Listening and Waiting

There is no elegant way to say this. 2010 you sucked. Thanks for all that you leave on a girls heart. I mean the first part of the year was a roller coaster. There were many joys and many valleys. I remember mom still saying I am going to laugh about it. Still wondering about that mommy. :) There are months that I am grateful for. You know the months that helped you mend from the previous months. I am well aware of my joys and I will get to them in a sec. I want to end on a happy note of course. Here is a recap. And to those of you who find out somethings in november that you didn't know give me some Grace! Ok thanks!

January- working hard to support lyle and I. Lyle is studying hard for our family.

Febuary- about the same

March- ANNIVERSARY went on a cruise.

April- life is going pretty smoothly

May- can't complain. still doin alright

June- working through the summer. Have a tough summer with some families and the police :) but hey its galveston!

July- worked through july but I am TIRED!

AUGUST- the month that changed me. Conference for work. Come home leave the next day for

vacation. Go on an amazing, restful vacation with my husband. Come home day later Bart Dies. He died. Still not sure if I am ok. I will keep you posted.

September- Go back to work. Boss quits and we get new group to take over. TOO MUCH TRANSITION.

October- New group takes over and working WAY more hours. Have a couple of get togethers at the house. Maybe I am going to be ok.

November- Find out I'm Pregnant! Can't wait to tell my parents when they come to visit. Oh but

wait. Mom gets put in the hospital and could lose her arm. And well I lost the baby. So all in all I lose my baby and my mom is doped up on meds that she can't talk me through it. Nikki and dad came with me. So I wasn't down here in Galveston without any family when Lyle and I got the news. REALLY GOD?! I don't know if I have really thought that out loud before. REALLY?!!? Still have this feeling in my heart I can't explain. Hurts like I didn't know I could feel. Oh yeah did I mention that my program was being audited the day that I literally was losing the baby. Yep you guessed it. One of my hardest days I was answering my phone making sure we didn't lose the grant. Jo Anna Workman must always be professional. (I am working on this, I understand that I get to breakdown and I should have boundaries)

December- My favorite month. Birthdays and Christmas. I worked on my birthday but my kiddos all 100 sang to me! It was beautiful. Somehow they made it a round haha!

Found out mimi had a heart attack. Once again. REALLY?!

Went to vegas with the inlaws. That was a lot of fun. Saw Grandma Nangauta and my dad's family. That was good for the heart.

Came home and left for Conroe the next day to see Mimi and do Christmas.

To those of you that stayed with me Thanks. I know that my life can be boring and uneventful :) but really thanks for listening to this rambling heart. So if you see me and it looks like I am struggling to find a smile know that I love you. And I can feel it returning.

To 2011- I am begging you to take it easy on this fragile heart. I feel like it is not as tough as it used to be.

Oh and here are my joys- sitting in a booth with Gabe, Luke and Nate as they talk about their daddy and how much he loved them. Then getting to take them shopping for Suzi's birthday. Watching as my husband fought with all that he had and passed his test. (This is one proud wife)

Watching my sister get her master's and find a job she adores. Having parents that love me unconditionally. Being a part of a family that trusts God's plans for them. Having a husband that I fight with and loves me in the crappy of craps. (I know that sounds bad but hey its truth). My kiddos, they bring me joy. A dog that I adore. And to my sweet lamb. I loved you while you were mine.

Lyle Don Workman, You are the keeper of this heart. You are an amazing protector. These last two years have been seriously the two of my hardest. You are the BEST decision I ever made. You have captured a heart that wants to run and instead I know you are safe and I stay! You have God's heart for me and I am FOREVER grateful. Thanks for your patience as I learn selflessness and grace.

And lastly, to my Abba. I love you and I trust you. Thanks for holding me when I want to give up and for fighting along side me. I am glad to know that in the midst of the darkness you are there.

So Cheers and Heres to finding the joys in the midst of the storm!

New Beginning

So today it all started! I was standing there in front of 100 students listening to the giggles. Sweet giggles if I may so myself. New faces I had never seen and names that I will have to get used to. Mrs. Workman was the name of the hour and every child that said it brought so much joy to my heart. Now, don't worry in a couple of months if not days Mrs. Workman will also be the thing I dislike the most. However, for today it is welcome.

