quietness in the living room, where I'm writing this
Andy the Wonder Dog occasionally, obsessively licking himself or the floor around him
Twinkles the Crazy Cat sniffing out the cars left on the car rug last night
Jonah's little voice at the top of the stairs
sounds of fun coming from the bonus room
my fingers clicking away happily on this keyboard
tiny steps trying to sneak downstairs (darn creaky stairs)
the pitter patter of the little feet coming up to stand beside me
voices asking me what's for breakfast
shuffling through the assortment of cars to find the perfect one
the sounds of summer
ain't life grand?
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
Happy Memorial Day
It was a very happy one, indeed. At least for these Goodwin's. We went to the West Tennessee Veteran's Cemetery to a Memorial day program. We went with my dad and step mom. We planned it really well this year (thanks to my fantabulous hubby!) and got there a whole hour early. We were able to park really close and got a great spot in the shade of a ginormous tree.
It was amazing outside. Hot in the sun, but great in our little slice of shade. The boys laughed and ran around goofed off, then went exploring some of the graves. They were searching for one in particular.
Lavon was Todd's mom's cousin. Mimi's cousin. I didn't think they would find it, but they did.
There's usually a fly-over done by some military fighter jets, but there wasn't one today. But there was good, quality family time, spent remembering those who have given their lives for our freedom.
And the boys are always thrilled when they have a huge, grassy area to play in. They are boys, after all.
They do love each other. Sometimes. At least for today they did. It was a wonderful morning. After the ceremony, we ran and bought lunch and brought it back home. My dad and Sandy were able to stay and eat with us. We hung out for about an hour, then went to Mom's. For the best ribs I have EVER put in my mouth.
And for a huge, red-neck slip'n'slide. That involved a tarp and a sprinkler. It was awesome.
Now we're just hanging out at home. The boys are all outside (imagine that) and Drew's got a friend spending the night. Tomorrow we have big plans. We're going to the new park at Shelby Farms and to their Mimi's house for some more swimming. I'm excited. After I sleep in, of course. Since someone woke me up a little too early this morning.
Love to all.
It was amazing outside. Hot in the sun, but great in our little slice of shade. The boys laughed and ran around goofed off, then went exploring some of the graves. They were searching for one in particular.
Lavon was Todd's mom's cousin. Mimi's cousin. I didn't think they would find it, but they did.
There's usually a fly-over done by some military fighter jets, but there wasn't one today. But there was good, quality family time, spent remembering those who have given their lives for our freedom.
And the boys are always thrilled when they have a huge, grassy area to play in. They are boys, after all.
They do love each other. Sometimes. At least for today they did. It was a wonderful morning. After the ceremony, we ran and bought lunch and brought it back home. My dad and Sandy were able to stay and eat with us. We hung out for about an hour, then went to Mom's. For the best ribs I have EVER put in my mouth.
And for a huge, red-neck slip'n'slide. That involved a tarp and a sprinkler. It was awesome.
Now we're just hanging out at home. The boys are all outside (imagine that) and Drew's got a friend spending the night. Tomorrow we have big plans. We're going to the new park at Shelby Farms and to their Mimi's house for some more swimming. I'm excited. After I sleep in, of course. Since someone woke me up a little too early this morning.
Love to all.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
no kids, an empty house...hmmm, what to do???
I thought about this for about 2.3 seconds. And then I looked around at all the clutter and knew immediately what my day without children would consist of: organizing and cleaning.
I know...fun, right?
This was a little slice of Heaven for me, though. I never get to clean AND organize. I always only have time to do one or the other...never both, and NEVER without mypesky boys! It was wonderful...especially because of all the "end of the school year" junk that comes home the last four days of school. Between the paper work, the drawers that I de-cluttered and reorganized and the tupperware cabinet I cleaned out, I am ready for the trash to be picked up again.
I also took the heavy oriental rug out of our living room and moved it upstairs to the boys' bonus room. It looks great up there with the color of the couch and chair, and it makes it look more grown-up. Especially since most of the toys are now gone. It opened up the living room by taking it out, and now you can see the beautiful floors that it hid. I also re-purposed some things from the dining room and kitchen. That is my most favorite thing to do...move things around and use the things I've already got. Who needs to buy? Between re-purposing and a can of spray paint, you can make old things look 'new' again!
So, before my loverly day of cleaning and organizing, I had a date night with my main man last night. We had a great night of seeing how much money we could save. Between gift cards that were given to us and 'freebies', we spent a grand total of $17 on our night out. Dinner was at Carabba's, Barnes & Noble came next, followed by Walmart, and ending with Starbucks. It was a great night. We even came back home and watched a movie. Grown Ups with Adam Sandler.
It's been a great weekend. We're going to church tomorrow, then coming home and doing yard work. We have to get our yard ready to cut for the first time. So...lots of work, followed by some time in the neighbor's pool...hopefully!
Enjoy the rest of your weekend...and don't forget to take the time and remember those who lost loved ones so that we could have freedom.
Love to all.
I know...fun, right?
This was a little slice of Heaven for me, though. I never get to clean AND organize. I always only have time to do one or the other...never both, and NEVER without my
I also took the heavy oriental rug out of our living room and moved it upstairs to the boys' bonus room. It looks great up there with the color of the couch and chair, and it makes it look more grown-up. Especially since most of the toys are now gone. It opened up the living room by taking it out, and now you can see the beautiful floors that it hid. I also re-purposed some things from the dining room and kitchen. That is my most favorite thing to do...move things around and use the things I've already got. Who needs to buy? Between re-purposing and a can of spray paint, you can make old things look 'new' again!
So, before my loverly day of cleaning and organizing, I had a date night with my main man last night. We had a great night of seeing how much money we could save. Between gift cards that were given to us and 'freebies', we spent a grand total of $17 on our night out. Dinner was at Carabba's, Barnes & Noble came next, followed by Walmart, and ending with Starbucks. It was a great night. We even came back home and watched a movie. Grown Ups with Adam Sandler.
It's been a great weekend. We're going to church tomorrow, then coming home and doing yard work. We have to get our yard ready to cut for the first time. So...lots of work, followed by some time in the neighbor's pool...hopefully!
Enjoy the rest of your weekend...and don't forget to take the time and remember those who lost loved ones so that we could have freedom.
Love to all.
Friday, May 27, 2011
another blog on random thoughts
Sorry...the title thing is just killing me. I could write a book, but to have to title the darn thing...whew. It makes my eye start to twitch.
So, the past few days have been very emotional for me. Here's why:
1. Graham had his awards program on Monday morning. I got all teary eyed through the entire program. I am so proud of this kid...he's pretty great. He has had a wonderful year, and his teachers were the absolute best. The fact that his first year of middle school is already over is simply insane. Time is slipping through my fingers like sand, and I feel like I am trying in vain to grasp it. I have to remind myself all the time to slow down, and to enjoy the little moments that God gives us.
2. One of Graham's closest friends treated him pretty shabbily this week. And that breaks my heart for the poor boy.
3. Drew had his last day of elementary school. I spent the majority of Thursday in tears. While I was putting on my makeup, I kept crying it back off. I had to reapply at least three times. I will never again see his sweet little face in the lunchroom...or witness it lighting up as he realizes I've made his favorite lunch. So, in honor of this special day (and the fact that 5th grade skate night was canceled for the bad weather that didn't come until 2 hours later), I brought him his favorite lunch. Chick Fil A spicy chicken sandwich combo, with fries, coke and large chocolate milkshake.
4. I had to say goodbye to three amazing teachers. Donna Pittman, Tammy Townsend and Marian Richards. I will see Tammy and Marian in the fall, but Donna is retiring this year. I will never again see her beautiful sweater vests walking toward me in the hall. She and her sweet hubby are friends of ours, so we'll be seeing them around, but it'll still be weird without her sweet smile at CES in the fall.
5. Jonah and Noah played a game last night. And Jonah played so good that I seriously got all choked up. Seriously. I had tears in my eyes. He got two out on first, caught a fly ball and scored a homerun. All in the same one hour game. And that smile...oh my goodness. That last time he went up to bat, he shook his booty and turned around to make sure we were all watching. And then he flashed those dimples that I so love.
6. It hit me last night that my kids are on the edge of growing up and keeping me on the road. I was getting 2 to places they had to get to in order to meet their friends, and I was in the process of also making sure the younger 2 had the stuff they needed in order to spend a couple nights with Mimi and Papa.
