier. Trees are all bending a bit lower and I am exceptionally happy we cabled the 70 year old tree in the front yard! The one thing I am truly worried about are the power lines that are sagging dangerously low in the alleyway across the street..... But the good book says, "Be anxious for nothing." So I gotta put that out of my mind.

I'm glad I got to see this in my lifetime. I think it is giving me perspective to stop taking advantage of my good 'ol Texas weather! I also have a new appreciation for winter!

Anyway, I'm off to clean the house and cook some chili.

'Cause nothing says homemade chili like this weather!

Ground Zero

Ground Zero
It all starts here
Day One
For all things new
Hope
In what is to come
Resolve
In what should change
Here's to 2010
It's up to you
It's up to me
Let it be
Sweet

Life at Casa Dolorosa

Merry Christmas to All!

We've decided to save a few trees this year and create a blog to let you know what we've been up to. It's been a busy year for us with many twists and turns befitting a novel. We've experienced a lot and learned so much more about life.

Danny's year could be best described as a roller coaster. January and February started pretty slowly for him. He runs media services at Dallas Baptist University and teaches. He is also working on his Ph.D. in Educational Computing at North Texas. He was accepted in March to present 2 papers at SITE an Educational Technology Conference in South Carolina. He did a great job. A teacher might have given him a gold star. But in April disaster struck. Danny’s newest hobby came back to bite him in the elbow when he crashed in Tour Dallas. He had open fractures in his left elbow that required surgery and a two night hospital stay. Amy would like to give a shout out to the Doctors and Nurses who gave such wonderful care to Danny. Danny is now learning that there are some brakes you never use by themselves. May and June were eventful- filled with physical therapy and the building of The Pilgrim Chapel at DBU. Danny was partially responsible for the installation of smart classrooms and all that jazz. In July we loaded up Amy’s Rav 4 and headed to Florida to attend our first beachside wedding which was beautiful. Danny respected the sunblock and came away virtually unscathed. We rented bikes and Amy nervously watched Danny pedal along with no fear! We then decided to head down to Disney! It’s still one of our favorite places to go. Vacation was fun and a little busy but we returned with smiles on our faces. With Pilgrim Chapel up and running, Danny had one more obstacle to maneuver. He had to meet with his portfolio committee that will be helping him earn his Ph.D. He is now an ABD (all but dissertation) student. Way to go Danny!

Amy had a relatively quiet year. Writing in the third person is tricky so she is going to change so she can write this blog even better and more clearly.

I had a pretty quiet year. I am still teaching Third Grade at McDonald Elementary in Ferris, Texas. It’s hard to believe I have been there 10 years. Even harder to believe that means Danny and I have been together for nearly 10 years. Last year I helped write the Social Studies curriculum (which was tricky- my least favorite subject- how do you make THAT fun…) I got through that relatively painlessly. I had a ball with my students and got to teach things that I have never gotten to teach before. I knicknamed them the peanuts gang. With a Charlie Brown, a Linus, Lucy, Schroeder, Sally and Pig Pen- it was fun to go to work!
I made friends with Danny’s surgeon, got to look at some fun x-rays and even got to keep copies of the finished product. Incidentally, I like to think of Danny’s elbow as “Frakenelbow”. There are about 10 pins and one really long screw that all the king’s horses and all the king’s men used to put Danny’s elbow together again! Nature struck on Memorial Day Weekend....my end of the year video editing was hampered when our 70 year old tree got a bacteria infection and lost 3 huge limbs that blocked traffic for a couple of days. It’s still standing but is now cabled safely! I really love that tree! Danny and I were invited to attend 3 of the classiest weddings I have ever been to. That’s saying a lot. One was in Florida, one in Louisiana, and one here in the metroplex. I got to dance with Danny and loved every minute of it. You see, we are usually filming them!
This school year has been a challenge. I have a couple of kids that are extremely high maintenance. But I have some brothers and sisters of past students that are BRIGHT spots in my challenging day. I am running again. I had injured my T-Band a couple of years ago and gave it some rest then used some exercise bands that Danny came home with from elbow rehab. I was able to run in The Race for the Cure and The Turkey Trot. I’ll be running in the Jingle Bell Run here in a couple of weeks. I’m not running as fast or as often, BUT when I do there is little pain and I feel awesome! The downside to my year, I gave myself a new year’s resolution to read 2 books a month. I did not achieve that goal. I made it to about 18. I’m posting the pics of the ones I liked the best. Here’s hoping I can reach the 24 book goal next year. I got halfway through Marley and Me but Danny took it away because I cried every time I would read from it! I'm debating on taking it back though......one afternoon and I could be one book closer to the goal. I still have half a month left!

Spooky the Cat, Buster the Dog, and Dixie the Dog all send their love! They are currently snuggled up enjoying the cold weather. Spooky loves sleeping under the Christmas Tree and the dogs are in the office spooning.

Here is our traditional TOP Ten List of stupid stuff we learned.

10. Don’ buy a cheap GPS- Spring for a good one. We could still be in Florida.
9. You can never leave too early for a road trip.
8. Tree arborists have no sense of humor.
Arborist: “Your tree has Sudden Limb Drop.”
Danny: “Your kidding? (picture sarcastic grin on his face) Can you give it a shot or something?” Arborist: “No.” (with confused expression) "Smell the bark you can smell the bacteria infection"
Danny: "I'll take your word on it." (Amy did in fact smell the bark and it did smell rotten.)
7. Amy can still rock the fast pass system at Disney.
6. Facebook and Twitter - really addictive. Do they have groups for that? See you all on facebook later.
5. When buying your first iPhone- don’t forget to ask how to use the phone instead of just how to install apps and numbers.
4. Insurance is a beautiful thing. Always, Always carry your card.
3. Blu Ray rocks and you DON’T have to replace all your DVDs!
2. Ambulances cost about $200 dollars per mile.
1. Maybe adults should be required to wear elbow pads when biking.

Bible Verses that have taught Amy this year:
I’ve worked really hard this year to relax more and find myself content- I tend to stress a lot. Here’s what I have learned.

Colossians 3:23 “Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, not for men.”
Proverbs 12:24-25 “Be diligent, Anxiety in the heart causes depression, but a good word makes it glad.”
Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear or be afraid of them; for The Lord your God, He is one who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”
Philippians 4:6 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything with prayer and supplication-let your requests be made known to God.”

We’re Out!
Hope you have a wonderful 2010!