I chatted with the teachers as we got the classes broken up and then ushered out of the cafeteria. I made small talk with the custodian and then went on my way. My sweet servant of a husband showed up to help get the program underway. Let it be stated that the only thing that brings me more joy than hearing Mrs. Workman on these babies lips is hearing Mr. Workman. They love him and he knows it. Everywhere he goes the kids get this smile and they know that fun is about to be had!

3 hours came and went. I began releasing children back into the care of their parents. Some of them see me as a means to get their jobs done at work. Some solely look at me as their babysitter. Thats okay too. I know that for a little bit of the day the Lord gives me the opportunity to love on some kiddos that might not be able to loved otherwise. I give hugs when there are tears, band-aids when there is blood, and a smile when there is anger. This is my daily call as I work here in Galveston. Have I ever mentioned how VERY BLESSED I am?

One more thing on a more serious note! Today I got to hug on a little boy whose big brother was hit by a car right in front of him and passed away. Can I just say that God has entrusted HUGE things to me this year? I got to smile at his dad as he picked him up knowing that I pray abundant blessings over that family EVERY night. I love that family and you know what? They know.

Being busy right now is keeping me from thinking. I don't really know how great that is but for now I will take it! Thanks for listening to this rambling heart. I guess for now this is who I am.

Today was a great day!

Grief

Wow it has been a long time since I wrote on here last. You may be wondering if I still even sell MK and the answer is yes! I am now working full time for Galveston ISD and I am TIRED to say the least! In the midst of the last year Lyle and I have faced many many many hard times. I always kept saying that God would never give me more than I can handle. I kept speaking that over myself. My mom would say "Jo Anna I promise one day you will look back and laugh about all of this." Hmmm, still not sure if that is true mom. Walking through some of things I thought I was going to break and in fact I think I did a couple of times.

None of what I walked through remotely prepapered me for August 12. I got a call late on Thursday night telling me that my amazing Uncle Bart had passed away! WHAT THE HECK?! I just kept yelling shut up and I don't know what you are saying. Lyle just sat there and held me like the amazing husband he is. Now some of you may be saying... oh he was just your uncle! NOPE not just my uncle. My uncle who was 41, married to suzi, dad to Gabe, Luke, and Nate all under the ages of 13. He was more like a wise big brother than a distant old uncle.

There are many feelings running through me in the two weeks since the call. Frustration, anger, sorrow, love, understanding, grace, forgiveness, and confusion. Please pray for aunt and cousins as they readjust to the new "normal". I am blessed beyond measure and I am trusting that once again God won't give us more than we can handle.

Working and blogging

So I am sitting here in my office "working"! I am taking part in a webinar that is telling me how to facebook, myspace and blog with my students. I do all of these things but I will say that I don't believe in doing this with my students. Hmmm, just something to think about! It made me question all of the internety things that I do. Maybe, I am spending way too much time communicating with people without COMMUNICATING with people. Does that even make sense. Anyways, just something to think about.

I am back to work after an AMAZING weekend in Chicago with Lyle. We had a great time seeing all of the beautiful buildings and doing so many different exciting activities. I found myself really wanting to live in a big city. I love public transportation and I love people watching! Riding on subways and buses is fun to me. I dont know maybe I am just silly. Hmmm, maybe another trip is in the working.

Mary Kay is still going really well! It is helping Lyle and I earn a little bit of extra money for the holidays and is helping us stay afloat with our bills. Me being unemployed for over 4 months didnt help with the credit card build up.

I hope that everyone is doing amazing and that you are finding yourselves overly blessed!

Love,
JoAnna

Start Up

Hey friends! Just so you know MARY KAY is running a start up fee of $50 right now! This is an amazing price and one you should not pass up! I wish I would have had this deal when I signed up!
Mary Kay has been an amazing journey for me and Lyle. One that we have never regretted! It has helped to pay bills when the money was TIGHT and has given me the opportunity to love on some amazing women! For instance yesterday I was able to give a gift bag full of Mary Kay to each one of the 12 teachers that work for me! It has been a huge blessing and gives a little extra every month. I am able to work a full time job while still getting to love on and bless others! Be praying about the opportunity and I will be praying that if this is something that God has for your sweet families that he will open doors!