7. Back to Thursday...I witnessed the sweetest goodbye I've ever seen at school yesterday. I was in the car line, and one of the special education teachers put one of our special friends on the bus for her last time. He will be joining Drew in 6th grade next year at CMS. The teacher did great...she hugged him before he got on, but the second those doors closed, she turned into the waiting arms of a fellow teacher and completely broke down. The poor girl must have cried for a good ten minutes. I was bawling. I mean-crazy, couldn't breathe, sobbing uncontrollably boo-hooing. I tell people all the time that you do not cry alone in my presence. Yesterday's goodbye I witnessed was no exception.
Well. My hubby and I are going to watch Grown Ups. Since we are child-less tonight. Love to all!
So, the past few days have been very emotional for me. Here's why:
1. Graham had his awards program on Monday morning. I got all teary eyed through the entire program. I am so proud of this kid...he's pretty great. He has had a wonderful year, and his teachers were the absolute best. The fact that his first year of middle school is already over is simply insane. Time is slipping through my fingers like sand, and I feel like I am trying in vain to grasp it. I have to remind myself all the time to slow down, and to enjoy the little moments that God gives us.
2. One of Graham's closest friends treated him pretty shabbily this week. And that breaks my heart for the poor boy.
3. Drew had his last day of elementary school. I spent the majority of Thursday in tears. While I was putting on my makeup, I kept crying it back off. I had to reapply at least three times. I will never again see his sweet little face in the lunchroom...or witness it lighting up as he realizes I've made his favorite lunch. So, in honor of this special day (and the fact that 5th grade skate night was canceled for the bad weather that didn't come until 2 hours later), I brought him his favorite lunch. Chick Fil A spicy chicken sandwich combo, with fries, coke and large chocolate milkshake.
4. I had to say goodbye to three amazing teachers. Donna Pittman, Tammy Townsend and Marian Richards. I will see Tammy and Marian in the fall, but Donna is retiring this year. I will never again see her beautiful sweater vests walking toward me in the hall. She and her sweet hubby are friends of ours, so we'll be seeing them around, but it'll still be weird without her sweet smile at CES in the fall.
5. Jonah and Noah played a game last night. And Jonah played so good that I seriously got all choked up. Seriously. I had tears in my eyes. He got two out on first, caught a fly ball and scored a homerun. All in the same one hour game. And that smile...oh my goodness. That last time he went up to bat, he shook his booty and turned around to make sure we were all watching. And then he flashed those dimples that I so love.
6. It hit me last night that my kids are on the edge of growing up and keeping me on the road. I was getting 2 to places they had to get to in order to meet their friends, and I was in the process of also making sure the younger 2 had the stuff they needed in order to spend a couple nights with Mimi and Papa.
7. Back to Thursday...I witnessed the sweetest goodbye I've ever seen at school yesterday. I was in the car line, and one of the special education teachers put one of our special friends on the bus for her last time. He will be joining Drew in 6th grade next year at CMS. The teacher did great...she hugged him before he got on, but the second those doors closed, she turned into the waiting arms of a fellow teacher and completely broke down. The poor girl must have cried for a good ten minutes. I was bawling. I mean-crazy, couldn't breathe, sobbing uncontrollably boo-hooing. I tell people all the time that you do not cry alone in my presence. Yesterday's goodbye I witnessed was no exception.
Well. My hubby and I are going to watch Grown Ups. Since we are child-less tonight. Love to all!
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
life and thoughts
I saw on facebook this past Saturday that another volcano started to erupt in Iceland. Our missionary friends, the Fitzgeralds', posted some video footage and I "shared" it on my profile page. In watching the video, I was taken aback to this time last year. The E-15 volcano started erupting in March or April of last year and continued to spit until just a few short days before we got there. So much so that Mike Fitzgerald and Eddie (the leader of our trip) changed the entire course of our trip.
I'm so glad I didn't know that when we went.
I have friends that are going again this summer, and I wonder if they're feeling the same things I was feeling. Uncertainty, a tad bit of anxiety, and fear of the unknown. I felt all of those things and more up until the minute we got on the plane. Like I said...looking at the video just kind of took me back to a year ago. In the meantime, I am praying for my Iceland friends. We left part of our heart there when we left last summer. This is one of the things that I was so sad about in leaving our church. I might never have the opportunity to go over there again. But then again, I might...who knows what God has in store?
On a lighter note, today is a gloriously sunshine-y Tuesday! After the doom and gloom of the past couple days, the sun is looking nice. Jonah and Noah had a makeup game last night, but while they were playing, the sky dropped. I was soaking wet by the time I wrestled my big golf umbrella into the car. At one point, I just stood there and started laughing. I probably could have won on America's Funniest Videos. I looked like I'd taken a shower with my pants on. It was pretty funny.
Today is my last mom's in touch meeting for this school year. I cannot believe how fast the time has flown from January to present date. I can't describe the blessing this group of women has been to me. And the time that we spend praying quickly became my favorite time of the entire week. New friendships have been formed and many prayers have been answered. God was there each and every time and He showed His faithfulness to us. I am so sad that I won't be doing this every week for 10 weeks. It's so different praying with a group of women...no offense to men...but women just feel more and pray more from the heart. This precious group has become so near and dear to me. I will look forward to starting back in August.
Well...my Drew just woke up all dressed and ready for his walk to school. Did I mention that on here? He's been walking to school the last three days. I hate that he just started doing this when he loves it so much, but I guess it's better late than never. I hope you all have a blessed day. Love to all!
I'm so glad I didn't know that when we went.
I have friends that are going again this summer, and I wonder if they're feeling the same things I was feeling. Uncertainty, a tad bit of anxiety, and fear of the unknown. I felt all of those things and more up until the minute we got on the plane. Like I said...looking at the video just kind of took me back to a year ago. In the meantime, I am praying for my Iceland friends. We left part of our heart there when we left last summer. This is one of the things that I was so sad about in leaving our church. I might never have the opportunity to go over there again. But then again, I might...who knows what God has in store?
On a lighter note, today is a gloriously sunshine-y Tuesday! After the doom and gloom of the past couple days, the sun is looking nice. Jonah and Noah had a makeup game last night, but while they were playing, the sky dropped. I was soaking wet by the time I wrestled my big golf umbrella into the car. At one point, I just stood there and started laughing. I probably could have won on America's Funniest Videos. I looked like I'd taken a shower with my pants on. It was pretty funny.
Today is my last mom's in touch meeting for this school year. I cannot believe how fast the time has flown from January to present date. I can't describe the blessing this group of women has been to me. And the time that we spend praying quickly became my favorite time of the entire week. New friendships have been formed and many prayers have been answered. God was there each and every time and He showed His faithfulness to us. I am so sad that I won't be doing this every week for 10 weeks. It's so different praying with a group of women...no offense to men...but women just feel more and pray more from the heart. This precious group has become so near and dear to me. I will look forward to starting back in August.
Well...my Drew just woke up all dressed and ready for his walk to school. Did I mention that on here? He's been walking to school the last three days. I hate that he just started doing this when he loves it so much, but I guess it's better late than never. I hope you all have a blessed day. Love to all!
Monday, May 23, 2011
Guess Who?
He...
loves sports
knows almost everything about the games he loves to watch
was born with a smile on his face
used to squeal like a girl when he was a baby
loves to sing (and does it in his sleep)
lives in Under Armour
refuses to wear anything but tennis shoes and wallabe's
hates having to wear khaki shorts on Sunday's
loves baseball
loves soccer even more
loves to eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
also loves spinach lasagna...but only if Big Daddy made it
loves his brothers fiercely
can sometimes be a brat
loves his hair cut super short
idolizes his daddy and wants to be just like him when he grows up
is shy around girls, because they find him irresistable
once sang a Mac'N'Cheese song his Aunt Debi made up in McAllister's
hates to be in the center of attention
loves to talk about all the great plays he made during a game
thinks he wins every game he plays
is precious and wonderful, according to his kindergarten teacher
has stolen all of his teacher's hearts since he's been in school
loves gym the most
is adorable
has the deepest dimples in the world
is Jonah.
:)
loves sports
knows almost everything about the games he loves to watch
was born with a smile on his face
used to squeal like a girl when he was a baby
loves to sing (and does it in his sleep)
lives in Under Armour
refuses to wear anything but tennis shoes and wallabe's
hates having to wear khaki shorts on Sunday's
loves baseball
loves soccer even more
loves to eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
also loves spinach lasagna...but only if Big Daddy made it
loves his brothers fiercely
can sometimes be a brat
loves his hair cut super short
idolizes his daddy and wants to be just like him when he grows up
is shy around girls, because they find him irresistable
once sang a Mac'N'Cheese song his Aunt Debi made up in McAllister's
hates to be in the center of attention
loves to talk about all the great plays he made during a game
thinks he wins every game he plays
is precious and wonderful, according to his kindergarten teacher
has stolen all of his teacher's hearts since he's been in school
loves gym the most
is adorable
has the deepest dimples in the world
is Jonah.