Jo Anna

Working on a Saturday

So its saturday and I am up at the school working! We had open library but not very many kids came. Lets just say I found out the teachers hadn't sent home the flyers they made. Oh well. I guess there is always next month.

I am so glad that Fall is here. I love the way that the seasons change and the crisp air starts to blow in! It is so refreshing! I love sweaters and scarves. According to Lyle I will NOT be needing all of those here. SAD DAY! There is nothing more fun to me than getting all bundled up and stopping for a peppermint mocha on the way to work.

So many things are changing... the schedule at work, hopefully my hair,! and soon to be decor in the Workman household. I am changing the bright colors out for the more natural and mute tones. To be honest Fall is my favorite. I love the browns and greens. I love pumpkins and spices. MMMMM! Pumpkin Rolls! The kids are getting into routines at school. They seem to be figuring out wher they are supposed to be and what they are supposed to be doing. That is a relief!

Mary Kay is going amazing! I made STAR consultant! What a blessing! Right now I am focusing on working but I am about to go full swing again! I just had to get into the full swing of a full time job and all that comes with that!

We are running buy one item get one half off~

Blessed,
Jo Anna

Mary Kay Beauty and 150 Kiddos

So I am sitting here and I am blessed way more than I would have ever thought and literally ever would have imagined. I work everyday with a group of 15 teachers and 150 kiddos. Who gets to love on that MANY people every single day! I am getting to show the love of Christ and His grace everyday! It is amazing!

What is also fun is that I get to look good while doing that! Everyday I realize that I have parents, teachers, and students that look at my apperance and they are judging it. Am I professional, modest, and do I present myself in a manner that demands respect? I know that doesn't make sense to some of you that will be reading this blog but I realize that I am making a difference and setting an example.

With all of that being said I am so very very blessed and so glad that I am getting to live the life that God has entrusted to me!

We want to bless you this week as we begin the fall! So fall into savings and with every purchase through this week you will get a $10 gift certificate!
Blessings,
Jo Anna

Lazy Saturday

I am sitting here watching Wedding Date and having the best Saturday! I took a shower and now I am back in my PJ'S! WHAT A GREAT DAY!

My job is going amazing and the kids are precious! I am having to work hard to get the program going and make sure I can keep the teachers happy but I think that we are about to make is work! We are really close!

Anyways, Mary Kay is also going well! We just placed a massive order and I became A STAR CONSULTANT!!! This is a huge deal for Mary Kay ladies! SO THANK YOU! To all of you that have helped me get where I am!

I hope that you all have an amazing weekend!

Blessings,
Jo Anna

Deal of the Week and More

So starting a new job tomorrow. Not going to lie that I am a little nervous. It will be nice to have some sort of stability in our lives. Now I know that I will have a job until at least the summer. I need that. I am feeling anxious about meeting the students and teachers. I am trying to figure out the schedule and trying to see what my life is going to look like now that I am working until 630 every night. That is not so fun if you ask me but at least its a job and for that I am thankful.

Lyle and I are trying to finish the quarter out strong. Mary Kay is going well and we are so close to making STAR CONSULTANT. This is a huge accomplishment to every Mary Kay lady. SOOOO with that being said if you have ever thought about placing an order with me THIS IS YOUR TIME! Place an order with me before Friday Night( 9/11)

Free $25 Gift Certificate with Purchase of $50 or more! Not valid with any other offers.

Blessings,
Jo Anna Workman
(817) 896-9631
joannaworkman@marykay.com
www.marykay.com/joannaworkman

A New Day

Every once in awhile I sit here and can't believe I am where I am. I can't remember how I got here and what steps I took but I know that I am glad to be here. I love my life with my husband. I love getting to spend my life with a man that loves me and the Lord. This is a great life. Full of laughter and fun. Not saying that we don't have our share of hurts and failures but non the less still a great life. I am loving doing Mary Kay and now I am loving my full time position with the school district. It has been very difficult but I really believe that I am growing more than i thought was possible.

Thank you to all of you that took part of the FORTY FRIDAY! It was a huge success and we are going to be able to place a large order. I am praying for all of you this week as you step out into the lives that God has for you and the season that you find yourself in.