:)
i can't think of a title
1. The thunder was so loud last night that it woke me up on repeated occasions. :( Maybe that's why I woke up with a horrendous crick in my neck.
2. I am so over packing lunches for school. I know it doesn't take a lot of time, but it's just something that I will be thrilled to not have to do for a while.
3. I hate seeing people I love go through hard times in life. I hate it...and I don't say the "h" word very often. I sincerely wish that I could wave a magic wand and all their troubles would disappear.
4. I wish everybody could just get along all the time. Life is so short, and really, the things that some people worry and fret about are just plain ridiculous. It's all meaningless...according to what King Solomon wrote in the book of Ecclesiastes chapter 1, verses 2 and 3.
5. I'm sad because not only is lacrosse over, but now baseball is over as well. Except for the make-up games that they will hopefully get to play.
6. I'm thinking about the time that I woke up this morning versus the time that I wake up on summer break...and it makes my heart happy.
7. I'm thinking that I'm getting a sinus infection. My throat was on fire when I woke up this morning. It is probably because of whatever front is moving through good 'ol Memphis. :(
8. My house needs to be cleaned...but I don't have enough time in my day!
9. The thought of camping this weekend makes me want to fast forward through this week and all the work it takes to pack everything up.
10. I'm hoping Drew's field day isn't canceled. As much as the thought of standing in the sun for 2 hours makes me want to cry, it's something that he loves so much. I hope he gets to enjoy it today...if he doesn't, I'm not sure if they'll reschedule it.
I have to go! Laundry....lunches....laundry....boys to be woken up...
Love to all!
2. I am so over packing lunches for school. I know it doesn't take a lot of time, but it's just something that I will be thrilled to not have to do for a while.
3. I hate seeing people I love go through hard times in life. I hate it...and I don't say the "h" word very often. I sincerely wish that I could wave a magic wand and all their troubles would disappear.
4. I wish everybody could just get along all the time. Life is so short, and really, the things that some people worry and fret about are just plain ridiculous. It's all meaningless...according to what King Solomon wrote in the book of Ecclesiastes chapter 1, verses 2 and 3.
5. I'm sad because not only is lacrosse over, but now baseball is over as well. Except for the make-up games that they will hopefully get to play.
6. I'm thinking about the time that I woke up this morning versus the time that I wake up on summer break...and it makes my heart happy.
7. I'm thinking that I'm getting a sinus infection. My throat was on fire when I woke up this morning. It is probably because of whatever front is moving through good 'ol Memphis. :(
8. My house needs to be cleaned...but I don't have enough time in my day!
9. The thought of camping this weekend makes me want to fast forward through this week and all the work it takes to pack everything up.
10. I'm hoping Drew's field day isn't canceled. As much as the thought of standing in the sun for 2 hours makes me want to cry, it's something that he loves so much. I hope he gets to enjoy it today...if he doesn't, I'm not sure if they'll reschedule it.
I have to go! Laundry....lunches....laundry....boys to be woken up...
Love to all!
Sunday, May 22, 2011
I Don't Even Know
Summer time is on my brain. I have been thinking about what we're going to do every day. I know that swimming will take up lots of afternoons. :) I've signed us up for the free Pink Palace membership~you can do this through May, so if you haven't done that yet, do it now! I got a flyer in the mail from the Brooks Museum. They have something free every week called Wacky Wednesday. It's an artsy type thing to do with the kids...I figured since it's free we'll try it. If we don't like it, we just won't go back.
Tuesdays and Wednesdays have the Kids Movie Festival thing all summer starting the first Tuesday of June. But we've seen all the movies. So I am thinking we're going to cross that one off our list.
Thursday nights in The Ville are summer concert nights...and though we've never done that before, I'm thinking we're going to start this summer. :)
We spend Fridays with my sweet Daddy.
Guess that only leaves Monday.
Not too bad, I'd say. And of course, we're going to have days that we do nothing except enjoy each others company. We'll have days that I need to just spend doing house stuff. We'll have days that are rainy and perfect for staying inside in the jammies, watching movies and eating popcorn. We'll have days that are spent with friends. We'll have lots and lots of lots of days to just...enjoy.
I don't know if I'm going to make it through this week. We're going to Graham's award ceremony tomorrow morning at the middle school. I'm going to work after that, and then I have Drew's field day to enjoy. Hopefully tomorrow I will remember the sunscreen. Tuesday is my Mom's in Touch group~our last of this school year~and Wednesday my sweet cafeteria-volunteering friends are taking me to lunch at Booya's when I get off. Isn't that just the sweetest thing ever??? I will dearly miss them over the summer!
One really fun, totally unexpected thing that we're planning is a weekend camping trip. With our best camping buddies in the world. This Griswold's. Hopefully this time, without the creepy man! I am so excited...the weather is going to be great. Eighties in the daytime, sixties at night...swimming, bike riding, hobo-packet eating...sounds like Heaven! I'm really excited...my friend just texted me about it tonight. I just hope we can make it all happen between now and then. ;)
Well...we're watching CSI now, so I'm getting off of here. Love to all!
Tuesdays and Wednesdays have the Kids Movie Festival thing all summer starting the first Tuesday of June. But we've seen all the movies. So I am thinking we're going to cross that one off our list.
Thursday nights in The Ville are summer concert nights...and though we've never done that before, I'm thinking we're going to start this summer. :)
We spend Fridays with my sweet Daddy.
Guess that only leaves Monday.
Not too bad, I'd say. And of course, we're going to have days that we do nothing except enjoy each others company. We'll have days that I need to just spend doing house stuff. We'll have days that are rainy and perfect for staying inside in the jammies, watching movies and eating popcorn. We'll have days that are spent with friends. We'll have lots and lots of lots of days to just...enjoy.
I don't know if I'm going to make it through this week. We're going to Graham's award ceremony tomorrow morning at the middle school. I'm going to work after that, and then I have Drew's field day to enjoy. Hopefully tomorrow I will remember the sunscreen. Tuesday is my Mom's in Touch group~our last of this school year~and Wednesday my sweet cafeteria-volunteering friends are taking me to lunch at Booya's when I get off. Isn't that just the sweetest thing ever??? I will dearly miss them over the summer!
One really fun, totally unexpected thing that we're planning is a weekend camping trip. With our best camping buddies in the world. This Griswold's. Hopefully this time, without the creepy man! I am so excited...the weather is going to be great. Eighties in the daytime, sixties at night...swimming, bike riding, hobo-packet eating...sounds like Heaven! I'm really excited...my friend just texted me about it tonight. I just hope we can make it all happen between now and then. ;)
Well...we're watching CSI now, so I'm getting off of here. Love to all!
Beautiful, Rainy Sunday
I know that after all the rain (and flooding) we've had, many are not happy about the rain. I'm really not either...except for the fact that our yard needs to be watered before we can cut it. The grass is getting pretty tall back there, and we have got some work to do in the department of getting it ready for the summer.
The summer. Doesn't that sound heavenly?
It's one of those things that I will always look forward to...no matter how old I am. As long as I have kids at home, anyway.
It rained a (teeny-tiny) little bit yesterday morning. Enough to cancel Jonah's and Noah's last official scheduled baseball game. We still have some make-up games to play, but they try to have the team finished when school lets out.
In four days.
F.O.U.R. D.AY.S.
You would probably never guess that I'm excited about that.
Speaking of those 4 days, I was so relieved to make it through last week. Now all I have to do is remember all the things on my calendar for this week. Monday through Wednesday, specifically. I'll be home free by Thursday.
Well...time is ticking and I have some gettin' ready for church to do. Happy Sunday! Love to all.
The summer. Doesn't that sound heavenly?
It's one of those things that I will always look forward to...no matter how old I am. As long as I have kids at home, anyway.
It rained a (teeny-tiny) little bit yesterday morning. Enough to cancel Jonah's and Noah's last official scheduled baseball game. We still have some make-up games to play, but they try to have the team finished when school lets out.
In four days.
F.O.U.R. D.AY.S.
You would probably never guess that I'm excited about that.
Speaking of those 4 days, I was so relieved to make it through last week. Now all I have to do is remember all the things on my calendar for this week. Monday through Wednesday, specifically. I'll be home free by Thursday.
Well...time is ticking and I have some gettin' ready for church to do. Happy Sunday! Love to all.
Friday, May 20, 2011
:-)
It's Friday! Fun, fantabulous Friday!
My last one of this school year, praise God!
We only have 4 more days of school!
My pantry is stocked.
My fridge is full.
And I have myself a brand new OPI color. :-)
Austin-tatious Turquoise.
And THAT, my friends, is a glorious Friday.
My last one of this school year, praise God!
We only have 4 more days of school!
My pantry is stocked.
My fridge is full.
And I have myself a brand new OPI color. :-)
Austin-tatious Turquoise.
And THAT, my friends, is a glorious Friday.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Not Much...
I think I'm in a writing funk. I seem to write about the same things over and over. Oh well...guess that's better than nothing, right?
This might seem random...but below are the thoughts running around in my head.
1. Facebook. Imagine that. I know we all have Facebook pet peeves...but my biggest is the fact that people use it to vent. I don't know how many more people I can "hide"! And yet I still log on...what is up with that?? I don't know. And I don't think I want to know.
2. Kids. We are on the countdown until school ends. After tomorrow, we will only have 4 more days!! I don't know what we're going to do everyday, but I'm sure we'll muddle through.
3. Grammar. (I almost spelled that Graham-er. Seriously.) I love reading blogs. I despise when people don't write in paragraph form. I think my ADD kicks in (not really, I'm being facetious) and all of a sudden I can't read it. I also dislike misspelled words. I often visit the Webster's Dictionary website. Some of the biggies: to, two, too...they're, their, there...you get my drift.
4. Friends. I'm blessed. I don't know why...but God has blessed me with friends. I am so thankful to Him for these women in my life. I don't know what I'd do without them.
5. OPI. I really want some new colors. In searching for my bi-monthly color change, I discovered that most of mine have all dried up. This makes me so sad. I've been eying the new Pirates of the Caribbean line. There's one called Mermaid Tears that is loverly. I'm thinking I might be making a trip to pick up some. Oh, and my color choice for the latter part of May is Smokin' in Havana.
6. The Bachelorette starts Monday!!!!!!!!!
7. Dancing with the Stars ends. And American Idol. :( I'm going to miss being entertained by Steven Tyler twice a week.
8. Movies. I want to go see some. Pirates is one of them. I love all these movies, and I love Johnny Depp and his freaky self. I always have and probably always will. We never saw the movie Rio, either. I was thinking of all these tonight while I had mygirly, long shower, nail-painting quiet time tonight.
9. Angry Birds. ??? Todd was playing that when I came downstairs. And then him and my neighbor Travis (who had come over) had a whole conversation about it. Hmmph. Guys.
10. Devotional books. Does anyone have recommendations for the 8-12 age? Something interesting and engaging? That they won't yawn through? If so...send them my way, please! I've been searching and have yet to find one.
11. The back of my eyelids. Not really...but I'm about to be staring at them.
G'night. Love to all.
This might seem random...but below are the thoughts running around in my head.
1. Facebook. Imagine that. I know we all have Facebook pet peeves...but my biggest is the fact that people use it to vent. I don't know how many more people I can "hide"! And yet I still log on...what is up with that?? I don't know. And I don't think I want to know.
2. Kids. We are on the countdown until school ends. After tomorrow, we will only have 4 more days!! I don't know what we're going to do everyday, but I'm sure we'll muddle through.
3. Grammar. (I almost spelled that Graham-er. Seriously.) I love reading blogs. I despise when people don't write in paragraph form. I think my ADD kicks in (not really, I'm being facetious) and all of a sudden I can't read it. I also dislike misspelled words. I often visit the Webster's Dictionary website. Some of the biggies: to, two, too...they're, their, there...you get my drift.
4. Friends. I'm blessed. I don't know why...but God has blessed me with friends. I am so thankful to Him for these women in my life. I don't know what I'd do without them.
5. OPI. I really want some new colors. In searching for my bi-monthly color change, I discovered that most of mine have all dried up. This makes me so sad. I've been eying the new Pirates of the Caribbean line. There's one called Mermaid Tears that is loverly. I'm thinking I might be making a trip to pick up some. Oh, and my color choice for the latter part of May is Smokin' in Havana.
6. The Bachelorette starts Monday!!!!!!!!!
7. Dancing with the Stars ends. And American Idol. :( I'm going to miss being entertained by Steven Tyler twice a week.
8. Movies. I want to go see some. Pirates is one of them. I love all these movies, and I love Johnny Depp and his freaky self. I always have and probably always will. We never saw the movie Rio, either. I was thinking of all these tonight while I had my
9. Angry Birds. ??? Todd was playing that when I came downstairs. And then him and my neighbor Travis (who had come over) had a whole conversation about it. Hmmph. Guys.
10. Devotional books. Does anyone have recommendations for the 8-12 age? Something interesting and engaging? That they won't yawn through? If so...send them my way, please! I've been searching and have yet to find one.
11. The back of my eyelids. Not really...but I'm about to be staring at them.
G'night. Love to all.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Happy (one of the two left) Monday!
It was a great weekend. Actually, now that I write that, when is it ever a bad weekend? Time off from work/school, not much on the agenda, summer break right around the corner...how much better does it get?
Todd worked with the sheriff's department the majority of the weekend. Memphis In May is now over for this year, and he has officially gotten in all (plus some) his required time. The boys and I did pretty much nothing Friday night (we were minus Graham, plus Drew's friend, Luke). Saturday morning my Daddy came to pick up the 3 boys that were here and took them to his house. He paid them to pick up sticks...and they did for two hours, but still didn't finish. They're going back next week. Then we had a baseball game to go to, then Graham went to my Daddy's house to cut his grass.
Whew. Makes me tired thinking about it.
The rest of the weekend passed in a blur. I am thrilled that today is the 2nd to last Monday of the school year! I can't wait to be done with school for a while...and to be done with such a rigid routine. I know I say this every year...and it never gets old. Well...until boredom kicks in a little with the kids. I'll have to be imaginative about how we spend our time this summer. I know of at least 3 weeks that will be filled...VBS, camps for all the boys, and a week of vacay.
BUT, before all that starts, I have to get through these last 2 weeks. I have so much going on this week that I had to write it all down and post it on the fridge so I wouldn't forget anything. Starting with today: Drew has a volleyball tournament at 9:15, Graham has field day, it's my mom-in-love's birthday, and the littles have a baseball game.
Like I said...I'm kind of forgetful, so I had to write it all down and stick it where I knew I would see it easily. I did that for Todd's benefit, too...that way, he can't say that I didn't tell him about what was going on. :)
He would NEVER do that. ;)
I got Graham off and running for school this morning. I guess I'm going to get off of here and go do something productive. Like laundry...or making lunches...or blow-drying my hair...something of that variety.
I hope you all have a wonderful, happy Monday! Love to all!
Todd worked with the sheriff's department the majority of the weekend. Memphis In May is now over for this year, and he has officially gotten in all (plus some) his required time. The boys and I did pretty much nothing Friday night (we were minus Graham, plus Drew's friend, Luke). Saturday morning my Daddy came to pick up the 3 boys that were here and took them to his house. He paid them to pick up sticks...and they did for two hours, but still didn't finish. They're going back next week. Then we had a baseball game to go to, then Graham went to my Daddy's house to cut his grass.
Whew. Makes me tired thinking about it.
The rest of the weekend passed in a blur. I am thrilled that today is the 2nd to last Monday of the school year! I can't wait to be done with school for a while...and to be done with such a rigid routine. I know I say this every year...and it never gets old. Well...until boredom kicks in a little with the kids. I'll have to be imaginative about how we spend our time this summer. I know of at least 3 weeks that will be filled...VBS, camps for all the boys, and a week of vacay.
BUT, before all that starts, I have to get through these last 2 weeks. I have so much going on this week that I had to write it all down and post it on the fridge so I wouldn't forget anything. Starting with today: Drew has a volleyball tournament at 9:15, Graham has field day, it's my mom-in-love's birthday, and the littles have a baseball game.
Like I said...I'm kind of forgetful, so I had to write it all down and stick it where I knew I would see it easily. I did that for Todd's benefit, too...that way, he can't say that I didn't tell him about what was going on. :)
He would NEVER do that. ;)
I got Graham off and running for school this morning. I guess I'm going to get off of here and go do something productive. Like laundry...or making lunches...or blow-drying my hair...something of that variety.
I hope you all have a wonderful, happy Monday! Love to all!
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Tales From The...
Don't ask. I'm not sure where I was planning on going with that, but let's ignore it and move on.