Blessings,
Jo Anna

P.S. Deal of the week is going to be the buy one get one half off deal!!!

Love you guys!

Forty Friday!

Don't forget!

40% OFF ALL ORDERS TODAY!

Excludes roll up bags and any discounted items! Ends at midnight tonight (9/4)!

This is your chance to try new product or stock up on the product you love, and remember, everything is guaranteed! So, if you don't like it, then you can return it and get your money back!

Try the new TimeWise Replenishing Serum+C today!

Your Mary Kay Girl,

Jo Anna Workman
(817) 896-9631
joannaworkman@marykay.com
Visit my Web site at http://www.marykay.com/joannaworkman.

FORTY FRIDAY!

FORTY FRIDAY! That's right! All day Friday (9/4) I will be conducting a discount day where all orders are 40% off! What a deal! This will occur a FEW times throughout the year, and this Friday is one! So, email, call, or place an order on my website (in the payment notes put "Forty Friday") sometime tomorrow, and you will receive 40% off! Other consultants' customers please do not order with me! Excludes Roll Up Bags and any other discounted items.

Your Mary Kay Girl, Jo Anna!

www.marykay.com/joannaworkman
joannaworkman@marykay.com

Life of a Career Woman

So I thought I would fill you in on my job! I LOVE IT. There is nothing more satisfying than working with people who long to change their world and love on children stuck in a mess. I am blessed to enjoy my job and I look forward to working everyday. HMM... Have I maybe found what I have been looking for. I work for the homeless grant for GISD so that means if the grant runs out so does my job. Not such good news but I am enjoying my time while I can. I had the superintendent look at me the other day and say "your job is very important to this school district, keep up the good work". Wow! I was so excited!

I am really tired right now as we get the school off the ground but I know that it should slow down in a couple of weeks! I am going to see if Lyle wants to head to the Ball High game this Friday! I am starting to get some Galveston Pride! Watch out! Haha!

On another note, we had a tornado the other night. It came right of the ocean and went straight through a store. I was sad because that store made it through the hurricane only to lose everything less than a year later. We are about to remember the one year anniversary of IKE. I know that in our school district we are still feeling the impact of that horrible storm and are still dealing with destruction it left on students and on our schools.

I know that this post was random and full of different thoughts but I just wanted to quickly fill you in on what has been going on this side of Texas. I can offically say that I feel like Galveston is becoming home and that I making friends!

As far as Mary Kay goes... BUY ONE ITEM GET ONE ITEM 50% OFF! equal or lesser value of course!!!! Let's make September our biggest month yet!!!

Also, Lyle and I are selling satin hand sets for the spouses of soldiers away serving our country. They are $30 and we will be delivering them to the base for distribution. If it is the wife that is serving we will give the an a body wash and aftershave also for $30.

Let me know if you are interested in any product but most of all let me know what is going on in YOUR life! I really want to know!

Love and Blessings,
Jo Anna

Working Women

So I have a new respect for the working mom/wife! I don't know how they do it! I am working full time, being a wife, and trying to run a Mary Kay busniess! I am really loving my job and I am excited about the future working with the children of Galveston. However, I am exhausted!

Back to Mary Kay... I had a great party on Sunday and I really felt like I was getting a hold of the concepts!

I know I know you are wondering what the deals are...
Get stocked up for school! Moms...I know you need some pampering with your kiddos going back this week! College students...how bought looking your best when you cruise the campus! And all you other women...I know you love free product! Check out these bonus deals for this week!

• Free MK Loofah with purchase of a Shower Gel or Scrub
• Free Satin Lips with Purchase of Satin Hands Pampering Set AND One Lipstick, Lip Balm, or Lip Gloss (an $18 Value)
• Free Tropical Pineapple Gift Set with purchase of Timewise Miracle Set (a $30 Value
• Free Eye or Cheek Color with Purchase of a Look (up to a $10 Value)

Also, ask me about the New Timewise Replenishing Serum+C and Free Trial Offer! Let me know if you have any questions!

Jo Anna Workman

joannaworkman@marykay.com

www.marykay.com/joannaworkman

Taking Over for the Day!