The weekend is flying by with lightning speed. And Todd has been gone for the most of it. He worked at the BBQ fest last night, tonight, and he's training tomorrow with the sheriff's department on a fun new vehicle they bought. That last thing wasn't planned, but when the chief calls you and asks you to do that, you do not want to turn her down.
So. It's been just the boys and me. And an extra friend or two. And a wolf spider the size of a third world country. That nobody would kill. There was screaming involved. Lots and lots of screaming, and of the bloody murder kind. Poor Charlotte finally met her demise, though, in the form of a vacuum cleaner attachment with POWERFUL suction. Yes. I'm a little embarrassed.
But blissfully spider-less, for the moment, anyway.
I wanted to blog for a couple days, but Blogger wouldn't let me. Technical difficulties. It's probably a good thing I couldn't, though, because the last couple days of my week were a little wacky. And I'm probably better off for not having written about it.
Now that I can write, I don't have anything to write about.
Except for the movie I'm watching right now, Hitch. I love this movie. I'd forgotten about how funny it is. It has Will Smith and the guy that was in Paul Blart, Mall Cop. I love him! The laugh out loud kind...even though I'm all alone right now.
Well...that's all I've got. I hope all of you have enjoyed your weekend so far! I know I have...and I am so excited to get a start on these last two weeks of school! Come on, Summer!
Love to all.
The weekend is flying by with lightning speed. And Todd has been gone for the most of it. He worked at the BBQ fest last night, tonight, and he's training tomorrow with the sheriff's department on a fun new vehicle they bought. That last thing wasn't planned, but when the chief calls you and asks you to do that, you do not want to turn her down.
So. It's been just the boys and me. And an extra friend or two. And a wolf spider the size of a third world country. That nobody would kill. There was screaming involved. Lots and lots of screaming, and of the bloody murder kind. Poor Charlotte finally met her demise, though, in the form of a vacuum cleaner attachment with POWERFUL suction. Yes. I'm a little embarrassed.
But blissfully spider-less, for the moment, anyway.
I wanted to blog for a couple days, but Blogger wouldn't let me. Technical difficulties. It's probably a good thing I couldn't, though, because the last couple days of my week were a little wacky. And I'm probably better off for not having written about it.
Now that I can write, I don't have anything to write about.
Except for the movie I'm watching right now, Hitch. I love this movie. I'd forgotten about how funny it is. It has Will Smith and the guy that was in Paul Blart, Mall Cop. I love him! The laugh out loud kind...even though I'm all alone right now.
Well...that's all I've got. I hope all of you have enjoyed your weekend so far! I know I have...and I am so excited to get a start on these last two weeks of school! Come on, Summer!
Love to all.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Ringing Ears
It's funny. This time of year, I mean. It's the time of year that happens every year when I think that maybe I don't want to go back to being the lunchroom monitor next year.
The kids are extremely loud. May-itis, maybe? I try not to let them get the best of me...but then there are days when I do just that. If I were just with a few kids I could control the noise...but a couple hundred, almost?
Ummm, no.
My ears were ringing when I walked out today, needless to say.
And no, it's not just me...everyone that walks through says the same thing.
I seriously must be out of my mind insane for liking my job. I do, on most days. Even on the days when I don't like it, I am thankful for it. And the kids that don't get a lot of love from home get it from me. Hopefully. Unless it's been a crazy day. Just kiddin'...I really do try to be nice to all of them.
But some of them make it pretty hard. I've learned to pray before I go in...no, really. I commit the day to God, and I ask Him to help me display the fruits of the Spirit...love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, self-control. And everyday when I walk out, I thank Him for getting me through one more day.
Especially during the month of May. I love it and hate it, all at the same time. I love it because school is almost out. I hate it because kids go flippin' crazy!
I just might join them one of these days...
Gotta run...kiddos are waiting to be picked up. Love to all.
The kids are extremely loud. May-itis, maybe? I try not to let them get the best of me...but then there are days when I do just that. If I were just with a few kids I could control the noise...but a couple hundred, almost?
Ummm, no.
My ears were ringing when I walked out today, needless to say.
And no, it's not just me...everyone that walks through says the same thing.
I seriously must be out of my mind insane for liking my job. I do, on most days. Even on the days when I don't like it, I am thankful for it. And the kids that don't get a lot of love from home get it from me. Hopefully. Unless it's been a crazy day. Just kiddin'...I really do try to be nice to all of them.
But some of them make it pretty hard. I've learned to pray before I go in...no, really. I commit the day to God, and I ask Him to help me display the fruits of the Spirit...love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, self-control. And everyday when I walk out, I thank Him for getting me through one more day.
Especially during the month of May. I love it and hate it, all at the same time. I love it because school is almost out. I hate it because kids go flippin' crazy!
I just might join them one of these days...
Gotta run...kiddos are waiting to be picked up. Love to all.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
another glorious sunshine-y day
I am loving the fact that yesterday was our first sunny Monday in like six weeks. It's funny, the things you take for granted. It felt so good to soak it up in the car line at school yesterday afternoon.
Yesterday was a wonderful Monday. I had my 2 sweet cafeteria volunteers working with me...one of the students' moms, and his granddad. The kids love them...and they come to help me faithfully, two times every week. They both hug me every time they see me...Mr. Steven reminds me of my sweet Daddy.
Anyway, yesterday we were talking, and he asked me if on the last day they volunteer during that last week of school, if they could take me to lunch at Booya's. Like I do them some favor by them coming to help me in the cafeteria!! But THEY are the ones doing ME a favor! Can you believe that? I was really touched by their generosity. And I accepted their invitation. They keep telling me how good that place is...I've never been there. I think it might be one of the bonus reasons as to why they help twice a week! I'm pretty sure they go there after they're done everyday!
It was just a nice gesture. I love random acts of kindness like they display.
And THEN, as if a great day could get any better, I got a text from my friend Tammy. She had gotten her hands on some free tickets to The Celtic Women at the Orpheum last night. She invited another friend of mine, Rene, and me. It was very last minute...I got the text at about 6:00 and the show started at 7:30. We were about to leave for Jonah's and Noah's baseball game. I quickly called Rene to see if she could pick me up, then we drove to Tammy's office here in The Ville.
We got a great spot in a parking garage just a block away, even with the Grizzlies game last night. We walked in the door at 7:25, and almost the minute we got situated (in our tenth row orchestra seats!!!) the lights dimmed and the show started. I have been wanting to see one of their shows forever, so last night was a real treat. We had the greatest time...I haven't done anything with these 2 gals in forever. We used to do regular girls' night outs. But then we kept having kids, and we all got jobs outside of our homes.
The funny thing was how smoothly it all went off last night. I don't think we could have planned it any better than the way it actually happened. Anyway, we all immensely enjoyed the show. My favorite song they sang was Amazing Grace with a world-renowned bag pipe player they had with them as a guest. It was the most beautiful thing I've heard in a long time. I might have gotten a little teary-eyed over it.
We laughed a lot....because Tammy got a double concert. One in front of her on the stage, and one in her right ear. The gal sitting next to her knew every single word of almost every song. And right next to her was the (in)famous Muck Sticky. He's kinda strange...and you probably don't know of him because of the music he sings. At least I hope not!
It was an awesome night. I still can't believe how it all happened, and how amazing our seats were. The women singing had the most eerily beautiful voices I have ever heard. There were just 3 of them, along with some backup singers, but their voices were so clear and powerful. They all sounded like angels. And to hear them talk...I LOVE Irish accents! It was phenomenal.
Well...I guess it's time for me to quit daydreaming about last night. Back to reality! I have kids that need waking up...so, I hope you all have a glorious day! Love to all.
Yesterday was a wonderful Monday. I had my 2 sweet cafeteria volunteers working with me...one of the students' moms, and his granddad. The kids love them...and they come to help me faithfully, two times every week. They both hug me every time they see me...Mr. Steven reminds me of my sweet Daddy.
Anyway, yesterday we were talking, and he asked me if on the last day they volunteer during that last week of school, if they could take me to lunch at Booya's. Like I do them some favor by them coming to help me in the cafeteria!! But THEY are the ones doing ME a favor! Can you believe that? I was really touched by their generosity. And I accepted their invitation. They keep telling me how good that place is...I've never been there. I think it might be one of the bonus reasons as to why they help twice a week! I'm pretty sure they go there after they're done everyday!
It was just a nice gesture. I love random acts of kindness like they display.
And THEN, as if a great day could get any better, I got a text from my friend Tammy. She had gotten her hands on some free tickets to The Celtic Women at the Orpheum last night. She invited another friend of mine, Rene, and me. It was very last minute...I got the text at about 6:00 and the show started at 7:30. We were about to leave for Jonah's and Noah's baseball game. I quickly called Rene to see if she could pick me up, then we drove to Tammy's office here in The Ville.
We got a great spot in a parking garage just a block away, even with the Grizzlies game last night. We walked in the door at 7:25, and almost the minute we got situated (in our tenth row orchestra seats!!!) the lights dimmed and the show started. I have been wanting to see one of their shows forever, so last night was a real treat. We had the greatest time...I haven't done anything with these 2 gals in forever. We used to do regular girls' night outs. But then we kept having kids, and we all got jobs outside of our homes.
The funny thing was how smoothly it all went off last night. I don't think we could have planned it any better than the way it actually happened. Anyway, we all immensely enjoyed the show. My favorite song they sang was Amazing Grace with a world-renowned bag pipe player they had with them as a guest. It was the most beautiful thing I've heard in a long time. I might have gotten a little teary-eyed over it.
We laughed a lot....because Tammy got a double concert. One in front of her on the stage, and one in her right ear. The gal sitting next to her knew every single word of almost every song. And right next to her was the (in)famous Muck Sticky. He's kinda strange...and you probably don't know of him because of the music he sings. At least I hope not!
It was an awesome night. I still can't believe how it all happened, and how amazing our seats were. The women singing had the most eerily beautiful voices I have ever heard. There were just 3 of them, along with some backup singers, but their voices were so clear and powerful. They all sounded like angels. And to hear them talk...I LOVE Irish accents! It was phenomenal.
Well...I guess it's time for me to quit daydreaming about last night. Back to reality! I have kids that need waking up...so, I hope you all have a glorious day! Love to all.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
A Little Of My Day
I'm so blessed. I had an overwhelming moment tonight, sitting at my mom's house. As wonderful as it is being recognized on Mother's Day, the stuff and the recognition are not what it's all about. The honest truth?
I feel treasured each and every day. My husband does a great job at teaching my kids how to be respectful. And they are. I know that it's not like that for everyone...but for me it is, and I thank God every single day for the wonderful husband and father Todd is to me.
I was sitting at my mom's house tonight when the feeling of thankfulness came over me. I am truly thankful. I don't want to take anything in my life for granted...not my husband, not my kids...and for each moment that I am blessed enough to be in their presence, I thank God for.
There's a song I used to sing as a little girl that goes like this:
God is so good,
God is so good,
God is so good,
He's so good to me!
I can't get the lyrics out of my head. He has blessed me so much...and not just me, but all of you as well. The key is to open our eyes and to look all around us. Everything in life is a gift from God. I love James 1:17...the NET Bible says it like this:
"All generous giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation of the slightest hint of change."
Everything...all of it...is a gift from God. If you are able to read this from the comfort of your home and have food in your fridge, then you are one of the wealthiest people in the world.
My family made me feel so loved today. And yes, I received some nice things. But that wasn't what made my day so good. It was the fact that not only was I able to spend my day with my family, at my church, worshiping my One and only Savior, I was able to enjoy family time with my extended family as well. I was able to hold my husband's hand in the service this morning. I was able to sing and worship freely.
I am blessed. So are you. I love Philippians 4:6:
"Don't worry about anything. Instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He has done."
Thank Him for all your blessings...and if you can't name them, try even just one at a time. For example: breath. Life. A car that works. A roof over your head. Even the smallest things that seem so trivial to you are not at all trivial...they are gifts from God. If you don't believe me, try it. Thank God for every little thing in your life that you can think of. It'll revolutionize the way you live your life...and if you're a complainer, it'll turn you into someone filled with gratitude.
I hope all you momma's reading this had a wonderful, blessed day. Love to all.
I feel treasured each and every day. My husband does a great job at teaching my kids how to be respectful. And they are. I know that it's not like that for everyone...but for me it is, and I thank God every single day for the wonderful husband and father Todd is to me.
I was sitting at my mom's house tonight when the feeling of thankfulness came over me. I am truly thankful. I don't want to take anything in my life for granted...not my husband, not my kids...and for each moment that I am blessed enough to be in their presence, I thank God for.
There's a song I used to sing as a little girl that goes like this:
God is so good,
God is so good,
God is so good,
He's so good to me!
I can't get the lyrics out of my head. He has blessed me so much...and not just me, but all of you as well. The key is to open our eyes and to look all around us. Everything in life is a gift from God. I love James 1:17...the NET Bible says it like this:
"All generous giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation of the slightest hint of change."
Everything...all of it...is a gift from God. If you are able to read this from the comfort of your home and have food in your fridge, then you are one of the wealthiest people in the world.
My family made me feel so loved today. And yes, I received some nice things. But that wasn't what made my day so good. It was the fact that not only was I able to spend my day with my family, at my church, worshiping my One and only Savior, I was able to enjoy family time with my extended family as well. I was able to hold my husband's hand in the service this morning. I was able to sing and worship freely.
I am blessed. So are you. I love Philippians 4:6:
"Don't worry about anything. Instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He has done."
Thank Him for all your blessings...and if you can't name them, try even just one at a time. For example: breath. Life. A car that works. A roof over your head. Even the smallest things that seem so trivial to you are not at all trivial...they are gifts from God. If you don't believe me, try it. Thank God for every little thing in your life that you can think of. It'll revolutionize the way you live your life...and if you're a complainer, it'll turn you into someone filled with gratitude.
I hope all you momma's reading this had a wonderful, blessed day. Love to all.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
:(
Why the sad face? Because Graham's and Drew's lacrosse season is over. I am going to be bored without all the shuttling around! And I am not going to know what to do without the responsibilities of being the team mom.
So sad.
We had our end-of-season party tonight. We had Corky's bbq and banana puddin'! Yum. Only in the South...
Anyway, the team was presented with their awards (lacrosse balls with their names and #'s on them), and all the team moms got me the cutest gift ever! It's a big maroon tote with my initials on the outside. I'm not the only who got one...so did the other 2 moms that head up the 7/8 grade team.
That's the other thing: I feel like these people are my new friends and I am going to miss them! It's already been weeks since I've seen them because of all the rain, but I guess knowing it's over makes it worse.
Call me crazy, right?
Think what you want...I'm not going to know what to do with all my spare time now. Well, yes I do. I'll be concentrating on Jonah and Noah. Their season is just getting started, and for that I am thankful. I really do love watching my kids play ball. It's my most favorite thing in the entire world. And yes, I am a yeller. :) I can't help it...I never thought I would be, but I am. In fact, I yell so much that I usually end up hoarse afterwards. My sister Trish always laughs at me. Because after I yell, I start hacking.
So...I am killing time until Todd comes home. I'm (not so) patiently awaiting him to return home so we can watch tonight's episode of American Idol. Drew needed a new lacrosse stick, so he took him to get one.
Well. Here he is now. I'm gonna run! My mom and I are dying to watch it. Love to all!
So sad.
We had our end-of-season party tonight. We had Corky's bbq and banana puddin'! Yum. Only in the South...
Anyway, the team was presented with their awards (lacrosse balls with their names and #'s on them), and all the team moms got me the cutest gift ever! It's a big maroon tote with my initials on the outside. I'm not the only who got one...so did the other 2 moms that head up the 7/8 grade team.
That's the other thing: I feel like these people are my new friends and I am going to miss them! It's already been weeks since I've seen them because of all the rain, but I guess knowing it's over makes it worse.
Call me crazy, right?
Think what you want...I'm not going to know what to do with all my spare time now. Well, yes I do. I'll be concentrating on Jonah and Noah. Their season is just getting started, and for that I am thankful. I really do love watching my kids play ball. It's my most favorite thing in the entire world. And yes, I am a yeller. :) I can't help it...I never thought I would be, but I am. In fact, I yell so much that I usually end up hoarse afterwards. My sister Trish always laughs at me. Because after I yell, I start hacking.
So...I am killing time until Todd comes home. I'm (not so) patiently awaiting him to return home so we can watch tonight's episode of American Idol. Drew needed a new lacrosse stick, so he took him to get one.
Well. Here he is now. I'm gonna run! My mom and I are dying to watch it. Love to all!
What's In My Head
The title thing again. Ugh. The pressure.
It's Thursday! And it's a glorious day! This is the third day in a row with the beautiful sunshine. I will not take it for granted, I will not take it for granted!! After all the rain, I was in desperate need of some vitamin D.
It's been a quiet morning. I've been thinking about some things, and praying about some things. I've been reading some of God's beautiful Word. I love to peruse the Scriptures. I love to see the notations I've made in my beloved Bible. I love to go back and read what I've highlighted, underlined, or starred. That's precisely why I mark all over my Bible...and why I have to replace it every three or four years. My current favorite Bible is the New Living Translation. It's teal and brown, and it's called The Sanctuary. It also just happens to be from my sweet Daddy.