So, Jo's at her new job, which leaves me to advertise for her AND RUN HER BUSINESS (MWAH HAHA)! Check out the cool products at www.marykay.com/joannaworkman! Since she is out of the fort, here are some CRAZY deals (end at midnight):

• $50 order = free eyeliner (up to $10)
• $100 order = free shower gel (up to $15)
• $150 order = free Satin Hands Pampering Set ($30)
• $200 order = free perfume or cologne (up to $50)

Her WONDERFUL Husband,

Lyle

Here is to a new start!

I wrote this huge long post about my heart right now and how brokenhearted I am. But for some reason it didn't post. I guess it was God! Ha! Anyways, I didn't get the job that I wanted but I know that surely the Lord is hearing my prayers! Oh Lord please tell me you are hearing your daughters cries! The very cries of my heart!

I want to make Lyle proud and be able to provide for our family. For some reason that is not happening! What the heck!?

Ok it will happen! Positive thoughts! That is what people keep saying to me!

I am blessed by those of you that read this blog and those of you who are blessing my business! Thank you for being a part of my everyday life!

Love you,
Jo Anna

Does anyone even read this?

Blessings!

So Lyle and I are almost a month into this and low and behold we have PAID OURSELVES BACK PLUS MORE! The Lord is continually just pouring into our lives and I can't believe how faithful He continues to be!

Tonight we went for ice cream after I cooked chicken spagetti! It totally made my day! Still have not heard back about the interview! Patience is not my strongest quality! I am going to call tomorrow for the sole reason that I am going to interview for another position if I am not going to get that one. Hmmm...

Today I tried the HONEYSUCKLE body wash and it was amazing! I showered about 7 hours ago and I can still smell the body wash on me. Mind you I have not worked out or anything like that but I am in love with smell! So sweet!

I hope that you all are blessed and I am praying for all of you that read this! I may not know your names or who you are but you are loved and being prayed for!

Dreaming,
Jo Anna

Dinner and a Movie!

So today was Saturday and it was filled with working and running errands. Woke up to run to the post office and send out orders. I don't know the last time I had any idea what I was doing. I finally after four months of marriage feel like I have something to do that is for me. I get to talk on the phone with girls and plan what would be good for their skin and what colors I think would work best. It is the best job ever! Speaking of loving my job! I have an interview for a full tiime position on Monday! So keep praying friends!


Still running the deal on all eye care! So stock up and let me know!

Jo Anna

Date Night

Alright so tonight the Workman's did something that they rarely do. We got all dressed up and went on a true date night. Me in my sundress and Lyle in some khakis and button up. Man he looked good. I did my makeup and well sort of fixed my hair. Out the door we went. We intentionally left the apartment and the island. We were on a mission. We drove towards Kemah and stopped at what is becoming one of my favorite restaurants Las Brisas Mexican! Yumm is all I have to say! Anyways, after dinner we headed to the movies. Somehow it was my pick again! Probably because we had missed all the other movies so Julie and Julia it was. While I was watching this movie I began to feel an ache for my passion again. The funny thing is I have no idea what that is.

I don't really know if that is funny or not but I do know that I long for the day when I get to do what I love and don't feel bad or restricted about doing it. I know that it is working with underprivileged children but I don't know to what capacity. I know that it is working with the hurting teenager that doesn't believe in themselves and hasn't heard that they can do it ever in their sweet lives. But again I don't know to what capacity. I am learning everyday that this journey is once again nothing that I thought that it was going to be but I am constantly reminded it is way more!!!!

Tonight I looked over and saw the love of my life driving the car and couldn't help but tell him that I love him. I am so blessed to have him in my life and he really is the reason that I am learning to believe in myself. He seriously makes me want to be braver then I have been in a long time. I have an amazing cheering section and I know that I am going to find that passion and figure out what I am doing. It is just taking me way longer than I thought.

I have an interview on Monday... It is for a coordinator position with an elementary after school program. I am extremely excited and horribly nervous. I CAN DO THIS! I need to write that on my mirror and heart. I know deep down that I can but I have told no so much lately I am beginning to forget. Oh well just thought that I would fill you in a little with my life! I am not one to just write about products and be done with it! Most of you know that about me. To those of you who don't know me... I hope this gives you a little glimpse into what the life of a newlywed med students wife might sort of like!

Blessed beyond measure,
Jo Anna