I've been praying for our country today. Today is the National Day of Prayer. (Thank You, Lord, for this freedom that we as Americans have!) I've been praying for a sweet lady that I know that had a very rough day yesterday. I've been writing a couple of little notes that I hope will bless someone.
I've been having "church" in my kitchen. I miss the music at First Assembly of God. The music was pretty good at our new church on Sunday. I knew all the songs....but I missed the worshipful-ness of what I'm used to. I know that I can't have everything in a church. I knew that we would have to sacrifice one thing to gain in another area. I'm okay with that. But that means that I am going to have to do this more often. Pop in my favorite praise cd and just let loose.
It's sad that I let other people's opinions of me get in the way. But I think that may change this week. I was told to not be ashamed this morning by a friend. God wants us to worship Him. He deserves our highest praise. Check out what I just read after I talked to my friend.
"You thrill me, Lord, with all You have done for me! I sing for joy because of what You have done. O Lord, what great works You do! And how deep are Your thoughts." Psalm 92:4,5
A coincidence? I don't believe in them. A God thing? Most definitely.
I know that I am not supposed to care what people around me think. But in the new-ness of our church situation this past Sunday, I let myself tense up over what people thought about me. I was also horribly self-conscience about my lack of hair...I got it all cut, and I felt kind of naked.
And then, in the midst of my favorite praise cd, I was listening to a song that had these words in it:
You're worthy of worship!
You're worthy of praise!
You're worthy of honor!
You're worthy of thanks!
Every knee will bow!
Every tongue will shout:
Jesus is the Lord!
Jesus is the Lord!
Every eye will see
The coming of the King!
Jesus is the Lord!
Jesus is the Lord!
Another God thing. I've listened to this cd literally thousands of times (it's my favorite, I told you!) and I have never before today paid attention to those words!!
But they are so true! He is worthy! I am going to have to just get "uncomfortable" in my surroundings on Sunday and worship Him. It's a personal thing for people I know that, and some people may worship privately, on the inside. I, however, am not one of those people. I lift my hands. I sing with my eyes closed and I sing very loudly. (All those years in choir have warped me.) I sing the songs and I pay attention to words I am singing. I concentrate on singing them to my King. Because of all that He has done for me. For all of us. He has given us grace and mercy. And He is totally worthy of our praise.
Our best praise.
Why am I telling you this? I don't really know. Maybe to make myself feel better? I don't know. I think I've been feeling kind of sad all week because of this, though. It's been rolling around in my head all week, and just putting my thoughts down makes me feel better.
I also wrote about this in my journal. Yes, I still do that. It clears my head. I write prayers out all the time, and I did just that this morning over this issue. Over being content in all circumstances.
Well. That's all. I hope you all have a glorious day. Love to all.
It's Thursday! And it's a glorious day! This is the third day in a row with the beautiful sunshine. I will not take it for granted, I will not take it for granted!! After all the rain, I was in desperate need of some vitamin D.
It's been a quiet morning. I've been thinking about some things, and praying about some things. I've been reading some of God's beautiful Word. I love to peruse the Scriptures. I love to see the notations I've made in my beloved Bible. I love to go back and read what I've highlighted, underlined, or starred. That's precisely why I mark all over my Bible...and why I have to replace it every three or four years. My current favorite Bible is the New Living Translation. It's teal and brown, and it's called The Sanctuary. It also just happens to be from my sweet Daddy.
I've been praying for our country today. Today is the National Day of Prayer. (Thank You, Lord, for this freedom that we as Americans have!) I've been praying for a sweet lady that I know that had a very rough day yesterday. I've been writing a couple of little notes that I hope will bless someone.
I've been having "church" in my kitchen. I miss the music at First Assembly of God. The music was pretty good at our new church on Sunday. I knew all the songs....but I missed the worshipful-ness of what I'm used to. I know that I can't have everything in a church. I knew that we would have to sacrifice one thing to gain in another area. I'm okay with that. But that means that I am going to have to do this more often. Pop in my favorite praise cd and just let loose.
It's sad that I let other people's opinions of me get in the way. But I think that may change this week. I was told to not be ashamed this morning by a friend. God wants us to worship Him. He deserves our highest praise. Check out what I just read after I talked to my friend.
"You thrill me, Lord, with all You have done for me! I sing for joy because of what You have done. O Lord, what great works You do! And how deep are Your thoughts." Psalm 92:4,5
A coincidence? I don't believe in them. A God thing? Most definitely.
I know that I am not supposed to care what people around me think. But in the new-ness of our church situation this past Sunday, I let myself tense up over what people thought about me. I was also horribly self-conscience about my lack of hair...I got it all cut, and I felt kind of naked.
And then, in the midst of my favorite praise cd, I was listening to a song that had these words in it:
You're worthy of worship!
You're worthy of praise!
You're worthy of honor!
You're worthy of thanks!
Every knee will bow!
Every tongue will shout:
Jesus is the Lord!
Jesus is the Lord!
Every eye will see
The coming of the King!
Jesus is the Lord!
Jesus is the Lord!
Another God thing. I've listened to this cd literally thousands of times (it's my favorite, I told you!) and I have never before today paid attention to those words!!
But they are so true! He is worthy! I am going to have to just get "uncomfortable" in my surroundings on Sunday and worship Him. It's a personal thing for people I know that, and some people may worship privately, on the inside. I, however, am not one of those people. I lift my hands. I sing with my eyes closed and I sing very loudly. (All those years in choir have warped me.) I sing the songs and I pay attention to words I am singing. I concentrate on singing them to my King. Because of all that He has done for me. For all of us. He has given us grace and mercy. And He is totally worthy of our praise.
Our best praise.
Why am I telling you this? I don't really know. Maybe to make myself feel better? I don't know. I think I've been feeling kind of sad all week because of this, though. It's been rolling around in my head all week, and just putting my thoughts down makes me feel better.
I also wrote about this in my journal. Yes, I still do that. It clears my head. I write prayers out all the time, and I did just that this morning over this issue. Over being content in all circumstances.
Well. That's all. I hope you all have a glorious day. Love to all.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Happy Tuesday!
In reading one of the blogs that I love, Women Living Well, I came across some really great, inexpensive ways to thank a teacher. To read the post, click here.
Because, let's face it: where would be without our wonderful teachers? God has richly blessed us with the most amazing teachers. My boys and I have truly enjoyed each and every teacher that was placed in our path. They have grown by leaps and bounds in their care.
What makes a teacher a great teacher?
A smile. It's priceless.
Someone who can make learning fun.
Someone they can easily talk to.
Someone who loves kids.
Someone you catch being extra sweet when they don't know anyone is watching.
Someone who loves their job. You can see it every single day.
Someone who challenges a child.
Someone who builds them up.
Someone who listens quietly.
Someone who encourages.
These are just a few of my ideas on what makes a teacher so great. We pray for all our teachers every single day. For God to give them the strength they need, joy, and a peaceful day. Sometimes that happens, sometimes it doesn't. We have been blessed with some wonderful people we've come to know and love over the years. Not only do my kids get attached, I become attached. Once they get past first grade, though, it's different. The higher the grade, the less you're needed as much.
I've been known to shed tears over saying goodbye on the last day of school. I know...pitiful, right? But the tears weren't just for saying the goodbye, they were also for another year gone by. Time slips through our hands like sand, and the end of a school year is just one more last thing. The last time Jonah and Noah will be in second grade. The last time I'll see Drew's smiling face in the lunch room. The last time Graham comes home and tells us something that Mr. Zoska told his class that day.
Sigh.
I almost get a little teary just writing it.
I love our teachers. Think back to when you were young. What stood out in your mind? I listed mine above, but the one thing that stood out the most was the approachability of a teacher. Some I felt comfortable with, some I did not. My kids have always had the kind of teacher they could approach.
We've been blessed. I thank God for all the teachers we've been fortunate enough to have had. Why not take the time to say thank you? They deserve this week and so much more...and sometimes the simpler the gift, the greater the impact. Go to that link I posted above and check our her list...it's a great one.
On a completely different note, I'm taking Drew to the dentist this morning. I normally take them all at the same time, but because it's been a year since their last cleaning, I had to take whatever appointment they had to offer. Our dentist is amazing. We dearly love him and his family...Todd has known them all his whole life. Because he is so wonderful, he is nearly impossible to get into. A great thing, right?
Anyway, so today is Drew's turn. He'll be checking in late today. The other ones have days coming up this month, too. It is very difficult to schedule five appointments all at the same time. Mine and theirs.
Well, I guess I need to get off of here. Kids are slowly trickling down the stairs. I'm guessing they're ready to eat breakfast. I hope you all have a wonderful day. Love to all.
Because, let's face it: where would be without our wonderful teachers? God has richly blessed us with the most amazing teachers. My boys and I have truly enjoyed each and every teacher that was placed in our path. They have grown by leaps and bounds in their care.
What makes a teacher a great teacher?
A smile. It's priceless.
Someone who can make learning fun.
Someone they can easily talk to.
Someone who loves kids.
Someone you catch being extra sweet when they don't know anyone is watching.
Someone who loves their job. You can see it every single day.
Someone who challenges a child.
Someone who builds them up.
Someone who listens quietly.
Someone who encourages.
These are just a few of my ideas on what makes a teacher so great. We pray for all our teachers every single day. For God to give them the strength they need, joy, and a peaceful day. Sometimes that happens, sometimes it doesn't. We have been blessed with some wonderful people we've come to know and love over the years. Not only do my kids get attached, I become attached. Once they get past first grade, though, it's different. The higher the grade, the less you're needed as much.
I've been known to shed tears over saying goodbye on the last day of school. I know...pitiful, right? But the tears weren't just for saying the goodbye, they were also for another year gone by. Time slips through our hands like sand, and the end of a school year is just one more last thing. The last time Jonah and Noah will be in second grade. The last time I'll see Drew's smiling face in the lunch room. The last time Graham comes home and tells us something that Mr. Zoska told his class that day.
Sigh.
I almost get a little teary just writing it.
I love our teachers. Think back to when you were young. What stood out in your mind? I listed mine above, but the one thing that stood out the most was the approachability of a teacher. Some I felt comfortable with, some I did not. My kids have always had the kind of teacher they could approach.
We've been blessed. I thank God for all the teachers we've been fortunate enough to have had. Why not take the time to say thank you? They deserve this week and so much more...and sometimes the simpler the gift, the greater the impact. Go to that link I posted above and check our her list...it's a great one.
On a completely different note, I'm taking Drew to the dentist this morning. I normally take them all at the same time, but because it's been a year since their last cleaning, I had to take whatever appointment they had to offer. Our dentist is amazing. We dearly love him and his family...Todd has known them all his whole life. Because he is so wonderful, he is nearly impossible to get into. A great thing, right?
Anyway, so today is Drew's turn. He'll be checking in late today. The other ones have days coming up this month, too. It is very difficult to schedule five appointments all at the same time. Mine and theirs.
Well, I guess I need to get off of here. Kids are slowly trickling down the stairs. I'm guessing they're ready to eat breakfast. I hope you all have a wonderful day. Love to all.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Hatred, Facebook and Politics
There are lots of things about Facebook that irritate me. Public displays of affection, among a few other things, is one of my biggest pet peeves.
Another thing that is bothering me about it is the tone of some of my friends. I am picking up on lots of hatred towards other people from some of my Facebook friends. Why all the hatred? Whatever happened to just wanting to live peaceably among each other? Whatever happened to loving others like Jesus loves us? And forgiving each other of things...not 7 times, but 77 times! (Matthew 18:21,22)
Another thing that is bothering me right now is all the rejoicing over Osama Bin Laden's death. The man was the face of evil...but all this happiness over his death is making me a little sick to my stomach.
For us to be happy over the death of someone...even someone as evil as this man...is not Biblical.
Proverbs 24:14 says, "Don’t rejoice when your enemies fall; don’t be happy when they stumble."
I don't mean to sound un-American or anything. He was evil and the pain he caused our nation is unforgettable. And our troops weren't able just to capture him...they had no choice but to take his life. But to rejoice over his death? Knowing that he was not a Christian?
I don't know if I can stomach the thought of it.
Facebook is good for some things. But all this talk about politics, all the hatred I'm sensing on Facebook, all of it...it's making me wonder about the purpose of it all.
It honestly makes me want to just delete my account. But then I think of all the family and friends that I am able to keep in touch with through it, and I decide not to do that.
This is nothing new, by the way. I struggle with Facebook once every two or three months. This is just one of those times.
Am I always positive on there? Probably not. I try to be, but that doesn't mean that I am. It just makes me want to try harder. I am thankful that, though we live in an unkind and unforgiving world, God is loving and kind and forgiving. Even when I don't deserve it.
Today at my mom's prayer group, we praised God for the attribute of teacher. In light of teacher appreciation week, it just kind of went hand in hand. God's word is our instruction manual. Life For Dummies, I sometimes think it should be called. With the readers being the dummies. In His word, God teaches us how to live.
To love one another. To forgive one another. To pray for each other. To uplift one another. To encourage one another.
Hmm. It's just a little something to think about. I know I will be.
Another thing that is bothering me about it is the tone of some of my friends. I am picking up on lots of hatred towards other people from some of my Facebook friends. Why all the hatred? Whatever happened to just wanting to live peaceably among each other? Whatever happened to loving others like Jesus loves us? And forgiving each other of things...not 7 times, but 77 times! (Matthew 18:21,22)
Another thing that is bothering me right now is all the rejoicing over Osama Bin Laden's death. The man was the face of evil...but all this happiness over his death is making me a little sick to my stomach.
For us to be happy over the death of someone...even someone as evil as this man...is not Biblical.
Proverbs 24:14 says, "Don’t rejoice when your enemies fall; don’t be happy when they stumble."
I don't mean to sound un-American or anything. He was evil and the pain he caused our nation is unforgettable. And our troops weren't able just to capture him...they had no choice but to take his life. But to rejoice over his death? Knowing that he was not a Christian?
I don't know if I can stomach the thought of it.
Facebook is good for some things. But all this talk about politics, all the hatred I'm sensing on Facebook, all of it...it's making me wonder about the purpose of it all.
It honestly makes me want to just delete my account. But then I think of all the family and friends that I am able to keep in touch with through it, and I decide not to do that.
This is nothing new, by the way. I struggle with Facebook once every two or three months. This is just one of those times.
Am I always positive on there? Probably not. I try to be, but that doesn't mean that I am. It just makes me want to try harder. I am thankful that, though we live in an unkind and unforgiving world, God is loving and kind and forgiving. Even when I don't deserve it.
Today at my mom's prayer group, we praised God for the attribute of teacher. In light of teacher appreciation week, it just kind of went hand in hand. God's word is our instruction manual. Life For Dummies, I sometimes think it should be called. With the readers being the dummies. In His word, God teaches us how to live.
To love one another. To forgive one another. To pray for each other. To uplift one another. To encourage one another.
Hmm. It's just a little something to think about. I know I will be.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
He...
He...
has a quietness about him.
loves his brothers fiercely.
loves to snuggle.
is quick to compliment.
loves sports.
loves playing with his castles and superheros.
love any and every animal, and constantly asks, "Mom? Can I ask if I can go pet that ______?"
loves to go the zoo.
has a perpetually dirty mouth (from food).
loves to breakdance.
loves to do handstands and headstands.
loves to climb.
has a sweet, sensitive heart.
is ticklish all over his body, even on his fingernails and toenails, which makes it very interesting when you have to trim them!
has zero fat on him anywhere...he is one solid muscle.
is my attentive one.
loves to be read to.
loves to kiss every night...butterfly, eskimo...
loves to sit in laps.
prefers Big Daddy over a room full of people.
loves to eat. Especially Reese's peanut butter cups.
loves blankets.
survived a very scary incident a couple weeks ago.
has angels all around him.
is my sweet baby...and will always be THE baby.
Who?
Noah. :)
has a quietness about him.
loves his brothers fiercely.
loves to snuggle.
is quick to compliment.
loves sports.
loves playing with his castles and superheros.
love any and every animal, and constantly asks, "Mom? Can I ask if I can go pet that ______?"
loves to go the zoo.
has a perpetually dirty mouth (from food).
loves to breakdance.
loves to do handstands and headstands.
loves to climb.
has a sweet, sensitive heart.
is ticklish all over his body, even on his fingernails and toenails, which makes it very interesting when you have to trim them!
has zero fat on him anywhere...he is one solid muscle.
is my attentive one.
loves to be read to.
loves to kiss every night...butterfly, eskimo...
loves to sit in laps.
prefers Big Daddy over a room full of people.
loves to eat. Especially Reese's peanut butter cups.
loves blankets.
survived a very scary incident a couple weeks ago.
has angels all around him.
is my sweet baby...and will always be THE baby.
Who?
Noah. :)
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